Would you like to experience a unique Inca festival filled with magic and color? Then prepare to immerse yourself in the most important Cusco festival in the world. “Inti Raymi,” or “Festival of the Sun,” is an ancient ceremony that transports you to the glorious past of the Inca empire.
This celebration also pays homage to the sun god, and after thousands of years of tradition, it is celebrated again this June 24th. So, get ready and discover our complete guide to experience the most important moment of the Inca calendar.
What is Inti Raymi?
The Inti Raymi festival, or “Festival of the Sun,” is one of the most important festivals in the Andean calendar. It is celebrated every June 24th in Cusco. This ancient ceremony honors the sun god, Inti, and marks the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. It is celebrated over several days with worship rituals and offerings to ensure good harvests and please Inti, thus ensuring the well-being of the people.
History of the Inti Raymi in cusco
Inti Raymi, which means “Festival of the Sun” in Quechua, was established by the Inca Pachacútec in the 15th century as a religious ceremony celebrating the winter solstice. During the Inca Empire, this festival brought together thousands of people, including settlers and slaves, even the Inca royal family and the Inca himself.
However, after the Spanish conquest, the festival was banned by the Catholic Church, and it wasn’t until 1944 that the festival was reconstructed as a theatrical performance based on colonial chronicles. Since then, it has been celebrated every June 24th in Cusco as a legacy of Peru’s Inca traditions.
Thanks to this, it continues to be celebrated today and is part of Cusco’s culture as a millennia-old heritage. Thousands of tourists from all over travel to visit Cusco and participate in the grand ceremony of the Festival of the Sun.
Where is inti raymi celebrated
The epicenter of the celebration of the “festival of the sun” or Inti Raymi is the city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a World Heritage Site. The celebration, now held in a commemorative and theatrical manner, but full of celebration and excitement, takes place in three historic sites:
- The first is Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): Here the ceremony begins with invocations and offerings to the sun.
- The second stage is the Plaza de Armas of Cusco: Dances and rituals are performed in honor of the Inca and his entourage.
- The final stop is the Sacsayhuamán Fortress: the main site of the central performance, where the rite of symbolic sacrifice and prayers for fertility and balance of the Andean world are performed.
Inti Raymi celebration in Cusco 2025: All you need to know
This festival is not a one-day spectacle; rather, it requires weeks or even months of artistic and cultural preparation. In addition to the main performance, there are often fairs, festivals, and even competitions throughout the month.
From the beginning of June, Cusco transforms into a ceremonial city. The streets fill with dances, parades, fairs, and events that herald the arrival of the festival. You can also see:
- The Cusco Festival: Throughout June, cultural activities such as folk dances, concerts, art exhibitions, and gastronomy are held. Especially during this season, the city is filled with the “wiphala,” the rainbow flag symbolizing Tahuantinsuyu.
- Open rehearsals will feature the Inca, his entourage, and priests. You can see young people practicing choreography and traditional songs before the performance.
- Minor Ceremonies: Some communities perform rituals in their own temples or ceremonial centers, asking permission from Pachamama and Inti to carry out the festivities.
June 24: Inti Raymi Reenactment
The main day of Inti Raymi is divided into three acts staged at historic sites in Cusco.
1. Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) – The Greeting to the Inti
Approximate Time: 9:00 a.m.
In this temple, considered the most important in the Inca world, the Inca (main actor) appears high above, dressed in royal robes, and greets the sun with outstretched arms.
- Coca leaves, flowers, and chicha morada are offered to the Inti.
- The invocation begins with chants in Quechua and a ceremonial dance by the retinue.
2. Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Approximate Time: 11:00 a.m.
- Here, the reunion of the four regions of Tahuantinsuyo is represented: Chinchaysuyo, Collasuyo, Antisuyo, and Contisuyo.
- Each delegation performs dances and pays tribute to the Inca.
- The Coya (the Inca’s wife) appears next to him, reinforcing the duality and balance of the Andean world.
3. Sacsayhuamán – Central ceremony
Approximate time: 1:30 p.m.
This is the largest and most impressive reenactment in Peru. Thousands of attendees gather on the Sacsayhuamán esplanade to get the best views of the massive display. And it concludes with the sacrifice to Inti, a symbolic sacrifice of a llama, representing the connection with the earth and the universe.
