Things to Do in Cusco in December

Q: Is Cusco safe for solo travelers?

Cusco scores 6.2/10 for solo-traveler safety (see /research/solo-safety/). The Centro Histórico and San Blas are generally walkable during the day, though petty theft like phone snatching and bag slashing increases in crowded holiday settings. Avoid walking alone through unlit streets above San Cristóbal after dark. Standard urban precautions apply. The city also scores 5.2/10 for family friendliness (see /research/family-friendliness/), which partly reflects the steep, uneven terrain that challenges strollers and young children.

VerdictFair
Ranked#9 of 12
PricesExpensive

Stay in Cusco in December

91 hotels in the Trip.com pool for Cusco, from US$8 a night.

Opens Trip.com on Fri 4 Dec to Sun 6 Dec 2026; change the dates there.

Check December rates

December in Cusco means rain. Afternoon downpours hit on roughly 26 of the month's 31 days, dropping around 180mm of water onto colonial plazas and Inca stone walls at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level. Mornings usually begin with cool, thin air and partial sunshine. By early afternoon, heavy clouds pile over the surrounding cordillera, and the day's storm breaks. The showers arrive in concentrated 1-to-3-hour bursts rather than all-day grey, and evenings often clear to reveal Andean stars over the tile rooftops of San Blas.

That said, December has real cultural weight. Santuranticuy, the largest Christmas Eve artisan market in the Peruvian Andes, fills the Plaza de Armas on December 24 with hundreds of stalls selling hand-carved Niño Manuelito figurines, painted retablos, and traditional nativity sets. Domestic tourists from Lima and Arequipa arrive for the holiday fortnight, and the city takes on a festive warmth that the dry-season trekking crowds never quite match.

Be realistic about what you want. If the Inca Trail or clear-sky photography of Saqsaywaman tops your list, the dry months of June and July are stronger choices. If Andean Christmas traditions and green hillsides draped over ancient terraces appeal, December works for travelers who plan outdoor time before noon and carry a waterproof layer. The rain rarely starts before 1 PM.

Why visit in December

Santuranticuy on December 24 draws artisans from across the Sacred Valley to Plaza de Armas, offering hand-carved figurines and nativity pieces found at no other time of year.
Inca ruins and surrounding hillsides turn deep green during the rains, making the terraces at Tipón and the fortress walls above the city particularly photogenic against lush backdrops.
International tourist numbers drop compared to the June-August dry season, meaning shorter queues at Coricancha and the Cathedral during non-holiday weekdays.
Hotel rates, while elevated for the holidays, still run 20-30% below the absolute peak pricing of June and July when trekking demand drives up everything.

Worth knowing

Rain falls on roughly 26 of 31 days, usually as heavy afternoon downpours that compress outdoor sightseeing into morning-only windows.
Trail conditions on the Inca Trail and alternative treks deteriorate through the month. Landslides occasionally close the rail line to Aguas Calientes, stranding travelers for 24-48 hours.
Domestic holiday crowds from Lima and Arequipa pack the city from December 20 through January 2, making restaurant and hotel bookings essential for that fortnight.
Persistent afternoon cloud cover blocks mountain panoramas most days, limiting wide-angle landscape photography.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 18° / 8°C 180mm rain · 26 rainy days · 75% humidity rains perceptibly ~3.2h/day · 86% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Layers handle the daily swing from mild afternoons to cool evenings better than any single garment. A waterproof shell over a warm fleece covers most conditions. Quick-dry fabrics beat cotton, which stays clammy at this humidity. Waterproof boots with ankle support protect against slick cobblestones. SPF 50 sunscreen is non-negotiable even under cloud cover at this altitude.

Cusco's wet season is in full force by December. Morning light tends to be thin and clear, the kind that makes the ochre walls of the Centro Histórico glow before the clouds arrive. By noon, moisture builds over the surrounding peaks and grey towers of cumulus stack up fast. You can often smell the rain coming, a mineral, earthy scent rising off the cobblestones before the first drops. The storms hit hard but move through in 1-to-3-hour bursts. Humidity sits around 75%, though at this altitude it does not feel tropical the way that number might suggest at sea level. The air between storms carries a dry, cool edge. Evenings clear more often than not, and the temperature slides quickly once the sun drops behind the ridgeline. Stone-walled hotels and restaurants without heating can feel noticeably colder inside than out.

