1. Travel

The winter solstice is a time for parades in Cusco, Peru

Pictures -- Peru in my mind

Man on stilts parading in Cusco, Peru

Locals don costumes to be in parades during the winter solstice in Cusco, Peru

(c) Lois Friedland
In Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu high in the Peruvian Andes, residents celebrate the winter solstice with many parades and festivities. Many tour operators offering trips to Peru have an option to spend a few days in Cusco.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.