INTI RAYMI 2025: THE FESTIVAL OF THE SUN

Full day tour on June 24th, Cusco - Peru

Duration: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to experience a celebration dating back to the Inca Empire, you're in luck! Get ready to experience one of the most vibrant, colorful, and lively festivities: Inti Raymi 2025. This is no ordinary festival, but a winter solstice celebration that pays homage to the sun god, Inti. This cultural event is a must-see and will take place on June 24, 2025. Pack your things and get ready to make memories that will last forever.

This historic event in the imperial city will introduce you to the traditions and rituals of the Inca people while you enjoy the Andean landscapes of Cusco. Come along as we discover the significance of Inti Raymi and take part in this amazing celebration together .

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Inti Raymi, an ancient Inca religious festival, was dedicated to their deity, Inti, or the Sun. In ancient times, Inti Raymi lasted approximately 15 days, during which sacrifices were made and dances were performed in honor of the Sun God. The last Inti Raymi celebrated in the presence of the Inca Emperor took place in 1535, just one year before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1536.

Today, the sun festival is represented through a theatrical performance, attracting thousands of Cusco residents and international visitors. This event has become one of the most important cultural and traditional manifestations of this region.

Inti Raymi 2025 Stages

The Inti Raymi festival takes place in three important locations in Cusco: Qoricancha, the Cusco main square, and the Sacsayhuamán fortress, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During this performance, the Inca emperor and his royal retinue pay homage to the Sun God, thanking him for his blessings, such as the harvest, light, and life.

The ceremony is accompanied by dances performed by representatives of the four suya of Tahuantinsuyo. One of the most important moments is when, through the use of the coca leaf (a sacred and ancient plant deeply rooted in the Inca Empire), a prediction of Cusco is destiny and fortune for the following year is made.

1. The Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)

Qoricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun, is the first stage of Inti Raymi. The first part of the ceremony takes place here. The Inca emperor appears with his royal retinue to thank the sun god for the fruits received during 2024 and 2025. He makes an offering of coca leaves and chicha (a fermented corn drink), while requesting a blessing for the harvests and the prosperity of the Inca people for the following year. In addition, a ceremonial dance called "Tarpuy" is performed, where seeds are sown in the ground, symbolizing the beginning of the agricultural cycle.

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The first ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours (8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.), after which time the Inca and his entourage head to Huacaypata (main square of Cusco).

2. Main square of Cusco (Old Huacaypata or Warrior Square)

In the second scene of the Inti Raymi ceremony, dances, songs, and offerings to the nature gods are performed in the Plaza de Armas. This event is a theatrical representation of the original ceremony held in the Inca Empire and is a celebration of great importance to Andean culture.

At the beginning of the second scene, the Inca emperor and his royal retinue walk toward the Huacaypata (Plaza de Armas). Here, he greets and addresses the people, giving a speech in Quechua, reaffirming his role as leader and promoting social unity. He also has a brief interaction with the Mayor of Cusco, where he presents the Inca with the keys to the city, showing recognition as supreme leader.

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This event lasts one hour (10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.), then heads to the Sacsayhuamán fortress. However, the third stage begins at 1:00 p.m., allowing us some free time to enjoy the outdoors or explore some of the city's attractions.

Yunza Restaurant - 11:00 a.m.

Arriving at 11 a.m., we will visit Yunza, the Museum of Latin American Music, a place where we can have lunch and listen to Latin American music with live dance performances.

Transfer to the Sacsayhuamán fortress

After enjoying our lunch, we will travel to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, where the most important ceremony of the 2025 Sun Festival will take place.

3. Saqsayhuamán Fortress

In this third setting, thousands of people gather every June 24th to watch the central part of the performance. In this act, the Inca, along with the Coya, priests, warriors, and members of the nobility, perform various rituals and make offerings as a form of gratitude to the Sun. Artistic expressions include dances, songs in Quechua, and the symbolic sacrifice of a llama, which symbolizes a request for well-being for the new cycle.

Details of the final performance in Sacsayhuamán:

• Report on the 4 Regions or Suyus: Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu, and Chinchaysuyu.
• Chicha Rite.
• Sacred Fire Rite.
• Sacrifice of the Llama, an Andean camelid, and omens.
• Sankhu Rite, the sacred bread.
• Q'ochurikuy, an outburst of popular exaltation.

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The show concludes at approximately 3:30 p.m. Visitors then reunite with their respective groups to begin the return journey to their accommodations. Given the high volume of people that day, some choose to walk to the historic center, about a 20-minute walk downhill.

TRIBUNES IN SACSAYHUAMAN

The central Inti Raymi performance takes place in the sacred plaza of Sacsayhuamán. The grandstands at Sacsayhuamán can seat around 3,906 attendees, offering a comfortable and immersive experience during the Inti Raymi celebration. The seats provide great comfort for spectators. The VIP area features three grandstands (green, orange, and red), offering a privileged view of the ceremony.

What does the Sun represent in Inti Raymi?

The Sun symbolizes the highest worship, the essence and source of life. It is considered the supreme god and one of the most important stars in the Andean world. During this festival, the Sun marks the beginning of a new annual cycle, equivalent to our New Year. For this reason, offerings were made to it, temples were built, and respect and worship were shown to it, as it was the being that nourished and sustained them.

The festival in honor of the Sun God is celebrated on June 24th in three traditionally used historical and natural settings.

SERVICES IN SACSAYHUAMAN

EMUFEC (Municipal Company of Cusco Festivals) provides other essential services for enjoying Inti Raymi, such as comfortable VIP seating for spectators, portable restrooms, first aid personnel, and police security. These services ensure you can fully enjoy this ancient ceremony.

If you have a little time, you can also check out our tour packages that are included with Inti Raymi. This way, you can even enjoy your stay in this great city.

INCLUDES:

During the tour, you will enjoy the following services:

• Green Tribune tickets.
• Official bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
• Lunch at La Yunza Cultural Restaurant (Vegetarian or vegan options available at no additional cost).
• Box Lunch (Vegetarian, vegan, or special box lunches are available at no additional cost).
• Tourist transportation.
• Pickup transfers from all hotels.
• Audio transmitters.
• Personalized assistance.

DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Orange Tribune VIP tickets plus USD 59 per person.
• Red Tribune VIP tickets plus USD 49 per person.
• Koricancha VIP Tribune tickets plus USD 50 per person.
• Admission to recreational sites, such as clubs, hot springs, and amusement parks.
• Other services not specified in the program.
• Unscheduled meals.