The Inti Raymi is a cultural festival celebrated every June 24 in the city of Cusco, Peru. This event dates back to the Inca period, when tribute was paid to the sun, the main deity of this culture. From the mid-20th century onward, the citizens of Cusco revived this ceremony, which had been suppressed in the 16th century when the Viceroyalty of Peru was established. Today, the Inti Raymi brings together the entire population of Cusco and thousands of travelers. How is it celebrated? How much does it cost? Discover everything important in this complete guide to traveling to the Inti Raymi.

• Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun
  • Definition of Inti Raymi
  • Location
  • When is it celebrated?
  • Map
  • History of Inti Raymi
  • Weather in Cusco during Inti Raymi
  • The three historical stages
  • The three seating sections of Inti Raymi
• How to visit Cusco during Inti Raymi?
  • Updated Inti Raymi prices
  • Inti Raymi tours
  • What to bring?
  • Food, guide, transportation and more
• Other activities during your trip to Cusco
• Questions and answers about Inti Raymi

One of the characters from the Inti Raymi show

The most important festivals in Cusco – Inti Raymi is the most important cultural expression of Cusco and Andean culture, although throughout the Cusco calendar there are many other celebrations of historical value. Among them are: the procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes (Holy Monday), the Corpus Christi Festival (the Thursday following the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity), the festival in honor of the Lord of Qoyllur Riti (between late May and early June), and the festival of the Virgin of Carmen of Paucartambo (between July 15 and 18), among others. All these festivities have their origins in the Inca or colonial period and are a reflection of Cusco’s rich cultural diversity.

Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun

Definition of Inti Raymi

• “Inti Raymi” are Quechua words, the language of the Incas and of many inhabitants of the Andean region today, meaning ‘Festival of the Sun’. ‘Inti’ means ‘Sun’ and ‘Raymi’ means ‘Festival’.

• Inti Raymi was the most important religious festival in the Inca calendar, along with Qhapac Raymi, which was celebrated in December (summer solstice). The festival of the sun was held in June, during the winter solstice (approximately between June 23 and 26). Inca astronomers knew that during this time the sun was closest to the earth, and therefore they took the opportunity to pay tribute to it, marking a new solar year.

• However, in the 16th century, with the arrival of the Spanish, this religious festival was suppressed and replaced by Catholic celebrations. In the mid-20th century, the people of Cusco reinterpreted this festival, reenacting it as it was originally performed.

• Today, the meaning of Inti Raymi is to revalue the Inca and Andean historical legacy by the people of Cusco. It is believed that on this day the city receives more than ten thousand visitors.

Location

• Inti Raymi is celebrated in the city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyo), just as it was in its origins.

• There are three main stages where Inti Raymi takes place, maintaining similarities with the festival during the Inca period (according to various 16th-century chronicles). The venues are Qoricancha, the Main Square, and the fortress of Sacsayhuamán.

• Likewise, throughout the city, especially in the streets of the historic center, the festive atmosphere can be felt everywhere. There are cultural festivals, gastronomic events, fairs, and a great deal of joy and color in every corner of Cusco.

When is it celebrated?

• Inti Raymi is celebrated every year on June 24. This date corresponds to the Inca Inti Raymi festival, which took place between June 23 and 26 during the winter solstice (when the sun is closest to the earth) in the southern hemisphere.

• This date coincides with the anniversary of the city of Cusco, making it even more significant.

Map

Map of the Inti Raymi route in Cusco

History of Inti Raymi

• The origins of Inti Raymi date back to the mythical period when Manco Cápac settled in the Cusco Valley (around the 12th century). Although this story leans more toward legend, it is believed that from early times the Incas honored the sun through offerings and sacrifices of llamas.

• Chronicles indicate that it was a great ritual led by the Inca himself and the high priest, who performed offerings to the earth, sacrifices of hundreds of llamas, chicha, coca leaves, and precious stones. The Inca Inti Raymi was much larger and more solemn than the modern celebration.

• The Inca Inti Raymi lasted several days, between June 20 and 26. However, its preparations were much longer. People had to observe days of fasting and days without fire in their homes beforehand.

• Throughout Inti Raymi, the population was fed amid large festivities. The Inca celebrated the successes of the army in its new conquests. Chiefs and representatives from all conquered regions were invited to witness the great power of the Inca Empire. In this way, they demonstrated their superiority over conquered peoples.

