Cusco, the ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo, experiences its most important month in June, when the city commemorates its Inca past with an intense schedule of cultural and traditional activities. The central day is June 24, when the Inti Raymi is celebrated. Additionally, the jubilee festivities also include many other artistic expressions, parades, and ceremonies that fill the city with color, joy, and tradition. Discover more about the events that are part of the jubilee celebrations of Cusco.

• What are the Jubilee Festivities of Cusco?
• Main activities of the Cusco festivities
  • The launch of Cusco’s jubilee month
  • Pachamama offering ceremony
  • Folkloric parades
  • Civic parades
  • Allegorical parade
  • Corpus Christi
  • The Inti Raymi ritual ceremony
  • Night of lights and sound
  • Kacharpari of the Cusco Festivities
• What is Machu Picchu like in June?
• Best destinations to visit in Cusco during the month of June
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Inca arriving at the Sacsayhuaman fortress for the reenactment of Inti Raymi

The month of June in Cusco
The ideal month to visit Cusco is June. Many factors make your visit favorable, such as the weather, cultural events, the Inti Raymi festival, and even the availability of tickets to Machu Picchu, where more routes open and capacity increases. These dates fall within the high season (April to August), when the city offers more attractions and facilities for enjoying your trip. Remember that you will also need to make your reservations in advance, especially in June.

What are the Jubilee Festivities of Cusco?

• The Jubilee Festivities of Cusco are a series of celebrations held in June to mark the city’s anniversary.
• June 24 is the anniversary of the city, so many celebrations begin even weeks before.
• Among the highlights are street parades, dance shows, music, and many more cultural events that mainly take place in the historic center of the city.
• Coincidentally, the Inti Raymi (the most important Inca festival) is also commemorated on that day, filling the city with an incredible atmosphere.
• Additionally, the Christian feast of Corpus Christi is also celebrated this month, with processions throughout the city alongside gastronomic festivals.

Main Activities of the Cusco Festivities

• The Launch of Cusco’s Jubilee Month

  • During the first days of June, the official launch of Cusco’s jubilee festivities takes place at a major venue.
  • In recent years, this event has been held at the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), which is also one of the three venues for the Inti Raymi.
  • This event includes ancient Andean rituals along with the representation of the Inca, his wife, and the royal entourage. It is primarily a request for the blessing of the Sun god (the most important deity in Inca culture) for the upcoming events.

• Pachamama Offering Ceremony

  • This ceremony takes place on the first Sunday of June and is celebrated at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
  • The tribute to Pachamama (the Earth goddess) marks the formal beginning of the Cusco festivities and is conducted to invoke the success of the upcoming celebrations.
  • This is a free event where both locals and tourists participate.
  • Pachamama is an Andean deity representing Mother Earth, who brings prosperity and fertility to the land.
  • During the ceremony, tribute is paid to Pachamama to seek her blessing for the jubilee festivities.
  • This ceremony takes place on the first Sunday of June and is celebrated at the Plaza de Armas in the city.
  • It is a free event, with participation from locals and visitors from all nations.

• Folkloric Parades

  • Throughout the jubilee month, various public and private institutions in Cusco dress in colorful traditional outfits and perform regional folkloric dances.
  • The dance performances are an event that can be freely enjoyed at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, mainly presented in the mornings.
  • Cusco has many traditional dances such as: the Cusco carnival, Tinkus dance, Wallata dance, Ukuku dance, the Jilgueros, Cholo Qorilazo, and many more.

Citizens of Cusco paying tribute with parades and processions

• Civic Parades

  • During this celebration, the most important public and private institutions of Cusco also participate, holding civic parades from early morning until dusk.
  • The civic parade takes place the day before the main event, where the national flag and the flag of Cusco are raised in the Plaza de Armas.
  • During the parades, attendees can enjoy bands playing various tunes, including traditional Cusco songs.

• Allegorical Parade

  • The allegorical parade is one of the most anticipated events to witness in the city, where artists from the Cusco School of Art showcase monumental works.
  • The procession takes place in the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding streets and squares. Throughout the month, these works will be displayed across the city for public appreciation.

• Corpus Christi

  • Corpus Christi is a religious celebration that generally coincides with June. The celebration includes a Catholic procession where the main saints and virgins of the city are carried in procession to the Cusco Cathedral.
  • Although the celebration is Catholic, its origins date back to the Inca era when the mummies of Inca rulers were carried through the city. This tradition was replaced by saints and virgins after the Spanish conquest.
  • Currently, the event is filled with colors and faith. Additionally, this day also celebrates the gastronomic festival in honor of Chiriuchu, one of the most representative dishes of the city.

