Every June 24th, the majestic city of Cusco explodes with life, color, and ancestral tradition during Inti Raymi, which means “Festival of the Sun” in Quechua, the language of the Incas.
This powerful celebration — one of the most important cultural events in Peru — pays homage to Inti, the revered Sun God of the Inca civilization.
From sacred chants in Quechua and ceremonial dances to vibrant costumes inspired by imperial grandeur, Inti Raymi revives the spirit of a millennia-old culture right before your eyes.
Held on the winter solstice, marking the rebirth of the sun in the Andes, this is more than just a festival — it’s a spiritual journey into the heart of Incan heritage, connecting you to the soul, strength, and mysticism of the Andean people.
What is Inti Raymi?
1.1. The sacred role of the Sun in the festival
Inti Raymi during the Inca Empire
The story behind the modern reenactment of Inti Raymi
Today’s Inti Raymi and its connection to the glory of the Tahuantinsuyo
Women in Inti Raymi: presence, symbolism, and leadership
The Qhapac Ñan and its importance in the Inti Raymi celebration
Official Schedule of Inti Raymi 2025
7.1. Traditional route of the ceremonial procession
7.2. Seating areas and viewing spots
5 reasons why you can’t miss Inti Raymi
Helpful tips to make the most of your Inti Raymi experience
Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca religious celebration held in honor of Inti, the Sun God and giver of life. It took place in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and lasted around 15 days. During this time, rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonial dances were performed to pay homage to the Sun.
The last official Inti Raymi attended by the Inca emperor was celebrated in 1535, just one year before the Spanish conquest.
Today, Inti Raymi has evolved into a spectacular theatrical performance that gathers thousands of locals and visitors from around the world. More than a reenactment, it’s a vibrant celebration of cultural identity and pride. Every June, Cusco becomes the stage for a powerful connection to the Inca legacy and the energy of the sun.
The Sun, or Inti, was the most sacred deity in the Andean world. Believed to be the father of the Incas, the Sun was a symbol of balance, life, and divine power.
The Inti Raymi coincides with the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, marking the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. Offerings, temples, and rituals were all dedicated to the Sun, as it was the one who blessed and protected the land and its people.
The “Festival of the Sun” was established by Pachacútec, the great Inca reformer, in the 14th century. It became the most important religious ceremony of the Inca calendar.
The celebration brought together representatives from the four suyos, the imperial army, the acllas (chosen women), and nearly the entire population of the Tahuantinsuyo.
The Inca’s entrance into the Plaza de Armas or Sacsayhuamán was majestic. He was preceded by the acllas scattering flower petals, and the pichaq, who swept away bad spirits with straw brooms.
He was always accompanied by his kumillo, a hunchback jester who held the Achiwa, a colorful feathered parasol symbolizing his power.
Even after the Spanish conquest, the people continued celebrating the festival in secret. Thanks to the mestizo Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, many of the rituals were recorded in his famous work Royal Commentaries of the Incas.
The modern-day Inti Raymi began in 1943, when Humberto Vidal Unda proposed to the American Institute of Art to bring the Inca ceremony back to life. In 1944, the first large-scale reenactment took place and since then, every June 24th has been celebrated as Cusco Day.
The first actor to play the Inca was Don Faustino Espinoza Navarro, a Cusco-born writer, Quechua language advocate, and key figure in reviving the festival.
In 2001, Inti Raymi was officially declared a National Cultural Heritage and a Symbol of National Identity in Peru.
Although centuries have passed since its origin, Inti Raymi still retains the essence and spiritual symbolism of the original Inca ceremony. The differences between the ancient ritual and its modern version are minimal and only reflect its natural evolution.
| Aspect | Inca Inti Raymi | Modern Inti Raymi |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Sacred festival with colors, dances, chants, and offerings to the Sun. | Cultural reenactment that honors ancestral traditions. |
| Duration | Around 15 days, ending on the winter solstice. | 1 day: June 24. |
| Time Period | 1430 – 1532 A.D. | 1944 – Present. |
| Attendance | Over 50,000 people from the Tahuantinsuyo. | Over 60,000 spectators and about 1,000 actors. |
In Inca culture, women symbolized fertility, prosperity, and wisdom.
The most important female figure was the Qoya, wife of the Inca, his counselor, and leader in times of crisis. After the emperor’s death, she would guide the Panaca, the noble lineage of the Inca.
In the Inti Raymi, the Qoya walks alongside the Inca, embodying dignity, power, and spiritual harmony.
The Qhapaq Ñan, or Royal Inca Road System, connected sacred sites across the vast empire. During Inti Raymi, it became a vital artery for pilgrims from all four suyos to gather in Cusco to honor the Sun.
Today, it symbolizes unity, movement, and the spiritual connectivity of the Inca world.
The celebration begins early in the morning and takes place across three iconic locations:
| Location | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) | 9:00 a.m. |
| Main Square (Huacaypata) | 10:30 a.m. |
| Saqsayhuamán Fortress | 1:00 p.m. (approx. 2-hour performance) |
The entire ceremony is held in Quechua, the sacred language of the Incas, and ends around 3:30 p.m., depending on the duration of the scenes.
Inti Raymi, one of the most important festivals in the Andean calendar, unfolds across three historic sites that symbolize the sacred connection between the Inca past and modern-day Cusco. Each location marks a key moment in this ancestral ceremony.
