Inti Raymi 2025 «Sun Festival» Full day

Itinerary

Ceremony at the Qoricancha temple

08:00 a.m.

We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the starting point of your visit.

The Inti Raymi ceremony begins at the Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, in Cusco at approximately 8:00 a.m. There, the Inca, accompanied by royalty and La Qoya, bows to the Sun God, Inti.

He invokes the mighty sun and seeks success in the ceremony. "Oh, sun god, our father, powerful sun of eternal happiness, warm source and principle of life. From this sacred dwelling in Cusco, where you reside with the Moon, the Lightning, and the Thunder, your children from the Empire of the Four Regions humbly greet you on your jubilee day." This marks the beginning of the Inti Raymi, a ceremony that celebrates life and fertility, and is one of the most important in Inca culture.

If you purchased a ticket for Qoricancha, you'll have access to a VIP seat directly in front of the site. Otherwise, we’ll have designated areas for you around the ceremony.

Ceremony at Aucaypata or main Square of Cusco

10:30 a.m.

At the conclusion of the Inti Raymi initiation ceremony at the Qoricancha, the Inca, his royal entourage, and the Imperial Army embark on a solemn procession through ancient Inca streets, including Loreto Street, leading them to the Plaza de Armas or main square of Cusco, specifically to Aucaypata.

In this location, the Ñustas, Aqllas (chosen women), and the entire imperial army are already present, positioning themselves in the Plaza de Armas to await the arrival of the Inca. In this setting, the Inca, as the supreme ruler of the empire, performs the Coca ceremony, invoking the Apus through it to grant them protection and guidance.

In this second stage, our guide will provide options to enhance your experience:

• Free time: Up to one hour to explore this area at your own pace. Entry is free for everyone, giving you the chance to relax or immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere of Cusco’s people.
• 11:00 AM: Lunch at La Yunza Restaurant, known as "The Museum of Latin American Music"
• 12:00 PM: Transfer to ascend to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where the most important ceremony of Inti Raymi will take place.

Main and final Ceremony at the Park of Saqsayhuamán

01:00 - 02:30 p.m.

After concluding the Coca ceremony at Aucaypata Plaza, the cast proceeds to the impressive esplanade of the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park (3 km from Cusco). There, a crowd of approximately 80,000 people, including 3,500 tourists who have purchased tickets for the stands set up on the esplanade, eagerly await the start of the central ceremony of Inti Raymi.

GRANDSTANDS IN SACSAYHUAMÁN

The central staging of Inti Raymi takes place on the main esplanade of Sacsaywaman. There are grandstands that can accommodate about 3,906 people. All seats are very comfortable for the spectators. The VIP area consists of three grandstands (orange, red, and green) that offer a better view of the ceremony.

Here, the Inca, accompanied by the Coya, priests, warriors, and Incan nobility, performs rituals and offerings to honor the Sun. The ceremony highlights traditional dances, Quechua chants, and the symbolic sacrifice of a llama, representing renewal and a plea for prosperity for the people.

The majestic setting of Sacsayhuamán, with its massive stone structures and connection to the heavens, enhances the sacred atmosphere of Inti Raymi. This event blends history, art, and spirituality, creating a unique experience for locals and visitors from around the world. The ceremony not only commemorates the grandeur of the Tahuantinsuyo empire but also preserves and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Andes.

After the most special event at the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, located just 3 km from Cusco, we will board a bus to return to the historic center of Cusco, where the tour will conclude.

What's Included?

• Entrance tickets to the VIP tribune (Orange, Red or Green) at Park of Saqsayhuaman.
• Official tourism guide English / Spanish.
• Lunch at LA YUNZA cultural restaurant (Vegetarian or Vegan at no additional cost).
• Box lunch.
• Bus transportation.
• Transfers from all the places.
• Pull service (shared with other tourists)
• Audio Transmitters for guidance
• Personalized assistance

What's not Included?

• Opening Inti Raymi, Vip Zone on Qoricancha. + USD 50.00 (limited spaces)
• Opening Inti Raymi, Vip Zone (Child) on Qoricancha. + USD 30.00 (limited spaces)
• Opening Inti Raymi, Vip Zone (Peruvian) on Qoricancha. + USD 30.00 (limited spaces)

Note: To send you all the information about how to book please email us and we will respond as soon as possible by sending all the necessary information and / or answering your concerns.

Additional Services

• Opening Inti Raymi, Vip Zone on Qoricancha. + USD 50.00 (limited spaces)
• Opening Inti Raymi, Vip Zone (Child) on Qoricancha. + USD 30.00 (limited spaces)
• Opening Inti Raymi, Vip Zone (Peruvian) on Qoricancha. + USD 30.00 (limited spaces)

What to Bring?

• Sun hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen (recommended SPF 35).
• Camera and camcorder.

Extra Items to Bring

• Extra money for personal expenses (recommend 100 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra expenses).

PRICES

Discounts

• Red or Orange Zone
• 5 - 12 years old: We offer a $90 discount per child. To qualify as a child, you must have a valid identity card and be under 12 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
• National tourist: We offer a $90 discount per person. To qualify as a peruvian, you must have a valid identity card and be peruvian. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
• Green Zone
• 5 - 12 years old: We offer a $60 discount per child. To qualify as a child, you must have a valid identity card and be under 12 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
• National tourist: We offer a $60 discount per person. To qualify as a peruvian, you must have a valid identity card and be peruvian. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
• Qoricancha
• 5 - 12 years old: We offer a $20 discount per child. To qualify as a child, you must have a valid identity card and be under 12 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
• National tourist: We offer a $20 discount per person. To qualify as a peruvian, you must have a valid identity card and be peruvian. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.

Important information

Services at Qoricancha, Main Square - Aucaypata, and Sacsayhuamán

EMUFEC provides essential services for attending the Inti Raymi, including comfortable spectator seating, hygienic mobile bathrooms, first aid stations, and police security, ensuring you can enjoy this Inca ceremony safely and comfortably.

After the Main Event

At the conclusion of the main event in Sacsayhuamán, we will gather and board the transport to take you back to your respective hotels. Alternatively, you may choose to be dropped off at the Plaza de Armas. Due to heavy traffic on this day, some visitors with accommodations near the plaza may prefer to walk downhill for approximately 15 minutes to reach their destination.

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Availability