Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
In real life Every year on June 24 · Qorikancha 9:00 AM · Plaza de Armas ~10:30 AM · Sacsayhuamán ~1:00 PM
Next: Thursday, June 24, 2027 (expected)
A reenactment of the Inca winter-solstice festival to the sun god, performed in three acts across Cusco. The main ceremony is at the Sacsayhuamán fortress.
Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, was the Inca celebration of the sun god at the winter solstice. The last one with an Inca emperor took place in 1535. In 1944 Humberto Vidal Unda staged a theatrical reenactment, which became today's festival, and Peru declared it Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2001.
It is held every June 24, which is also Cusco's anniversary day, and draws 100,000–150,000 people. The day is performed in three acts across the city, ending with the main ceremony at the Sacsayhuamán fortress.
🎟 Cost: Qorikancha and Plaza de Armas: free. Sacsayhuamán grandstands: paid tickets, check current prices
🕒 When: Every year on June 24, Qorikancha 9:00 AM · Plaza de Armas ~10:30 AM · Sacsayhuamán ~1:00 PM
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What to expect
- A sun salutation at the Qorikancha temple at 9am (about 45 minutes)
- A coca leaf ceremony in the Plaza de Armas around 10:30am (about an hour)
- The main reenactment at Sacsayhuamán around 1pm (about 2 hours)
- Hundreds of performers in Inca costume
Tips for going
- Arrive very early for the free viewing at Qorikancha and the Plaza de Armas.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water and something to sit on; the whole day lasts about 7 hours.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for moving between the three locations.
- Book grandstand seats at Sacsayhuamán in advance if you want a seat facing the stage.
Questions people ask
Is it free?
The first two acts are free to watch. Seats in the Sacsayhuamán grandstands are ticketed.
How long does it last?
About 7 hours from the 9am start to the end of the main ceremony.
When is it?
June 24 every year.
About Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the Inca citadel on a mountain saddle above the Urubamba, with Huayna Picchu's peak rising behind it.
Getting there: Trains run from Cusco and Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and buses climb from there to the site. Entry tickets are timed and limited, so book ahead.
More about Machu Picchu and its 3D version →
Also in Machu Picchu
In real lifeDetails checked against www.cuscoperu.com. Organizers change plans, so confirm there before you go.
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