Peru, the land of colorful Indigenous people, history, and stunning geography, offers unique types of holidays. The attractions that Peru has to offer will amaze those who love adventures, history, or culture.
As the festive season approaches, why not learn more about Peru’s wonders, encompassing pre-Columbian, colonial, and natural attractions? This guide of the top attractions in Peru to visit this Yuletide season explores the best-known places one should not miss, such as Sacsayhuamán, Machu Picchu, Qorikancha, the San Blas district, the Sacred Valley, and much more.
The Most Amazing Destinations to Tour in Peru During Christmas Holiday
Peru is not your typical South American country. Interestingly, it is the third largest country in South America and has various attractions. The neighbors of Peru are Ecuador, Chile, Columbia, Brazil, and Bolivia. Your trip to Peru will be fun if you visit the right places. Some of the most famous attractions in Peru are as follows.
Machu Picchu: The Crown Jewel of Peru
One cannot visit Peru without considering visiting Machu Picchu, a famous Inca city built in the 15th century. This place is a must-visit because it’s a UNESCO world heritage site. Its elusive image, all surreal and surrounded by mist, makes it perfect for the holiday spirit. During the monuments’ visit, looking at the temples, terraces, and plazas gives you a real feeling of being back in the past.
The trip to the Ollantaytambo ruins can be as eye-opening as the site. The luxury train ride or the Inca Trail hike can be done comfortably in December, as the weather is relatively cool.
Sacsayhuamán: A Marvel of Inca Engineering
Located on the grounds of Cusco city, Sacsayhuamán is one of the greatest symbols of the Inca civilization. Built from large stones chiseled from limestone, it remains one of the marvels of engineering because the large stones are fitted to form a close-knit structure without using cement.
This place is a significant cultural site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perhaps when visiting during the Yuletide season, like in this case, the crowds are smaller, thus creating a profound feeling of grandeur in the place. It is best visited in the early morning or as the Sun sets since the scenery is breathtaking, including Cusco and the Andes.
Qorikancha: Temple of the Sun
The Qorikancha temple was one of the largest spiritual complexes in the Tahuantinsuyo and was devoted to the Inca deity of Inti—the Sun. It is built in the central part of Cusco, representing Inca stonework construction overlaid by the colonial Dominican church.
The architecture of both ancient and colonial styles at Qorikancha is at its magical best during December when sunlight falls on the temple’s walls. Local guides share various legends, especially that the walls were clad with gilded copper sheets during the temple’s existence.
San Blas Neighborhood: The Artistic Heart of Cusco
From Plaza de Armas, it takes only a few minutes to walk to the picturesque district of San Blas. This place has a bohemian atmosphere, narrow cobblestone streets, numerous master’s studios, and pleasant cafes.
As if to join the celebration of the Yuletide season, San Blas becomes crowded with markets selling hand-carved products, the nativity scene, and typical fruits such as panetón of Peru. Don’t forget to go to the San Blas Church with the face–carved wooden pulpit. Strolling around the neighborhood for hours and enjoying hot chocolate Peruan style is possible in the zone.
The Sacred Valley: Gateway to Incan Mysteries
Less than an hour from Cusco, the Sacred Valley has stunning landscapes, beautiful villages, agricultural lands, and archaeological sites. The serenity of the atmosphere is top-notch. Some of the highlights include:
Pisac: The market is colorful and famous, and archaeological remains are on the hill. Ollantaytambo is famous for its idyllic and colorful landscapes and archaic Inca constructions.
Moray & Maras: Visit pre-Columbian underground salt deposit chasms and circular herding lands called ‘Circular Terraces’.
The December season brings amazing mountain weather and a touch of Christmas spirit to some nearby towns.
Tour Operators That Help Spice up Your Peruvian Experience
Organizing a tour to Peru during the festive time is not a problem if you have professional tour operators. Your consideration of the tour operator you opt for should be based on their reputation. Don’t be carried away by the fabulous offers the operator may offer. Here are four top-rated companies to consider:
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel specializes in walking and small group tours, concentrating on responsible tourism. Peru tour packages focus on discovering Cusco tours, the sacred valley, and Machu Picchu. They can also add exciting and fun things to do during December, such as the traditional Andean cultural demonstrations.
G Adventures
G Adventures offers adventure trips for everyone—young or old, families or individuals. Such programs also incorporate visits to attractions such as Sacsayhuamán and the Temple of the Sun or Qorikancha with introductions to the communities. Their Yuletide tours can sometimes focus on Christmas markets and other aspects of the holiday season in Peru.
Guru Explorers
Get creative and unique ideas on discovering Puno and other fabulous locations. If you have ever considered visiting Peru and having a unique experience, it is high time you did so. Visit and tour the places you have always dreamed of, some of which have some of the biggest lakes in Latin America. Also, the Cusco Tours Guruexplorer experience offers the best holiday you can imagine.
Kuoda Travel
Kuoda Travel, a luxury tour operator, is now set to focus on delivering the personalized luxury that Peruvian tourists require. They also specialize in creating high-quality original programs and provide visits to Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, and the Sacred Valley. They can also arrange different events, like intimate holiday dinners at some hard-to-find places during the holiday season.
What are your Top Attractions in Peru?
Peru’s history, culture, and landscapes make it the perfect holiday place. From historical Sacsayhuamán and the temple of Qorikancha to the colorful streets of the San Blas district and the serene Sacred Valley, these places guarantee an amazing experience. To make your tour even more memorable, contact one of Peru’s most qualified tourism agencies to discover the country’s charms during this period.
Book your Peruvian adventure now and make special memories this festive season. Finally, using any of the tour operators listed here is your journey to an amazing stay in Peru.
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