In June, the streets of Cusco are filled with locals and visitors witnessing a reenactment of the Inca ceremony. Learn more about Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun.
Inti Raymi is the Andean feast of the Sun and the Earth (Pachamama), celebrated on June 24 in the city of Cusco. During the Inca Empire, it was the most important festival, gathering thousands of people who lived throughout the Inca-ruled regions of the Andes. Today, a reenactment of the ceremony gathers locals and international visitors alike.
History of Inti Raymi
Much of what we know about the Inca celebration of Inti Raymi is through the chronicles of Garcilaso de la Vega, the son of a Spanish conquistador and Inca noblewoman, and one of the first known mestizos in the Americas.
The celebration was instituted by the ninth Inca ruler, Pachacuti (or Pachacutec) Inca Yupanqui (1418–1471/1472) in order to celebrate the Andean New Year, or the southern hemisphere’s winter solstice. Fun fact: archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was constructed during Pachacuti’s reign and for his use.
Inti Raymi was (and continues to be) celebrated in the main square of Cusco city, known as Haukaypata in Quechua, which was the center point from which the roads led to the four corners (or suyos) of the Inca Empire. The ceremony lasted 9 to 15 days, and was considered a ceremony celebrating the origin of the Inca people. Offerings were also made to Mother Earth, or Pachamama.
The first celebration, according to the chronicles, was in 1412 and the last one to be enacted with the presence of an Inca Emperor was in 1535. The ceremony was banned with the arrival of the Spanish and the Catholic Church, along with many other Indigenous cultural and religious ceremonies and practices.
Today’s Reenactment of Inti Raymi
The historical reenactment that takes place today was developed by Faustino Espinoza Navarro, a Cusco writer, actor and founder of the Academy of the Quechua Language. Along with the historian Humberto Vidal Unda, they developed the theatrical script based on the chronicles of the ceremony found in the book Comentarios Reales de los Incas by Inca Garcilaso de la Vega (1612).
The first staging of the celebration took place in 1944. June 24 was chosen, instead of the day of winter solstice (June 20/21), in order to coincide with the DÃa del Indio (Day of the Indian), introduced by the then president, Augusto B. LeguÃa. The date is now named DÃa del Campesino (Day of the Farmer).
From the beginning, the reenactment was intended to attract visitors outside of Cusco, and has grown exponentially far beyond its initial intentions.
How much does Inti Raymi cost?
The Inti Raymi celebration takes place throughout three different historic areas in Cusco. The procession starts out in Coricancha/Qorikancha, the Golden Temple, then heads to Cusco’s main square and moves on to the Inca fortress Sacsayhuaman. This is where the main event takes place and for which there is a cost to attend.
Locals and visitors gather throughout the streets of Cusco to witness the event. There is no cost for those who follow the procession. Yet, tour agencies rent out balconies and spaces along the route and in the main plaza for tourists who want an ensured spot.
The main event in Sacsayhuaman is ticketed, with different pricing. The least expensive ticket costs USD $199, and the most expensive is $249. Children pay $109 and $169.
Inti Raymi has come under fire for its high costs, overcrowding of tourists and waste problem. One of the closest approximations state that 80,000 people watch the event throughout the city, and 3,000+ attend the event at Sacsayhuaman.
Though it is true that the event generates income for many locals, the challenge remains to carry out the event in a sustainable way that also allows for local people to enjoy the event along with visitors. Many locals living in the city and in rural areas do not have the income to attend the ticketed event.
Cover photo: McKay Savage/Flickr
Now that you're here:
We're asking you, our reader, to make a contribution in support of our digital guide in order to keep informing, updating and inspiring people to visit Peru. Why now? In our near 20-year journey as the leading English-language source on travel in Peru, we've had our fair share of ups and downs-but nothing quite like the challenges brought forth in the first quarter of 2020.
By adapting to the changing face of the tourism and travel industry (on both local and international levels), we have no doubt we will come out stronger-especially with the support of our community. Because you will travel again, and we will be ready to show you the best of Peru.
Your financial support means we can keep sharing the best of Peru through high-quality stories, videos and insights provided by our dedicated team of contributors and editors based in Peru. And of course, We are here to answer your questions and help whenever you need us.
As well, it makes possible our commitment to support local and small businesses that make your visit an unforgettable one. Your support will help the people working in these industries get back on their feet once the world allows us to make our dream of enjoying everything Peru has to offer a reality again-from its mouthwatering gastronomy, thriving Amazon and archaeological wonders such as Machu Picchu.
Together, we will find a way through this. As a member of our community, your contribution, however big or small, is valuable.
Support Traveling & Living in Peru from as little as $1 - and it only takes a minute. Thank you!
