On June 24, thousands of people filled the historic center of Cusco to witness Inti Raymi 2025, a major celebration in the Jubilee month of Cusco. From the early hours, large crowds gathered at the event’s three main sites: Qorikancha, the main square, and Sacsayhuaman.
The Sun Festival opened with traditional songs, dances, and a ceremonial greeting to the sun by the Inca at the sacred Qorikancha temple.
Following this, the Inca emperor, joined by a group of priests, soldiers, musicians, and dancers, proceeded to the main square for the reenactment of "The Meeting of Two Worlds." During this symbolic act, the Inca figure granted Cusco provincial mayor, Luis Beltrán Pantoja, authority over the city, reflecting ancient governance principles. The ceremony brought together representatives from Cusco’s 13 provinces and 118 districts, along with institutions, public officials, and members of the military and police.
Following, the ceremonial group continued on to the Sacsayhuaman fortress, located just north of the city, where the central act of this Cusco festival unfolded. The performance featured dances by the Inca sun virgins, the Inca army, and religious figures, concluding with the arrival at the fortress of the Inca and the Coya. They carried out a symbolic llama sacrifice to honor the Sun God, followed by a speech in Quechua addressed to the deity.
Cusco people made the Inti Raymi
Months of preparation go into this annual Inti Raymi event, with local actors, dancers, and community members rehearsing extensively to take on roles ranging from the Inca ruler to the simplest soldier. These efforts culminate in the elaborate and well-coordinated performances witnessed on this day.
The event drew large numbers of Peruvian and international visitors. Local authorities reported that tourist attendance surpassed pre-COVID levels, delivering a significant boost to sectors such as hospitality, dining, transportation, and retail. With coverage on TV Peru state channel and various online platforms, Inti Raymi 2025 was not only celebrated in Cusco but also shared with audiences across Peru and worldwide, reinforcing its status as a living symbol of Tahuantinsuyo’s heritage.
Take note
TreXperience can show the best of Cusco, like Inti Raymi. It's no surprise that the prestigious World Travel Awards 2025 nominated TreXperience as the best travel agency in Peru and South America. Come on, vote for us!
