Christmas in Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days

Cusco Cathedral, Coricancha Sun Temple, Plaza de Armas

Your Christmas tour begins in the imperial city of Cusco. Pickup at 09:30 from your chosen hotel in Cusco or directly from Cusco airport if your flight arrives that morning. The first day is deliberately gentle — your body needs to adapt to Cusco’s 3,350 m altitude, and the half-day cultural tour provides the perfect introduction.

Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1559 and 1654 atop the Inca palace of Wiracocha, the Cathedral is at peak Christmas atmosphere during your visit. Inside, observe:

• The famous “Cuy Cena” painting of the Last Supper by Inca artist Marcos Zapata, where the main dish is guinea pig instead of lamb — perhaps the most iconic example of Inca-Catholic syncretism in the Americas
• Sagrada Familia Chapel and the Capilla del Triunfo (Chapel of Triumph) — both featuring original colonial paintings
• The famous Cusco School paintings blending Andean iconography with Catholic symbolism
• The Black Christ of the Earthquakes (Señor de los Temblores) — the spiritual protector of Cusco
• Christmas decorations unique to the season, including traditional Andean nativity scenes, decorated altars, and festive floral arrangements
• Possible Christmas Mass announcement for Dec. 24 (Misa de Gallo) — your guide will explain the schedule and visiting protocol if you wish to attend

Coricancha (Qoricancha) – Inca Sun Temple. The most sacred site of the Inca Empire. Its finely cut stone walls fit together with extraordinary precision and were once covered in sheets of gold. After the Spanish conquest, the Santo Domingo Convent was constructed directly above the Inca foundations, creating one of Cusco’s most remarkable examples of two civilizations layered into one monument. Your guide explains:

• The Sun Temple, Moon Temple, Star Temple, Rainbow Temple, and Lightning Temple — each dedicated to specific Inca deities and ceremonies
• The role of the Acllas (Chosen Women) who served the sacred temples
• The Spanish conquest and how the original Inca stonework survived
• The 1650 earthquake, which destroyed much of the colonial construction while leaving the Inca walls largely intact — a testament to Inca engineering

End of the guided tour at approximately 13:00. Drop-off at your Cusco hotel. Afternoon free for:

• Independent exploration of Plaza de Armas, beautifully decorated for Christmas
• Rest and acclimatization at your hotel
• Visiting San Pedro Market for traditional Christmas products such as panetón, hot chocolate, and alpaca wool gifts
• Exploring traditional Nacimientos (nativity scenes) displayed throughout Cusco’s historic churches
• Enjoying dinner at one of Cusco’s many Christmas-themed restaurants

Keeping activity light on Day 1 helps your body adjust to Cusco’s altitude. Drink plenty of water, enjoy coca tea if desired, eat lightly, and get a good night’s sleep before your journey to Machu Picchu.

Day 1 Quick Stats

• 🚶 Walking distance: Light walking in Cusco’s historic center
• ⏱️ Tour duration: Approximately 3–4 hours (09:30–13:00)
• ⛰️ Altitude: 3,350 m (10,991 ft)
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy
• 🍽️ Meals: Not included
• 🛏️ Overnight: Cusco (your selected hotel)

Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes · 2-Hour Machu Picchu Guided Tour · Return to Cusco · Santuranticuy Market

🎄 THE EMOTIONAL PEAK OF THE TOUR

Pre-dawn pickup at 05:00 from your Cusco hotel — an early start for one of the most memorable days of the journey. A private transfer takes you to Ollantaytambo train station in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Vistadome Panoramic Train (PeruRail Vistadome) – Outbound

• Train company: PeruRail
• Train class: Vistadome (premium panoramic service)
• Departure from Ollantaytambo: 07:05 (recommended arrival at the station by 06:35)
• Arrival in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo): 08:27
• Travel time: 1 hour 22 minutes

The Vistadome experience on Christmas Eve includes a glass-domed panoramic roof, oversized windows overlooking the Urubamba River canyon as the train descends from 2,792 m (Ollantaytambo) to 2,065 m (Aguas Calientes), comfortable leather seats with extra legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages (alpaca cheese, quinoa cookies, coca tea, and hot chocolate), plus onboard Andean entertainment on selected departures.

