Inti Raymi – The Sun Festival

Cuzco – Perú

The Sun Festival: The most important festivity of the Inca empire is repeated every year on June 24th. For a culture that based its religious system on worship of the sun, this festivity was a major occasion.

The event follows the June 21st winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, and the ceremony calls upon the sun to return, with the people of Cusco celebrating with music, dancing, and actors playing the roles of the Inca and his royal entourage, in a lavish recreation of the Inca festivities.

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During Inca Times

During Inca times, approximately 25,000 people would gather in Cusco to celebrate the festival of Inti Raymi. The Sapa Inca, nobles, priests and headmen of the Inca Empire would gather in Haukaypata to a witness a parade of cloth wrapped ancestral mummies that were brought from nearby temples and shrines. As many as 200 hundred llamas would be sacrificed during the festivities and the Haukaypata ran with sacred blood and plentiful chicha (the Inca beer). The festivities took place from dawn to dusk. There were special dances and coca leaves were read and burnt in great quantities. Inti Raymi was the greatest Inca festival of the year and everyone who attended became drunk with spiritual communion.

Inti Raymi Today

The modern day re-enactment of Inti Raymi still retains all of its majestic glory, albeit without the procession of ancient mummies and just 1 animal sacrifice at the culmination of the day’s celebrations. The celebrations start in the morning on the large open cancha at the front of the Inca Temple of the Sun – Korikancha. With the arrival of representatives from the four suyos of the Inca Empire (Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu y Chinchaysuyu), the Sapa Inca opens the festivities with invoking praise to the sun god – Inti. From Korokancha the royal entourage continues the short distance to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. A ceremonial reading of the sacred coca leaf then takes place to foresee the fate of the Inca Empire for the up-coming year. The ancient Inca archaeological site of Saqsayhuman is where the final part of the re-enactment is played out. Thousands of local spectators crowed the surrounding hills for a glimpse of the ceremony, whilst premium grandstand seats are available in the main arena of Saqsayhuman. Dressed in full costume, the Inca delivers his final words in Quechua before a ritual sacrifice of a llama. The festival finishes as the air fills with the sound of horns, panpipes and beating drums.

Grandstand Seating to Inti Raymi

Grandstand seating within the arena of Saqsayhuman is the best option to watch Inti Raymi. These seats are premium seats and are sold on a first come first served basis. There are two price bands for Inti Raymi Tickets: Orange and Blue seating (the best) which costs US$ 160 per adult* and the slightly cheaper Green seating which costs US$ 120 per adult*, a 50 % reduction applies for children under 12 years old. For the best and most informative experience it is always best to go with a guided or as part of an organised tour group.

*Prices are based on 2022 published rates.

TOUR: Inti Raymi – The Sun Festival Jun 24

PRICE :US$ 199.00 per person Zone “Orange” and “Blue”
PRICE :US$ 180.00 per person Zone “Green”
(Please once you are booking online write on Notes your preference of Zone.)

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INTI RAYMI  TOUR IN PERU

Tour Highlight:

Visit Cusco city, Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu in Peru.
Venture out from Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley on a full-day tour
Visit Pisac Ruins + Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
View some of the best souvenirs and textiles at the Pisac Market
Taste different Peruvian dishes at the buffet-style lunch in Urubamba
Explore the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo with experienced professional guides
Embark on Vistadome train with gorgeous views to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
Explore and visit the Inca site of Machu Picchu with a private tour guide and learn about the history of the Incas
Inti Raymi – The Sun Festival
Ceremonial Initiation
Report the 4 Regions: Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu and Chinchaysuyu.
Ritual of the sacred Chicha a corn drink
Ritual of the Holy Fire
Sacrifice of the llama (Andean cameloid) and auguries.
Rite of Sankhu (holy bread)
Q’ochurikuy ( Dances and music )

Inti Raymi Festival  8 days / 7 nights.
Itinerary Overview:

June 21. Lima
June 22. Lima (B & L)
June 23. Lima – Cuzco (B & D)
June 24. Inti Raymi Festival (B & L)
June 25. Sacred Valley of the Incas (B & L)
June 26. Cuzco – Machu Picchu (B, L & D)
June 27. Machu Picchu – Cuzco (B)
June 28. Cuzco – Lima (B)
End of our services.

(B)=Breakfast ; (L)=Lunch ; (D)=Dinner

See the most spectacular ancient festival of the Incas, the Inti Raymi. The tour includes first class accommodation and an excursion to see Machu Picchu. Only limited spaces available.