• For the Incas, Inti Raymi represented the rebirth of the sun, a new annual period in their calendar. It also marked the harvest season, when prosperity and success were anticipated in the new solar cycle. As was customary in Inca religious festivities, the mummies of previous rulers were even paraded through the city to their palaces.

• Inti Raymi continued to be celebrated year after year until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The arrival of Europeans marked a period of more than five centuries of eradication of this great celebration. People who showed even the slightest sign of Inca religiosity were severely punished, being considered ‘pagans’.

• It was in the 20th century, in June 1944, after more than five centuries, that the citizens of Cusco (led by actor Faustino Espinoza Navarro, who played the role of the Inca) organized a reenactment representing the Inca Inti Raymi festival. They based it on chronicles from the period. The goal was to revalue the Inca past and continue this ancestral tradition of Cusco.

• Gradually, the Cusco Inti Raymi gained popularity worldwide. It is estimated that on June 24, the city receives around 10,000 visitors. It is one of the most important cultural expressions of Peru and the Andean world.

Weather in Cusco during Inti Raymi

The three historical stages

Inti Raymi takes place on June 24 across three historical stages, both for Inca culture in the past and for the citizens of Cusco today:

• Inti Raymi at Coricancha – The Inti Raymi show at the Coricancha temple is the first, marking the beginning of the festival of the sun.

  -The show begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The stage is located on the esplanade of Coricancha.

  -The audience gathers along El Sol Avenue and nearby streets with views of the stage. In other words, the event is free for the general public. Only a few visitors who purchase tickets online can access the approximately 200 available seats.

  -The performance features around three hundred actors and actresses portraying the Inca, his wife, the auqui, the Virgins of the Sun, and more. It includes live music and soprano vocals. The drama recounts the sun’s permission to begin Inti Raymi at its main temple.

• Inti Raymi at the Main Square – The second Inti Raymi show takes place in Cusco’s Main Square.

  -This performance is free and gathers thousands of people around the ancient “Haucaypata.” The entire square serves as the stage, and the central fountain acts as the main platform. From there, the Inca leads the coca leaf ceremony and the “meeting of times,” in which the city’s mayor also participates.

  -The show includes approximately three hundred actors and actresses. The Inca and the Coya are carried on litters amid the crowd’s enthusiasm. It begins at 11:00 a.m. and lasts about 45 minutes.

• Inti Raymi at Sacsayhuamán – This is the main and most important performance of the celebration.

  -The show begins at 2:00 p.m. and lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It takes place on the main esplanade, with the imposing Inca walls as a backdrop.

  -Only those who purchased tickets in advance can enter. The capacity is around 3,500 people. There are also nearby elevated areas from which the event can be viewed for free, although with a panoramic view.

  -This performance brings together more than 800 actors and actresses. It is conducted in the Quechua language, with a narrator in Spanish. It includes dances from the four suyos and rituals such as the fire ceremony, the symbolic sacrifice of the llama, the Sankhu ritual, and the chicha ceremony. At the end, attendees can approach to take photos and interact with the actors.

Performing the Inti Raymi Show at Sacsayhuamán

The three seating sections of Inti Raymi

The Inti Raymi show at Sacsayhuamán is the main one, offering three different seating sections for visitors:

• Red stand at Sacsayhuamán – It is one of the most requested, as it offers a space on the western side with protection from the sun throughout the show.

  It has seating for around 800 people and allows a close view from a lateral perspective of the stage. Tickets must be purchased online 2 to 3 months in advance. It is a recommended option for the whole family, including children and older adults.

• Orange stand at Sacsayhuamán – It is one of the most popular among visitors, as it offers a central view of the entire show.

  It is the section with the largest number of seats (around 2,500). This seating area does not have protection from the sun and is usually the most expensive option. Tickets should be purchased online one to two months in advance. It is recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.

• Green stand at Sacsayhuamán – It is the most affordable option and offers discounts for Peruvian citizens.

  It has a capacity for approximately 700 people. It is located on the eastern side of the stage, offering close views, especially during the entrance of the actors, including the Inca and the Coya. It does not have protection from the sun, so it is recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Tickets must be purchased online one to two months in advance.

Sacsayhuamán seating distribution

Special seating ticket at Coricancha – In addition to the seating tickets for the show at Sacsayhuamán (red, green, and orange sections), Inti Raymi offers a group of seats for the first show at the Coricancha esplanade (starting at 9:00 a.m. and lasting 45 minutes). This ticket has an approximate cost of 70 dollars. The seating area accommodates around 250 visitors. All seats offer a central view so you won’t miss the opening show. It is recommended to purchase tickets two to three months in advance due to limited availability.

