The month of June is known as the jubilee month because the entire region fills with joy, art, living culture, and tradition everywhere. In June, the city of Cusco stops being a modern and tourist city and becomes the heart of the Andean world where one of the most important celebrations takes place: Inti Raymi.
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun in Spanish) is a theatrical representation that highlights the ancient connection between the Inca ancestors and the gods.
The History Behind the Great Celebration
During the time of the Inka Empire, Inti Raymi was considered one of the most sacred events of the Tahuantinsuyo where the God Inti (Sun) and his image (Punchao) were worshiped. According to the chroniclers, Inti Raymi was not celebrated only in the month of June but “after the solstice” and lasted between the months of May and June. Nowadays, Inti Raymi is celebrated on June 24; however, during the Inca period, the date varied depending on when the winter solstice occurred.
The sacred Inti Raymi ceremony was led by the Inca and the Coya. The Inca, as the “Firstborn Son of the Sun,” presided over the ceremony and sometimes acted as High Priest due to his exceptional rank within the nobility, although there was also a High Priest present who had to belong to the same lineage as the Inka. Inti Raymi was also a way of recognizing that the Sun God “was the natural father of the first Inca Manco Capac and Colla Mama Ocllo Huaco” (Limón, p. 9), who had been sent to earth for the universal benefit of humanity. Extremely important figures also participated in this sacred ceremony, such as the acllas, the imperial Inca army, representatives of the four suyos, authorities, among others. Each person attended wearing their finest attire.
How is Inti Raymi Celebrated Nowadays?
Currently, Inti Raymi takes place in 3 settings:
- Qorikancha – Golden Enclosure: in this setting, the sacred fire ceremony (Willka Nina) is held where the “Greeting to the Sun” takes place.
- Main Square of Cusco: nowadays, in this setting the Inka and the current local authorities hold a conversation about the issues concerning the Cusco region.
- Esplanade of the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park: this is the final setting where an offering to the sun is made. The Inka leads the ceremony and performs the symbolic sacrifice of a camelid.
How Can I Reserve My Entry Ticket to Inti Raymi?
Tickets for Inti Raymi are sold several weeks in advance through the official Teleticket website.
Tickets are distributed in two areas: the first is Sacsayhuaman and the second is Qorikancha. Prices vary depending on the area reserved, as well as age, whether the visitor is a domestic or foreign tourist, and tour guide. The zones in Sacsayhuamán are divided into Illapa, Chaska, Killa – VIP, and Inti – super VIP zones.
In addition, it is important to remember that:
- The purchase limit is a maximum of 12 tickets per customer.
- Children under 5 years old do not pay admission; however, they must enter accompanied by a responsible adult and will not have access to a seat.
- The seating zone map is for reference only.
- Once the admission document has been issued, it is non-refundable and changes cannot be made.
Be part of history, get your Inti Raymi ticket and access to the best places in Cusco with us. Book here.
