- A.h. Arahuay LL - 1, Cusco, Perú.
- machupicchuperutravel@hotmail.com
(526)
1 DayThe Inti Raymi 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 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.
“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.
$ 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)
Patrick W2024-06-02Best Day Ever What an incredible experience! The whole day was carefully planned out for us and it all was well above anything we could have imagined! Our driver was amazing, very professional and helpful, the train provided views that were breathtaking and our Guide “Willie” was the best! Willie took us on the most incredible tour, he knew all the right places for pictures, his knowledge was amazing and he answered all of our questions and more. He provided a full day experience that was nothing short of perfection. This is the only way to go and see this; we’re definitely coming back!
Orlando A2024-06-02The excellent coordination, the attention Liz, our guide, very knowledgeable and attentive to our impressions Unique Experience, The best way to Visit this Wonder. Highly recommended. From reservation with Tania, guide Liz, to the driver. To play it safe.
Mary C2024-05-09A perfect tour The tour was very good, Tania's attention was to detail, everything we needed for the tour was provided on time. I thank you very much because we took with us a very nice memory of Cusco.
Nikos S2024-05-07BEST EXPERIENCE IN PERU We made the Secret Valley, Machu Picchu and the rainbow mountain tours. Everything were excellent and very organised. Tania is very professional and any time available for information or questions. Also the prices are the best. I recommend for anyone who visit Peru to arrange the tours with this office.
ilias p2024-05-06Amazing experience, amazing tour guide It was one of the best experiences in our lives. We strongly recommend that anyone of moderate fitness and above to try it. It is good to have a pair of hiking shoes to make the experience better. Our guide (Willy) was amazing, he helped us a lot with the trail, he was well prepared and we didn't feel any risk at any moment. Also, he was very explanatory about inkas history and the monuments we saw during the trail. The quality of this experience is very related to the tour guide you will select. This guy was one of the best tour guides we had so far. There is no comparison to the other guides we had. We strongly recommend this experience with this guide. PS#1: bring a second t-shirt with you to change before you take the traditional photos of Machupicchu. Ps#2: Willy is a very good photographer, and gave guidance about the best place to take photos.
Cesar V2024-04-22The tour revived history for us as we experienced the amazing locations we visited. I couldn’t have asked for a better tour. Gary Neslon is a positive and well educated local that has so much knowledge to share. We didn’t feel rushed or pressured at any time and the whole experience was one of a kind.Nathan R2024-04-15Unforgettable experience in Machu Picchu. Willy is amazing. Willy is a great tour guide who is knowledgeable and very good at giving detailed explanations and excellent photo opportunities. He never rushed us and gave us the appropriate times needed to have a wonderful experience in Machu Picchu. Would recommend him to anyone.
Emanuele2024-04-10Something unique that is difficult to describe with words, the emotions I felt It was an organization predicted down to the smallest detail. The guides were fantastic for explanations and patience. The hotels chosen were perfect but above all the places visited were truly well preserved and above all magicalJorge A2024-04-07A first class ride. Very nice, we enjoyed it, the excellent treatment, I recommend it. It is recommended to enjoy with the family. Very good vacation
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.
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.
Be prepared for crowds: Inti Raymi attracts large crowds of both locals and tourists. Be prepared for crowded streets and limited personal space.
Capture the memories: Photography and videography are generally allowed during Inti Raymi. Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the vibrant colors, performances, and cultural moments. However, be mindful of others and avoid obstructing views or disrupting the ceremonies.
Physical preparation: Inti Raymi involves walking and standing for extended periods. Engage in regular physical activities leading up to the festival to improve your stamina and endurance. Consider doing some light exercises or stretching to prepare your body for the long day.
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all thats left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, well be with you every step of the way. At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.
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