Christmas & New Year Tours in Peru
Peru’s history runs from colonial cities to high Andean ruins - are you ready to experience it? In Lima, Plaza Mayor and the catacombs reflect the Spanish period. The Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo show the scale of Inca building, while the rail route to Machu Picchu passes through steep mountain scenery. In Cusco, the Temple of the Sun and nearby ruins round out the Inca story.
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Tran • traveled in July
The cultural sites and natural wonders were spectacular! The tour guides were helpful and knowledgeable. The one on one tour of Machu Picchu was priceless. The hotel accommodations were clean and at the heart of town, everything in walking distance. Prepare for the altitude. Unforgettable bucket list experience !!!
6 days - Traditional Cusco & Machu Picchu & Maras & Rainbow Mountain - P
Paul • traveled in February, 2026
With one relatively minor exception, everything went smoothly. Our guides and transfer staff showed up when they were supposed to and took us where we needed to go. We had several different guides and inevitably they varied in the quality of their commentary and skill in shepherding the guide, but all were at least "Good" and a couple were more than "Excellent." The minor exception was the Cusco City Tour, where the guide did not return us directly to our hotel but left us some blocks away. We managed thanks to Google maps, but that did take us by surprise.
10 Days Treasures of Southern Peru - P
Peter • traveled in September, 2025
This tour is an excellent way for someone with limited time to get the best out of Peru. Jeferson of Responsible travel, along with his local associates, are very responsive, responded to my questions very quickly. This gives me the confidence that when help is needed it will be there. That day came when I returned from Machu Picchu to Cusco. I made a mistake thinking I would get off the train at the final stop. When I realized that I texted Jeferson and his local associate, and they arranged the driver to go to the final stop to pick me up. And the driver actually arrived there BEFORE I did. They are professional and friendly.
6 Days Classical Peru
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10 best Christmas & New Year Peru tour packages
Compiled by
NadinePeru travel expert at TourRadar
- 8/7 Christmas Machu Picchu Peru (Small Group)
- 6 days - Traditional Cusco & Machu Picchu & Maras & Rainbow Mountain
- 10 Days Treasures of Southern Peru
- 6 Days Classical Peru
- 7 Day Inca Jungle Adventure To Machu Picchu with Mountain Bike, Rafting, Zip Line and Trek.
- 07 Day Sacred valley, short Inca trail & Rainbow Mountain
- 7 Day Andean Experience Through the Living Culture of the Incas
- 7 Days Lima, Nazca & Machu Picchu
- 10 Day Andean Highlights "Machu Picchu & Puno" with Local Flights
- 06 Day Essential Cusco "The Andean Jewels"
Ring in Christmas among Peru's treasures, from Lima's Plaza Mayor to Machu Picchu. Holiday highlights include Cusco's Temple of Sun, Sacred Valley markets, and ancient Inca sites. Suitable for families with children aged 3+.
Duration 9 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Operator ILE Tours From
- US$2,390
6 days - Traditional Cusco & Machu Picchu & Maras & Rainbow Mountain
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cultural sites and natural wonders were spectacular! Unforgettable bucket list experience!!!”
Tran, traveled in June
Holiday enchantment fills Qorikancha Temple and Sacsayhuaman fortress. December tours feature Cusco celebrations, Pisac Christmas market visits, and New Year's at Machu Picchu, complete with special holiday meals and traditional festivities.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cusco, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Moray, Maras, Rainbow Mountain Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator PVTravels From
- US$780
Duration 10 days Destinations Lima, Arequipa, Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, Canon del Colca, Chivay, Cruz del Cóndor, Maca, Yanque, Puno, Uros Reed IslandsSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$2,245
6 Days Classical Peru
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This tour is an excellent way for someone with limited time to get the best out of Peru.”
Peter, traveled in September
Lima's festive Plaza Mayor and Cusco's illuminated Cathedral radiate holiday spirit. Sacred Valley markets celebrate Christmas while majestic Machu Picchu hosts New Year festivities. Special seasonal activities and traditional holiday meals enhance the experience.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- US$1,380
7 Day Inca Jungle Adventure To Machu Picchu with Mountain Bike, Rafting, Zip Line and Trek.
87 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic meals, surprisingly nice accommodations - at both hotels and hostels. All of the adventures (biking, rafting, zip lining—trekking) were facilitated masterfully and flexibly.”
