Inti Raymi Ceremony at Coricancha
Witness the sacred opening ceremony of Inti Raymi at Coricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun and the spiritual birthplace of the Festival of the Sun in Cusco.
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Every year on June 24, thousands of visitors gather in Cusco to celebrate Inti Raymi, the world-famous Festival of the Sun. The first and most symbolic ceremony begins at approximately 9:00 AM at Coricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun that once served as the spiritual center of the Inca Empire.
This spectacular 45-minute performance recreates ancient Inca rituals, featuring the Inca emperor, the Coya (queen), priests, musicians, and dancers paying tribute to Inti, the Sun God.
Experience the most spiritual and authentic part of Inti Raymi in the exact location where the Incas honored the Sun God more than 500 years ago.
What Is the Inti Raymi Ceremony at Coricancha?
The Inti Raymi ceremony at Coricancha is the first official performance of the Festival of the Sun in Cusco. This sacred opening ritual takes place at the ancient Temple of the Sun, where the Inca Empire once honored Inti, the Sun God.
During the ceremony, actors representing the Inca emperor, the Coya, the Willaq Umu or high priest, nobles, musicians, and dancers recreate one of the most symbolic rituals of the Inca world.
Start Time
Approximately 9:00 AM
Duration
Approximately 45 minutes
Location
Coricancha Temple, Cusco
Main Ceremony
Offering and ritual in honor of the Sun God Inti
Although the Coricancha ceremony is shorter than the main performance at Sacsayhuamán, many travelers consider it one of the most emotional moments of Inti Raymi because it represents the spiritual beginning of the festival.
Want to attend the full Inti Raymi celebration?
Secure your tickets early to enjoy the Coricancha opening ceremony and the main performance at Sacsayhuamán.
Why Choose Reserved Seats for the Inti Raymi Ceremony at Coricancha?
While the opening ceremony of Inti Raymi at Coricancha is visible from public areas, thousands of spectators arrive early to secure a viewing spot. As a result, standing-room areas quickly become crowded, making it difficult to enjoy the performance comfortably.
Reserved seating offers a completely different experience. Instead of competing for space, visitors can relax in a designated viewing area and focus on the music, dances, and sacred rituals that mark the beginning of the Festival of the Sun.
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✓ Superior Views
Enjoy an unobstructed view of the arrival of the Inca emperor, traditional dances, ceremonial music, and the offerings to the Sun God.
✓ Comfortable Seating
Watch the ceremony from a reserved seat instead of standing among thousands of spectators for hours before the event begins.
✓ Limited Availability
Coricancha seating is limited to approximately 200 spectators, making it one of the most exclusive viewing areas during Inti Raymi.
✓ Safer Experience
Reserved seating offers a calmer environment and reduces the challenges that often come with navigating large festival crowds.
Experience Inti Raymi from the Best Seats
Inti Raymi takes place only once each year on June 24. Because seating at Coricancha is extremely limited, visitors are encouraged to reserve their tickets well in advance.
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Inti Raymi Coricancha Schedule and Sacred Ceremony
The Inti Raymi ceremony at Coricancha is much more than a theatrical performance. It is a carefully recreated ritual inspired by ancient Inca traditions that once honored Inti, the Sun God, at the most sacred temple in the empire.
The ceremony begins at approximately 9:00 AM and lasts about 45 minutes. During this time, visitors witness the arrival of the Inca emperor, ceremonial music, traditional dances, prayers, and offerings dedicated to the Sun.
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The Sacred Preparation
Priests, musicians, dancers, and nobles prepare the ceremonial space for the arrival of the Inca.
The Arrival of the Inca
The Inca emperor and the Coya enter accompanied by music, flowers, and ceremonial processions.
Tribute to the Sun God
The Willaq Umu (High Priest) leads sacred prayers and offerings dedicated to Inti.
The Beginning of Inti Raymi
The Inca officially inaugurates the Festival of the Sun before celebrations continue across Cusco.
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Witness This Ceremony in Person
Inti Raymi takes place only once each year. Secure your seat early and enjoy one of Peru's most spectacular cultural celebrations.
Why Coricancha Is the Most Sacred Place of Inti Raymi
Coricancha was the most important temple in the entire Inca Empire. Its name means "Golden Temple" because its walls were once covered with sheets of gold reflecting the power of the Sun God.
Built by Emperor Pachacutec in the fifteenth century, Coricancha became the spiritual center of the Inca world and the most sacred place for worshiping Inti.
Today, Coricancha remains one of Cusco's most visited historical attractions and serves as the opening stage for Inti Raymi every June 24.
Watching Inti Raymi at Coricancha means witnessing the Festival of the Sun in the exact location where these traditions originally took place hundreds of years ago.
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The Three Stages of Inti Raymi in Cusco
Inti Raymi is celebrated across three historic locations in Cusco. Each stage plays a unique role in recreating the traditions of the Inca Empire.
Coricancha
Time: 9:00 AM
Duration: 45 Minutes
The spiritual opening ceremony dedicated to the Sun God.
Plaza de Armas
Time: Around 10:00 AM
Historic civic ceremony in the heart of Cusco.
Sacsayhuamán
Time: 2:00 PM
Duration: 2.5 Hours
The main Inti Raymi performance with thousands of spectators.
See All Three Stages of Inti Raymi
Many visitors choose packages that include both the Coricancha opening ceremony and reserved seating at Sacsayhuamán for the complete Inti Raymi experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inti Raymi at Coricancha
Is the Coricancha ceremony included with Inti Raymi tickets?
Some ticket packages include reserved seating at Coricancha, while others focus on the main ceremony at Sacsayhuamán.
What time should I arrive?
Visitors should arrive well before 9:00 AM since large crowds gather around Coricancha from early morning.
How many seats are available?
Coricancha reserved seating is limited to approximately 200 spectators.
Can I watch the ceremony without a ticket?
Yes, public viewing areas are available. However, reserved seating offers much better visibility and comfort.
Why is Coricancha important?
Coricancha was the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire and the center of Sun worship in ancient Cusco.
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Reserve Your Inti Raymi Tickets Today
Experience the spiritual opening of the Festival of the Sun at Coricancha and witness one of the most extraordinary cultural celebrations in South America.