How to visit Cusco during Inti Raymi?

• Cusco is located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The best way to visit is by taking an international flight to Lima and, from there, another flight to the city of Cusco (approximately 1 hour).

• To better enjoy the Inti Raymi show, it is recommended to travel a few days before June 24, the date when the festival takes place.

• In the days before or after, visitors can explore Cusco’s tourist attractions, including the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and, of course, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Tourists enjoying Inti Raymi

Updated Inti Raymi prices

These are the prices for the Inti Raymi show at Sacsayhuamán and, optionally, for the first show at Coricancha:

Inti Raymi tours

• The best way to experience Inti Raymi is by booking a tour with a travel agency, which can offer the following services: professional guide, tourist transportation to the show at Sacsayhuamán (round trip), box lunch, and a ticket to one of the available seating sections: red, green, or orange.

• With Ticketmachupicchu you can book your ideal Inti Raymi experience. The tour has an average cost of 254 dollars, depending on the type of ticket you choose. This way, you can enjoy a safer and more comfortable experience, focusing only on enjoying this ancient festival.

What to bring?

If you plan to take the tour or visit Inti Raymi in Cusco, it is recommended to bring the following:

• Hat or cap.
• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Mobile phone with tickets or printed ticket (for the show at Sacsayhuamán).
• Hydration drinks.
• Snacks.
• ID or passport.

Food, guide, transportation and more

• The Inti Raymi tour already includes food (usually a box lunch), a bilingual tour guide in Spanish or English, transportation from Cusco to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, and entrance tickets. However, visitors can also arrange these services on their own, taking the necessary precautions.

• In the city of Cusco there are many high-quality restaurants offering the best of Peruvian cuisine. Since the show at Sacsayhuamán begins at 2:00 p.m., it is recommended to have lunch around noon.

• The tour guide service can only be booked online through an authorized travel agency. On the day of the show (June 24), it will not be possible to find an available tour guide, either in Cusco or at the entrance of Sacsayhuamán.

• Transportation services can also be arranged through a travel agency or independently on the day of the event. The safest option is to take a taxi that will take you to the entrance via the Circunvalación road. The other option is to walk from the Main Square along an uphill route that may leave you somewhat tired. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 1 hour.

Private transportation to the Inti Raymi venues

Other activities during your trip to Cusco

Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu

• June is one of the best times to visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and combine it with the Inti Raymi experience.

• As it is a month with high tourist demand, it is recommended to purchase Machu Picchu tickets three months in advance, especially if you are looking for one of the most requested tickets.

• During this time, you will be able to admire the Inca citadel in all its splendor, with clear skies. In addition, all ten routes to Machu Picchu are open and there is a higher daily visitor capacity.

Exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu

Inti Raymi and Rainbow Mountain

• Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, is the second most visited tourist attraction in Cusco. In June, the month of Inti Raymi, the mountain shows its full splendor.

• The main advantage of visiting this natural attraction in June is that its colors appear more vivid. However, due to its altitude (5,036 meters above sea level), you should always dress warmly.

• The best way to visit Rainbow Mountain is by booking an all-inclusive tour, which includes: hotel pickup, full transportation, breakfast, lunch, professional guide, and entrance to the mountain.

Visiting the Mountain of Seven Colors – Cusco

Inti Raymi and the Sacred Valley of the Incas

• The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the best tourist destinations in Cusco. In June, hundreds of visitors explore its archaeological sites, such as Pisac, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray.

• In June, the valley is busy, but its landscapes are less green than usual, as it is the dry season with little rainfall throughout Cusco. Even so, it is highly worthwhile to visit places such as: Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and Urubamba.

• Visitors can choose an all-inclusive tour organized by a travel agency or travel independently. For the latter option, they can depart from the public bus stops on Pavitos Street (toward Pisac) or Pavitos (toward Chinchero).

• Sacred Valley tours generally include destinations such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Chinchero. They also include a professional guide, full tourist transportation, lunch in Urubamba, and entrance tickets to each archaeological site.

Entrance to the archaeological site of Pisac

Inti Raymi and the city of Cusco

• The city of Cusco offers many options in June, the month of its main festivities (known as the jubilee month in Cusco). Throughout June, the city hosts dance performances, music, cultural shows, and gastronomic fairs across its historic streets.

