Travel Machu Picchu during the Cusco festivities
In June, the city of Cusco celebrates its jubilee festivals, a season in which numerous cultural events fill the city with a festive atmosphere. Among the most important celebrations is the Inti Raymi, an unmissable historical reenactment. For this reason, June is considered one of the ideal months to travel to Cusco and visit Machu Picchu. Additionally, it coincides with the dry season, which favors outdoor activities. In this blog, we will explain how to plan a trip to Machu Picchu, whether these dates correspond to the high season or not, and what types of tickets you can choose to enter the citadel.
- Machu Picchu and the festivals of Cusco
- The ideal tickets to enter Machu Picchu during the Cusco festivals
- What is June 24th like in Cusco?
- Machu Picchu during the Cusco festivals
- What can you do during the month of June in Cusco?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Coya walking through the streets of Cusco to Plaza de Armas
Machu Picchu and the festivals of Cusco
- Visiting Machu Picchu during the festivals of Cusco is the best option. Because not only will you enjoy the best weather season, but you will also be able to experience many cultural events.
- One of the most awaited events during these dates is the Inti Raymi. Every June 24th, the city recreates the most important celebration of Inca culture, the Sun Festival.
- During the Inca period, this celebration commemorated the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere and paid homage to Inti, the Sun god, considered the main deity of the Tahuantinsuyu.
- This ancestral celebration begins at the Qoricancha (the former Temple of the Sun), passes through Plaza de Armas, and ends at the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman. This celebration, full of color and tradition, is one of the best activities you can experience before or after your trip to Machu Picchu in June.
- To not miss out on Inti Raymi and the Festivals of Cusco, you can book your ticket to Machu Picchu for days before or after June 24th. The Inti Raymi festival only takes place once a year. Moreover, this date is non-postponable and has been celebrated this way since 1954.
- During this celebration, just like in the days close to June 24th, you will find dances, parades, allegorical floats, live music, traditional dances, and even gastronomic fairs.
- Keep in mind that many festivities, except for Inti Raymi, are based on the liturgical calendar, so their dates can change from year to year. Here, we share some of the activities held a few days before or after June 24th.
- The Lord of Qoylluriti festival will be held from May 1st to June 2nd. It is mainly known for the pilgrimage of devotees to the Sinankara sanctuary, close to the Ausangate snow-capped peak.
- Almost immediately in Plaza de Armas, you can witness Corpus Christi on June 4th. On this day, religious figures are carried on litters, honored by thousands of faithful believers.
- This day also hosts a gastronomic festival in honor of the chiriuchu, one of the main dishes of the region. It is showcased in many of the city’s main squares (San Francisco square, Túpac Amaru square).
- In the first weeks of June, several cultural activities are organized, related to parades or processions by various institutions from Cusco.
- One of the favorite activities is the parade of allegories organized by the Diego Tito Quispe Fine Arts University.
- At the end of the second week of June, concerts and free events are scheduled, known as the night of lights and sound.
- On June 22nd, there is a massive parade with all the provinces and districts of the Cusco region.
- The main day is June 24th, the anniversary of the city of Cusco, when Inti Raymi is held starting at 9:00 AM at the Qoricancha Temple, continuing at Plaza de Armas, and ending at the Sacsayhuaman esplanade.
- On the remaining days, some ceremonies and cultural activities continue until the end of the month.
Tourist exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu
What is Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi is a Catholic celebration that replaced an Inca celebration, where the mummies of the ancient emperors were paraded on litters. Today, the procession of saints and virgins takes place through Plaza de Armas and the popular neighborhoods, each representing a religious figure. Corpus Christi in Cusco is a clear example of syncretism between Catholic and Andean cultures.
The ideal tickets to enter Machu Picchu during the Cusco festivals
- When planning your trip to Cusco in June, it is very important to book your Machu Picchu tickets in advance.
- Currently, there are 10 tickets/routes available, which have different availability throughout the year, although in June, all of them will be open.
