Cusco, Peru
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
The Inca festival of the sun, restaged every June 24 across Cusco and on the stone terraces of Sacsayhuaman.
The straight answer
Inti Raymi is held in Cusco on June 24 every year, with the main ceremony at the Sacsayhuaman ruins in the afternoon.
Inti Raymi takes place on June 24 every year, and it is the biggest single day in Cusco's calendar. It revives the Inca festival of the sun, held around the southern hemisphere's winter solstice to honor Inti, the sun god, and it draws tens of thousands of spectators and hundreds of performers in costume.
The modern version has been staged since 1944, based on colonial-era chronicles, with a cast of performers speaking in Quechua. It unfolds in three acts across the city: at Qorikancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, in the Plaza de Armas, and finally at the massive stone ramparts of Sacsayhuaman above the city, where the main ceremony takes place.
June is the dry season in the Andes, with clear, sunny days and very cold nights, and it is also peak travel season for Cusco and Machu Picchu. The whole month is festive, with parades and processions building to June 24.
The event, explained
The day starts in the morning at Qorikancha, where the Sapa Inca, the Inca emperor, greets the sun. The procession then moves to the Plaza de Armas and finally climbs to Sacsayhuaman, where the main ceremony runs through the afternoon with music, dance, and ritual offerings.
Grandstand seats at Sacsayhuaman are sold in advance and are expensive, but offer the clearest view. Many locals and travelers watch for free from the surrounding hillsides, arriving early in the morning to claim a spot.
The weeks before are packed with events: parades of schools and neighborhoods, and in years when it falls in June, Cusco's famous Corpus Christi procession with statues of saints carried through the streets.
How to play it right
- 01Book Cusco lodging and Machu Picchu entry tickets and trains months ahead. June is high season, and Inti Raymi week is the busiest of all.
- 02Buy grandstand tickets in advance through official channels if you want a seat; otherwise arrive early at the hillsides above Sacsayhuaman with water, snacks, and sun protection.
- 03Acclimatize first. Cusco sits at about 11,150 feet (3,400 m); spend a day or two resting, or stay in the lower Sacred Valley first.
- 04Pack for extremes: sunny days with highs near 66F (19C) and nights near freezing, around 32F (0C). Layers, a warm jacket, a hat, and sunscreen are essential.
- 05Keep valuables secure in the crowds, and plan transport back from Sacsayhuaman, since traffic and walking paths are packed at the end.
With kids in tow
- Inti Raymi is colorful and exciting for kids, but the long day, crowds, altitude, and strong sun make it demanding. Seated grandstand tickets are easier for families.
- Acclimatize children carefully, and watch for altitude sickness symptoms such as headaches or nausea.
- The parades and events in the days before are shorter and easier for families to enjoy.
Book your stay for Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun).
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- Hotels for June
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)Opens a hotel search for Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in June, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) for June. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), quick answers
When is Inti Raymi?
On June 24 every year, in Cusco, with events across the city and the main ceremony at Sacsayhuaman in the afternoon.
Do you need tickets for Inti Raymi?
Only for grandstand seats at Sacsayhuaman, which are sold in advance. Watching from the hillsides and the events in the city is free.
What is the weather like in Cusco in June?
Dry and sunny, with highs near 66F (19C) and nights near freezing, around 32F (0C). Pack warm layers.
Is June a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
It is dry season with great weather, but it is also peak season. Book Machu Picchu tickets and trains months ahead, especially around Inti Raymi.
How do I avoid altitude sickness in Cusco?
Arrive a couple of days early, rest, drink water, avoid alcohol at first, or stay in the lower Sacred Valley before going up to Cusco.
Make a trip of it: Peru
The best time to visit Peru
Best: Apr to Jun and Sep to Oct
The best time to visit Peru is the Andean dry season from May through September, with April, May, September, and October the smart shoulder plays; the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance, though Machu Picchu itself stays open year-round.
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