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BOKING TOUR: Tour Inti Raymi – Fiesta del Sol 8 Días/ 7 Noches

Tour program:  Inti Raymi Festival  8 days / 7 nights.

June 21: LIMA

Arrival to Lima, reception at the airport and transfer by private vehicle to the 3* Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel.

June 22: LIMA (B & L)
After breakfast, a private guided visit of colonial and modern Lima, including the cathedral, dating from 1654, the main square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonialists. The tour will include a visit to the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores, before stopping at Larco Mar to enjoy a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Lunch at the internationally renowned Rosa Nautica, the best seafood restaurant in Lima. After lunch, a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, one of the best private museums in Peru. With a fabulous collection of northern cultures particularly of the Mochica culture. The museum was founded in 1926 in Trujillo but was transferred in the 1950’s to Lima. There is a room of mummies, textiles (including a Paracas cloak over 2000 years old), and several gold and silver vaults. Return to your hotel.

June 23: LIMA – CUZCO (B & D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. After the one hour flight, reception and transfer to the 3* Casa Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel. After a recommended light lunch, a private guided tour of Cuzco including the Cathedral, Qoricancha temple, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco, Qenko and Puka Pukara. Return to the hotel. Dinner at the Tunupa Restaurant.

June 24: INTI RAYMI FESTIVAL (B & L)
This is the day of the Inti Raymi – The Quechua name for the Festival of the Sun. It was a time of offerings, sacrifices, dancing and celebration. In the old capital city of the Incas, this festival continues with all its ancient royal pomp and energy.
Dances and ceremonies are played out at the worship center of Sacsayhuaman above Cuzco.
Attendance with a private guide to the impressive festival of the Inti Raymi at Sacsayhuaman esplanade and experience yourself this ritual celebrated since the Inca times. It is the central act of the celebrations elaborated in Cusco during this month evoking the religious ceremonies of the Inca Empire. The staging begins in the Qoricancha, continuing to the Main Square of the city and ending at the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman. The central most important character is the Inca. When the ceremony ends the presentation of folkloric groups begins. Box lunch included.

June 25: Sacred Valley of the Incas (B & L)
After breakfast, a private full-day excursion to Urubamba, the sacred valley of the Incas and to the ancient Inca market town of Pisac. Lunch in Urubamba or a picnic lunch will be provided. A visit will be made to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish and a chance to explore the ruins before returning to Cuzco. Return to your hotel to relax and unwind.

June 26: CUZCO – MACHU PICCHU (B, L & D)
Early transfer to the station for the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Arrival to Aguas Calientes, assistance with your luggage to the magnificent Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel set in a cloud forest before boarding the bus for the short ride up to Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel. A guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world.
Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge hotel before returning to the site for further exploration. Return down to Aguas Calientes and transfer to your hotel for dinner and accommodation at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

June 27: MACHU PICCHU – CUZCO (B)
After breakfast, early opportunity to return to the site (optional) and enjoy a wonderful sunrise over Machu Picchu. Today no guide is provided as we feel that Machu Picchu requires a certain amount of self discovery to be fully understood. Take any of the several paths around various parts of the site (we will provide a map to help you), trek up to Wayna Picchu or walk down to the Inca’s bridge. Let Machu Picchu unfold all its mysteries for you, take in the breathtaking cloud forests and jagged mountains, or marvel at the extraordinary Masonic precision of the ancient Incas. Either way, your day of self discovery will be a day never to be forgotten. Return back down to Aguas Calientes by bus. Some free time to visit the colourful town before returning to Cuzco aboard the Vistadome train. Transfer to the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel.

June 28: CUZCO – LIMA (B)

Morning at leisure before transfer to the airport for the flight back to Lima and your return flight home.

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Tour Included:

Accommodation at selected hotels with breakfast
Meals as described in the itinerary, not including alcoholic beverages.
Professional guides.
Train Tickets.
Bus tickets in Aguas Calientes.
Transfers, tours and excursions as per itinerary based in private service with English speaking guides.
All entrance fees and tips.

Tour Excluded:

Domestic flight tickets.
International flight to Peru and US$31.00 tax for all international air departures.
All domestic flights, require a US$5.00 charge (airport tax).
Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
Insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident etc.
Baggage porterage and other extras not specified.
Additional Services
Drink

OUR HOTELS SELECTION

Lima: Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores Hotel

Cusco: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel

Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

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*IMPORTANT NOTE

While we expect the tour will run as the itinerary describes. Participants should accept that there is the possibility of changes, being necessary liable to local conditions, e.g, strikes, natural disasters, these changes might be at the discretion of your travel company.