Inti Raymi Cusco

The "Inti Raymi" or "Sun Feast" is one of the most important, dramatic and magnificent festivity carried out in the times of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire which based their religion in the cult of the sun. The Inti Raymi was made to worship the "Apu Inti" (God Sun) also known in some quarters as "Apu P'unchau".

The Inca's subjects continued celebrating the feast secretly behind of the Spanish suthorities, and a mestizo named Inca Garcilaso de la Vega compiled descriptions about this unique celebration in his famous book "Comentarios Reales".

The Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca religious celebration, as we said before, the Incas worshiped their god: The God Inti or Sun in translation into english. Formerly the Inti Raymi lasted about 15 days, sacrifices were made and dances were presented to worship their god. The last Inti Raymi that was realized with the presence of the Inca Emperor was in the years of 1535, a year before the Spanish invasion.

The celebration of the Inti Raymi

The entrance of the Inca to the main square or the esplanade of Saqsayhuaman was always charied by a group of "acllas" which sprayed flowers and by the "Pichaq" (mens who were in charge to scare the bad spirits that could be on the way with brooms of straws). The Inca was accompanied by his "kumillo" in all the performances. The "kumillo" was a hunchback dwarf who carried the "Achiwa", a kind of umbrella or parasol made of colorful feather.

Another part of the Inti Raymi celebration consited on the new fire ceremony. In this part of the ceremony the Inca orders to put out the fire of all the fireplaces of Cusco and surroundings with the purpose of lighting the new fire that was distributed from a bonfire to all the fires of the city. This is because the cooks are experts not only in cooking but also in keeping the fire between the ashes.

Currently the Inti Raymi is a theatrical performance, thousands of people from all over the world come to see this event which is one of the most attractive, cultural and traditional manifestation.

Overview

Itinerary

Includes

Before you go

Quick Itinerary

June 24th:

7:00: We pick you up from your hotel.

9:30: The Sun Festival starts in Qoricancha.

11:00: Walk up to the main square. Enjoy the festival there.

13:00: Sacsayhuaman, the celebration of rites of New Fire, the offerings of the Four Suyos and the prediction of future times, among others.

Highlights of the Inti Raymi 2025

A tour on the celebration of the Sun (Inti Raymi)
Show about the Inca culture
Sightseeing on the ceremonies

Inti Raymi Extra ticket

Inti Raymi Coricancha Ticket = U$ 70

Packing List:

Passport: Carry it is very important
Inmigration Card
ISIC card: If you booked as a student
A good hiking shoes: Comfortable and useful on all terrain
Waterproof: Especially in rainy seasons
Sunscreen: Avoid the ultraviolet ray
Coca leaf

Interesting Information

Itinerary

This festivity is celebrated in 3 different scenes:

Qorikancha (Golden Temple), it was the principal temple dedicated to the Sun in the Incan era.
Plaza de Armas (called by the Incas "Auqaypata", the Warrior Square), which was a huge square during the Inca Times where this ceremony was held on a ceremonial platform ("ushnu" in Quechua). From there, the Inca was carried on a golden throne leading a procession through the ancient city of Cusco up to Sacsaywaman in the hills above the city.
Saqsaywaman ("saqsay" and "waman means "satiate hawk" in Quechua), which is an impressive archaeological centre situaded at 3,555 MAMSL, jut a kilometer away from the Inca neighbourhood of Qolqanpata.

Program of the Sacsaywaman's scene:

Ceremonial arrival.
Announcement of the 4 "Suyus" (ot the four cardinal points): Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu and Chinchaysuyu.
Chicha ritual.
Sacred Fire Ritual.
Llama (Andean cameloid) sacrifice and a sign reading (But do not worry, there is no any llama sacrifice nowadays, it is just a representation of it)
Sankhu (sacred bread) reading.
Q'ochurikuy (burst of popular exaltation)

Included

Pre-briefing.
Entrance fee to Inti Raymi festival (Orange seat)
Professional bilingual Tour Guide.
Meals: 1x box lunch.
Tourist transportation during the tours and local transfers.

Not Included

Meals not mentioned.
Tips and baggage portage (Please note: It is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not mandatory).
Other extras not mentioned.

Highlights by Archaeological Sites

Explore the Inti Raymi
Cherish the Sun festival on different sites

Best moment of the Trek

See the celebration of the Sun

Encampment Equipment

Inca Trail Machu Tour operator will provide the double tent. Our tents are of the brand EUREKA MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 3 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In case of a single traveller, we provide with a 2 person capacity tent. After each trek, we carefully check our tents and fix them if necessary Inca Trail Machu will provide the clean Sleeping bag, Inflatable pillow and blanket. Our porters will leave inside your tent. Once arrived to the camping, you will find inside your all camping equipment.

Additionals

Walking sticks or poles cost $20 to rent.
Daypack for your hike U$ 10
Rain Poncho U$ 10
There are emergency porters available for rent along this trek if you are unsure you will be able to complete the hike, cost $80

Doubts and Frequent Questions about Inti Raymi Cusco

Here is everything you need to know about Inti Raymi Cusco.

What is the Inti Raymi?

The "Inti Raymi" or "Sun Feast" was the most important religious festival during the time of the Incas. Until today it is still represented every June 24 in the architectural complex of Sacsayhuaman.

The ceremony starts in the Sun Temple or Qoricancha, then all activities are turned to the Main Square, where the mixture of culture is more than obvious since the Inca former governor of all the empire is related to the current authorities of the city of Cusco. And finally the ceremony takes place in Saqsayhuaman.

Undoubtedly one of its main attractions is the Sacsayhuaman enclosure, a monumental architectural complex located in the north of Cusco, two kilometers from the city and at 3671 m.a.s.l. Sacsayhuamán was one of the most important fortresses of the Tahuantinsuyo and is also considered one of the wonders of the world.

Without a doubt, the Inti Raymi festival is a tradition in the city of Cusco, where every year many tourists come to see this great show. If you plan to enjoy this feast, we recommend you to book with our agency that is specialized in this holiday so that you can organize everything and you just worry about enjoying.

How to book the Inti Raymi?

The Inti Raymi or Sun Feast takes place in the city of Cusco on June 24 of each year. Has a great reputation throughout the world, as many travelers visit Cusco just to see the feast.

The right way to make a reservation to see the Inti Raymi 2018 feast is through a travel agency in Cusco that takes care of everything you need so that you only worry about enjoying the Inti Raymi 2018 feast.

What to bring to see the Inti Raymi?

We recommend carrying the following:

Camera.
Sunscreen, hats, hats or umbrellas to protect from the sun.
Warm clothes, since the climate of Cusco is very variable and just as there can be a radiant sun it could also make something cold.
Extra money, because on that day the surroundings of Saqsayhuaman become a fair where you can enjoy many things like typical foods of the region or some other activities all that before during or after the Inti Raymi.

PARTIDAS

GALERIAS

RESERVACION

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Days	1
From	$ 300.00 per person
Code	Inti1
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The Responsible People foundation is registered under the Peruvian Non-Profit Organization Act. With an annual contribution from Inca Trail Machu, we support our operating costs as well as a significant portion of project development costs.