Inti Raymi

The day begins early, at the Qorikancha temple in the middle of Cusco. In 2026 the first ceremony began at 8 a.m., with entry an hour earlier. By late morning the action moves to the main square, and by 1 p.m. it reaches Sacsayhuamán, the great stone ruin above the city, where the central ceremony is staged. The whole thing lasts roughly seven hours.

Inti Raymi was the Inca festival of the sun. According to the account of the chroniclers, it was created by Pachacutec in the 15th century and honoured the sun god Inti. The Spanish banned it in 1572, though it carried on in secret. The modern version dates from 24 June 1944, when it was revived as a historical reconstruction at Sacsayhuamán. Since then it has been repeated every year on that date, which is also Cusco Day. In 2001 it was declared part of Peru's national cultural heritage.

Between 750 and 800 actors take part, led by the municipal company Emufec, which has around 300 costumes. At the main square the Inca meets the city and regional leaders, and at Sacsayhuamán the ceremony includes reports from the four regions of the empire, offerings, a sacred fire and dances.

How to go. Plan around the tickets. The Plaza de Armas part is free to watch, but seats at Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán are sold, and in 2026 all of them sold out. Sacsayhuamán seats cost S/ 490 to S/ 850 that year, Qorikancha S/ 235, and combined packages S/ 690 to S/ 1,030. Prices and sale dates for 2027 are not out yet. Book your room in Cusco well ahead of 24 June, and expect crowds in the centre from the morning.