Welcome to the Inti Raymi - the Festival of the Sun! Welcome to Cusco, Capital of the Inca Empire.
If you are passionate about ancestral rituals, culture, history, and festivities, you can not miss the spectacular celebration of the Sun: Inti Raymi 2026. This unique event, recognized as one of the most remarkable of the year globally, is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Incas and marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andes.
The Inti Raymi 2026 will be celebrated only on June 24th, and it takes place on the same day every year, making it the perfect date to experience the excitement and traditions of this unique festivity up close.
With origins in pre-Hispanic times, Inti Raymi honors the Sun, the main deity in Inca culture.
If you wish to get tickets for Inti Raymi 2026, our agency has them available. We offer various options and prices so you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. Contact us for more details and secure your participation in this historic event.
Inca Pachacutec, known for the construction of the Machu Picchu citadel, established this celebration during his reign around the year 1430. The Festival of the Sun was revived and revalued in 1944, thanks to the efforts of Peruvian writer Francisco Espinoza Navarro, who wrote, directed, and performed the reconstruction of this iconic Inca celebration.
Today, every year, numerous participants dress in traditional Inca attire to recreate this majestic Tahuantinsuyo festival, paying tribute to the Sun God and preserving an essential part of the Andean cultural heritage.
Inti Raymi ceremony on the esplanade of the Qorikancha temple
Inti Raymi ceremony in the Huacaypata plaza (Main Square of Cusco)
Inti Raymi ceremony at the Sacsayhuaman fortress
Enjoy the Inti Raymi “the Sun Festival”; we have 02 options:
Includes: Seats in tribune of Qoricancha and Saqsayhuaman.
| QORICANCHA + SAQSAYHUAMAN | COLOR | PRICE in USD per person | AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|---|---|
| REGULAR ZONE | GREEN | 305.00 | 19 |
| VIP AREA | RED | 391.00 | 0 |
| VIP AREA | ORANGE | 408.00 | 38 |
Note: We recommend making your reservations 3 months in advance.
Includes: Seats in tribune in the Inca compound of Saysayhuaman.
| SAQSAYHUAMAN | COLOR | PRICE in USD per person | AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|---|---|
| REGULAR ZONE | GREEN | 255.00 | 9 |
| VIP AREA | RED | 341.00 | 0 |
| VIP AREA | ORANGE | 358.00 | 10 |
Note: We recommend making your reservations 3 months in advance.
DURATION: 7:30AM to 5:00PM
The INTI RAYMI ceremony takes place in three different locations:
⮚ Qoricancha: Temple of the Sun
⮚ Huacaypata (Plaza de Armas): Main Square of Cusco
⮚ Saqsayhuaman: Inca´s Fortress
At 7:30 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and head to the first location for the ceremony.
Welcome to the Sun: Welcome to all participants in the grand Festival of the Sun.
The Inti Raymi begins at the Qoricancha Temple, the "Great Enclosure of Gold." It was held in honor of the Sun God, Inti, considered the main deity of the Tahuantinsuyo (the name of the Inca Empire).
Today, every year on June 24th, the Festival of the Sun begins with the Inca's greeting to all visitors and attendees. Actors dressed in traditional Inca clothing recreate the original rituals.
The Qoricancha temple is a sacred space that served as the spiritual heart of the Inca Empire. Today, it serves as a stage to remember the offerings and tributes the ancient Peruvians made to the Sun, seeking its blessing for prosperity and the balance of nature.
The Inti Raymi ceremony in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco: This is the meeting between the Inca and the people, along with the authorities of Cusco. It is a recreation similar to the one held at the Qoricancha Temple, but it is more focused on the current authorities of Cusco. The purpose is to deliver the Sun's blessing to the current governor, ensuring a prosperous and successful governance in the capital of the Inca Empire.
In this second scene, our guide will provide options to maximize your experience:
Free time: 1 hour maximum, to enjoy this scene at your own pace and discretion. "Entrance is completely free for everyone." You can rest or immerse yourself in the joy of the people of Cusco.
11:00 AM – Lunch at Restaurant LA YUNZA, "The Museum of Latin American Music." with a show of typical dances from the region.
