Of all the Christmas traditions I have come to love in Peru, the chocolatada is probably my favourite Peru delights. There is something incredibly special about gathering people together in the middle of the Christmas season to share a steaming cup of hot chocolate, sweet panetón, gifts and, most importantly, time together.
For many Peruvians, a chocolatada is traditionally a chance to come together as a group and share a little Christmas joy, particularly with children and families who may have fewer resources. Schools, neighbourhoods, organisations, businesses and families all organise chocolatadas in December, each in their own way.
At Apus Peru, the chocolatada has become one of our longstanding Peruvian Christmas traditions. Every year, our team heads into the Andes to celebrate with a rural neighborhood, bringing hot chocolate, panetón, gifts and warm clothing. It has become a day that our staff, guides, families and clients genuinely look forward to – and one of the most meaningful ways we can give something back to the communities that are such an important part of what we do.
What is the Chocolatada Festival in Peru?
A chocolatada is a heart-warming Christmas tradition in which hot chocolate is prepared and shared with locals, often alongside panetón, the beloved Christmas sweet bread you can find everywhere in South America.
Chocolatadas are particularly common in schools, neighbourhoods, churches, rural communities and charitable events. Businesses, organisations, families and individuals may organise them as a way of sharing with children and families.
A typical chocolatada might include steaming cups of hot chocolate, slices of delicious panettone, and a little Christmas goody for each child, such as a toy or small gift.
But food and gifts are only part of the experience. Chocolatadas are also about gathering together. There may be games, music, dancing and plenty of time for children and adults to simply enjoy one another’s company.
Apus Peru’s Annual Chocolatada Festivity
At Apus Peru, our annual chocolatada has become a special tradition that we look forward to every year.
Since 2008, Apus Peru and our partner organisation Threads of Peru have hosted a chocolatada in the remote Andean community of Chaullacocha, in the Lares region. Many Apus Peru porters and their families have connections to this area, making it a particularly meaningful neighborhood for us to support.
The event is organised with the help of Apus Peru staff, guides, families, clients and generous supporters. While reaching Chaullacocha can mean a long, cold and sometimes very wet journey from Cusco, the day itself is always filled with plenty of energy, laughter and community spirit.
We travel into the mountains carrying everything needed for the celebration. In previous years, our team has prepared ENORMOUS pots of hot chocolate, served it alongside panetón to families from Chaullacocha and surrounding communities.
And, of course, there are presents!!
Children receive small Christmas gifts and toys, while donations of warm clothing, baby clothes and school supplies have also been distributed over the years. These contributions are especially appreciated in high Andean communities, where temperatures can drop significantly and the rainy season can make the weather cold and challenging.
Recipe: How to Make Christmas Hot Chocolate
One of the best things about a Peruvian chocolatada is, of course, the hot chocolate! This comforting Christmas drink is wonderfully rich and creamy, with cinnamon and cloves adding a warm, festive flavour. It is the perfect treat to enjoy in a cosy mug, especially during the Christmas season.
This is an easy version you can make at home, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, ground cinnamon and a marshmallow if you want to make your mug of hot chocolate extra festive.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 100 g dark chocolate, roughly chopped (I recommend using 100% cacao paste with cacao chuncho)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- A small pinch of salt
Peruvian Cuisine Method
- Pour the whole milk into a saucepan and add the cinnamon stick and cloves. Warm gently over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the milk. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the cinnamon and cloves. Add the chopped chocolate and cocoa powder, stirring until the chocolate has completely melted.
- Add the sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla and a small pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth, creamy and hot.
- Taste and adjust the sugar if needed. If you like your hot chocolate extra thick and creamy, let it simmer gently for another minute or two while stirring.
- Serve hot, ideally with a generous slice of panetón on the side. Cheers!
Celebrate Christmas with Chocolate in the Andes
Would you like to experience this Christmas season tradition while travelling through the Andes?
Leave us a message and let us help you create a beautiful Peru itinerary for the Christmas season. Whether you want to celebrate Christmas in Cusco, explore the Andes or experience some of Peru’s unique holiday traditions, we can help you put together a trip that suits you.
Want to learn more? Check out our guides to Christmas in Peru and New Year in Peru. You can also explore our monthly Peru events calendar and our guide to festivals in Cusco to see what else is happening during your visit.