The shuttle bus to the sanctuary climbs the famous switchback road in approximately 25 minutes, ascending 8 km to Machu Picchu’s entrance at 2,400 m. Christmas Eve advantage: visitor numbers are typically lower than on most peak-season dates, providing shorter lines and better photography opportunities.

Machu Picchu – 2-Hour Guided Tour (Circuit 2)

• Upper agricultural terraces and the classic Guardian’s House viewpoint for the iconic postcard photograph
• Temple of the Sun with its curved stone wall and Royal Tomb
• Sacred Plaza featuring the Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana Stone
• Sacred Rock with the mountain silhouette rising behind it
• Residential sector of the priests and Acllas
• Temple of the Condor with its remarkable natural rock formation resembling outstretched wings

Your guide incorporates the unique atmosphere of Christmas Eve into the experience, explaining the spiritual traditions of the Andes, the significance of the solstice in Inca cosmology, and the cultural connections between Andean beliefs and Christian celebrations.

After the guided tour, return by shuttle to Aguas Calientes. Lunch is at your own expense, with many local restaurants offering Christmas Eve special menus.

Expedition Train – Return Journey

• Train company: PeruRail
• Train class: Expedition
• Departure from Aguas Calientes: 14:55 (arrive at the station by 14:25)
• Arrival in Ollantaytambo: 16:31

Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco. Estimated arrival at approximately 18:30.

🎅 SANTURANTICUY MARKET – CHRISTMAS EVE

Returning to Cusco around 18:30 places you at the perfect time to experience the famous Santuranticuy Market, one of Peru’s most authentic Christmas traditions. Plaza de Armas comes alive with:

• More than 1,000 Quechua artisans from communities throughout the Cusco region
• Handcrafted nativity figurines, many carved from a single piece of wood and painted with natural pigments, combining the Holy Family with Andean symbols such as llamas, condors, and Quechua shepherds
• Alpaca wool Christmas decorations, including ornaments, scarves, hats, and gloves
• Traditional panetón, Peru’s beloved Christmas sweet bread with local variations
• Hot chocolate (chocolate caliente) prepared with traditional cacao, cinnamon, cloves, and milk
• Handcrafted toys, wooden figures, and ceremonial miniatures
• Complete Andean nativity scenes (Nacimientos) available for purchase

The market continues throughout the night into Christmas morning. Many visitors remain until midnight to witness Cusco’s Christmas celebrations, including the traditional “suitcase of customs and traditions” procession, midnight fireworks above the city, the Cathedral’s Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass), and Andean Christmas carols performed in both Spanish and Quechua.

Day 2 Quick Stats

• 🚶 Walking distance: Approximately 3 km inside Machu Picchu
• ⏱️ Duration: 05:00 – approximately 22:00+ (including the Santuranticuy Market)
• ⛰️ Altitude: Cusco (3,350 m) → Machu Picchu (2,400 m) → Cusco (3,350 m)
• 💪 Difficulty: Moderate (stone steps within the archaeological site)
• 🍽️ Meals: Lunch at your own expense in Aguas Calientes; Christmas Eve dinner at your preferred restaurant in Cusco
• 🚂 Train: Vistadome outbound + Expedition return
• 🛏️ Overnight: Cusco (your selected hotel)

Free Morning · Cusco City Tour Afternoon · Sacsayhuaman · Q’enqo · Puca Pucara · Tambomachay

🎄 CHRISTMAS DAY — A RELAXED MORNING TO ENJOY CUSCO

After the unforgettable Christmas Eve at Machu Picchu and the vibrant Santuranticuy Market, Day 3 begins at a slower pace. Enjoy a free Christmas morning to experience Cusco however you prefer:

• Sleep in and enjoy your hotel’s Christmas breakfast buffet
• Walk through Plaza de Armas as local families gather to celebrate Christmas Day
• Visit Cusco’s historic churches during Christmas Day services
• Taste traditional Peruvian Christmas dishes at local restaurants
• Browse San Pedro Market for local products and holiday souvenirs (subject to holiday opening hours)
• Rest and continue acclimatizing before the afternoon excursion

At 13:30, your guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel for the afternoon Cusco City Tour, visiting the four most important Inca archaeological sites surrounding the city.

