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Imagine witnessing an ancient ceremony where the Inca past comes to life! The Inti Raymi in Cusco, the Festival of the Sun, is a unique experience that attracts thousands of travelers every June 24 to the capital of the ancient Inca empire. In 2025, this colorful, musical, and ritual-filled celebration is reinvented with digital tickets and modern protocols, but without losing its millennial essence. Here, we tell you everything you need to know to experience this unforgettable festival.
What is Inti Raymi?
The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, was the most important ceremony of the Inca Empire. It was held to worship the god Inti (Sun) and ensure good harvests and cosmic balance. The Incas believed that without this celebration, the sun could move away and cause famine. Today, the Inti Raymi in Cusco (Quechua: Inti = Sun, Raymi = festival) is a reenactment of this ancient ceremony. It is celebrated every June 24 in Cusco, coinciding with the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere, when the sun is farthest from the Earth. During the festival, there are rituals, dances, and offerings to give thanks and ask for prosperity.
In 1944, Peruvian historian Humberto Vidal Unda revived this tradition as a symbol of cultural identity. Today, it is the second-largest festival in South America, after the Rio Carnival, and has been declared a Cultural Heritage of Peru.
Inti Raymi in Inca Times vs. Today
In Inca times, the Inti Raymi lasted 15 days and included llama sacrifices and offerings of chicha (corn drink). After the Spanish prohibition in 1572, the festival resurfaced in 1944 as a symbol of cultural identity. Now, the Inti Raymi in Cusco is a tourist event that attracts over 50,000 people annually.
During the empire’s peak (15th century), the Inti Raymi in Cusco lasted 15 days and included:
- Massive processions from Qoricancha to Sacsayhuamán.
- Llama sacrifices to read omens in their entrails.
- Offerings of chicha (sacred corn drink) and coca leaves.
- Dances and songs in Quechua, led by the Sapa Inca.
Key differences:
- Then: Animal and human sacrifices.
- Now: Symbolic offerings and a focus on cultural preservation.
The Spanish banned the ceremony in 1572, considering it pagan, but it survived in clandestine rituals until its official revival in the 20th century.
Dates and Schedule of Inti Raymi 2025 in Cusco
The Inti Raymi in Cusco 2025 will be celebrated on June 24, coinciding with the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. This day marks the moment when the Sun is farthest from the Earth, and the Incas performed rituals to ask for its return.
The ceremony is divided into three main acts:
- Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun): At 8:30 a.m., the “Greeting to the Sun” begins with offerings and rituals.
- Plaza de Armas of Cusco: At 10:30 a.m., the “Meeting of Times and the Coca Leaf” takes place.
- Sacsayhuamán: At 2:00 p.m., the central ceremony occurs, with dances, chants, and the symbolic sacrifice of a llama.
Key Places to Watch Inti Raymi in Cusco
The three sacred settings are:
- Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun): The ceremony begins here at 8:30 a.m., with dancers and musicians welcoming the Inca. It’s free, but you can reserve VIP seats for USD 30.
- Plaza de Armas (Waqaypata): At 10:30 a.m., the Inca interacts with the public in a coca leaf ritual. There are no seats, so get ready to stand in the crowd!
- Sacsayhuamán (Main Ceremony): At 2:00 p.m., in this Inca fortress at 11,663 feet (3,555 meters) above sea level, the climax occurs with 500 actors. It lasts 2 hours.
Tickets and Prices for Inti Raymi 2025
Zones and costs in Sacsayhuamán
| Stand | Price (Foreigners) | Price (Peruvians) |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | USD 260–295 | USD 260–295 |
| Red | USD 250–285 | USD 250–285 |
| Green | USD 190–220 | USD 145 |
Includes: Reserved seat, bilingual guide, transportation, and box lunch.
Recommendation: The orange stand offers the best frontal view.
Tips to Enjoy Inti Raymi in Cusco
Avoid common mistakes:
- Book 3–6 months in advance: Only 3,700 seats are available in Sacsayhuamán.
- Dress in layers: June is cold (max. 68°F/20°C) and sunny. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a poncho.
- Arrive early: Traffic is chaotic. Tours include hotel pickup starting at 6:00 a.m.
- Stay hydrated and eat light: The tour box lunch usually includes chicken, salads, and fruit.
Tourism During Inti Raymi in Cusco: What Else to Do?
Combine the festival with other must-see places in Cusco:
- Machu Picchu: 2 to 6-day tours include Inti Raymi in Cusco and the Inca wonder.
- Sacred Valley: Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray on 1-day tours.
- Rainbow Mountain: High-altitude trekking with surreal landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Inti Raymi, and why is it important?
Inti Raymi is an ancient ceremony honoring the Sun god (Inti). It is important because it revives Inca culture and attracts tourism, generating economic and cultural impact in Cusco.
2. When is Inti Raymi in Cusco 2025?
Inti Raymi in Cusco 2025 will celebrate on June 24, coinciding with the winter solstice.
3. The main ceremony is held where?
The main ceremony takes place in Sacsayhuamán, an Inca fortress located at 11,663 feet (3,555 meters) above sea level, 1.2 miles (2 km) from downtown Cusco.
4. What should I bring to enjoy Inti Raymi?
Warm clothing, a hat, comfortable shoes, a rain poncho, water, and snacks. It’s also recommended to bring cash for local purchases.
5. Is it safe to travel to Cusco during Inti Raymi?
Yes, but it’s important to take precautions, such as avoiding carrying valuables and being mindful of crowds.
6. What else can I do in Cusco during Inti Raymi?
Besides the ceremony, you can visit Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, or explore the Sacred Valley.
Be Part of History in 2025!
The Inti Raymi in Cusco is not just a festival: it’s a gateway to the past that connects travelers from around the world with Inca wisdom. With limited tickets and a program full of symbolism, 2025 is the ideal year to experience it. Ready to pay tribute to the Sun in the land of the Incas?