The Inti Raymi begins with the emotional ceremony known as the “Salute to the Sun.” The deep sounds of the pututos (ceremonial conch shells) announce the arrival of the acllas, musicians, and dancers. Then, surrounded by chants and ritual movements, the Inca is welcomed to begin the first acts of homage to the Sun.
🕒 Approximate duration: 45 minutes.
The celebration continues in the heart of the city with the “Encounter of the Times and the Coca Leaf Ceremony.” Here, the Inca and his entourage gather at the ushnnu (ceremonial platform), reenacting a moment of union between ancient traditions and the present day.
Most spectators witness this part standing, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city.
🕒 Approximate duration: 1 hour.
The grand finale of the ceremony takes place at this imposing archaeological site. The Qoya and the Inca enter, accompanied by colorful dances and ancestral music.
The main ritual reaches its peak with the Sun Offering Ceremony, where a ceremonial llama sacrifice is performed to honor the Sun God, asking for his blessing for the new cycle.
🕒 Approximate duration: 2 hours.
The first two performances (Qorikancha and Main Square) are free of charge, but due to large crowds, it is highly recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot.
The main reenactment at Sacsayhuamán requires a paid ticket. Tickets can be purchased online through Teleticket, and will be available starting next year.
Festival of the Sun – Cusco, Peru
🔵 1. Greeting to the Sun
📍 Qorikancha Esplanade
The Inca opens the celebration with a solemn invocation to the Sun God. The sacred Temple of the Sun becomes the stage for traditional music, ritual dances, and the arrival of the Acllas and noble characters from the Tawantinsuyo.
🟢 2. Encounter of Two Worlds
📍 Main Square of Cusco (Plaza de Armas)
A symbolic moment that blends the Inca past with the present world. Representatives from the four regions of the empire (suyos) gather as the Inca delivers a ceremonial speech in Quechua to the people.
🔴 3. Main Ceremony
📍 Sacsayhuamán Esplanade
The grandest part of Inti Raymi takes place here, amid the majestic Inca stonework. The ceremony includes a symbolic offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth), traditional music and dances, and the full celebration of the Sun.
🔺 Traditional Route:
Qorikancha ➝ Main Square ➝ Sacsayhuamán
🎟️ Tip: Arrive early or secure official tickets in advance to enjoy the performances with the best view. Each site offers a distinct and memorable cultural experience.
🗓 Date: June 24
📍 Location: Cusco – Qorikancha, Main Square, and Sacsayhuamán
The central ceremony of Inti Raymi takes place at the Sacsayhuamán esplanade, where three main grandstands are arranged in the VIP zone, offering the best view of the performance:
🟠 Orange Grandstand
✔️ Located directly in front of the Ushnu (main stage)
👥 Capacity: 1,768 people
🎯 Offers the most complete and immersive view of the ceremony.
🔴 Red Grandstand
👥 Capacity: 810 people
🟢 Green Grandstand
👥 Capacity: 1,188 people
👉 No matter where you’re seated, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed and engaging experience, thanks to the vast open layout of the site and the staging designed for all spectators.
Cusco at its peak
June is the most festive month in Cusco. Thousands of tourists come together to witness this majestic celebration and take part in cultural exchanges and vibrant local events.
A sacred astronomical moment
June 24 marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, when the Sun is at its farthest point from Earth. For the Incas, it was the ideal time to pay tribute to Inti, the Sun god.
An impeccable cultural performance
Over a hundred local actors and actresses portray Inca nobles, warriors, and priests in richly detailed costumes made from alpaca and sheep wool, based on authentic Inca designs.
Music, mysticism, and the Quechua language
The entire performance is conducted in Quechua, the ancestral Inca language. The “Acllas,” sacred maidens, sing beautifully in honor of the Sun. The Inca delivers his speech to Inti, creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere.
A journey through sacred sites
🏛 Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): Greeting to the Sun
🏞 Cusco Main Square (Huacaypata): The Meeting of Two Worlds
🏯 Sacsayhuamán: The Central Ceremony
📜 Historical Note:
Law No. 27431, enacted on March 3, 2001, officially declares Inti Raymi as Cultural Heritage of the Nation and recognizes it as the main ceremonial act of national identity in Peru.
Inti Raymi is a popular event that attracts thousands of spectators, both local and international. Most people watch the event standing up, so consider bringing a small folding stool if you want to avoid standing for hours.
There’s never been an Inti Raymi without sunshine — it’s always a bright and sunny day. Make sure to:
Apply sunscreen every 45 minutes
Wear sunglasses
Use a hat or cap to protect yourself from direct sun exposure
The weather is generally warm during the day — jackets or thick layers may be uncomfortable.
Choose light, breathable clothing
Wear comfortable walking shoes — the celebration lasts at least 7 hours, and you’ll likely walk between sites.
While vendors will be available at the event, prices are often inflated. It’s best to:
Bring your own hydrating drinks (like water or electrolyte beverages)
Pack light snacks to keep your energy up during the day
Large crowds can attract pickpockets. To stay safe:
Avoid carrying valuable items
Keep personal belongings close to your body
Use anti-theft bags or belts
Never leave your belongings unattended