The saints leaving for the Plaza de Armas in Corpus Christi

• The Inti Raymi Ritual Ceremony

  • Inti Raymi is the most important Inca festival, dedicated to venerating the Sun, the most important deity for their culture.
  • It is commemorated every June 24, primarily coinciding with the winter solstice and the harvest season in the Andean region.
  • This event takes place mainly in three venues: the Qoricancha Temple (free and with tickets), the Plaza de Armas (free), and the Sacsayhuaman archaeological fortress (with tickets).
  • The main venue is Sacsayhuaman, where the Inca performs key rituals alongside representatives of the four suyos (regions of the ancient Tahuantinsuyo empire) to honor the Sun.
  • Access to the Inti Raymi shows in the Plaza de Armas and Qoricancha is free, while entry to the main show at Sacsayhuaman requires purchasing a ticket or a tour.

Reenactment of the Inti Raymi in the Cusco festivities

• Night of Lights and Sound

  • Days before June 24, a lights and sound festival is held at the Plaza de Armas, featuring a fireworks display and a music show with various bands and artists that bring the entire city together.
  • The night of lights and sound is a free show for everyone, but due to the crowds, it is recommended to arrive early to get a good spot.

• Kacharpari of the Cusco Festivities

  • In July, after the celebration of Cusco’s jubilee month, the festivities are concluded with a dance and music show known as the ‘Kacharpari’ (farewell party).
  • The traditional Kacharpari is celebrated with dance performances, musical bands, food fairs, and more.

Tickets for Inti Raymi
To witness the Inti Raymi festival at the main venue, the Sacsayhuaman archaeological fortress, it is recommended to purchase tickets 1 or 2 months in advance. At the first venue, the Qoricancha, you can attend for free if you arrive early and manage to find a spot nearby, although there are also seats available for pre-purchase. At the second venue, the Plaza de Armas, entry is completely free, but it is also recommended to arrive early to secure a good location.

What is Machu Picchu like in June?

• June coincides with the high tourist season at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• During this season, the Inca citadel sees a higher number of visitors, so reservations should also be made further in advance (2 to 3 months ahead).
• This time of year offers more favorable weather, with skies allowing you to fully appreciate the landscapes.
• Another benefit of visiting Machu Picchu in this period is that all available routes of the Inca citadel (10 in total) are open, in addition to increased visitor capacity.

Best Destinations to Visit in Cusco during June

June is an ideal month to visit all the historic and archaeological destinations in Cusco, especially the natural ones, as the weather allows you to enjoy every adventure with more peace and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What are the Jubilee Festivities of Cusco like?

  The Jubilee Festivities are a series of celebrations held throughout the month of June for Cusco’s anniversary, with the central day being June 24. The city offers an intense cultural agenda combining Andean traditions, Inca heritage, and religious celebrations.

• 2) When are the Jubilee Festivities of Cusco held?

  They take place throughout June, with the main activities concentrated in the weeks leading up to the 24th. We recommend arriving at least three or four days before the central date to enjoy the parades, ceremonies, and cultural events more peacefully.

• 3) What is the Allegorical Parade?

  It is one of the most anticipated events, where students and local artists showcase sculptures and monumental representations that parade through the Plaza de Armas and nearby streets.

• 4) What is the Inti Raymi?

  Inti Raymi is the recreation of the principal Inca festival. It is celebrated every June 24 and takes place in three venues: Qoricancha, Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuamán. The main act is held at Sacsayhuamán, where entry requires purchasing a ticket in advance.

• 5) Do I need to buy tickets for Inti Raymi?

  Yes, if you wish to attend the main show at Sacsayhuamán, it is necessary to purchase tickets one or two months in advance. The Qoricancha and Plaza de Armas venues are free, but you should arrive early to secure a good spot.

• 6) What is the Night of Lights and Sound?

  It is a pre-June 24 show featuring fireworks and musical performances at Plaza de Armas. The best part is that it is free to attend. We recommend arriving early, as it attracts large crowds.

• 7) What is it like visiting Machu Picchu in June?

  Machu Picchu is in high season during June, with many routes open and increased visitor capacity. The weather is also more favorable, with clear skies, perfect for photography and hiking tours.

• 8) What destinations are ideal to visit in Cusco during June?

  In addition to the historic center and Machu Picchu, we recommend visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Rainbow Mountain, the 7 Lagoons Circuit, and Humantay Lagoon. The stable weather makes walking easier, allowing you to enjoy the landscapes to the fullest.

• 9) Is June the best month to travel to Cusco?

  Yes, June, along with July, is one of the best months to visit the city. It combines favorable weather, cultural events, and more available routes at Machu Picchu. However, as it is high season, we recommend planning your reservations in advance.

• 10) Is it a family-friendly trip?

  Yes, the Jubilee Festivities are suitable for all ages. There are outdoor cultural activities and traditional events that can be enjoyed by groups. We suggest being mindful of busy times and areas with large crowds to enjoy the experiences more calmly.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Giovanny S

“Cusco is a Party“

“Visit Cusco in June and enjoy all the rich culture it offers. There was music and traditional dances in the streets. But the day I went to see the Inti Raymi, I was amazed by the show, which gives you an idea of what the Incas were like and their great culture. All of Cusco is a party, and there wasn't a day that passed without seeing something spectacular. I totally recommend it.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 2, 2026