Inti Raymi 2026 quick facts

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What is Inti Raymi?

The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, was the largest and most significant festivity during the Inca Empire. It was a religious celebration dedicated to the Sun God, Inti, who was the most revered deity in the Inca Religion. The main ceremony was held during the winter solstice to mark the beginning of the year.

According to Inca tradition, Inti Raymi was created by the Inca Pachacutec in 1430 to celebrate the first day of the New Year in the Inca calendar. Today, the Inti Raymi is celebrated every June 24th in Cusco, the former Capital of the Inca Empire. The modern ceremony is a theatrical representation of the ancient rituals, with hundreds of artists dressed up in colorful costumes to emulate the Inca times. 

Why is it celebrated on June 24?

Although the ceremony is currently celebrated on June 24 to coincide with "Indian Day" promulgated by President Augusto B. Leguía on May 23, 1930, Inti Raymi originally took place on June 21, coinciding with the winter solstice. This is the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. On this day, the sun is farthest from the Earth, and the Incas celebrated it to plead for the return of the sun and longer days.

Approximately 800 artists, including actors, dancers, and musicians, dressed in traditional attire, perform different activities outside the Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and the Main Square of Cusco.

Many speeches are delivered during the festival in Runa Simi or Quechua, the Incan official language. Quechua is a unifying and widely spoken language, and it's one of the three official languages in Peru.

Inti Raymi History

Inti Raymi originally began during the time of the Inca Empire, celebrated every June 21st, the winter solstice, and the shortest day of the year. It was a sacred moment to honor Inti, the sun god, thank him for the harvest, and ask for blessings for the coming year. The festival took place in Cusco and lasted up to fifteen days, filled with ceremonies, dances, processions, and food.

According to chroniclers, in Inca times, thousands of people gathered in Haukaypata (present-day Plaza de Armas in Cusco) the night before the celebration to await the appearance of the god Inti. When the god ascended among the mountains, the people gave thanks for the prosperous new harvest year. Then, the Sapa Inca, the nobles, and the priests assembled to witness a procession of ancestral mummies wrapped in textiles, which were brought from various temples and sanctuaries.

After, the Inca was carried on a golden throne, led the way from the Temple of the Sun (Coricancha) to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. He was followed by nobles and priests dressed in ceremonial clothes and holding golden objects that symbolized the sun. Once at the fortress, the Inca lit a sacred fire using a mirror to reflect the sun’s rays. The flame was then spread to all the temples across the empire, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun.

The festival, established by the Inca Pachacutec, lasted from dawn until dusk. Sacrifices were also made to black llamas in honor of the god Inti in Sacsayhuaman; these were cut with a ceremonial knife known as the Tumi. Priests examined their organs for omens of the future. Music, dances, and chicha (corn beer) were also part of this celebration, as the people gathered to participate in the public festivities and enjoy a grand banquet. While the main rituals were performed by the Inca, the female figure was represented by the Coya (Inca's wife) and by the Acllas, chosen women who performed various rituals to accompany the ceremony.

Inti Raymi helped the Inca people reconnect with their main deity and renew the bond between Inti and the ruler, believed to be his living representative on Earth.

Why was Inti Raymi banned?

After the Spanish conquest, Inti Raymi was banned by the Spanish viceroy Francisco de Toledo, who considered it a pagan ceremony contrary to the Catholic faith. However, it continued in secret, a fact we know today thanks to the writer Garcilaso de la Vega.

It wasn't until 1944 that Faustino Espinoza Navarro revived this traditional event and carried out a historical reconstruction. Since then, the festival has once again become a public event and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Inti Raymi Festival today

Inti Raymi is celebrated in all its splendor every June 24th in the city of Cusco. The festivities begin in the morning at the esplanade of the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), now the Convent of Santo Domingo, where actors dressed in traditional costumes represent the nobles, priests, and guardians of the ancient Inca Empire. Here, the Sapa Inca, the central figure of the event, followed by nobles and priests, steps forward to greet the sun, address his people, and welcome the delegations from the four suyus (regions) of the Inca Empire: Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu, and Chinchaysuyu.

After this opening ceremony, the procession moves to the Plaza de Armas. There, the Sapa Inca makes an offering to Inti, the sun god, by drinking chicha de jora (a fermented corn beverage), asking for his guidance and protection for his people. Meanwhile, the atmosphere is filled with ritual dances, the sounds of conch shells, and Andean musical instruments. Crowds fill the plaza, soaking up the festive ambiance.

The celebration continues at Sacsayhuaman, where the symbolic sacrifice of a llama is reenacted. This ritual act seeks to give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and ensure bountiful harvests. The Sapa Inca delivers a speech in Quechua, accompanied by symbolic figures dressed as a serpent, puma, and condor, representing the three worlds of the Andean worldview: the underworld, the earth, and the sky.

During the procession, women scatter flowers and sweep the path as a symbol of spiritual cleansing. Coca leaves are burned, ancestral dances are performed, and a ceremonial bonfire is lit at sunset.

With the return of the entourage to Cusco, this moving celebration concludes, bringing together thousands of people each year and keeping alive one of the most representative traditions of the Inca legacy.

Declared a Cultural Heritage

Despite the creeping in of globalization, the Inca's descendants have successfully preserved their cultural expression with pride. On March 2nd, 2001, the Inti Raymi Festival was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation, and it's now organized by the Provincial Municipality of Cusco.

