The Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun, was the most important celebration in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun God "Inti" and held every June 24th in the city of Cusco, Peru. The festivities traditionally included dances, music, feasts, and animal sacrifices as expressions of gratitude to the Sun God "Inti", seeking a bountiful harvest and blessings for the upcoming year. Surprisingly, this festival was once prohibited due to its perceived "pagan" nature. Nowadays, it brings together thousands of people and over 800 participants, including actors, dancers, and musicians dressed in traditional attire. They take part in dances, performances, and praises held outside the Qorikancha temple, the Main Square of the city, and finally in the Archaeological Park of Saqsayhuamán.
The ceremony of INTI RAYMI has three different scenes in three different places:
The Inti Raymi ceremony begins at the Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, in Cusco at approximately 8:00 a.m. There, the Inca, accompanied by royalty and La Qoya, bows to the Sun God, Inti.
He invokes the mighty sun and seeks success in the ceremony. "Oh, sun god, our father, powerful sun of eternal happiness, warm source and principle of life. From this sacred dwelling in Cusco, where you reside with the Moon, the Lightning, and the Thunder, your children from the Empire of the Four Regions humbly greet you on your jubilee day." This marks the beginning of the Inti Raymi, a ceremony that celebrates life and fertility, and is one of the most important in Inca culture.
At the conclusion of the Inti Raymi initiation ceremony at the Qoricancha, the Inca, his royal entourage, and the Imperial Army embark on a solemn procession through ancient Inca streets, including Loreto Street, leading them to the Plaza de Armas or main square of Cusco, specifically to Aucaypata.
In this location, the Ñustas, Aqllas (chosen women), and the entire imperial army are already present, positioning themselves in the Plaza de Armas to await the arrival of the Inca. In this setting, the Inca, as the supreme ruler of the empire, performs the Coca ceremony, invoking the Apus through it to grant them protection and guidance.
After concluding the Coca ceremony at Aucaypata Plaza, the cast proceeds to the impressive esplanade of the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park (3 km from Cusco). There, a crowd of approximately 80,000 people, including 3,500 tourists who have purchased tickets for the stands set up on the esplanade, eagerly await the start of the central ceremony of Inti Raymi.
The central staging of Inti Raymi takes place on the main esplanade of Sacsaywaman. There are grandstands that can accommodate about 3,906 people. All seats are very comfortable for the spectators. The VIP area consists of three grandstands (orange, blue, and green) that offer a better view of the ceremony.
Note: To send you all the information about how to book please email us and we will respond as soon as possible by sending all the necessary information and / or answering your concerns.
Inti Raymi (Green) - 2024 | $ 199.00 USD |
Inti Raymi (Red Zone, Orange Zone) - 2024 | $ 249.00 USD |
EMEFUC offers other necesary services to attend to the INTI RAYMI, VIP confortable seats for the spectator, Higienic Mobil Bathrooms, Fisrt Aid Post and police security which allow you to enjoy this ancestral ceremony.
Inca Trail Machu Picchu 4 days Inca Trail Machu Picchu 2 days Inca Trail Machu Picchu 1 days
Salkantay Machu Picchu 5 days Salkantay Machu Picchu 4 days Salkantay Machu Picchu 3 days Salkantay & Humantay lake 2 days
Choquequirao 4 days Choquequirao 5 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 8 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 9 days
Inca Jungle Machu Picchu 3 days Inca Jungle Machu Picchu 4 days
Lares Machu Picchu 4 days Cachicata Machu Picchu 4 days Sacred Valley Machu Picchu 3 days
Machu Picchu Full Day Humantay Lake Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo Mountain 7 lakes of Ausangate Cusco City Tour Maras, Moray & Salt Mines Pisac & Sacsayhuaman Cusco - South Valley Inti Raymi 2024
Demonstrating our commitment to quality, we hold ISO 9001 certification, ensuring excellence in our services.
With ISO 14001, we prioritize environmental sustainability, reducing our impact on the planet.
We're honored to be recognized with the Traveler's Choice Award in 2024, a testament to our dedication to exceptional travel experiences.
We are an official agency and tour operator, ensuring a unique and high-quality travel experience to the destinations of your choice in Cusco and Peru.