The international launch of the Inti Raymi 2026 will take place in China. Serving as a global stage for Cusco's most important festival, one of the most significant lasting Inca Empire celebrations.
In a strategic effort to expand global tourism, the international launch of 2026 Inti Raymi will take place in China. This plan was announced by the Municipal Company for Cusco Festivities (EMUFEC) and Cusco Mayor's office. It aims to showcase this solar festival to the growing Chinese market and the world
Official launches for Inti Raymi 2026 include:
- The Inti Raymi Perú launch in Lima Main Square
- The regional launch at the Coricancha in Cusco
What is Inti Raymi?
Inti Raymi, which in Quechua language means "Festival of the Sun," is an ancient Inca ceremony in honor of Inti (the Sun god), the most venerated deity in the Tahuantinsuyo Empire. Cusco hosts the event on June 24th each year.
Inti Raymi History and Significance:
- Originally, the Inti Raymi festival was held at the Austral Winter Solstice (the shortest day and longest night of the year), which falls on June 20th.
- This period served as a moment to express gratitude for the completed agricultural cycle, and asking for the Sun God’s return and blessings for the new season.
- This raymi or celebration is traditionally attributed to Inca Pachacútec, the ninth Inca. After the conquest, the Inti Raymi was banned by the Church and Spanish Crown as a pagan practice.
- Inti Raymi Today: In 1944, the Inti Raymi sun festival was reinstated as a theatrical representation. Over time, it became a central part of Cusco’s identity and a space for Andean cultural pride and revival.
Continue reading Inti Raymi Celebration
Key Details for Inti Raymi 2026
The main representation takes place on June 24, 2026 and unfolds across three historical stages in Cusco where Inti raymi is celebrated.
- Coricancha (Temple of the Sun): Invocation to the Sun and first act (approximately 1 hour).
- Cusco Main Square: The meeting point of the ancient and modern worlds, the great entrance and the coca leaf ceremony (approximately 2 hours).
- Sacsayhuaman: This is the main stage, where the central ceremony is held with thousands of actors, dances, and rituals, including the symbolic sacrifice of a llama and the plea to the Sun.
If you wish to visit these attractions on a different date, they are included in the Cusco City tour.
Inti Raymi Tickets and Attendance
- inti Raymi festival tickets for the Qoricancha act and the main event in Sacsayhuamán are managed by EMUFEC and are divided by zones, offering different perspectives of the celebration.
- The public areas of Inti Raymi are free to attend, but there are no assigned seats and the best spots get crowded fast, so arriving very early is key.
Don't miss this majestic, once-a-year cultural event on its original stage. It’s a powerful introduction to living Andean history, perfect to pair with Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco’s top highlights. Plan your trip today.