But the Festival of the Sun doesn’t exactly end on the 24th. Many tourists take advantage of the opportunity to experience cultural tourism in Cusco, which includes traditional activities such as:
- Experiential tourism: Many communities invite visitors to participate in traditional activities such as weaving, preparing typical foods, and offerings to Pachamama.
- Visits to archaeological sites: Most take the opportunity to explore the Inca City with a Machu Picchu tours or the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and Moray, with a renewed sense of perspective.
- Fairs and markets: Craft fairs, Andean textile exhibitions, and tastings of traditional dishes such as guinea pig, chiriuchu, or tamales continue.
How to travel to Inti Raymi in Cusco 2025
If you’re thinking about experiencing Inti Raymi in Cusco in 2025, remember that you’re about to attend one of the most important cultural celebrations in Latin America. But how do you get there? Which route should you take? How much does it cost? Here’s a practical guide with everything you need to know to plan your trip to the festival of the sun.
Fly to Cusco from Lima
Most international visitors first arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. From there, you must take a flight to Cusco, as there are no direct international flights to this city from Europe or North America.
Flight duration from Lima: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Airlines available: LATAM, Sky Airline, JetSMART
- Approximate cost of round-trip domestic flight: between $60 and $130
- It’s recommended to book tickets two to three months in advance, as prices increase in June due to high demand for Cusco.
Traveling by land to Cusco (bus or car)
If you prefer to travel by land, these are the options from nearby cities or from Lima:
Lima – Cusco by bus:
Duration: 20 to 24 hours (depending on the company).
Price: between $30 and $60.
Recommended companies: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa.
Arequipa – Cusco by bus:
Duration: approximately 10 to 12 hours.
Price: $20 to $40.
Companies: Fama Tours, Turismo Sur.
Puno – Cusco by bus:
Duration: 6 to 8 hours.
Price: $15 to $30.
Several companies operate this route, including tourist transportation.
From nearby cities:
If you’re in areas like Sicuani, you can take public transportation or shared taxis to Cusco for just a few dollars.
Local transportation and access to Inti Raymi 2025
Inti Raymi takes place at several points in Cusco: Qorikancha, Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuamán (the latter requires a ticket). Getting around within the city:
- Taxi or private transportation: $3 to $10 per trip within the city.
- Organized tours: Many agencies include transportation from your hotel to the venues and back as part of their packages.
Book your accommodation in Cusco
During the Festival of the Sun, the city welcomes thousands of national and international tourists. Imagine the accommodations during those weeks, so plan ahead so you don’t end up with your suitcases on the street.
- Budget accommodations: from $15 to $35 per night
- Mid-range hotels: between $50 and $90
- Boutique or luxury hotels: from $100 to $300 or more
The best places to stay are those near the Plaza de Armas or in the San Blas neighborhood, as they are just a few minutes’ walk from the main stages. This way, you can ensure a good spot for the start of the celebration.
If you want to travel to the festival without complications, you can purchase a peru tour package to Cusco. This way, you won’t have to worry about accommodations or purchasing tickets, as many agencies offer comprehensive tours specializing in this day.
Ticket prices for the Inti Raymi 2025
Admission to the main ceremony, held on the Sacsayhuamán esplanade, is mandatory and is divided into different zones with varying prices depending on location and visibility.
Orange Zone (VIP):
Approximate price: 150 USD
Privileged location, with the best spots to observe the ceremony.
Green Zone (Intermediate):
Approximate price: 100 USD
Good visibility and easy access.
Blue Zone (General):
Approximate price: 70 USD
General admission, with more distant spaces but still within the official area.
The initial Inti Raymi ceremonies, held at the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, are open and do not require a ticket. However, please note that capacity is limited and access is on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving hours early to secure a good spot.
Where and how to buy official tickets
Tickets for the Sacsayhuamán ceremony are sold exclusively through the Municipal Entity for Popular Festivities and Celebrations of Cusco (EMUFEC), the official organization that regulates the event. Visit the official EMUFEC page for a secure and guaranteed purchase:
- Tourist offices in Cusco
- Authorized travel agencies, which often offer packages with tickets included.
