Everything you need to know about Inti Raymi
What is Inti Raymi?
The Inca Pachacutec, who is credited with the construction of the citadel of Machu Picchu, established this celebration during his reign around the year 1430. Despite having been later unprohibited by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo considering it a pagan festival, the Festival of the Sun was restored and revalued in 1944 thanks to the work of the Peruvian writer Francisco Espinoza Navarro, who was in charge of writing, directing and representing the reconstruction of this Inca celebration.
Nowadays, to commemorate this festivity, every year, big groups of people dress in Inca garments to recreate this majestic Tahuantinsuyo celebration to honor the Sun God.
How is it celebrated?
In Inti Raymi consists of three stages, having in each one of them songs in Quechua, typical dances and colorful characters with clothing from the Inca era such as the ñusta, the coyas, the pallas, the delegates of the four suyos, among others.
Finally, the Inca makes his appearance and is carried on the shoulders on a gold-plated anda, accompanied by the orejones (people in charge of carrying the Inca). During the show, women called “acllas” are chosen to sing sweetly to the Sun god and the Inca, who finally makes a speech to thank this ancient deity.
Where is it held?
Now called the Santo Domingo Conventis the beginning of the pilgrimage where the Inca makes his appearance to greet the sun.
Address: El Sol Avenue, 526
Start Time: 09:00 hrs.
Admission: Buy here
At the Main Square, the Inca and the Cusco Mayor meet each other to discuss the future of the province in front of thousands of citizens.
Address: Portal de Carnes Street, 214
Start Time: 11:00 hrs.
Admission: Free
The central ceremony takes place at Sacsayhuaman’s esplanade, located at the north of the city at 3671 meters above sea level.
Location: Chukipampa Esplanade
Start Time: 13:30 hrs.
Admission: Buy here
Visit Machu Picchu
FAQ
The event is a grand spectacle and free to attend at Stage 2 (Cusco Main square), while Stage 1 (Qorikancha) and Stage 3 (Sacsayhuaman) require a ticket with an associated cost. You can find out more about ticket prices by clicking here.
As it is a hot season, we recommend the following:
- Apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
- Wear comfortable clothing for ease of movement.
- Bring drinks and fruits to stay hydrated and energized.
- Use mosquito repellent.