Inti Raymi is celebrated on June 24th in the city of Cusco.

About 700 people are carefully selected to perform at Inti Raymi. These include actors, dancers, and musicians. These participants will star in a series of performances that include dances, actuation, and homages to the Sun God - Inti. The reenactment is first performed outside the Qorikancha complex. This is the original temple of The Sun. The procession then continues to the Plaza de Armas. The procession finalizes with an incredible actuation above Cusco at The Sacsayhuamán fortress. These were the most important ceremonial sites in Inca times. Today, they are among the few remaining examples of the Inca’s mastery of monumental stone architecture. The Inti Raymi Festival is not exclusive to Cusco. Most Andean communities continue to give their offerings every 24th of June. Especially in Andean countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, northern Argentina, and Colombia.

The triumphant return of the Sun on the shortest day and on the longest night renews nature. It is thus a reason for joy and celebration. So the Inca and his entourage pay their respects and admiration to the Sun.  The Inca says a prayer in the Quechua language. He then simulates a sacrifice. A  shaman will then predict the prosperity and well-being of the coming year. The ceremony is to offer thanks and ask the Sun for a fruitful upcoming year.

Usually, it’s really sunny for Inti Raymi as it is the dry season in Cusco. It may not be really hot, but due to the high elevation. However, the sun will burn you. Use Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat, and drink plenty of water. Dress in layers. Usually, you do not need to take big coats with you during the festival. Early morning and sunset can get quite chilly. As hours pass by (this is a full-day event), the sun gets hotter. As soon as the sun goes down, the cooler temperatures arrive once more. The event is usually finished by 5 pm so you should be able to make it back to your hotel before dark. Temperatures will be around the 20°C / 68°F during the day. Night-time temperatures drop below freezing. So as soon as the sun goes down, you will feel the difference. June is in the dry season. So it is unlikely it will rain. However, this is The Andes and anything can happen!

Try to come a few days in advance to Cusco.  This is to acclimatize to the high elevation and avoid altitude sickness. To make sure you can enjoy the day to the fullest. The festival happens at an elevation of 3400 meters / 11,115ft. This can affect some people (not all). Consider drinking coca tea, drinking plenty of water, eating light meals, and walking slowly. Get as much rest as you can during the first few days at high altitude.  If in doubt, contact your doctor before your trip as there is a medicine specifically for altitude sickness.
 

Book EVERYTHING in Advance!

Make sure you have your Inti Raymi tickets and hotel reservations well in advance. Many travelers from all over the world attend this amazing spectacle and availability is usually a problem if you do not plan the trip in advance. We recommend booking both at least 6 months in advance.

The main event in Sacsayhuaman is ticketed. The least expensive ticket costs $199 USD, and the most expensive is $249. Children pay $109 and $169. Inti Raymi has faced a lot of criticism for its high costs, overcrowding, and waste problems. One of the closest approximations states that 80,000 people watch the Inti Raymi procession through the city, Over 3,000 people attend the event at Sacsayhuaman. making it one of the most-visited Cusco excursions.

On our Inti Raymi tour, we include a local guide to go with you. This is to explain each part of Peru's Festival of the Sun and what it represents. Most importantly, be respectful of the ceremony itself, there are many centuries of tradition that are steeped behind these rituals. You can go to Inti Raymi on your own. However, there will be many parts of the ceremony you will not understand. The ceremony is in the native language - Quechua. You will get so much more out of the ceremony with a guide.
 

No, Inti Raymi is celebrated in the city of Cusco. This is in three different parts of the city. The Qorikancha, Cusco Main Square, and Sacsayhuaman. However, it is an excellent opportunity to visit Machu Picchu,. Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu.  The weather during this time is favorable being dry season. So why not combine the two?

The sacrifice of llamas during Inti Raymi was a highly respect ritual. The chosen llamas were adorned with colorful textiles and ornaments, and their ears were decorated with gold or silver plates. They were then taken to the Sun Temple, where they were presented to the Inca emperor. The emperor would then perform a ritual ceremony in which he would sprinkle the llama's blood on the ground. This was an offrenda to the gods. The llama's body was then prepared for a feast, where the meat was shared among the people.

Today, llama sacrifice is no longer a part of Inti Raymi. It is considered to be a cruel and unnecessary practice. Instead, the festival is celebrated with traditional dances and music, as well as a reenactment of the Inca ceremony. 

To attend Inti Raymi, we recommend securing your tickets early due to high demand. We recommend doing this through a recommended tour operator like Valencia Travel.
The organizer of the event (EMUFEC) puts tickets on sale in April, each year.
Since 2024, they have started selling tickets online. Previously they  only sold them at their office.
No personal data is required to buy a ticket. Bear in mind that Inti Raymi tickets are non-refundable.
In 2024, a total of 3,750 tickets were made available for the main event at Sacsayhuaman.
350 tickets were sold for the starting ceremony at The Koricancha.