Sacsayhuaman (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) — This monumental Inca fortress overlooks Cusco and is famous for its enormous limestone blocks, some weighing more than 150 tons. The precision of the stonework remains one of the greatest engineering achievements of the ancient world. Your guide will explain the site’s role during the Spanish siege of Cusco in 1536, the mysteries of Inca construction techniques, and its importance as the stage for the annual Inti Raymi Festival. Christmas Day generally brings fewer visitors, making it an excellent time for photography.

Q’enqo (3,580 m / 11,745 ft) — An important ceremonial sanctuary featuring carved rock formations, underground chambers, semicircular plazas, and ritual altars dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Your guide will discuss the spiritual traditions of the Incas and how they compare with Christian customs still practiced in Cusco today.

Puca Pucara (3,650 m / 11,975 ft) — Known as the “Red Fortress,” this small military outpost once guarded the entrance to Cusco. Its terraces and stone structures offer panoramic views across the surrounding valley while requiring only minimal walking.

Tambomachay (3,765 m / 12,352 ft) — Often called the “Inca Baths,” Tambomachay is famous for its sophisticated hydraulic system. Crystal-clear water has flowed continuously through its stone channels for centuries. The site was associated with water ceremonies, purification rituals, and the worship of Mama Cocha, the Andean water deity, making it one of the most peaceful archaeological sites near Cusco.

Depending on time and group preference, you may enjoy an optional short downhill walk before returning by vehicle to Cusco.

The tour finishes at approximately 17:30, followed by drop-off at your hotel. The evening is free to enjoy Christmas dinner at one of Cusco’s restaurants, many of which offer special holiday menus.

Day 3 Quick Stats

• 🚶 Walking distance: Light walking at archaeological sites
• ⏱️ Tour duration: Approximately 4 hours (13:30–17:30)
• ⛰️ Altitude: 3,350 m (Cusco) to 3,765 m (Tambomachay)
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• 🍽️ Meals: Hotel breakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense
• 🛏️ Overnight: Cusco (your selected hotel)

Pisac · Pisac Market · Buffet Lunch · Ollantaytambo · Chinchero

Pickup at 08:00 from your Cusco hotel. Travel by private vehicle through the spectacular Sacred Valley, once considered the agricultural and spiritual heart of the Inca Empire.

• Taray Viewpoint — Stop for panoramic views over the Urubamba River, the fertile Sacred Valley, and the snow-capped peaks of Sahuasiray and Pitusiray. During December, the rainy season transforms the landscape into vibrant shades of green, creating dramatic scenery with occasional morning mist and outstanding photography opportunities.
• Pisac Archaeological Site — Explore one of the finest Inca complexes, famous for its agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, ritual baths, and the largest known Inca cemetery in Peru. Your guide explains how the terraces created multiple microclimates for farming, how the site aligned with astronomical events, and why Pisac served as both a ceremonial center and a strategic agricultural settlement.
• Pisac Artisan Market — Enjoy 30–45 minutes of free time to browse colorful stalls selling traditional textiles, handmade silver jewelry, ceramics, alpaca wool garments, and seasonal Andean crafts. Many of the shops are operated by local Quechua families and women’s cooperatives.
• Buffet Lunch in the Sacred Valley — Enjoy a traditional Peruvian buffet featuring native potatoes, quinoa, fresh vegetables, trout, alpaca meat, pachamanca-inspired dishes, and seasonal specialties. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice.
• Ollantaytambo Fortress and Sun Temple — Visit the only major Inca fortress that successfully resisted the Spanish invasion in 1536. Climb the impressive stone terraces to the Sun Temple, where six massive pink granite monoliths still stand after more than five centuries. Your guide explains the remarkable engineering behind transporting these stones from quarries located across the valley. Before departing, stroll through the remarkably preserved Inca streets of Ollantaytambo.
• Chinchero — Discover a traditional Andean village renowned for its living weaving culture. Visit a local textile cooperative where Quechua women demonstrate natural dye techniques using cochineal, native plants, and minerals before weaving intricate textiles on traditional backstrap looms. Optional purchases directly support local artisan families.

