The ancient Inca civilization is globally recognized for its impressive constructions, cultural advancements, and deep connection with nature. In this context, festivals and ritual ceremonies were fundamental pillars of Incan life. The main celebrations coincided with astronomical events such as solstices and equinoxes, with Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, being the most emblematic.
Cusco, the great capital of the Tawantinsuyu, stood out as the main stage for these magnificent festivities. Considered the center of the Andean universe, this cosmopolitan city hosted delegations from all the empire’s peoples, reflecting cultural diversity and contributing to imperial administration. During Inti Raymi, Cusco became the epicenter of ceremonies dedicated to the Sun, the Moon, Pachamama (Mother Earth), water, lightning, and the stars—elements revered in the Andean worldview.
Inti Raymi, established over six centuries ago by Inca Pachacutec, marked the winter solstice and symbolized cosmic renewal and gratitude for the harvests. Its celebration coincided with the end of the agricultural cycle and the beginning of the Andean New Year. In Cusco, the main ceremonies took place in the great square, now known as the Plaza de Armas and the Plaza del Regocijo, as well as in Qoricancha, the golden temple dedicated to the Sun.
Today, Inti Raymi is one of the most important festivals in the world and a symbol of Peruvian cultural identity. Its historical and spiritual value has been recognized by the Peruvian government, which has declared it a Cultural Heritage of the Nation and an Official Act and Main Ritual Ceremony of National Identity. Each year, this majestic celebration attracts thousands of national and international visitors, reinforcing its significance as a major cultural and tourist attraction.
If you seek to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Peru, witnessing Inti Raymi in Cusco is a unique experience. Live the ancestral tradition and connect with the spirituality of the ancient Incas in this moving Festival of the Sun.
THE MODERN CEREMONY
The ceremony is based on a script supported by historical sources. Its representation takes place in the city’s most iconic locations, such as Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Auqaypata (present-day Main Square), and the esplanade of Saqsaywaman, where the central rituals unfold.
9:00 a.m. Qoricancha (Golden Enclosure): Start of the Staging
At the majestic Qoricancha temple, the starting point for the four great regions of the Tawantinsuyu, a solemn ceremony of the sacred fire, known as Willka Nina, was once celebrated. This ancestral ritual involved lighting a fire using the Sun’s rays, concentrated through a golden disk to ignite delicate fibers of white vicuña wool. Priests from different corners of the Inca Empire carried this sacred fire to temples and shrines. Today, the tradition is revived in the emblematic Inti Raymi ceremony.
At 9:00 in the morning, in the Qoricancha esplanade, the Inca, accompanied by the Qoya and the nobility, pays homage to the god Inti, seeking blessings and good omens. This colorful celebration in Cusco, known as the Sacred City, attracts thousands of national and international visitors.
After the initial ceremony, an impressive parade of 800 participants, dressed in traditional attire and accompanied by the sounds of pututus, tinyas, and quenas, sets off towards the Plaza de Armas. The procession moves through the Santo Domingo square, Pampa del Castillo, and Loreto Street, where tourists and locals gather to witness this spectacular cultural event.
10:00 a.m. Plaza de Armas (Auqaypata):
During the Inca Empire, the imposing Plaza de Armas was the main stage for solemn ceremonies, with celebrations taking place on a large ceremonial platform known as the ushnu. In this space, the Inca met with his generals and armies to receive the commitment of new soldiers, who swore to offer their blood for the Sun, the Inca, and the Tawantinsuyu. Additionally, homage was paid to the Sun’s weapons and the imperial banners.
In the contemporary version of Inti Raymi, the entrance to the Plaza de Armas is majestic, with the audience surrounding the entire perimeter after patiently waiting for this long-anticipated moment. At the center of the square, a ceremonial waka is erected, where the traditional coca leaf ritual takes place. One of the most significant moments is the «Encounter of the Times,» when the city’s mayor receives the khipu, an ancestral symbol representing the three fundamental principles of the Inca people: Munay (To Love), Yachay (To Know), and Llank’ay (To Work).
This moving ceremony, which blends tradition and spirituality, attracts thousands of national and international visitors, solidifying Inti Raymi as one of the most important cultural festivals in Peru and the Andean world.
1:45 p.m. Esplanade of the Saqsaywaman Archaeological Park:
The ceremony’s central stage, the ushnu, built in the middle of the Saqsaywaman esplanade, is entered by the Sinchi, or Great General, marking the beginning of the main Inti Raymi celebration. Representatives of the four Suyos—the regions of the ancient empire—are summoned, appearing to the rhythm of the music and dances from their places of origin. Once the vast pampa is filled, and to the cadence of traditional music, the ñustas, aqllas, the royal entourage, and the Qoya enter, followed by the Inca, carried in his magnificent golden litter.
After the greeting to the Sun, the sacred song dedicated to the Sun is performed and then chanted by the entire ensemble with great emotion. Immediately, each regional leader (Suyo)—Qollasuyo, Antisuyo, Chinchaysuyo, and Kontisuyo—delivers their report and presents their offerings.
The following rituals, accompanied by traditional dances performed by delegations from the four regions of the vast empire, take place during the highly ceremonial part of the event:
• Chicha Ritual (offering of the sacred fermented drink).
• Sacred Fire Ritual.
• Simulated Sacrifice of the Llama (Andean camelid) and omens.
• Sacred Bread (Sankhu) Ritual.
The ritual ceremony concludes with a grand celebration and popular rejoicing, where tourists and visitors blend with the performers, immortalizing a unique and unrepeatable experience—becoming part of the Festival of the Sun in the very heart of the Inca Empire.
SERVICES AND AMENITIES
At Qoricancha, a grandstand will be available for 350 spectators. Entry to the reenactment in the Main Square is free, so we recommend arriving early. Access to the viewing stands in the Saqsaywaman esplanade requires the purchase of numbered seats, assigned according to designated zones. The red and orange stands offer the best visual perspective, featuring spacious seating arrangements and comfortable chairs.
The stands are equipped with fiberglass seats, portable restrooms, an information and assistance center, first aid services, and security, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.