What Is Inti Raymi?
Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is one of the most majestic celebrations of the Andean world. Born in the heart of the Tahuantinsuyo (the Inca Empire), this festivity honors Inti, the Sun god — father of life and protector of the people of Cusco, Peru. It is celebrated every June 24th, during the winter solstice, when the sun appears to distance itself from the earth. The ancient Incas would offer dances, gifts, and gratitude to invoke its return.
Today, Inti Raymi is much more than a historical reenactment — it is an act of love for the earth. A living ceremony that brings Andean cosmovision to life, uniting locals and travelers in an experience of deep spirituality and cultural beauty. It is the soul of Cusco, beating among sacred stones, ancestral music, and the warm spirit of a city that never forgets its identity.
What Is Celebrated During Inti Raymi, and Why Is It So Important in Cusco?
Inti Raymi is celebrated every June 24th, during the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere — the longest night and shortest day of the year. The sages of the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire) understood this astronomical moment and regarded it as sacred. It was the time to invoke the return of the sun, the source of life, light, and energy, thereby strengthening the bond between the sky, the earth, and the Andean peoples.
During Inti Raymi, the renewal of the solar cycle and the eternal connection between humanity and Pachamama (Mother Earth) are honored. It is a time to give thanks for the fertility of the fields, the abundance of food, and the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. More than a reenactment, it is a living ceremony that preserves Andean cultural identity.
This ceremony unfolds across three main locations in Cusco, Peru:
- Qorikancha, Templo del Sol, a sacred site where the ritual begins with an offering to the rising sun.
- Plaza de Armas de Cusco, formerly Haukaypata: where the Inca addresses his people.
- Sacsayhuamán Cusco, the impressive fortress: where the main rite is performed with over 500 actors on stage.
Its importance lies in being the most powerful bridge between the history of the Inca Empire and Cusco’s present-day cultural identity. It is a moment when the sun, the earth, and the Andean spirit come together in a celebration of history, strength, and belonging. A unique event for tourism in Cusco, it brings to life one of the most authentic traditions on the continent.
What to Do During Inti Raymi?
Experiencing Inti Raymi is like diving into a sensory and spiritual journey. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
- Attend the main performances: Arrive early at Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán. There are free viewing areas and sections with reserved seating.
- Explore the historic neighborhoods, such as San Blas, home to artisans and scenic viewpoints with stunning vistas.
- Visit top attractions in and around Cusco, like the Centro Artesanal, San Pedro Market, Moray, Maras, and the Sacred Valley.
- Enjoy traditional dances and performances in the city’s plazas — where music, vibrant costumes, and ancestral energy bring history to life.
- Check the weather in Cusco: June days are sunny but cold, especially in the mornings and evenings, so bring warm clothing.
Inti Raymi as a Spiritual Pilgrimage
Although many experience it as a cultural spectacle, Inti Raymi is also part of the growing movement of spiritual tourism in Cusco. For thousands of visitors, this date represents a true Andean pilgrimage — not only to the ceremonial sites, but also to the heart of an ancestral worldview.
Attending Inti Raymi is a way to reconnect with Pachamama, to honor the solar cycle, and to live a sacred experience that transcends time — in one of the most spiritually powerful places in the Andes.
Where Can You Experience the Festivities?
La ciudad entera se convierte en un escenario, pero estos son los puntos clave:
- Plaza de Armas de Cusco: cthe ceremonial and spiritual center of the city.
- Sacsayhuamán: the main stage of the ritual. It’s recommended to arrive on foot or with a guided tour.
- Qorikancha Cusco: the starting point of the celebration, where rituals to greet the sun take place.
- Tunupa Cusco Restaurante, located right on the plaza, offers a privileged view of the celebration and an unforgettable culinary experience.
Additionally, you can combine your trip with visits to places like Urubamba, Qenqo, Machu Picchu, and enjoy the warmth of Cusqueñan hospitality.
Where to Eat During Inti Raymi?
On the sun’s most sacred day, there’s no better way to pay tribute than through the flavors born from the Andean earth. At Tunupa, that connection comes alive.
Tunupa Cusco (Plaza de Armas)
With a privileged location facing Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, Tunupa offers à la carte dishes that celebrate traditional Cusqueñan cuisine with a contemporary touch.
Some recommendations:
- Trucha Tunupa
- Alpaca con Rissoto de 4 quesos
- Lomo saltado
- Ceviche andino
Tunupa Valle Sagrado (Urubamba)
In the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by mountains that seem to guard time, the criollo buffet at Tunupa Valle Sagrado is a celebration of abundance:
Practical Tips for Your Trip
- Flights to Cusco: Book in advance, especially if you’re traveling from Lima (search for “Lima to Cusco flights”).
- Where to stay:
There are excellent hotels near Cusco’s city center. Check availability and compare prices in neighborhoods like San Sebastián, Wanchaq, or near Machu Picchu.
- Cusco’s altitude: Cusco sits at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level — keep this in mind.
- Getting around: Use official taxis from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, or consult a map to explore Cusco’s historic center on foot.
- What to pack: Warm clothes for mornings and evenings, sunscreen for the day, and comfortable shoes for walking.
