If you’re planning a city tour in Cusco, you’ve probably heard that June is a favorite month to visit this beautiful place. In Cusco, June, known as Jubilee Month, includes various traditional activities. However, the most notable is Inti Raymi, the festival of the Sun, which will surely take you back to the time of the Incas.
Its cultural and historical importance transcends time and is still fresh in people’s minds. During this festival, the protagonist is the combination of colors, music, local people, and dances. That’s why the Machu Travel Peru team wants to share everything about one of the most critical Andean Festivals. Join us to discover everything you need to enjoy this magnificent event.
All about the most highlight festival in Cusco
The Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi comes from Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas, and means Festival of the Sun. According to some accounts, the Incas considered the Sun a supreme god. The Incas represented the Sun as the source of life and supreme worship in many offerings and temples. However, the Inti Raymi festival most represented its meaning in religious tasks.
This festival brought together rituals, dances, offerings, and sacrifices to honor the Sun. During the ritual, Inca priests sacrificed a black llama to extract its heart. Consequently, they analyze it and decide whether or not it will be a prosperous new year. If the future was not thriving, the Incas sentenced four children to death, one from each Suyo, the name of an Inca region.
The Incas celebrated Inti Raymi on June 24th during the southern hemisphere’s winter solstice. The day was the shortest of the year because the Sun was farthest from the Earth. For this reason, they chose this date and began a New Andean Year. Although the winter solstice begins on June 21st, according to Inca belief, the Sun did not move from its place until June 24th.
History
1. Inca period
As mentioned earlier, the Inti Raymi originated in the Inca era as a tribute to the Sun. Pachacútec, the Inca considered the “transformer of the world”, ordered the first celebration of the festival in 1412. According to some beliefs, the Incas implored the Sun to remain in this world, fearing it might depart and abandon them.
Furthermore, the festival lasted nine days, including activities like processions, dances, and a grand feast. However, the Incas made rigorous preparations three days before to ensure the festival’s success. Additionally, thousands of people attended this celebration, which took place in the Plaza Mayor of Cusco.
2. Colonial times
After the Spanish invasion in 1536, Catholic priests immediately rejected the ceremony. They considered it pagan and not admissible because it worshipped a nature deity, different from the deities they knew. Some time after the Catholic imposition, it became more frequent.
Despite this, some Inca descendants still celebrated this festival in secret. However, in 1572, the Spanish Viceroy Francisco de Toledo banned the festival, Inca clothing, and religions other than Catholic. However, chroniclers appeared and collected extensive information about the celebration and recorded it in colonial writings.
3. Republican age
Many years later, after Peru’s independence, the American Institute of Arts in Cusco extensively researched the Inca ceremony. Faustino Espinoza Navarro presided over the investigation into the writings of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, a famous Peruvian colonial chronicler and writer. Based on the “Comentarios Reales” investigation, the authorities again authorized the first Inti Raymi performance in 1944.
Furthermore, Don Faustino Espinoza Navarro, founder of the Quechua Language Academy, participated in the first performance as the inca. The enormously successful event led to its establishment as an annual event on June 24th. Later, in 2001, the Government declared Inti Raymi a Natural Cultural Heritage Site. Since then, it has been a festival that revives Inca traditions and customs.
4. Nowadays
From that date until now, every June 24, more than 500 actors and dancers hold a performance in three critical places in Cusco. The ceremony starts at the Qoricancha, an ancient Sun Temple in Cusco. Later, they proceeded to the Huacaypata, the main square of Cusco. Finally, it concludes at the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, two kilometers from the main square.
Nowadays, if you visit Cusco to see the awesome Inca Sun Festivity, you will appreciate this impeccable representation. Most actors and actresses who participate in the performance are natives of Cusco. Furthermore, the Andean songs in the ancient Inca language of Quechua involve religious ceremony.
In conclusion, you will better understand our beautiful culture, different traditions, and festivals in Cusco. Inti Raymi is an exceptional opportunity worth experiencing once in a lifetime. Doubtlessly, it is one of the best things to do in Cusco, and to immerse yourself in the Andean experience.
Traditional route
1. Qoricancha, the Sun temple
The Qoricancha’s outdoor gardens are the first stage for this festivity. Many musicians, dancers, and priests envelop the exterior of this ancient temple with Andean dances and ceremonies. All of them wear colorful Inca attire or animal costumes. We recommend arriving early because the ceremony begins at 9:00 am and lasts approximately 50 minutes.
2. Plaza de Armas (Main square)
Next, the procession moves from Qoricancha to the Cusco Plaza de Armas. During the transfer, the Acllas, the most beautiful women of Tahuantinsuyo, throw flower petals. This cleanses the route of evil spirits, making it easier for the royal porters to walk. The procession continues on Pampa del Castillo Street and Loreto Street.
