Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun

Once a year, the Inca capital celebrates the sun as it did five centuries ago.

  • Duration: Full day, every June 24
  • Format: shared, private

Every June 24, Cusco relives the great Inca festival of the winter solstice. The procession begins at Koricancha, passes through the Plaza de Armas, and culminates on the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman, where hundreds of performers in ceremonial dress honor the sun. It is the most important celebration of the Andean year, and the city is never more alive.

Highlights

  • Ceremony at Koricancha and the Plaza de Armas
  • Main ceremony on the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman
  • Reserved grandstand seating
  • Held every June 24

Ideal for

  • travelers visiting in June
  • culture and festival lovers

Practical information

Good to know
Cusco sits at about 11,150 feet, and the Inti Raymi festival involves standing/seated crowds for hours outdoors at that altitude. Altitude sickness (soroche) is common at this elevation, especially for travelers flying in directly from sea level (e.g. Lima) and starting a tour the same or next day -- that combination is the most frequent cause of serious symptoms we see. Spend at least 1-2 days acclimatizing beforehand, walk slowly, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and try coca tea. This matters especially for older travelers and anyone with heart, lung or blood pressure conditions, who should consult a doctor before the trip and tell their guide immediately if they feel unwell.

Frequently asked questions

What is Inti Raymi and when does it happen?

Inti Raymi is the great Inca festival of the winter solstice, celebrating the sun. It takes place once a year in Cusco, every June 24, and is the most important celebration of the Andean calendar.

What does the day of the festival look like?

The ceremony begins at Koricancha, moves through the Plaza de Armas, and culminates in the main event on the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman, where hundreds of performers in ceremonial Inca dress re-enact the ancient sun ceremony.

Does this tour include seating at Sacsayhuaman?

Yes, it includes reserved grandstand seating for the main ceremony, so you're not standing in the open crowd for the multi-hour event.

How far in advance should I book?

Well ahead of June. Inti Raymi draws heavy demand for both grandstand seating and Cusco hotels that week, so travelers planning to attend should plan and reserve months in advance rather than closer to the date.

Do I need to worry about altitude for this festival?

Yes -- Cusco sits at about 11,150 feet, and the festival involves hours outdoors at that elevation. Altitude sickness is common, especially for travelers arriving directly from sea level (like Lima) and attending the same or next day. Plan 1-2 days to acclimatize first, walk slowly, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider coca tea; this matters most for older travelers or anyone with heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions.

Is this tour shared or private?

Both options exist -- it can be booked as a shared experience or arranged privately.