- Each ticket also includes one of the three circuits that divide the Inca citadel.
- Below, find details of each ticket, circuit, experiences, and the advance reservation time required to purchase your tickets.
| Circuit | Entry or route to follow | Experience | Advance reservation time during high season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 – Panoramic Machu Picchu | Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) | Walk the hiking route to Machu Picchu Mountain. It also passes through the upper terrace and main viewpoints. | 3 to 4 weeks in advance. |
| Classic Photo Upper Terrace Route (1B) | Allows you to reach the upper terrace and take the classic postcard photo from the main viewpoints. | 1 month in advance. | |
| Inti Punku Gateway Route (1C) | Follows Inca paths connecting the upper platforms of Machu Picchu with the Inti Punku gateway on top of a peak. It also visits the upper terrace. | 3 to 4 weeks in advance (available only from June 19th to November 2nd). | |
| Inca Bridge Route (1D) | Follows the hiking route to the Inca Bridge. The first step is through the upper terrace to get the classic postcard photo. | 3 to 4 weeks in advance (available only from June 19th to November 2nd). | |
| Circuit 2 – Classic Machu Picchu | Classic Designed Route (2A) | Take the classic route through the Inca citadel. Visit the main temples and structures that make up the site. | 3 months in advance. |
| Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B) | Take the classic route through the Inca citadel, visiting the main temples and structures. Additionally, ascend to the lower terrace for panoramic views. | 3 months in advance. | |
| Circuit 3 – Machu Picchu Royalty | Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) | Take the famous hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain. It also visits the temples in the lower part of the citadel. | 2 months in advance. |
| Royalty Designed Lower Temples Route (3B) | The route goes through the lower sector of Machu Picchu, passing through vast plazas and connecting with the lower temples and structures. | 2 months in advance. | |
| Moon Temple or Great Cave Route (3C) | This hiking route takes you to the more mysterious temples of Machu Picchu. It also visits the temples in the lower part of the citadel. | 3 to 4 weeks in advance (available only from June 19th to November 2nd). | |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D) | Follows the hiking route to the small summit of Huayna Picchu. Additionally, it passes through the temples in the lower part of the citadel. | 3 to 4 weeks in advance (available only from June 19th to November 2nd). |
What is June 24th like in Cusco?
- On June 24th, the Inti Raymi festival takes center stage, with the opening ceremony at the Qoricancha temple in the historic center of Cusco.
- This event is free, but you should arrive early to secure a spot. Additionally, you can reserve a seat in one of the available chairs.
- The festival then moves to its second stage, Plaza de Armas, which is just a few minutes away. This stage is also free to access.
- During the celebration, more than 500 Cusco actors and actresses perform as the Inca elite and the people from the four regions of the Tahuantinsuyu.
- The festival mainly showcases Andean rituals, as well as dances, music, and performances that fill the atmosphere of the city with color and joy.
- The third and main stage is Sacsayhuamán, an event where you must purchase an entry ticket to view the performance.
- The festival starts at 9:00 AM and ends around 5:00 PM at Sacsayhuamán. At night, you will find many activities to continue celebrating the city’s anniversary.
Walking towards Plaza de Armas in Cusco
Machu Picchu during the Cusco festivals
- June is part of the high tourist season in Cusco, mainly due to the ideal weather conditions for outdoor activities, and greater availability of routes and tickets to visit Machu Picchu.
- Many visitors choose to travel to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village) after the Inti Raymi event, so they can arrive at night and rest, allowing them to visit the world wonder the next day with more peace of mind.
- Similarly, June is one of the best months to visit Machu Picchu, so any date, before or after the Inti Raymi, is equally attractive.
- One of the main recommendations during these dates is to make prior reservations, mainly because the entry capacity to Machu Picchu is limited.
- From June 19th to November 2nd, all ten routes or tickets to Machu Picchu are available, providing a greater diversity of experiences in the Inca citadel. During the high season, 5,600 tickets are available daily.