• However, visitors should not miss its main tourist attractions, which include: the Cathedral, Coricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay. On the day of Inti Raymi, the main show takes place at Sacsayhuamán, but visitors will not be able to explore its structures.

• The best way to visit the main attractions of the city is by booking a City Tour, which includes entrance tickets, full transportation, and a professional guide service. It is a 5-hour experience that allows you to do more activities in Cusco.

• If you plan to explore on your own, you must first purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (70 soles for foreigners and 40 soles for Peruvians), which includes entry to the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

Imperial city of Cusco

Inti Raymi and hiking routes in Cusco

Wiñaywayna archaeological site – Inca Trail

Inti Raymi and other tourist attractions in Peru

• June, the month of Inti Raymi, is ideal for visiting other tourist attractions in Cusco and Peru. To properly organize your trip, it is recommended to reserve June 24 for Inti Raymi and use the remaining days to explore the best of the South American country: Colca Canyon, Huacachina, Paracas, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, and more.

• Among the best tourist options outside Cusco are: Colca Valley, Huacachina, the archaeological site of Chan Chan, Huascarán National Park, the Nazca Lines, the Pómac Forest, the archaeological site of Caral, and more.

Photos: This is Inti Raymi

Images

Questions and answers about Inti Raymi

• Is it dangerous to visit Cusco during Inti Raymi?

  On June 24, the city of Cusco is crowded with visitors. Although the city is very safe, it is recommended to be cautious of pickpocketing of phones or wallets, especially during the shows at Coricancha and the Main Square. It is advisable to carry your backpack in front and remain attentive at all times.

• How to buy a ticket for Inti Raymi?

  You can purchase a ticket and tour for Inti Raymi through the Ticketmachupicchu website or by contacting our sales advisors for a more informed purchase. Reservations should be made two to three months in advance, as availability is limited.

• How to watch Inti Raymi for free?

  You can watch Inti Raymi for free at the shows held at Coricancha (9 a.m.) and the Main Square (11 a.m.), where entry is open to everyone. In both cases, it is recommended to arrive several hours in advance to secure a good spot. Optionally, the Coricancha show offers seating, while the Main Square show does not provide any seating.

• How long does Inti Raymi last?

  The Inti Raymi at Coricancha starts at 9 a.m. and lasts 45 minutes. The Inti Raymi at the Main Square starts at 11 a.m. and also lasts 45 minutes. The Inti Raymi show at Sacsayhuamán, the third and most important, starts at 2 p.m. and lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• Which is the best seat at Inti Raymi?

  The Inti Raymi show at Sacsayhuamán, the main performance, offers three seating sections: orange, red, and green. The orange section is considered the best as it provides a more central and complete view of the show.

• When was the first Inti Raymi celebrated in Cusco?

  The first Inca Inti Raymi was celebrated in 1430 by order of Emperor Pachacutec. Later, in the 16th century, the Spanish prohibited this celebration as they considered it pagan, until on June 24, 1944, the citizens of Cusco organized the first modern Inti Raymi at Sacsayhuamán. Since then, the festival has been celebrated continuously, except during pandemic years.

• How to hire a guide for Inti Raymi?

  The Inti Raymi ticket does not include a tour guide, which is recommended since the show is performed in Quechua, the language of the Incas. The guide is responsible for translating and providing a better understanding of this important staging. You can hire a guide through a tour with an authorized travel agency in Cusco.

• Is Inti Raymi suitable for people of all ages?

  Yes, Inti Raymi is suitable for visitors of all ages, including children and older adults.

• What is the weather like during Inti Raymi at Sacsayhuamán?

  The weather in Cusco on June 24 is mild, with very sunny days and low chances of rain. Temperatures can reach up to 23 degrees Celsius, especially during the main show at Sacsayhuamán (starting at 2 p.m.). It is recommended to bring a hat, sunscreen, hydration drinks, and anything else you may need.

• Who is in charge of organizing Inti Raymi?

  Emufec, the municipal company for celebrations and tourism promotion of Cusco, is the entity responsible for organizing Inti Raymi every year. Through other institutions, it manages ticket sales for the shows at Coricancha and Sacsayhuamán. It is also responsible for recruiting actors, actresses, advertising, and the overall organization of the festival of the sun.

Advice from people who have been there

Inti Raymi

By: Claudia Z.

“A lot of culture and color“

“A show unlike any other, full of music, color, history, and culture. The Incas were a great empire, the largest in our beautiful continent.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 10, 2026