New Year's Eve 2024-2025 in Peru

Peru, with its stunning Andes mountains, picturesque beaches, lush Amazon rainforests, and the historic Incan city of Machu Picchu, offers an exceptional setting to ring in the New Year. Celebrate the final night of the year amidst the vibrant energy of bustling street parties in Cusco or Lima, or immerse yourself in the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes. December marks the summer season in Peru, bringing warm and sunny weather ideal for beach outings. Discover the idyllic shores of Mancora and Punta Hermosa, renowned for their excellent surf breaks, making them perfect destinations for those looking to embrace the season.

Main NYE Traditions in Peru

New Year traditions in Peru center on attracting good luck for the coming year. Homes are decorated with yellow, a color symbolizing good fortune, and wearing yellow underwear on New Year's Eve is a popular custom. In Cusco, many people fill their homes with yellow flowers or sprinkle yellow confetti, known as pica pica, for added luck. At midnight, Peruvians gather to watch fireworks and, like other Spanish-speaking countries, eat twelve grapes—one for each month—while making New Year's wishes.

Another unique tradition involves placing three potatoes under a chair or sofa: one peeled, one partially peeled, and one unpeeled. At midnight, a potato is selected without looking, which is believed to predict financial fortune for the year ahead. A fully peeled potato suggests financial hardship, a partially peeled one indicates an average year, and an unpeeled potato signifies prosperity.

Best Places to Celebrate NYE in Peru

Lima and Cusco are among the top destinations for New Year's Eve celebrations, though parties and festivals can be found in cities all across the Andean nation.

Cusco

The city in the Peruvian Andes that was once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco boasts a vibrant New Year celebration. The mixture of Spanish and Incan traditions can be noticed in the street parties and festivities. The epicenter of fun is Plaza de Armas, the central square of Cusco. The area boasts several fireworks displays during the big night. Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in the area offer special parties and countdowns.

Machu Picchu

For those looking for an alternative to New Year's Eve parties, Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable experience. There are endless reasons to visit this sacred site, but beginning the new year surrounded by its majestic beauty is truly special. Visiting Machu Picchu around New Year's also means fewer crowds, as it's the off-season, although some rainfall is likely. This unique start to the year promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Lima

Peru's capital, Lima, is renowned for its lively New Year's Eve celebrations. Popular spots like the Ovalo Gutierrez area in Miraflores and the artsy Barranco district come alive as people gather outside bars and clubs to welcome the New Year. Known for its exceptional culinary scene, Lima is also a top destination for food lovers. For those seeking a memorable New Year's in Peru, indulging in a gourmet feast at one of the city's world-class restaurants is a must. Reservations fill up quickly, so booking well in advance is recommended.

Mancora

A popular resort town in Peru’s Piura Region, located on the northwest coast, Máncora attracts holiday visitors with its stunning surf beaches like Las Pocitas and Vichayito, vibrant nightlife, and exceptional cuisine. Known for hosting lively New Year's Eve beach parties, Máncora offers a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration by the ocean.