New Year’s Eve in Cusco: What to do and where to go

Cusco knows how to ring in the new year with tradition and festivity. Join locals for fireworks at the Plaza de Armas, where they’ll show you how to welcome the year ahead, running around the fountain for luck or circling the block with a suitcase for a travel-filled year. Being a popular town in Peru and the gateway to Machu Picchu, there are plenty of ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Cusco, from sipping Pisco Sours, catching panoramic views from San Blas, or dancing the night away. Here’s how to spend New Year’s Eve in Cusco for a memorable, fun celebration.

Everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve in Cusco

• Best free New Year’s Eve activity: Partaking in Peruvian traditions like running around the fountain in the main square and wearing yellow clothing
• New Year’s Eve fireworks: Watch fireworks at Plaza de Armas, or hike up to the Mirador de San Blas to see the display from a higher vantage point.
• Average temperature: 44–70 F (7–21 C)
• Fun fact: In Peruvian culture, yellow symbolizes wealth and prosperity, so feel free to dress in yellow colors.

1. See the fireworks at Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is the main square in Cusco and it’s where most people flock to on New Year’s Eve. They start gathering in the evening to enjoy music concerts, but the real action begins at midnight to ring in the new year with fireworks and local traditions.

Insider tip

At midnight, people hold hands and run around the fountain in the square. Tradition says doing this seven times brings a year of good luck. For a year filled with travel, Cusco tradition suggests walking around the block three times with a suitcase. Locals believe this ritual ensures a year of adventures. Why not join in?

Address

Plaza de Armas, Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000.

2. Dance at a local bars and clubs

Since New Year’s Eve occurs during the rainy season in Cusco, there are fewer crowds overall. However, Cusco knows how to party, so bars and clubs will be packed with travelers and locals. Start with a pub crawl or bar tour and dance the night away at popular clubs like Inka Team or Mythology.

Insider tip

After a night of celebrating, join locals at the ruins of Saksaywaman at dawn. If the sky is clear, you'll catch a stunning sunrise with views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain.

Address and opening hours

Inka Team, Portal de Panes, Cusco 08002. Open 9:00 PM–4:00 AM every day.

Mythology, Plaza De Armas, Portal de Panes 151, Cusco 08002. Open 9:00 PM–5:00 AM every day.

3. Take part in local NYE traditions

Food plays a part in Cusco’s New Year’s celebrations. Why not try the local tradition of placing dried lentils and banknotes in your pockets to attract prosperity and good fortune for the coming year?

Insider tip

Consider using the leftover lentils to prepare a delicious tacu tacu, a classic Peruvian dish of lentils, rice, and beans. You could also join a cooking class in Cusco to try other Peruvian specialties.

4. Savor local Peruvian delicacies

Traditional food and drinks in Cusco are central to New Year celebrations. Families prepare local specialties like stuffed rocoto peppers, pachamanca (a traditional meat dish baked in a traditional earthen oven with the help of hot stones) cuy (guinea pig), or panetón (a sweet bread filled with dried fruit). Raise a toast on New Year’s Eve in Cusco with a Pisco Sour, a smooth and citrusy cocktail made from Pisco brandy, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a dash of Angostura bitters, a highly concentrated alcoholic mixture of herbs, spices, and roots from the gentian plant to flavor cocktails.

Insider tip

For an authentic Pisco Sour experience, head to Museo Del Pisco in Cusco.

5. Dine in the historic center of Cusco

One of the best things to do in Cusco on New Year’s Eve is dining in the historic center at the heart of the festivities. Book a dinner package or enjoy a sumptuous meal at Tunupa Restaurant, where traditional Peruvian flavors meet live traditional music.

Insider tip

When booking, ask for a window table overlooking Plaza de Armas for a unique view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

6. Take in the night views of the city from San Blas

One of the most enchanting experiences is to head to the artistic neighborhood of San Blas for stunning views of the city at night. It also makes for a romantic date in Cusco.

Insider tip

It’s best to get there early to catch the sunset before enjoying the stunning view of the illuminated city. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the narrow cobblestone streets are steep and can get slippery too. The Mirador de San Blas will give you some of the best views in Cusco.

Address

Mirador de San Blas, Cusco 08003.

Opening hours

Open 24 hours.

FAQs

1. How to get around in Cusco on New Year’s Eve?

The best way to get around Cusco on New Year’s Eve is on foot or by taxi, depending on what your plans are. If you stay around the main square you can get to most places on foot. You would need to book a taxi for longer distances or if you want to celebrate further out of town.

2. Why do Peruvians wear yellow on New Year’s?

Yellow symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Tourists are invited to participate in this tradition as well by purchasing yellow underwear and other accessories.

3. Is December a good time to visit Cusco?

Despite it being the rainy season, there is a lot to see and do here, including celebrations themed around Christmas in Cusco and New Year festivities, such as markets, parties, and fireworks.

4. How do they celebrate New Year’s Eve in Cusco?

Locals celebrate with fireworks, dancing, local traditions, and partying long into the night. The main festivities happen on Plaza de Armas in the historic center.

5. What gifts do Peruvians give each other on New Year?

While there is no specific gift that Peruvians give each other on New Year’s Eve, some do believe that receiving yellow underwear as a gift (rather than buying it for themselves) amplifies the good fortune it brings.