Inti Raymi in Cusco: how to see it for free?
Inti Raymi is the festival of the sun that dates back to the time of the Incas. Today in the city of Cusco, the residents rescued this tradition from their ancestors to perform an impressive staging every June 24 in three stages: the Coricancha, the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuaman. Although there are admission tickets for these shows, it is also possible to see them for free. Learn more!
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What is the Inti Raymi festival?
Inti Raymi are two Quechua words that, translated into Spanish, mean: “Feast of the Sun.”
Its history dates back to the religious festival ‘Wawa Inti Raymi’ that the Incas established at the beginning of the 15th century in the city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire (Tahuantinsuyo).
In 1944, the tradition of Wawa Inti Raymi was established among the people of Cusco (at the initiative of the Cusco artist Faustino Espinoza) to become Inti Raymi, a festival that vindicates the legacy of the Incas in Cusco.
This celebration consists of a massive staging of the Inca tradition: the Inca leads the religious ceremony in homage to the sun god (Inti). Just as the Incas did, the staging takes place in sacred places such as Coricancha, the Plaza de Armas or Sacsayhuaman.
The Incas held the celebration every winter solstice – between June 20 and 23. The people of Cusco decided to celebrate every June 24. The magnitude of the festival is such that that day is a holiday (non-working day) in Cusco.
Today the Inti Raymi festival is considered one of the most famous festivities in Peru. That day hundreds of Peruvian and international tourists arrive to observe the wonderful staging.
That day, in addition to the staging, you can taste the best of Cusco gastronomy. You can also see Cusqueños celebrating in every part of the city. It’s a massive party!
Where is the Inti Raymi festival celebrated?
Inti Raymi is celebrated in the city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire.
The staging takes place in three settings with a lot of history in Cusco: the Coricancha esplanade, the Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuaman esplanade.
INTI RAYMI | |
Place | Hour |
First show at Coricancha Coricancha | 9 am aprox. |
Second show at Cusco Main Square | 11 am aprox. |
Third show at Sacsayhuaman | 2 pm aprox. |
When is Inti Raymi celebrated?
Inti Raymi is celebrated every year on June 24 (winter solstice in the southern hemisphere).
How much does Inti Raymi cost?
The Inti Raymi show can be seen with a tour or on your own.
The tours have a price that varies depending on the location of the show in Sacsayhuaman:
PRICE TOURS INTI RAYMI (approximate prices)* | ||
Adults | Kids | |
Location in lateral area (red) | 250 USD | 155 USD |
Location in lateral area (green) | 190 USD | 125 USD |
Location in central area (naranja) | 250 USD | 155 USD |
*Approximate prices for tours that include mobility, box lunch and guide.
Another option is to see the Inti Raymi for free at strategic points in the city..
How to see Inti Raymi for free in Cusco?
The Inti Raymi can also be seen for free in its different stages: Coricancha, Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuaman.
- In Coricancha – The show takes place on the esplanade. The best place to see this free show is on the left side (Arrayanniyoq Street). It is recommended to be there from approximately 7 am (the show starts at 9 am).
- In Plaza de Armas – The show takes place in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. The best place to appreciate this free show is from the steps of the Cathedral. It is recommended to be there from 8 am (the show starts at 11 am). Another option is to reserve breakfast at one of the restaurants with balconies overlooking the square (do it in advance).
- In Sacsayhuaman – The show takes place in the sacred esplanade of Sacsayhuaman. Entry to the seats is with a paid ticket. However, the show can be seen for free from a distance from the area of the chincanas (rocks) located at the back (Don Bosco Street) of the archaeological site. It is recommended to be there from 12 pm (the show starts at 2 pm).
Inti Raymi show schedule in Cusco
The Inti Raymi takes place in three stages: Coricancha, Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuaman.
- The show at Coricancha starts at 9 am and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
- The show in the Plaza de Armas starts at 11 am and lasts approximately 1 hour.
- The show in Sacsayhuaman starts at 2 pm and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Questions and answers about Inti Raymi festival in Cusco
What is Inti Raymi?
The Inti Raymi (from the Quechua ‘Festival of the Sun’) is a celebration of Inca origin that continues in the city of Cusco to this day. The ceremony is represented in which the Inca thanks the sun with animal sacrifices and offerings from the four points of the empire.
Where is Inti Raymi celebrated?
Inti Raymi is celebrated in the city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire ‘Tahuantinsuyo’.
When is Inti Raymi celebrated?
Inti Raymi is celebrated every year on June 24 (winter solstice in the southern hemisphere).
What is the history of the Inti Raymi?
The origins of Inti Raymi date back to the beginning of the fifteenth century with the celebration of Wawa Inti Raymi. In 1944, at the initiative of the Cusco artist Faustino Espinoza, a staging of said religious ceremony was carried out. Today, the Inti Raymi is performed with hundreds of actors in a massive and touristy celebration.
What are the stages of Inti Raymi in Cusco?
The Inti Raymi show takes place in three stages: the Inca temple of Coricancha, the Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuaman esplanade.
How much does it cost to see the Inti Raymi show?
Tours to Inti Raymi vary from 190 to 250 US dollars per adult tourist. The price includes transportation, guide, entrance to the show in Sacsayhuaman and box lunch.
Can I see the Inti Raymi in Cusco for free?
The Inti Raymi can also be seen for free in its three stages: Coricancha, Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuaman. However, due to the flow of people, it is recommended to find a suitable position about two hours before the start of the show.
What to bring to Inti Raymi?
If you want to appreciate Inti Raymi, don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, snacks and rehydrating drinks.
Is Inti Raymi day a holiday in Cusco?
Yes, June 24 is a holiday throughout the Cusco region due to the Inti Raymi celebrations.
See Inti Raymi for free or buy my ticket?
Tourists who have the possibility of buying a ticket to Inti Raymi should do so as it is a special spectacle in the world. Tourists who do not have the finances to do so can look for a good position and appreciate the free show.
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