Return to Cusco via the scenic Cachimayo Road, arriving at your hotel at approximately 18:30.

Day 4 Quick Stats

• 🚶 Walking distance: Moderate walking with stairs at Pisac and Ollantaytambo
• ⏱️ Tour duration: Approximately 08:00–18:30
• ⛰️ Altitude: Cusco (3,350 m) → Pisac (3,650 m) → Ollantaytambo (2,851 m) → Chinchero (3,800 m)
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• 🍽️ Meals: Hotel breakfast and Sacred Valley buffet lunch included
• 🛏️ Overnight: Cusco (your selected hotel)

Cusco → Llactoc Trailhead → Vinicunca Summit (5,100 m) → Cusco → Airport

Pre-dawn pickup at 05:20 from your Cusco hotel. Rainbow Mountain is intentionally scheduled for the final day of the journey, allowing your body four full nights to acclimatize before reaching the 5,100 m (16,732 ft) summit, making this the safest and most comfortable sequence for high-altitude travel.

Drive through the Southern Andes toward the Ausangate Mountain Range, passing traditional Quechua villages, grazing alpacas and vicuñas, and spectacular glacier-covered peaks. The three-hour drive climbs gradually from Cusco (3,350 m) to the Llactoc trailhead (4,650 m), with a breakfast stop along the way.

Upon arrival at Llactoc Trailhead (4,650 m), your local horseman (arriero) and horse will be waiting. The horseman accompanies you throughout the ascent, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride across the high-altitude terrain. Many of these horsemen are local Quechua families who have worked these mountain trails for generations.

Horseback Ascent

• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 50 minutes on horseback
• Elevation gain: From 4,650 m to approximately 5,000 m
• Horse service is uphill only; the descent is completed on foot

Final Walk to Rainbow Mountain Summit

• Approximately 150 meters (19 minutes) on foot to the 5,100 m (16,732 ft) summit
• The high altitude requires a slow, steady pace with regular breathing breaks
• Time to enjoy panoramic views of Vinicunca’s colorful mineral-striped slopes and the surrounding Ausangate glaciers while taking photographs

Walking Descent

• Approximately 35 minutes downhill
• Gentle terrain with significantly less effort than the ascent
• Additional opportunities for photography along the trail

Enjoy a boxed lunch at the parking area before beginning the return journey.

Return to Cusco by private vehicle, approximately three hours. Arrival is normally between 15:00 and 16:30.

At the conclusion of your tour, you’ll be transferred either to your Cusco hotel or directly to Cusco Airport, according to your departure schedule. Airport transfers are coordinated to provide a comfortable check-in buffer before your flight.

Day 5 Quick Stats

• 🐴 Horseback: Approximately 50-minute ascent
• 🥾 Walking: About 19 minutes to the summit and 35 minutes downhill
• ⏱️ Tour duration: Approximately 05:20–16:30
• ⛰️ Highest altitude: 5,100 m (16,732 ft)
• 💪 Difficulty: Challenging due to high altitude
• 🍽️ Meals: Box breakfast and box lunch included
• 🩺 Safety: Oxygen equipment and first-aid kit carried by the guide
• 🛬 Drop-off: Cusco hotel or Cusco Airport