Killa Expeditions helps support several communities in the greater Cusco region, one of which is the Willoc Community a few hours out of Cusco. One of our amazing trek Chefs is from here. This Christmas 2016 we brought Christmas gifts and school supplies for the children as well as toiletries, food staples and produce for the families. We also participated in a community meeting where future needs were discussed. Willoc is in need of a school building with classrooms, office areas, kitchen, and bathrooms as well as school/office furniture and school supplies. Our goal is to raise enough funds to realize that in 2017. Killa Expeditions holds numerous charity events throughout the year at various communities. If you would like to help us give back – be it time, money, supplies, clothing, shoes, medicine, and/or professional expertise (e.g. medical advice, dentistry, nursing, chiropractic adjustments, etc.) please get in touch to find out how you can help! People living in the mountains do not have access to medical or dental care and often don’t have shoes or proper clothing. Even in the main city this is often true for many families. Anything helps and the local people are warm, friendly and incredibly grateful for any support given. View more of our social projects here.
Christmas is a very special time in Peru. Locals have melded Catholicism and Incan traditions over time to create their own unique blend of celebrations and worship. In December decorations are put up all over the city and there are several parades and festivals, lots of fireworks and merrymaking. The biggest Christmas festival, dating back to the Spanish colonial era, is called Santuranticuy and takes place in the main plaza (Plaza de Armas) on the 24th of December. It is one of the largest handicraft fairs in Peru and offers countless beautiful handmade items to purchase, many of which are seen only at this time of year and only in Cusco. The 24th of December is much more important than Christmas day and is known as Noche Buena (good night). Local Cusqueñans (people from Cusco) usually display a nativity scene in their home during Christmas and on the 24th at midnight a figurine of Jesus is placed in the manger. At midnight locals drink a toast of champagne, exchange gifts (not all families do this) and many go to late night mass. Locals from the mountain villages flock to Cusco from all over the region, selling items at this festival. They sleep in the main plaza as they have no other place to stay and people from Cusco city often bring them hot chocolate and snacks to welcome them and see them through the night.
Check out our treks & tours to Machu Picchu here. If you found this information helpful, please refer to post about Winter Solstice and read about the best time to visit Machu Picchu. Killa Expeditions is passionate about providing exceptional & sustainable adventure eco-travel experiences, encouraging people to explore off the beaten path, and inspiring others to give back. To book an adventure of a lifetime, contact us today!