Seasonal caution

Landslides on mountain roads and rail lines are a recurring December risk. The route between Cusco and Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu closes at least 2-3 times during the wet season, sometimes for 24-48 hours at a stretch.
UV radiation at 3,400 meters is intense even through overcast skies. Sunburn happens in under 20 minutes without protection, and many visitors underestimate the risk on cloudy days.
Altitude sickness symptoms can worsen during storm systems, when atmospheric pressure drops. Travelers arriving from sea level should plan a full rest day before any physical exertion.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Cusco
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	17	8	226
Feb	17	8	185
Mar	16	8	180
Apr	17	7	74
May	17	6	35
Jun	18	5	5
Jul	19	5	7
Aug	19	5	20
Sep	19	6	41
Oct	19	7	92
Nov	19	8	169
Dec	18	8	180

Holidays and festivals in December

Public holidays

Immaculate Conception(Inmaculada Concepción)8 December 2026
Battle of Ayacucho(Batalla de Ayacucho)9 December 2026
Christmas Day(Navidad)25 December 2026

Headline events

Citywide Free

Santuranticuy

December 24 (all day into evening)

The largest Christmas Eve artisan market in the Peruvian Andes. Hundreds of artisans from Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the southern highlands fill Plaza de Armas with stalls selling hand-carved Niño Manuelito figurines, painted retablos, ceramic nativity sets, and traditional weavings. The market runs from early morning through midnight on December 24. Serious collectors arrive by 6 AM for the finest handmade pieces. It is one of the few cultural events in Peru that travelers genuinely plan entire trips around.

#Santuranticuy

Best things to do in December

Browse Santuranticuy at dawn

cultural

Arrive at Plaza de Armas by 6 AM on December 24 to see the full market before the finest artisan pieces sell. The stalls at the edges of the plaza tend to carry handmade originals from rural workshops in the Sacred Valley, while the central rows lean more commercial by mid-morning.

Santuranticuy happens only on December 24, and the early hours offer the deepest selection of one-of-a-kind Andean craft.

Booking tipNo booking needed, but arrive early. By 2 PM the artisan quality thins and afternoon rain scatters the crowd.

Attend Misa de Gallo at Cusco Cathedral

cultural

The midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral, founded in 1559, fills the nave with candle smoke, incense, and Quechua-language hymns. The Lord of the Earthquakes (Señor de los Temblores), Cusco's most venerated image, is displayed above the altar. Catholic liturgy mixes with Andean reverence in a way particular to this city.

Misa de Gallo is a December 24 tradition, and the Cathedral's version is among the most attended in all of Peru.

Booking tipArrive by 10:30 PM to find a seat. The Cathedral fills completely by 11 PM.

Morning visit to Saqsaywaman

sightseeing

The fortress-temple complex sits within a 20-minute uphill walk from Plaza de Armas. December rains turn the surrounding grasslands a vivid green, and the massive polygonal stones look striking against wet earth and moody skies. Morning light before 11 AM gives the strongest conditions for both photography and comfortable walking.

Green-season contrast between the stonework and the grass reaches its peak. Morning visits dodge the afternoon rain and catch low-angle light on the walls.

Booking tipThe Boleto Turístico (130 PEN for foreigners) covers entry. Buy it at the COSITUC office on Avenida El Sol rather than at the gate to skip the queue.

Rainy-afternoon cooking class in San Blas

food

Several cooking schools in the artisan quarter run 3-to-4-hour sessions that start with a guided walk through the food market, then move to a kitchen to prepare dishes like rocoto relleno, cuy al horno, or quinoa soup. The afternoon format turns December's daily downpour from a problem into a plan.

December's predictable afternoon rain makes indoor activities between 1 PM and 5 PM the smart play. Holiday-season ingredients like fresh choclo and ají panca sit at their peak availability.

Booking tipBook at least 3 days ahead during the December 20-31 window. Class sizes stay small (6-10 people) and fill fast.

Explore Coricancha in the morning light

sightseeing

The Inca sun temple, founded around 1201, sits beneath the Convento de Santo Domingo. The Inca stonework in the lower chambers is some of the finest in Peru, with joints so precise you cannot slide a razor blade between them. Morning sun entering through the east-facing niches creates lighting close to what the builders intended.

December mornings offer the clearest windows before cloud buildup. The late-December sun angle aligns closely with the solstice geometry the Inca architects designed around.

Booking tipOpen daily from 8:30 AM. Arrive at opening to have the chambers mostly to yourself before tour groups filter in around 10 AM.

