Festival Inti Raymi

Every year on the 24th of June, Cusco becomes the stage for the grandest festival of the year – Inti Raymi. Tracing its roots to the reign of the Supreme Inca Pachacutec, this extraordinary celebration pays homage to the Sun God on the winter solstice.

In the bygone era of the Incas, Pachacutec commanded honoring the Sun God, Inti, a practice that has evolved into the elaborate festival we witness today. It serves as a profound expression of gratitude for a bountiful harvest or, in the face of adversity, a plea for divine favor in the form of sacrificial offerings to appease Inti.

The celebration in Cusco drew a gathering of 25,000 people from every corner of the Inca Empire. Incan nobility and high priestesses congregated on the grand square, eagerly anticipating the unveiling of festively adorned mummies of departed Incas. These revered figures were solemnly brought forth and placed in honorary positions for all to witness.

Religious ceremonies dedicated to the Sun God unfolded throughout the day, from the break of dawn until the sun dipped below the horizon. The air was thick with the scent of burning offerings as 200,000 llamas were sacrificed in homage. The streets reverberated with the cadence of music and the rhythm of traditional dances, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound and movement.

Amidst the festivities, the leaves of the sacred coca plant served as instruments of divination, where fortunes were glimpsed. Yet, in a dramatic conclusion, these leaves were ceremoniously set ablaze in colossal quantities, symbolizing a spiritual communion with the divine and marking the culmination of a day steeped in reverence, spectacle, and the enduring legacy of the Incan Empire.

Today, Inti Raymi continues to dazzle with a spectacle no less awe-inspiring than in ancient times. Hundreds of dancers and musicians, adorned in traditional costumes, partake in processions and ceremonies that echo the grandeur of the past. Peruvians strive to recreate the magnificence of ancient traditions with utmost precision, even though the mummies of the Incas are no longer displayed on the square, and only one llama becomes the sacrificial offering on the altar of the Sun God.

The festivities commence at dawn near the Coricancha – the Temple of the Sun and the principal Incan sanctuary. Representatives from the four regions of Tawantinsuyu, the Incan Empire, gather here as the Supreme Inca offers a welcoming prayer to Inti – the Sun God. A solemn procession then winds its way to the Plaza de Armas.

In the time of the Incas, this site was known as the Aukaypata, the plaza of warriors. Here, a ritual unfolds – the reading of coca leaves. Priests interpret the destiny of the empire for the upcoming year through these leaves, creating an atmosphere charged with spiritual significance and foresight.

The air resonates with the echoes of ancient prayers and the trappings of traditional attire as the procession moves forward, creating a bridge between the historical roots of the Incan civilization and the vibrant celebrations that mark the continuation of Inti Raymi in the present day.

From the Plaza de Armas, the procession, led by the Grand Inca seated on a golden throne, makes its way towards the majestic ruins of Sacsayhuaman for the grand finale of the ceremony. Here, atop the ancient stones, the Sapa Inca delivers an address in the poetic language of Quechua. The sacred fire is kindled, and a ceremony featuring the traditional Andean maize beer, chicha, ensues.

The atmosphere is charged with spiritual reverence as the final act unfolds – a ritual sacrifice offered in homage to the Sun God. The culmination of Inti Raymi at Sacsayhuaman is a profound moment of connection with the ancient Incan cosmos, where the earthly and divine converge in a breathtaking display of cultural continuity and homage to the celestial deity that has watched over this land for centuries.

Inti Raymi stands as one of Peru's most spectacular events, offering a captivating immersion into the ambiance of the mighty Incan Empire. Every year, thousands of tourists converge upon Cusco, eager to witness this grand spectacle firsthand.

For those fortunate enough to be present, Inti Raymi is an opportunity to witness the intersection of history and modernity, where the traditions of an ancient empire continue to captivate and inspire. It's a celebration that transcends time, inviting all who witness it to become a part of the rich tapestry of Incan culture and legacy.

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Inti Raymi festival with our exclusive guided tour. We guarantee comfortable seating with prime views of every stage of this extraordinary event. Secure your tickets for Inti Raymi now, as the number of spectator seats is limited, and booking in advance is essential.

Our meticulously curated tour ensures you won't miss any aspect of the festival offering a detailed program and transparent pricing. Revel in the magic of Inti Raymi as you witness the ancient rituals and vibrant cultural performances, all from the convenience of carefully selected vantage points.

After immersing yourself in the splendor of the Inti Raymi festival, why not extend your journey by exploring the enchanting wonders of Peru, including the iconic Machu Picchu and other remarkable attractions? Reach out to us and we'll tailor a suitable itinerary for you!