Inti Raymi – The Sun Festival
What can you do during the month of June in Cusco?
Here are some tips to help you not miss any activities and fully enjoy the experience of visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu during the month of June.
- To experience the Inti Raymi, you must book the entrance to the main show at Sacsayhuamán two months in advance.
- If you also want to visit Machu Picchu, it is essential to book the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu one to three months in advance, depending on the ticket of your choice.
- Next, you should book the train ticket, which will take you to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village).
- It will also be important to choose a centrally located hotel in Cusco, so you can easily reach all the destinations.
- You can additionally book a tour to the Sacred Valley on the same day you travel to Ollantaytambo (home of the main train station to Machu Picchu). On this experience, you can visit Pisac and stay in Ollantaytambo after visiting its archaeological sites.
- If you have more days in the city, you can take the classic Cusco City Tour, visit museums, churches, and archaeological sites.
- Other popular destinations include: the Humantay Lagoon, the 7-Colored Mountain, the South Valley, and the Home of the Gods.
- Remember that with Ticketmachupicchu, you can book your experience at Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu. Consult with our advisors for all the options available to make your trip to Cusco unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is it worth traveling to Machu Picchu during the Cusco festivals?
Yes, traveling to Machu Picchu during the Cusco festivals is an excellent decision. In June, the city hosts many cultural events. Additionally, it coincides with the dry season, which offers better weather conditions for hiking and visiting the main tourist attractions.
2) Is June high season to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, June is part of the high tourist season in Cusco and Machu Picchu. During this time, visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the good weather and cultural celebrations. For this reason, we recommend booking tickets and tourist services months in advance.
3) How far in advance should I buy my Machu Picchu ticket in June?
For traveling in June, it is ideal to book your Machu Picchu entry ticket one to three months in advance. Some tickets, such as those including the Huayna Picchu Mountain or the classic circuit, tend to sell out faster during the high season.
4) Can I visit Machu Picchu on the same day as Inti Raymi?
Yes, it’s possible, but not very recommended. Inti Raymi is an event that takes up most of the day, until about 5 PM. Therefore, we suggest scheduling your visit to Machu Picchu two days before or after June 24th to enjoy both experiences more calmly.
5) What is Inti Raymi?
Inti Raymi is the recreation of an ancient Inca ceremony dedicated to the Sun god. Every June 24th, it is held in Cusco as part of the city’s anniversary celebrations. This event brings together hundreds of actors and represents one of the most important cultural spectacles in Peru.
6) Where is Inti Raymi held in Cusco?
Inti Raymi takes place in three historic locations in Cusco. The ceremony begins at the Qoricancha temple, continues at Plaza de Armas, and concludes at the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site, where the main performance takes place.
7) Do I need to buy a ticket to watch Inti Raymi?
The first performances at Qoricancha and Plaza de Armas are free to access, but you should arrive early to secure a good spot. To watch the main performance at Sacsayhuamán, you will need to purchase a ticket in advance.
8) What other activities can I do in Cusco during June?
In June, many cultural activities take place in the city. These include Corpus Christi, parades by local institutions, concerts, gastronomic fairs, and traditional processions, which are part of Cusco’s jubilee celebrations.
9) Is the weather in June suitable for visiting Machu Picchu?
Yes, June is part of the dry season in Cusco. During these months, sunny days predominate, and rainfall is rare, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities and visit tourist destinations.
10) How many days do you recommend to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu in June?
The ideal time is to spend at least four or five days to fully enjoy the experience. This allows you to explore the city of Cusco, visit the Sacred Valley, witness some of the month’s celebrations, and visit Machu Picchu with enough time.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Abigail C.“Impressive“
“I visited Machu Picchu in one day. But we booked the train very early because no other tickets were available, and we only had time to see the most important parts. I believe you should spend a whole day at Machu Picchu; it's a place to enjoy, not to rush. I recommend booking your train tickets in advance.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 11, 2026