Duration: 8:00am to 4:30pm
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to experience a celebration that dates back to the Inca Empire, you're in luck! Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant, colorful and lively festivities of Inti Raymi in Cuzco, Peru. This is not just any festival: it is a celebration of the winter solstice and pays homage to the sun god, Inti. This event is a cultural landmark you won't want to miss, and it will take place in 2024. So start packing your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. This tour will take you on a journey through the history, traditions and rituals of the Inca people, all while experiencing the beauty of Peru's breathtaking landscape. Join us to explore the meaning of Inti Raymi and celebrate this incredible festival together.
The Inti Raymi, an ancient religious festival of the Incas, was dedicated to their deity, Inti or the Sun. In the past, the Inti Raymi extended for approximately 15 days, during which sacrifices were made, and dances and performances were presented in honor of the Sun God. The last Inti Raymi celebrated in the presence of the Inca Emperor took place in the year 1535, just one year before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors in 1536.
Today, the Inti Raymi is represented through a theatrical reenactment, attracting thousands of people from Cusco and around the world. This event has become one of the most important cultural and traditional manifestations in this region. The celebration of Inti Raymi allows each one of us to feel the Inca heritage flowing through our veins and to appreciate our past.
The Sun symbolizes ultimate worship, the essence, and the source of life. It is considered the supreme god and one of the most important celestial bodies in the Andean world. In this festival, the Sun marks the beginning of a new annual cycle, equivalent to our New Year. For this reason, offerings were made to the Sun, temples were built in its honor, and respect and worship were given, as it was the entity that nourished and sustained them.
On June 24th, the celebration in honor of the Sun God is held in the three historical and natural stages that are commonly used.
The main temple of the sun, the first part of the ceremony takes place where an offering of coca leaves and chicha (fermented corn drink) is made to Inti and his blessing is requested for the harvest and the prosperity of the Inca people. Then, a ceremonial dance known as "Tarpuy" is performed where the seeds are planted in the ground to symbolize the beginning of the agricultural cycle.
In the second scenario, the Inti Raymi ceremony includes dances, songs, and offerings to the gods of nature. The event is a theatrical representation of the original ceremony that took place in the Inca Empire. It is an important celebration for Andean culture.
In the third stage of Saqsaywaman, a theatrical performance is held to recreate the Inca's arrival at the Temple of the Sun and offer sacrifices to the gods. The ceremony includes dances, music, and traditional clothing. It is a very important celebration for Andean culture.
Final staging - acts (Saqsaywaman) Ceremonial site. Report on the 4 Suyus or Regions: Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu, and Chinchaysuyu.
Chicha Ritual. Sacred Fire Ritual. Sacrifice of the Llama (Andean camelid) and omens. Sankhu Ritual (sacred bread). Q'ochurikuy (explosion of popular exaltation).
The central staging of INTI RAYMI is held in the main square of the sacred Temple of Saqsaywaman, there have been placed the grandstands with capacity of 3,906 people. All the seats are very comfortable for the Viewer. The VIP area is formed by these 3 platforms that give a better view of the ceremony.
This exciting tour begins at 8:00 a.m. with pick-up from your hotel. We will head to three different locations to witness the INTI RAYMI ceremony, the Festival of the Sun. The ceremony consists of three unique scenes held at iconic places.
We will start at the Qoricancha Palace, located on El Sol Avenue, where the first ceremony will commence. Then, we will proceed to the Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city, where the second ceremony will take place. Finally, we will travel by bus to the most special scene of all: Sacsayhuaman, situated 3 km from Cusco.
During the tour, you will enjoy the following services:
Optional: Entrance to the ceremony at the Qoricancha Temple "subject to availability"
The central representation of Inti Raymi takes place in the main sacred plaza of Saqsaywaman. It features grandstands that can accommodate approximately 3,906 people. The seats provide great comfort to the spectators. In the VIP area, there are three stands (orange and green) that offer a privileged view of the ceremony.
EMUFEC provides other essential services to enjoy INTI RAYMI, such as comfortable VIP seats for spectators, portable restrooms, first aid personnel, and police security. These services ensure that you can fully enjoy this ancient ceremony.
