All About Inti Raymi Peru: How to Celebrate in 2026

When Is Inti Raymi

The date of Inti Raymi never changes; the Festival of the Sun is celebrated every year on June 24. This date marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. While the actual astronomical solstice usually falls on June 21, the Incas celebrated on the 24th to coincide with the Sun's apparent "stillness" before it begins its journey back north. In 2026, June 24 falls on a Wednesday, so expect the entire week leading up to it to be filled with parades and street parties in Cusco.

Where Is Inti Raymi Celebrated

What to Expect from Inti Raymi

• A three-act journey through the city: The festival celebration will be divided into three parts, each taking place at a different venue. You’ll make your way through the city, navigating the crowds and exploring various historical sites.

• A feast for the senses: The ceremony features the distinctive hum of conch shells and the rhythmic beat of traditional drums. You’ll also see more than 800 performers dressed in elaborately crafted Inca regalia, including gilded breastplates, vibrantly woven robes, and towering feather headdresses. All presentations will be delivered in the traditional Quechua language, offering a fully immersive experience.

• City atmosphere: Because June 24 is also Cusco Day, the city is in full festival mode. Expect fireworks the night before, local food stalls selling Chiriuchu which is a traditional cold platter featuring guinea pig and jerky.

Ticket Information

• Orange/Red Zones: These areas offer the best views and typically cost between $250 and $320.

• Green Zone: Slightly further back but still great, usually around $180 USD. They sell out fast, so keep an eye on the official EMUFEC (Municipal Festival Company of Cusco) website.

Best Viewing Spots

• For the budget traveler: Stand on the slopes of the hills surrounding Sacsayhuaman. Local families gather here for picnics, and while you are far from the "stage," the atmosphere is incredible.

• For the best photos: Try to book a second-floor balcony at a cafe in the Plaza de Armas for the 11:00 AM ceremony. You’ll get a clear shot of the Inca without the crowd pushing against you.

• For the full experience: Purchase a ticket to visit the main site, Sacsayhuaman, where you can watch ceremonial rituals and large-scale performances.

• For a lively atmosphere: Join the parade route to Plaza de Armas, where you’ll be treated to music and dancing. However, it will be very crowded, so watch out for the crowds.

What to Bring

• Sun protection: The sun at 11,000 feet is no joke. Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Water and snacks: Sacsayhuaman has limited food vendors, and they get very busy.
• Patience: There are thousands of people. Moves are slow, and the streets are crowded. Just go with the flow!

• Jacket: There is a significant temperature difference between day and night in Cusco, and temperatures drop rapidly once the sun goes down.

• Power bank: At large events like this, you’ll want to take photos constantly, so bring a power bank to prevent your phone from running out of battery.

• Wet wipes: Public facilities at outdoor archaeological sites are limited, so it’s best to bring your own.

While the Inti Raymi festival in Cusco in June is certainly a must-see event, the city has much more to offer that’s worth discovering and exploring. Much of Cusco is built directly on top of Inca foundations.

Twelve-Angled Stone: A masterpiece of Inca engineering, featuring 12 precisely cut angles.

San Blas Neighborhood: Known as the "Artisan's Quarter," this is the most picturesque part of the city. Expect steep, narrow streets filled with galleries, coffee shops, and workshops. It’s the best place to find high-quality, handmade ceramics and textiles.

San Pedro Market: You’ll find everything from fresh exotic fruits to local delicacies like roasted guinea pig.

Day Trips from Cusco

Cusco is also a well-known base camp, offering easy access to the region’s famous South American natural attractions.

Sacred Valley: Once the agricultural and cultural heart of the Inca Empire, this region serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you can visit Pisac, famous for its terraced fields, and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo.

Vinicunca: Also known as Rainbow Mountain, this peak offers a breathtaking view. But please note: The hike reaches an elevation of up to 5,036 meters (16,522 feet).

Zona Arqueológica de Moray: This is an agricultural experimental site from the Inca Empire, featuring a massive circular terraced structure. If you have time, you can also visit the nearby Salt Mine of Maras to see thousands of white salt pans.

Pro tip: To visit these attractions, you can purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket. A full-price ticket costs approximately $35, is valid for 10 days, and covers 16 attractions. If you’re short on time, you can also buy a partial ticket for about $18.

What is the Inti Raymi in Peru?

Why is Inti Raymi held on June 24?

How can I attend Inti Raymi?