For over 500 years, Inti Raymi has been the most important date on Cusco’s events calendar. This ancient religious celebration of the Inca Sun King, “Inti” and “Pachamama”, the Mother Earth, came about due to the Inca civilisation fearing the damaging effects of the sun during winter, which led them to honour the sun to ensure a healthy harvest. The Festival of the Sun, also celebrates the Inca New Year and winter solstice, in the Southern hemisphere. Like the ancient feast which today’s Inti Raymi festival represents, Inti Raymi honours a new cycle of life with several days of vibrant dancing, drinking, and eating, and of course, the main event on the 24th of June. In a city that has a colourful cultural calendar, especially in June, Inti Raymi has become one of the largest and most important celebrations in Cusco, perhaps precisely because of its local significance.
What to Expect on the Inti Raymi Day Tour?
More than 500 actors, organized by the university, professional, or neighbourhood affiliation, prepare and practice for months beforehand, designing elaborate and ornate costumes, refining dance sequences, and coordinating minor details or the procession, all to give full homage to the Inca past. On the day of Inti Raymi, the procession is staged at Koricancha, the Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuaman. These were the most important ceremonial sites during Inca times, and today they are among the few remaining examples of the Inca’s magnificent stone masonry.
The starting point of the procession is the Koricancha, the Inca “Temple of the Sun,” and the current site of Santo Domingo Church. It was here that the Inca civilization worshipped Inti, the Sun God, and this grandest of palaces was decked out accordingly. Inti Raymi begins at San Domingo Church, the site of Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun.
The chronicles of the conquest say that, when the Spanish first arrived to Cusco, The Koricancha was among the most incredible constructions that they had ever seen. The walls of the temple were covered in gold, and the gardens were filled with life-size reproductions of Andean flora and fauna, including golden-fleeced llamas, tiny insects, ears of corn, and flowers, all crafted in gold and silver. Aside from 4,000 attending priests, the most notable residents of the Koricancha were the deceased Incas, mummified and wrapped in beautiful clothes and seated upon golden thrones to rest for all eternity.
Of course, none of these artefacts withstood the plundering of the Spanish conquerors, and all that remains are a series of Inca walls that were spared when construction began for the Spanish Santa Domingo church that now sits atop the Inca foundations.
The procession continues on foot to the Plaza de Armas and then further up the hill to Sacsayhuaman, the archaeological site where the remainder of the Inti Raymi rituals are performed to the delight of thousands of onlookers. The entire ceremony is conducted in the Quechua language.
Once the procession reaches Sacsayhuaman, Sapa Inca addresses the pallbearers, one dressed as a snake to represent the underworld, one dressed as a puma to represent Earthly life and another dressed as a Condor representing the heavenly skies. Then the re-enactment of a llama sacrifice takes place and the “heart” is held up to Pachamama to ensure the fertility of the next harvest. It is important to note that no animals are harmed in this ceremony.
As the sun sets, a bonfire is lit and the final part of the ceremony ends with the procession returning to Cusco with the Sun King and his wife carried atop their chariot.
Where can I witness the Inti Raymi Sun festival?
• At the Koricancha
Although you’ll find no official seating here, there’s plenty of standing room. The festival itself takes place in the gardens just outside of the temple. You’ll find it along Cusco’s Avenida El Sol, just remember to arrive early for the best views.
• In Plaza de Armas
Cordoned off for the festivities, you’ll still find space around the colonial arches to view the ceremony. Just be prepared to stand in crowds that are 4 or 5 people deep. We’d advise arriving to a pre-booked table at a local cafe or restaurant, enjoying a drink on the 2nd floor balcony and watching from there.
• At Saqsayhuaman
There are two options for watching the ceremony here; on grandstand seating which are sold on a first come first served basis. It’s always best to try and book this through Kallpa Travel well in advance. Or you can join local Peruvians at roughly 8am and watch from two of the local parks that overlook the site. Be prepared for crowds and take everything you will need for the day (food, water and sun protection).
Inti Raymi Tips
It is highly recommended to book well in advance to get a seat for the ceremony as well as secure your accommodation in Cusco. Your expert local guide to go with you to explain each part of the festival and what it represents. Most importantly, be respectful of the ceremony itself, there are many centuries of tradition that form part of these rituals.
Visit some Local attractions: We’d suggesting making the most of your stay in Cusco and trekking the Inca trail to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Prepare well as it’s quite the trek but don’t let it put you off, the views once you reach the archaeological site are worth all the effort. You can also see at the Inca stone masonry that is still evident on the cobbled streets of Cusco city.
If this has whetted your appetite to book an Inti Raymi Day Tour, contact us here at Kallpa Travel for expert local information and all the best ways to experience this iconic festival of the sun in Cusco.