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 New Year in the Inca calendar.

According to Inca tradition, Inti Raymi was founded by the first Inca, Manco Capac, and later strengthened by the Inca Pachacutec in 1430. 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 based on historical records and modern studies. Approximately 800 artists, including actors, dancers, and musicians, dressed in traditional attire that emulate the Inca times. The Inti Raymi Celebration takes place in three main settings: outside the Qoricancha, the Main Square of Cusco and Sacsayhuaman.

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

Inti Raymi 2026 at a Glance

History of Inti Raymi

Inti Raymi originally began during the time of the Inca Empire, celebrated every June 21st, the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, 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. 

At first the festival was established by Manco Capac, the first Inca, and held on the sacred hill of Huanacaure, about 6 km from Cusco. Later, the festival moved to the city of Cusco and was strengthened by the ninth Inca Pachacutec. The celebration could last up to fifteen days, filled with ceremonies, dances, processions, and food.

This was a sacred time to honor the god Inti, or Sun God, give thanks for the harvest, and ask for blessings for the coming year. It was also a time to honor the memory of the mummies of former Inca rulers and celebrate with the entire community.

According to chroniclers, during  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 its light, warmth and the prosperous new harvest year. 

From that moment, they began to pay great tribute to the Inti, marking the start of the Sun Festival. 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, sanctuaries and huacas.

Later, the Inca was carried on a golden throne, and 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. 

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, chants, dances, food, and chicha, the Inca corn beer, were also part of this celebration, while the people gathered to take part in the public festivities and enjoy a great feast.

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.

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

Inti Raymi 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 regions (suyus) of the 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 snake, puma, and condor, representing the three worlds of the Andean worldview: the underworld, the earth, and the sky.

Along the Inti Raymi route, 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 royal entourage to Cusco, this moving celebration comes to an end, bringing together thousands of people each year and keeping alive one of the most representative Andean traditions of the Inca legacy.

Declared 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 and EMUFEC helping preserve this historic ceremony and share it with thousands of visitors every year.

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 to experience the Inti Raymi?

There are two main ways to experience the Inti Raymi celebration in Cusco: 

1. Book your tickets in advance to access reserved seating, especially at Sacsayhuaman.
2. Join the crowd and experience it with the local people; it is free and lets you truly feel the cultural strength of this festival.
3. Watch the live broadcast if your itinerary takes you outside Cusco or you are unable to attend in person.

• The ceremony is performed in Quechua, so having an interpreter can be helpful. You can also listen to the live broadcast in Spanish, where the ceremony is usually translated or explained. For a richer experience, hiring a professional tour guide is highly recommended.

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. Tickets for Inti Raymi Festival tickets 2026 are available through Teleticket: https://teleticket.com.pe/inti-raymi-2026

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

How is Inti Raymi celebrated in Cusco?

Although 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: The Qoricancha, or the Temple of the Sun, The Plaza de Armas and The fortress of Sacsayhuaman

According to the Inti Raymi 2026 itinerary, the celebration takes place in the following order:

Inti Raymi 2026 Itinerary

Map of the Inti Raymi route and schedule in Cusco

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

The ceremony begins in the gardens and esplanade of Qoricancha. The Inca, accompanied by the Qoya and the royal court, greets the god Inti and invokes the success of the celebration as representatives of the four suyos, or regions of the Empire, arrive. With an impressive setting in front of the Temple of the Sun, the Inca delivers the following ceremonial speech:

"Oh Sun God, our father! Mighty Sun of eternal happiness, warm source, beginning of life! From this, your sacred dwelling in Cusco, where you live with the Moon, Lightning, and Thunder..."

10:30 am - Plaza de Armas

After Qoricancha, the Inca and his royal entourage march through the Inca streets such as Intikijllu Street, also known as the Street of the Sun, now called Loreto Street, until they arrive at the Plaza de Armas (or Aucaypata). The 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.

The meeting of times then takes place, creating a symbolic dialogue between the leaders of the past and the present: the Inca and the current mayor of Cusco. It is a meaningful gesture of unity and respect.

The square fills with color, joy, music, and chants as the Inca legions march forward and the crowd moves with gestures that subtly honor the Sun. It is a powerful expression of solar devotion and the multiethnic diversity of the ancient Empire of the Sun.

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 a 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!

Why should you attend 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 inca 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.
 

The festival is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the city’s artistic and folkloric expressions. And if you still need more reasons not to miss the Festival of the Sun in Cusco, here are some of the best ones:

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 importance

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.

On this day, access to Sacsayhuaman is free for both Peruvians and foreign visitors, with designated areas set up for the general public.

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; transporting you into the atmosphere of ancient Imperial Cusco; an excellent reason to visit this beautiful part of the world.

5. Meeting new people

The festival attracts visitors from around the world, making it an ideal place to meet and interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, from culture lovers to scholars and well-known personalities. It also gives you the chance to connect with local people and learn about their customs and way of life.

6. Photography opportunities

The actors and dancers wear colorful costumes, and their dramatic performances, combined with large-scale choreography in historic settings, make the festival a fantastic opportunity to capture memorable photos and inspire 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