Walk the San Blas artisan workshops

cultural

The steep cobblestone streets above the main plaza hold dozens of small workshops where families carve religious figurines, paint ceramics, and weave textiles. In the weeks leading up to the 24th you can watch artisans finishing pieces destined for the Santuranticuy market. Several workshops welcome visitors without an appointment.

The pre-Santuranticuy production period means workshops are at their most active and their inventory at its deepest. You can watch the craft process, then buy the finished piece at the market days later.

Day trip to Tipón archaeological site

sightseeing

Tipón sits about 25 km southeast of the city and preserves some of the most sophisticated Inca hydraulic engineering in the region. Terraced gardens fed by stone aqueducts still carry water today. December rains fill the channels and cascades to their fullest flow, letting you see the water infrastructure working as the Inca designed it.

The wet season activates the ancient irrigation channels and cascades. In the dry months many channels run low or empty, and you lose half the spectacle.

Booking tipHire a taxi for the round trip (about 80-100 PEN) or combine with a visit to Pikillacta. Leave by 8 AM to return before afternoon rain.

New Year's Eve at Plaza de Armas

cultural

The main square fills with thousands of locals and visitors for the countdown on December 31. The Cathedral and La Compañía de Jesús, the Jesuit church founded in 1668, frame the scene in colonial stone. Fireworks launch from surrounding hillsides. The tradition of wearing yellow underwear for luck and eating 12 grapes at midnight is observed with cheerful sincerity.

The celebration is specific to December 31. The plaza's colonial architecture and hillside setting make for one of the more dramatic New Year's backdrops on the continent.

Booking tipBook a restaurant overlooking the plaza at least 2 weeks ahead for a seated dinner with a view. Standing in the plaza is free.

What to eat in December

What to drink

Ponche navideño
Warm fruit punch made with dried peaches, quinces, apples, cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes a splash of pisco. Street vendors around Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Francisco sell it during the holiday weeks. The temperature drops enough by evening to make a warm cup feel welcome after a day of walking.
Ponche de habas
A thick, warm drink made from toasted fava beans, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Specific to the Cusco highlands in December and January. Vendors ladle it from large pots near the central market and along the streets surrounding the main plaza during the holiday weeks.

In markets

Choclo fresco
Fresh Andean corn with kernels the size of a thumbnail, arriving at the start of its season with the December rains. Boiled choclo served with a wedge of salty queso fresco appears on nearly every market stall. The texture is starchier and chewier than sweet corn, almost nutty.

Festival food

Lechón cusqueño
Slow-roasted suckling pig seasoned with ají panca, cumin, and garlic, cooked in traditional wood-fired ovens until the skin crisps to a deep mahogany crackle. Families across Cusco prepare lechón for Nochebuena dinner, and restaurants in San Blas and along Calle Plateros serve it through the last week of December.
Panetón con chocolate caliente
Peru consumes more panettone per capita than Italy, and December is when demand peaks. Cusqueño households serve thick slices of panetón with dense, barely sweetened hot chocolate made from cacao tablets sourced from Quillabamba in the nearby jungle lowlands. The pairing appears at breakfast, merienda, and midnight on the 24th.
Tamales cusqueños
Steamed corn-dough parcels filled with pork or chicken, olives, boiled egg, and ají, wrapped in banana leaves. December is tamal season across Peru, and the Cusco version tends to be spicier than the Lima style. Market vendors around San Pedro start selling them from mid-December onward.

Regular events in December

Día de la Inmaculada ConcepciónFree

A national public holiday on December 8 with processions carrying religious images through the Centro Histórico. Many businesses close for the day. Churches across the city hold special masses, and streets around the Cathedral see traditional dance troupes performing.

December 8

Nochebuena nacimiento walking traditionFree

Neighborhoods across Cusco set up elaborate nacimientos (nativity scenes) incorporating Andean elements. Llamas replace donkeys and the landscapes use local plants and minerals. Walking from nacimiento to nacimiento through San Blas, Santa Ana, and the Centro Histórico on the evening of December 24 is a local tradition worth joining.

December 24 (evening)

Chocolatadas comunitariasFree

Community events held throughout December where churches, neighborhood groups, and organizations distribute free hot chocolate and panetón to children and families. In Cusco these happen across neighborhoods including Santa Ana and the surrounding hillside communities. Part celebration, part mutual aid, and visitors are generally welcome to attend or help.

