Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi Peru, the Festival of the sun is the greatest Inca festival; it is certainly the spectacle of the year in Cusco. Inti is the Quechua name for the sun. Which the Inca worshiped. Inca rulers were considered to be descended from Inti, thus legitimizing their authority over the people. The most important festival was Inti Raymi, held on June 24, marking the winter solstice and the beginning of the new year. Each June, Cusco is once again home to the Inti Raymi celebration, which begins at the Koricancha with dances and processions, making its way to Sacsayhuaman, where varieties of ceremonies are performed. There is a cost to attend the festivities at Sacsayhuaman, but those held in the center of Cusco are free due to the influx of visitors. The tickets are issued by a local organization, which is handled by Cusco’s Municipality.
At Bigfoot Machu Picchu we can easily get these tickets for you, there are 3 main different areas that you can pick, orange area (best seats), red area (standard seats), and green area (populous). The tickets and seats are subject to availability so the sooner you book your sport the better chances you will have. The ticket includes round-trip transportation from Cusco city, box lunch, lunch, and staff for orientation during the ceremony.
INTI RAYMI ITINERARY
The Inti Raymi Peru starts at 09:00 am at Qorikancha or the temple of the Sun. This is in Cusco downtown.
At 10:30 am, an elite group of warriors carries the Inca through the main alleys of Cusco. The entrance of the Inca emperor to the Main Square of Cusco is just marvelous. During the whole ceremony, you will observe performers dressed in local Inca customs.
At around 1:30 pm, the Inca get to Sacsayhuaman fortress. Here is where the theatrical scene with the Inca God Inti starts. The ceremony can go on until 3 pm.
TIPS TO ASSIST THE INTI RAYMI PERU
While the Inti Raimi in Peru takes place on June 24th, the streets around Cusco city and Sacsayhuaman can get really crowded in the marathon for having the best viewpoint of the Inca and his crew. June 24th is holiday around Cusco city, so a holiday day will descend upon the city as the day begins. Today it’s going to be undoubtably epic. Here are some tip for getting the best of this annually ceremony.
Get a local tour guide
There is nothing better than enjoying the Inti Raymi as a local, a tour guide can walk you by this celebration with confidence whether you go attend the ceremony in Cusco city or Sacsayhuaman. A local guide will elevate your experience by explaining in great details how this ritual works, the function of the instruments, the translation of the Quechua language to English, and the roles of the performers during the Inti Raymi.
Plan for the Inti Raymi
This will make a huge difference when it comes to enjoying the Inca new year celebration. Spots are limited make sure to get your ticket in advance, make sure that you have a seat assigned at the Sacsayhuaman fortress, make sure the travel agency picks you up and drops you of back in your hotel, and understand if lunch will be provided.
Stay Hydrated
June is one of the hottest months in Cusco, also bear in mind that Cusco is at a higher elevation 3350 m, there is not humidity and the weather is pretty dry. The heat sensation can go up to 25 degrees, not to mention the atmosphere heat of the people around you, and you have the perfect condition to dehydrate quickly. Make sure you drink sips of water to avoid dehydration, headaches or altitude sickness.
Be careful with your valuables
Leaving you money or your phone in your pocket is not advisable as pick-pocketing happens during the day. Here a bum bag will become useful. Just take the necessary with you and leave credit card and other things you will not need with you behind. Take photos by all means, but make sure to put your phone back after. Also, don’t wear pricey-looking jewelry during the ceremony.
Comfortable clothing
Take with you a good pair of sneakers, dress in layers, sun glasses, a hat or umbrella to avoid sun burning, sun screen, and some snack energetic bars to bite during the ritual.