INTI RAYMI 2024 tours

Due to the popularity of the Inti Raymi, you must book your Inti Raymi tours in advance. You can purchase your Inti Raymi tours easily and securely and you will receive your official entrance ticket issued by the Cusco Municipal Festivity Organization.

What is the Inti Raymi festival?

The Inti Raymi is the most amazing Inca celebration, this ceremony takes place every year on June 24th in the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and coincides with the winter solstice and harvest time. Thousands of people come together to witness the most beautiful reenactment of the most important festival of the Inca empire in honor of the sun god, the Inca's deity and the beginning of the Sun's New Year. The Inti Raymi is now the second largest festival on the South American continent and for this reason you must book this tour well in advance. A week-long celebration begins prior to the new year festivities with concerts and street fairs.

When and where is the Inti Raymi festival held?

The Inti Raymi, the festival of the Sun, is held every year on June 24th, and it is held in 3 historic and natural stages:
• 09 a.m. - The Qorikancha or temple of the sun in Cusco
• 11 a.m. - at the Cusco main plaza
• 1 p.m. - at the Inca fortress of Sacsaywaman

Inti Raymi 2024 ticket seating map

What is the origin of the Inti Raymi?

According to Inca tradition, the Inti Raymi was created by the Inca Pachacútec in 1430 AC to celebrate the first day of the New Year in the particular Inca calendar. It is a religious celebration of the Incan Sun King (the most revered god in the Inca religion), Inti, and Pachamama, Mother Earth.

What does the Quechua word Inti Raymi mean?

Inti Raymi literally means “Festival of the Sun” and is celebrated every year on the date of June 24, which coincides with the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. This is the day when the Sun is farthest from the Earth and the Incas used it to celebrate the triumphant return of their Sun God.

Why did the Incas worship teh sun god Inti?

The Inca dedicated many ceremonies to the Sun in order to ensure the Sapa Inca's welfare. The sun was also important to the Incas, particularly the people of the highlands, because it was necessary for the production of crops like maize and other grains. The sun's heat was also thought to cause rain.

What are the rituals for the Inti Raymi?

Traditionally, the Inti Raymi was preceded by three days of purification and fasting, which included participants consuming only water, uncooked corn and chucam. Then, on the morning of the solstice, the people of Cusco would gather in the square, remove their shoes and face the rising sun.