Inti Raymi Day Tour Peru | Inti Raymi Cusco
Description
The Inti Raymi Day Tour in Cusco is celebrated every year on the solstice of June 24th. In 2025 the celebration of the sun will take place again - book online now! The Sun, the main god of the Inca civilization, was believed to be the creator of all that exists. It presided over the destinies of mankind and the universe.
The most luxurious celebration to be performed in Cusco was thus dedicated to the Sun God. The Sun was to be adored and offered sacrifices so as to avoid that during its lengthy journey through sky and space, it should leave the Earth and its children, and ensure its return offering heat and joy.
Several reasons compelled the Inca civilization to make sacrifices and offerings to their king star the sun. One of them was that the Inca, as well as Cusquenian nobility, were considered to be natural children of the Sun. To him they owed their existence, for which recognition was due with sacrifices and offerings. On the other hand, if the corn harvest was good in the last agricultural year, it was necessary to be thankful, and if the harvest was poor, it was necessary to request that it be compensated with a better one the following year. Finally, in June (winter solstice) as the Sun moved away and temperatures dropped, at dawns water froze, therefore it was necessary to request that the Sun return, that after twilight it should not continue advancing towards the north.
What to Expect
Sustainable Tourism: At Tierras Vivas, we are happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities
Tour Operator: Tierras Vivas - If you have questions or doubt about your trip, contact by WhatsApp: +51 984 004472
Service Level: Comfortable tourist-class and private transport.
Difficulty: 1 - Easy
Age Requirements: 2+ (All travellers under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult!).
Staff: A Tierras Vivas representative in Cusco, a professional bilingual Tour Guide in the Inti Raymi festival
Meals: 1x box lunch and 1x snack bag (Please allow USD 10-15 for meals not included)
Transportation: Private van.
Quick Itinerary
7:00: Pick you up from your hotel
9:30: Start the Sun Festival in Qoricancha
11:00: Walk up to Plaza de Armas. Enjoy the festival in main square (Auqaypata)
13:00: Sacsayhuaman, celebretes the rites of the New Fire, Coca, the offerings of the Four Suyos and the prediction of future times, among others.
Highlights Inti Raymi Day Tour:
- Celebrate the famous Sun festival in Peru
- Witness the majesty of the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu
- Learn about the Incan culture
- Wander through the Inca´s streets of Cusco
- The seating area we buy for you is the Preferred Orange, from where you can have a full vision of the feast.
Itineray Details
Inti Raymi Itinerary
The Sun Festival is celebrated in 3 historical scenes.
- Qorikancha (Golden Temple), it was the principal temple dedicated to the Sun in the Incan era.
- Plaza de Armas Cusco's (called by the Incas "Auqaypata", the Warrior Square), which was a huge square during the Inca times where this ceremony was held on a ceremonial platform (“ushnu” in Quechua). From there, the Inca was carried on a golden throne leading a procession through the ancient city of Cusco up to Sacsaywaman in the hills above city.
- Saqsaywaman ("saqsay" and "waman" in Quechua mean "satiate hawk"), which is an impressive archaeological centre situated at 3,555 m.a.s.l., just a kilometre far away from the Inca neighbourhood of Qolqanpata.
Program of the Sacsaywaman´s scene:
- Ceremonial arrival
- Announcement of the 4 “Suyus” (or the four cardinal points): Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu and Chinchaysuyu
- Chicha Ritual
- Sacred Fire Ritual
- Lama (Andean cameloid) sacrifice and a sign reading (But no worries, there is not any lama killed in fact nowadays!
- Sankhu (sacred bread) Reading
- Q'ochurikuy (burst of popular exaltation)