Throughout December, concentrated December 15-24

Best places this December

Plaza de Armas
plaza
The social and ceremonial center of Cusco. December's holiday decorations and the Santuranticuy market on the 24th make it the focal point of the city's celebrations. Morning visits before 11 AM catch the square in warm light before afternoon clouds roll in. The colonial arcades along the north and west sides offer shelter if rain arrives early.
Centro Histórico
Mercado de San Pedro
market
Cusco's main covered market sits a 5-minute walk from the main plaza. In December the food stalls stock fresh choclo, seasonal fruits, and holiday ingredients. The juice vendors on the upper level offer fresh-squeezed blends for a few soles. This is the best place to see what cusqueño families cook for the holidays.
San Pedro
Barrio de San Blas
neighborhood
The artisan quarter climbs steeply above the main plaza. Narrow stone stairways connect small plazas lined with workshops, galleries, and cafes. In December, pre-Santuranticuy production fills the workshops with activity. The Plazoleta de San Blas, anchored by its carved-pulpit church, makes a good starting point for exploration.
San Blas
Mirador de San Cristóbal
viewpoint
A lookout above the San Cristóbal church, accessible by a 15-minute uphill walk from the main plaza. December's green hillsides and the terracotta-and-white cityscape below make for strong photographs when morning light cooperates. Go before 10 AM for the best chance of clear air ahead of the clouds.
San Cristóbal
Q'inqu archaeological site
archaeological site
A lesser-visited Inca site on the road to Saqsaywaman featuring carved rock channels, ceremonial platforms, and a cave with stone altars. December rains activate small water features carved into the rock surfaces. The site rarely sees more than a handful of visitors even during holiday season.
Coricancha and Convento de Santo Domingo
temple
The courtyard between the Inca foundation walls and the colonial convent above is one of the quieter spots in the Centro Histórico on a December morning. The on-site museum holds pre-Columbian pieces that give context for the stonework in the lower chambers. Entry requires a separate ticket from the Boleto Turístico.
Centro Histórico
Tambomachay
archaeological site
An Inca site about 8 km from the city center, known for stone-channeled spring water cascading through terraces. December rainfall fills these channels to capacity. The site is often combined with a visit to Puka Pukara, the nearby reddish fortress ruin, both covered by the Boleto Turístico.

Your packing checklist

Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.

0 of 9 packed

Waterproof rain jacket with hoodAfternoon storms hit nearly every day in December and arrive with little warning. Umbrellas work on flat ground but are awkward on Cusco's steep, narrow streets. A packable shell with a hood handles both rain and wind on exposed hillside paths. Shop
Waterproof daypack liner or dry bagA sudden downpour soaks a fabric backpack in minutes. A dry bag liner protects camera gear, phone, and documents without adding noticeable weight. Shop
Quick-dry hiking pantsCotton trousers stay damp for hours at 75% humidity, and sitting in a stone-walled restaurant in wet jeans gets cold fast. Synthetic or merino fabrics typically dry by evening. Shop
Warm fleece or wool mid-layerEvenings drop to around 8°C, and many hotels in San Blas rely on blankets rather than central heating. A fleece under your rain shell covers the transition from warm midday to cool night. Shop
SPF 50+ sunscreenUV radiation at Cusco's altitude burns exposed skin in under 20 minutes even through cloud cover. Reapply at midday, especially if sweating on the uphill walk to Saqsaywaman. Shop
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle supportColonial-era cobblestones get slippery in the rain, and the uneven surfaces hide puddles. Low-cut sneakers leave your ankles exposed on the steep stone stairways of San Blas. Shop
Reusable water bottle (1 liter minimum)Dehydration worsens altitude sickness symptoms. The dry air between storms pulls moisture faster than you notice at altitude. Filling up at your hotel each morning saves buying plastic bottles throughout the day. Shop
Sunglasses with UV protectionWhen morning sun appears at this altitude, the glare off wet cobblestones and white colonial walls is sharp. Squinting through a morning of sightseeing leads to headaches that compound altitude discomfort. Shop
Small headlamp or flashlightSan Blas and San Cristóbal have uneven stone stairways with minimal street lighting. Walking back to a hilltop hotel after dinner on a rainy December night without a light source risks a turned ankle. Shop

Insider tips

December rain follows a reliable daily clock. Plan all outdoor sightseeing for before noon, eat a long lunch, then shift to museums, markets, or cafes during the afternoon downpour. By 5 or 6 PM the skies usually clear enough for an evening walk.
During Santuranticuy, the best handmade figurines and retablos sell within the first 3 hours. Serious collectors from Lima arrive at Plaza de Armas by 6 AM on December 24. By mid-afternoon mass-produced pieces from Juliaca and Puno dominate the remaining stalls.
Mercado de San Pedro closes early on December 24 and stays shut on the 25th. Stock up on fruit, snacks, and supplies by December 23. The juice vendors on the upper level are usually the last section to close.
The Boleto Turístico comes in a partial version at 70 PEN covering a smaller circuit. If rain is going to limit your sightseeing to 3-4 sites, the partial ticket saves money over the full pass. Buy at the COSITUC office on Avenida El Sol.
Coca tea works better as prevention than cure. Start drinking it within an hour of arriving rather than waiting until altitude symptoms appear. Most hotels offer it free in the lobby. Two or three cups on your first afternoon make a noticeable difference.

