The Inti Raymi Package or Festival of the Sun was the most important celebration in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun God “Inti” and celebrated every June 24th in the city of Cusco, Peru. The festivities traditionally included dances, music, banquets, and animal sacrifices as expressions of gratitude to the Sun God, seeking a bountiful harvest and blessings for the following year.
Surprisingly, this festival was once prohibited as it was considered “pagan.” Today, it gathers thousands of people and over 800 participants, including actors, dancers, and musicians in traditional attire. The event includes representations and praises held outside the temple of Qorikancha, in the Main Square of the city, and finally, in the Archaeological Park of Saqsayhuamán.
The Inti Raymi Cusco Full Day Tour ceremony consists of three different scenes in three different locations:
We begin with I gather 7:00 am from your hotel to go to the three historical and natural landscapes that are commonly used for the staging
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, a revered tradition that unfolds amidst the ancient heart of Cusco.
The Qoricancha – 8:00 a.m.
Qoricancha, meaning “gold wall,” stood as the primary temple dedicated to the sun during the Inca era. This sacred site sets the stage for the commencement of Inti Raymi, a spectacle lasting approximately 45 minutes. Here, amidst the golden hues, the Inca, accompanied by nobility and La Qoya, offers homage to Inti, the Sun God.
Main Square – Aucaypata – 10:30 a.m.
Enter the hallowed grounds of Auqaypata, once the Ancient Warrior Square bustling with grand ceremonies atop the great ushnu, or ceremonial platform, during Inca times. As the Inka and his entourage traverse the Inti K’ijllu street, the atmosphere resonates with reverence, marking the passage of approximately 45 minutes.
Sacsayhuaman – 8:00 a.m.
Sacsayhuaman, deriving its name from Quechua, meaning “satisfied falcon,” stands as an impressive archaeological marvel at 3,555 meters above sea level, nestled one kilometer from the Inca Qolqanpata neighborhood. Here, the grandeur of Inti Raymi culminates in a central ceremony lasting 90 minutes. Amidst the ceremonial site, representatives from the 4 Suyus or Regions – Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu, and Chinchaysuyu – converge. The rites unfold with the pouring of Chicha, the sacred fire, the solemn sacrifice of Andean camelids, and omens. The Rite of Sankhu, accompanied by holy bread, adds to the spiritual fervor, followed by the joyous Q’ochurikuy, a popular exaltation.
Grandstands in Sacsayhuamán
Behold the spectacle from the grandstands, accommodating 3,859 spectators, meticulously distributed to ensure optimal viewing. Various ticket options are available, each with a specified quantity limit, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness the splendor of Inti Raymi unfold before your eyes.
the Municipal Celebrations Cusco- EMUFEC, implement the necessary services: fiberglass chairs, portable toilets, information center and tourist assistance, first aid and safety (Incident Command System) that allow enjoy the event with all the necessary guarantees
Inti Raymi appreciation as regards the sequences in the Qorikancha and the Plaza Mayor are open access. Entry to the stands of appreciation that are built on the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman is by acquiring tickets and numbered according to areas as specified below.
end of Inti Raymi Cusco Full Day Tour
At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we offer personalized Inti Raymi Cusco full Day, designed to match your interests and preferences. With expert local guides and customized itineraries, explore the beauty of the Andes. Check out our pricing options for a memorable adventure.
$ 285.00 USD
(enjoy this service with a group between 20 people)
$ 350.00 USD
(Enjoy this service only for you and your family – minimun 2 people to make reservation)
Our clients trust us, and their glowing reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves. Discover why so many travelers choose us for unforgettable experiences in Cusco.
“MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.
Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.
We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.
At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.
To offer a more personalized service at “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.
We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.
We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!
Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:
At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.
We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.
Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca festival that celebrates the winter solstice and the sun god, Inti. It was one of the most important ceremonies in the Inca Empire and is still celebrated today in Cusco, Peru.
An Inti Raymi tour is a guided tour that allows visitors to witness and participate in the reenactment of the Inti Raymi festival in Cusco. It provides a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Incas and witness traditional rituals and performances.
Inti Raymi takes place on June 24th every year. It coincides with the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. The festival lasts for several days, with various events and ceremonies held throughout Cusco.
The duration of an Inti Raymi tour may vary depending on the tour operator and the specific itinerary. It can range from a half-day experience to a full-day excursion, including the procession, ceremonies, and cultural performances.
During an Inti Raymi tour, you can expect to witness the grand procession of actors and performers dressed in traditional Inca attire. You’ll observe ceremonial rituals, music, dance performances, and theatrical reenactments that portray the historical significance of Inti Raymi.
Yes, it is recommended to book your Inti Raymi tour in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the festival period in June. Inti Raymi is a popular event, and tour availability can be limited due to high demand.
While there may not be specific restrictions for participating in an Inti Raymi tour, it’s important to respect the cultural significance of the event. Follow the instructions of your guide, be mindful of the rituals and ceremonies, and dress appropriately in order to show respect for the traditions.
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing for extended periods. Consider dressing in layers, as temperatures in Cusco can vary throughout the day. Additionally, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is advisable for sun protection.
Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the festival, but it’s important to be respectful and considerate. Some ceremonies or performances may have restrictions on photography, so listen to your guide’s instructions and follow any guidelines provided.
Many tour operators offer transportation services as part of their Inti Raymi tour packages. It’s recommended to check with your chosen tour operator to confirm if transportation is included or if you need to arrange your own transportation to the festival site.
Yes, you can visit Machu Picchu after the Sacred Valley ATV Tour from Cusco you can check out our Machu Picchu tours and review the permits needed to visit Machu Picchu.
Inti Raymi is a highly popular event, so it’s recommended to plan and book your trip well in advance. Make arrangements for accommodation, transportation, and tour packages to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Take the time to research and understand the historical and cultural significance of Inti Raymi before attending. This will enhance your appreciation and understanding of the rituals and performances during the festival.
Inti Raymi takes place during the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere. Cusco’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for both sun and rain. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Wear comfortable clothing and layers to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day. It’s advisable to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. Additionally, bring a rain jacket or umbrella in case of rain.
Inti Raymi is a religious and cultural event, so it’s important to show respect for the rituals and ceremonies. Follow the instructions of guides and event organizers, and avoid disrupting the performances or sacred spaces.
Inti Raymi involves spending a significant amount of time outdoors. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Pack some snacks or energy bars.
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