Discovering a different kind of Christmas.
Every December 24th, Cusco’s Main Square bursts with color and devotion, drawing thousands of visitors. The reason? Santurantikuy, one of the most iconic Christmas fairs in the region. Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant artisanal market, filled with handcrafted figures in ceramic, wood, and plaster—most famously the "Niños Manuelito"—alongside the traditional Andean altarpieces (retablos).
And when it comes to altarpieces, the country’s most celebrated creations are the stunning Ayacucho ones. What began as simple religious boxes has evolved into vivid works of art, brimming with Andean traditions and faith, bringing color and life to this very special time of the year.
Picturesque Ayacucho altarpiece / 
How to experience it?
Route 1
Route 2
Lima - Cusco
Approximately 1 hour
Lima - Cusco
Approximately 22 hours
General information
Schedule:
Varies by operatorPrice:
Varies by operatorEssentials:
Camera, cash, sunscreenAltitude:
3,399 m / 11,152 ftWeather:
Min: 3.4 °C / Max: 20.3 °C