Once they arrived at Huacaypata, the name given to the main square in Inca times, a special ceremony began. The Inca ruler and priest appeared before what is now Cusco’s cathedral to perform a coca leaf ritual. This ceremony predicted the future harvest and the prosperity of the empire.
The best way to enjoy the spectacle is by reserving a table on the terrace of a restaurant near the Plaza de Armas. You can enjoy a drink or a meal and watch the spectacle with a breathtaking view. However, if you’re wondering about accessibility, it’s a perfect option if you’re staying near the best hotels in Cusco. The ceremony lasts 50 minutes, starting at 11:00 a.m.; we recommend taking precautions to enjoy it.
3. Sacsayhuaman
The procession continues to Sacsayhuaman, the emblematic place for the Inti Raymi celebration. This sacred place, located 2 kilometers from the center of Cusco, can host many people, including the spectators. The Sapa Inca presides and begins the ceremony, praying to the Sun God on the shortest day of the year.
Next, the sovereign, with his wife, the Colla, and leading priests, sees all the spectacle over an artificial stone atrium. Consequently, they begin reenacting the flame’s sacrifice to predict the empire’s future. Note that these are merely performances; no one performs an actual sacrifice. Additionally, the retinue, priests, soldiers, and other actors perform various dances, rituals, and music.
All these activities make this an experience like no other. We recommend taking precautions because the ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. and lasts approximately 90 minutes. You can enjoy the show from the seats and bleachers surrounding the performance area. These seats vary in price depending on the viewing area, and purchasing them months before the main event.
Tickets
As we mentioned, seats for viewers are well-distributed in Sacsayhuaman. This complex may be one of the most important archaeological sites in Cusco. Visitors must book seats in advance to enjoy the famous Inti Raymi in Cusco. Below are the reference prices for attending this Andean festival in honor of the Sun god Inti.
A. Green zone
The Green area usually sits almost behind the stage, near the Sacsayhuaman bastions, making its seats the cheapest.
- Adult foreign: $120
- Child foreign or national: $60
- National tourist: $60
B. Red zone
Instead, the red zone has seats near the scenery; for this reason, they are usually more expensive than those in the green zone.
- Adult foreign or national: $170
- Child foreign or national: $82
C. Orange zone
Therefore, the orange zone seats are just in front of the scenery, and their price is similar to that of the red zone.
- Adult foreign or national: $180
- Child foreign or national: $87
Tips
- Reserve your tickets six months in advance and take advantage of a Cusco City tour. In this form, you’ll quickly receive your entrance fees, transportation to Sacsayhuaman, and a Quechua/English guide. Remember that the ceremony dialogues are in Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas.
- Always be alert with your personal belongings. As we told you, many people converge at the historic center of Cusco in June for its multiple activities. Therefore, take care of your personal belongings; pickpockets may be on the prowl. We recommend you carry only phones or cameras, not more iPads, drones, etc.
- June is in the middle of the dry season, but it offers hard rays of sunshine, clear skies, and dry winds. Therefore, we recommend taking sunblock, hats, and sunglasses with you to enjoy the entire experience.
- To avoid dehydration, carry bottles of water and drink them slowly. Also, take a small backpack or bag to throw away your waste; Sacsayhuaman only has garbage cans at checkpoints.
- To explore the historic center during this celebration and fully enjoy the festivity on your own. We recommend getting a Cusco tourist map first to avoid the crowds.
FAQs
What is Inti Raymi?
According to Inca tradition, Inti Raymi is the festival of the Sun god, formerly known as Inti. The celebration includes music, dances, processions, and ritual ceremonies of the Andean culture.
When is Inti Raymi celebrated?
People celebrate Inti Raymi every year on June 24th, marking the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.
Why is Inti Raymi celebrated on June 24th?
The Inca Empire celebrated Inti Raymi on this day because it began the new Andean year. Moreover, also the perfect time to honor the Sun God and perform ceremonial rituals.
What was the original purpose of the Inti Raymi celebration?
The purpose of Inti Raymi was to worship the god Inti, one of the most venerated entities of the Incas. The ceremony consisted of chants, dances, rituals, and animal sacrifices, all to venerate the Sun.
What happens during Inti Raymi in Peru?
On June 24, Peruvians celebrate Farmers’ Day, honoring farmers’ contributions to the country’s development.
How long does Inti Raymi last?
The ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. The traditional route starts at Qoriqancha, the Temple of the Sun, and ends at the Sacsayhuaman esplanade. However, you can choose the section that best suits your schedule.
“INTI RAYMI REFLECTS A BIT OF THE ANDEAN CULTURE, AND ALLOWS TO REVALUATE THE INCA TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS”
In June, a month in which traditions and beautiful customs revitalize Cusco, Inti Raymi stands out among many activities. The ceremony dedicated to the Sun helps us understand Andean culture and its rich heritage. The Machu Travel Peru team hopes to have given you a glimpse into this festival. Our advisors will happily help you make the trip of your dreams a reality.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!