Avoid these mistakes

Scheduling Machu Picchu without a buffer day. Landslides close PeruRail and Inca Rail routes to Aguas Calientes at least 2-3 times during the wet season, sometimes for 24-48 hours. Build at least 1 extra day into any itinerary that includes the train.
Packing only for warm weather because December falls in the Southern Hemisphere summer. Cusco's altitude makes the calendar misleading. Nights drop to single digits Celsius, and many accommodations lack central heating.
Booking outdoor tours for the afternoon. Any guide who schedules a 2 PM departure for the Sacred Valley or hilltop ruins in December is setting you up to get rained on. Insist on morning departures that return by noon.
Assuming December 25 works like a normal day. Most businesses close, including many restaurants in the Centro Histórico. Hotel restaurants and a few spots along Calle Plateros stay open, but options narrow sharply. Eat well on the 24th.

Practical tips for December

Book accommodation at least 3 weeks ahead if arriving between December 20 and January 2. The Cathedral and most churches close to general visitors during Christmas services on December 24 and 25, reopening by December 26. Cusco scores 3.5/10 for LGBTQ+ friendliness (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric), and public displays of affection between same-sex couples draw unwanted attention outside tourist-facing venues in the Centro Histórico. ATMs along Avenida El Sol dispense both PEN and USD at a rate near 3.35 PEN per dollar, but smaller shops in San Pedro and Santa Ana often lack card terminals, so carry cash in denominations under 50 PEN. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge during the holiday period. PeruRail and Inca Rail services to Aguas Calientes may face delays or cancellations after heavy rain, so build buffer time into any Machu Picchu plans. Taxis from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport to the Centro Histórico typically cost 15-25 PEN for the roughly 5 km ride. December afternoon flights frequently land in rain, and the short runway occasionally forces diversions back to Lima.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Cusco?

It depends on your priorities. December sits deep in the wet season, with rain on the majority of days, and that rules out reliable trekking or consistent clear-sky photography. But the month brings Santuranticuy on the 24th, green landscapes across the Inca ruins, and lower prices than the June-July dry-season peak. If you can structure days around morning sightseeing and afternoon indoor plans, December works. If you want full-day outdoor flexibility, wait for the dry months.

What is the weather like in Cusco in December?

Expect average highs near 18°C (64°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F). The daily pattern is fairly reliable. Mornings tend to be partly clear and comfortable, clouds build by noon, and downpours arrive between roughly 1 PM and 4 PM on most days. Total rainfall reaches about 180mm across the month. Evenings often clear. The air does not feel cold by mountain standards, but stone buildings without heating make indoor spaces feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.

Is Cusco crowded in December?

Yes, particularly from December 20 through January 2. While international visitor numbers are lower than during the June-August dry season, domestic tourists from Lima, Arequipa, and other Peruvian cities arrive for the holidays. Plaza de Armas feels packed during Santuranticuy and on New Year's Eve. The first three weeks of December, by contrast, are noticeably calmer and more manageable.

Is Cusco safe for solo travelers?

Cusco scores 6.2/10 for solo-traveler safety (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index). The Centro Histórico and San Blas are generally walkable during the day, though petty theft like phone snatching and bag slashing increases in crowded holiday settings. Avoid walking alone through unlit streets above San Cristóbal after dark. Standard urban precautions apply. The city also scores 5.2/10 for family friendliness (see the TTDI Family-Friendliness Index), which partly reflects the steep, uneven terrain that challenges strollers and young children.

Can you hike the Inca Trail in December?

Technically yes, but conditions are poor. The trail gets muddy and slippery, cloud cover blocks the views that make the route famous, and landslides occasionally close sections. Most experienced guides recommend May through September for the classic 4-day trek. If December is your only option, consider the 1-day Inca Trail or a train-and-bus approach to Machu Picchu, and build in a buffer day for possible rail closures.