The Festival has also become a major tourist attraction in Peru, drawing visitors from around the world. This not only supports the local economy but also raises international awareness and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the Andean people.

How is Inti Raymi Festival Celebrated?

Inti Raymi's preparation begins days before, but the full celebration takes place on a single day: June 24th. The ceremony unfolds in three important locations in Cusco: Qoricancha, the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), and the Sacsayhuaman fortress.

9:00 am - Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)

The day begins at the gardens outside Qoricancha Temple. Here, the Inca, the Qoya, and the Royalty salute the god Inti, invoking the success of the ceremony.  This part sets the tone for the entire day.

"Oh, sun god, our father! Powerful Sun of eternal happiness, warm source, the principle of life! From this, your sacred mansion in Cusco, where you live with the Moon, Lightning, and Thunder....”

Although there's only one stand with seats, there is plenty of standing room with great views of the show. Make sure to arrive early if you want to get a good spot!

10:30 am - Cusco Main Square

After Qoricancha, the Inca and his royal entourage march through the streets of Cusco, like Loreto, until they arrive at the Plaza de Armas (or Aucaypata). Ñustas, Aqllas (chosen women), and the entire imperial army are already waiting. The Inca performs the traditional Coca ceremony and asks the Apus for guidance and strength.

While the center of the plaza is closed off, you can still find spots around the colonial arcades. Just keep in mind that due to the limited space in the plaza, you need to be prepared to stand in crowds.

›› Tip: If you plan to see the Inti Raymi, book a balcony seat at a local café. Enjoy the drink, and watch from there!

1:45 pm – Sacsayhuaman Esplanade

Following the Coca ceremony at Aucaypata, the cast heads towards the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman, where around 80,000 people and approximately 3,500 tourists who purchased their seats in the stands installed on the esplanade await the central ceremony.

Here, the Inca and his priests lead the most symbolic rituals of the day, accompanied by warriors, dancers, and musicians. It's the most intense and visually striking part of the celebration.

Locals who can't afford high prices choose to watch Inti Raymi from two hills that overlook the place. But the best option is to buy a ticket in advance and enjoy grandstand seating. Make sure to arrive early and come prepared for the sun!

How to experience the Inti Raymi?

There are two ways you can experience the Inti Raymi Celebration in Cusco: 

1. Book tickets in advance to access reserved seating (especially in Sacsayhuaman).
2. Join the crowds and experience it alongside locals; it’s free and gives you a real sense of the festival’s cultural weight.

Inti Raymi 2026 Itinerary

Where to buy for Inti Raymi tickets 2026?

This is the final seating arrangement for the public attending Inti Raymi at the Qoricancha and the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman in 2026. The method by which tickets will be sold will be announced soon by EMUFEC, the Municipal Festival Company of Cusco.

Inti Raymi 2026 in Sacsayhuaman

Inti Raymi 2026 in Qoricancha

In addition, the municipality of Cusco offers packages that combine assistance to Inti Raymi in Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman.

• Sacsayhuaman (Inti Super VIP - Orange) + Qoricancha:  US$ 306
• Sacsayhuaman (Killa VIP - Orange) + Qoricancha: US$ 273
• Sacsayhuaman (Chaska - Red) + Qoricancha: US$ 258
• Sacsayhuaman (Illapa - Green) + Qoricancha: US$ 205

Why should you go to the Festival of the Sun?

Inti Raymi is celebrated in the city of Cusco, which is a major destination for history lovers due to its culture, museums, archaeological sites, natural beauty, and extremely friendly people. During the festival, thousands of people, including both locals and tourists from around the world, gather to walk through the fascinating streets of Cusco and witness the amazing staging of the Inti Raymi.

This festival offers a great opportunity to experience the city’s authentic art and folklore performances. Here are some other reasons why you should not miss the Festival of the Sun:

1. Cultural Experience

Attending the Inti Raymi festival provides a deeply enriching cultural experience. As one of Peru's most significant traditional celebrations, the festival allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Andean people and their Inca ancestors.

2. Spectacular Performances

The festival includes vibrant and colorful performances, with hundreds of performers adorned in traditional Inca costumes and jewelry. The theatrical reenactment of ancient rituals is a grand spectacle involving music, dance, processions, and even a simulated llama sacrifice. You'd be happy to know that there are no real sacrifices anymore.

3. Historical Significance

The festival takes place in historic locations in Cusco, including the ancient Inca Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), the city's Main Square (Plaza de Armas), and the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site. This allows visitors to explore these significant sites while experiencing the festival.

4. Beautiful Scenery

The festival takes place in and around Cusco, a city that sits high in the Andes Mountains. The city and its surroundings offer breathtaking scenery; the festival is an excellent reason to visit this beautiful part of the world.

5. Meet New People

This event attracts visitors worldwide, making it a great place to meet and interact with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. It also provides a chance to connect with the local people and learn about their customs and way of life.

6. Photographic Opportunities

With its colorful costumes, dramatic performances, and historical settings, the festival offers fantastic opportunities for photography lovers.

Inti Raymi FAQs

Don't miss these tours in Cusco:

• Classic Inca Trail 4 days

• Short Inca Trail 2 days

• Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour

• 2-day Machu Picchu tour by train