Wendy, traveled in November
Peru's festive season brings unique holiday activities, from traditional hot chocolate in Aguas Calientes to New Year's sunrise at Machu Picchu. Local families share celebrations while illuminated Maras salt mines and seasonal feasts create magical moments.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cusco, Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$1,129
07 Day Sacred valley, short Inca trail & Rainbow Mountain
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent overview of the Inka trail, Macchu Picchu, Rainbow mountain, and several of the other nearby cities and archeological sites.”
Kenneth, traveled in August
Cusco's festive plazas mark the start of seasonal celebrations extending to Machu Picchu's misty peaks. Holiday markets brighten Pisaq, traditional ceremonies fill Chinchero, and New Year's sunrise awaits at Rainbow Mountain's 16,466ft summit.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cusco, Maras, Moray, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Pisac, Cusipata, Rainbow Mountain Age Range Operated in English, Spanish Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$1,660
7 Day Andean Experience Through the Living Culture of the Incas
87 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Incan adventure tour is excellent. I got to go to all the sites I was interested in seeing.”
Susan, traveled in June
Christmas morning unfolds at UNESCO site Machu Picchu during sunrise, followed by tours of Sacsayhuaman fortress. Special December departures feature traditional holiday celebrations, with stays at boutique hotels like Ayni Cusco and Golden Sunrise in Aguas Calientes.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Maras, Moray, Chinchero, Pisac Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$1,299
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Peru
What's the weather like in Peru during Christmas & New Year?
The rainy season begins in Peru during December-January with afternoon showers common in Cusco and Machu Picchu regions. Lima experiences mild temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F) under predominantly cloudy skies. Higher elevation areas such as Sacred Valley at 3400m see daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) dropping to 5°C (41°F) at night. One TourRadar traveler shares: "The weather during our Christmas visit was actually perfect - cool mornings for hiking Machu Picchu warm afternoons for exploring Cusco and only occasional short rain showers."
What special holiday activities are included in Christmas & New Year tours?
Peru's holiday tours feature traditional Andean Christmas markets at Cusco's San Pedro Market festive Christmas Eve dinners and lively New Year's Eve celebrations in Plaza de Armas. Local hotels such as the Aranwa Cusco Boutique organize special seasonal events. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Our guide arranged for us to participate in local Christmas traditions including a special Pachamanca feast and holiday ceremonies at Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking Cusco - it was magical seeing the city lit up for the holidays."
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour to Peru?
Peru holiday tours require booking 6-8 months ahead due to high seasonal demand. Booking data shows travelers reserve December tours an average of 520 days in advance. Premium lodgings like the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel fill up early. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We booked our Christmas tour almost a year in advance and were glad we did as many hotels and trains were fully booked closer to the date."
How crowded is Machu Picchu during the Christmas & New Year period?
The holiday season brings peak visitor numbers to Machu Picchu. Early morning visits offer the best experience with fewer crowds. TourRadar travelers note: "Even with the holiday crowds at Machu Picchu our guide timed our visit perfectly entering through the Sun Gate early morning before the main tour groups arrived. The El Mapi Inkaterra hotel's proximity to the site helped us beat the crowds."
What type of accommodation can I expect during Christmas & New Year tours?
Holiday accommodations range from the 5-star Pullman Lima Miraflores to the Aranwa Cusco Boutique and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Each property embraces the festive season with special decorations and events. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The Hilton Garden Inn Cusco was beautifully decorated for Christmas with local holiday touches and special events. The Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley offered amazing holiday atmosphere with traditional decorations."
How does altitude affect Christmas & New Year tours in Peru?
The significant elevation changes between destinations require careful planning. Cusco sits at 3400m while Machu Picchu rests at 2430m. Select properties like Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley at 2900m provide oxygen support. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Take it easy the first few days in Cusco during the holiday season drink coca tea provided at the Tierra Viva hotel and consider starting in Sacred Valley which is lower altitude. The crowds during Christmas made it even more important to pace ourselves."