This package offers your entrance ticket to the Inti Raymi festival for the red seating section at Sacsayhuaman (approximately 3,701 meters or 12,142 feet). These seats provide a good view of the main stage, located about 17 meters or 55 feet away.
The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, takes place annually in Cusco (approximately 3,399 meters or 11,152 feet) on June 24th. Thousands of people gather to witness a vibrant reenactment of the Inca Empire’s most important celebration. This festival honors the winter solstice and the harvest season, marking the start of the Sun’s New Year.
Currently, Inti Raymi is the second-largest festival in South America, so booking your tour well in advance is highly recommended. The week leading up to the main event is also filled with celebrations, including concerts and street fairs.
Transportation from your hotel to Plazoleta Santa Teresa is not included. This is because many streets in the historical center of Cusco are closed for Inti Raymi. Please ensure you arrive at Plazoleta Santa Teresa between 10:15 AM and 10:45 AM for check-in.
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM: Bus Boarding
Our friendly team will be waiting for you at Plazoleta Santa Teresa between 10:15 AM and 10:45 AM. Here, you’ll register at our check-in table by showing your passport. After checking in, you will board the Inti Raymi tourist bus that will take you to the celebration venue – the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
10:45 AM: Bus Departure
The tourist buses will begin the approximately 45-minute drive to Sacsayhuaman for Inti Raymi. You will also receive a packed lunch to take with you, as food is not sold at the event itself.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Arrival and Seating
The tourist bus will arrive at the Inti Raymi site, where you will go through an official checkpoint. At the entrance, you’ll receive a program booklet to help you follow the ceremony. You’ll also get a souvenir DVD. Our tour guide will assist everyone in finding their assigned seats in the red section.
1:00 PM: Inti Raymi Begins!
The main representation features the Inca Pachacutec, the Inca during whose reign the sun god (Inti) revealed his power. Groups representing the four corners of the Inca Empire will participate, and you’ll witness various ceremonies, dances, and vibrant displays. The ceremony lasts about 90 minutes and is primarily in Quechua, but it’s visually stunning. You can follow along with the program booklet provided.
3:00 PM: Tourist Bus Boarding
As soon as the ceremony concludes, you will be directed to board the Inti Raymi tourist bus for the return journey.
4:30 PM: Arrival in Cusco City Center
The bus will drop you off back at Plazoleta Santa Teresa. Sometimes, due to traffic management by the police, the drop-off might be at Limacpampa Plaza.
The Inti Raymi tour is rated as very easy. However, you should be comfortable walking for about 10 minutes from the bus to your designated seat.
The Inti Raymi tour is available ONLY once a year, on June 24th, and advance booking is necessary.
¡Qué chévere! We look forward to welcoming you to Peru for the amazing Inti Raymi festival! Remember to book your spot early – ¡no te pierdas esta experiencia única! (Don’t miss out on this unique experience!)