Tips to enjoy Inti Raymi to the fullest
Are you planning to visit the Inti Raymi festival this year? Remember that this mega-production requires preparation before your trip so you can enjoy your time in Cusco without any problems. Here are our top tips (from our experience) to help you experience this ancient celebration as it should be.
1. Book your tickets only through official sites
Avoid buying tickets on the street or through informal vendors. Official tickets for Sacsayhuamán are sold only by the Municipal Entity of Cusco Festivities (EMUFEC) and authorized agencies.
2. Be prepared for long walks and uneven terrain
The festival takes place at several archaeological sites, especially Sacsayhuamán, where you’ll have to walk extensively on cobblestone and uneven terrain. Wear comfortable, sturdy, and non-slip shoes, and be physically prepared for a walk that can last several hours on your feet.
3. Arrive early to avoid crowds
Although the initial ceremonies at Qorikancha and Plaza de Armas are free, spaces are limited and fill up quickly. Arrive early enough to get a good spot and enjoy the ceremony without rushing.
4. Bring water and light snacks
Although there are options to purchase food, it’s advisable to bring something light to avoid dehydration or losing energy during the all-day celebration.
Also, during your visit to the city, you can visit the San Padre market, which is the most popular, and enjoy the culinary delights in the restaurants in Cusco with dishes such as stewed guinea pig, chiri uchu, stuffed rocoto, quinoa soup, and chairo. You can’t leave without trying Peruvian cuisine!
5. Wear layered clothing and bring sun protection
The weather in Cusco is variable: cold in the morning and evening, but with strong sun at midday. Dress in clothes that you can easily remove and put on, and don’t forget a hat or cap and sunscreen.
6. Take care of your belongings
Due to the large number of people, keep your personal belongings safe in your backpack and avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.
7. Respect the traditions and rules of the event
Do not interrupt the performances or cross restricted areas. Remember that you are participating in an ancient ceremony with profound cultural significance.
8. Consider hiring a guide or tour
An expert guide will not only facilitate your access and logistics, but will also enrich your experience with explanations about the history, symbols, and meaning of the Festival of the Sun. Many visitors also take advantage of the opportunity not only to participate in the representation of the God Inti but also to take tours in Cusco such as the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
9. Acclimatize in advance
Remember that Cusco is 3,400 meters above sea level, which almost always causes altitude sickness, or Soroche. So, try to arrive at least two days early to avoid altitude sickness and enjoy it to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inti Raymi in Cusco 2025
Now here are some frequently asked questions about the Festival of the Sun.
1. When is Inti Raymi celebrated in Cusco?
Is celebrated every year on June 24th. In 2025, the date will be a Tuesday. It is a ceremony that marks the winter solstice and the beginning of the Andean year.
2. Where does the main Inti Raymi ceremony take place?
The celebration has three main venues: the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha), the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, and the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán. The latter is the site of the main performance, which requires a paid entrance fee.
3. Do I need to book a tour to attend?
It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to book a guided tour that includes tickets, transportation, and a guide to avoid complications and make the most of the experience.
4. What time does Inti Raymi start?
The activities begin around 9:00 a.m. at Qorikancha, and the main ceremony at Sacsayhuamán begins at approximately 1:30 p.m. and lasts until around 4:00 p.m.
5. Is it necessary to arrive in Cusco early?
Yes, it is recommended to arrive at least two or three days early to acclimatize to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness, in addition to enjoying the pre-events.
6. What clothing should I wear for Inti Raymi?
Comfortable, layered clothing, suitable footwear for walking on even terrain, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a coat for the morning and evening are recommended.
7. Can I bring food and water to the event?
Yes, but it is recommended to bring only light snacks and water to stay hydrated. There are also food vendors nearby.
8. Are photos and videos allowed during the ceremony?
Generally, yes, but participants must be respected and the performances or rituals must not be interfered with. Unauthorized use of drones is not permitted.
Experience the Inti Raymi 2025 with Incas Expeditions
Ready to experience the unforgettable Inti Raymi? Now that you know the complete guide for this day, pack your bags and fly to Peru with Incas Expeditions, the best Peru travel agency based in Cusco. We look forward to seeing you for this unique festival, full of history, color, and excitement. We have the best tours to Cusco and Machu Picchu, so get ready to be part of an ancient celebration in the heart of the imperial city.