Choose from 2 options, plus 1 vegetarian option.
12:00 PM – Transfer to ascend to the Saqsayhuaman Fortress, where the most important ceremony of Inti Raymi will take place.
12:00 PM – Transfer from Cusco to Saqsayhuaman (The name derives from the Quechua terms "saqsay" and "waman," which translates to "satisfy, falcon" in Spanish). This impressive archaeological site is located at 3,555 meters above sea level, just one kilometer from the Inca neighborhood of Qolqanpata.
1:00 PM – The most important ceremony begins:
The Inti Raymi concludes in the imposing Saqsayhuaman esplanade, one of the most iconic locations for this celebration in honor of the Sun God (Inti). This ceremonial fortress, located just a few kilometers from the historic center of Cusco, provides a majestic setting that enhances the historical and spiritual significance of the event.
In the modern recreation of the Inti Raymi, thousands of spectators gather at Saqsayhuaman on June 24th to witness the central representation of the ceremony. Here, the Inca, accompanied by the Coya, priests, warriors, and Inca nobility, performs rituals and offerings in gratitude to the Sun. Among the most notable activities are traditional dances, chants in Quechua, and the symbolic sacrifice of a llama as an act of renewal and a plea for prosperity for the people.
The monumental surroundings of Saqsayhuaman, with its gigantic stone blocks and connection to the sky, reinforce the sacred nature of the Inti Raymi. This event combines history, art, and spirituality, making the experience unique for both the people of Cusco and visitors from around the world. The ceremony not only commemorates the grandeur of the Tahuantinsuyo, but also preserves and celebrates the deep Andean cultural roots.
3:30 PM approx. – End of the performance. We will gather and head to the transportation, taking you back to your respective hotels. (Please note that there will be heavy traffic on this day. Some guests whose hotels are near the Plaza may choose to walk to the Plaza de Armas, approximately a 15-minute walk downhill).
To attend the INTI RAYMI, the EMUFEC (Municipal Company of Festivals of Cusco) provides the necessary services: grandstands at Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman, equipped with modern and comfortable seats, mobile restrooms, a tourist information booth, first aid stations, and security surveillance (both police and private), ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience of the festival.
Finally, the event concludes at the most special scene at the Saqsayhuaman Fortress (3 km from Cusco). Afterward, we will be transferred by bus to the historic center of Cusco, where the tour will end.
The central Inti Raymi performance takes place in the sacred main square of Saqsayhuaman. It features seats that can accommodate up to 3,906 people. All seats are very comfortable for spectators. The VIP area consists of three tribunes (orange, red, and green), offering the best views of the ceremony.
EMUFEC offers additional necessary services for attending the Inti Raymi:
These services ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience while participating in this ancestral ceremony.
EMUFEC offers additional essential services for attending the Inti Raymi:
These services ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all guests attending this ancestral ceremony.
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.
Click to see Inti Raymi - Sun festival video
Inti Raymi is the ancient Inca Festival of the Sun, dedicated to the sun god Inti. It was the most important religious ceremony of the Inca Empire.
When is Inti Raymi celebrated?It is celebrated every year on June 24th, during the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where does Inti Raymi take place?The main celebration takes place in Cusco, Peru, especially at the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán.
Who started Inti Raymi?The festival was established by the Inca ruler Pachacuti in the 15th century.
Was Inti Raymi always celebrated?No. It was banned by the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century after the conquest of Peru. The modern celebration was revived in 1944 as a historical reenactment.
What happens during the celebration today?Today, actors dressed as Inca nobles and priests reenact the ceremony, including traditional music, dances, offerings, and a symbolic sacrifice.
Is Inti Raymi a public holiday in Peru?Yes, June 24th is recognized as a major cultural celebration, especially in Cusco, where thousands of visitors attend every year.
June 24th (please check availability in our groups).
3350 - 3700 m. / 10991 - 12139 ft.
Cusco, City Tour, Temple of Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Cusco.
Due to the altitude of the highest point in Sacsayhuaman 3700m / 12139ft, we recommend a period of at least 1 day for acclimatization in Cusco at 3350m / 10991ft.
DAY 1: easy
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