The Inti Raymi, or Sun Festival, is a captivating annual celebration in Cusco, Peru that commemorates the Inca sun god Inti. This vibrant one-day tour immerses visitors in the rich cultural traditions of the festival, offering a unique opportunity to witness the grand ceremonial rituals, music, and dance that honor the sun’s significance in Inca cosmology. With visits to iconic Cusco landmarks and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an enriching cultural adventure for those eager to delve deeper into Peru’s fascinating heritage.

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Key Points

Immersive one-day tour of the Inti Raymi festival, the largest celebration of the Inca civilization in Cusco, Peru.
Tour includes visits to Qoricancha Temple, Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuaman, with traditional music, dance, and offerings.
Priced at $300 per person, with transportation, entrance tickets, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide included.
Festival celebrates the winter solstice and Inca New Year, honoring the sun god Inti, the most important deity.
Optional entrance tickets available for the Inti Raymi show at Qoricancha, with box lunch provided during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cusco: Inti Raymi Tour is a one-day immersive experience that allows visitors to witness the grandeur of the Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, in Cusco, Peru.

Priced from $300 per person, the tour includes transportation, entrance tickets, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, and a box lunch.

With a duration of 1 day and availability subject to check, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Reservations can be made with a pay later option, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Festival Significance

The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, is the biggest festival of the Inca Civilization, as sun worship was central to their culture.

Celebrated annually on June 24th, the festival commemorates the winter solstice and the Inca New Year. During the Inti Raymi, rituals and ceremonies were performed to honor the sun god Inti, who was believed to be the most important deity in the Inca pantheon.

The festival was a time of great celebration, with traditional music, dance, and offerings to the sun. It remains an important cultural event in Cusco, Peru, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Itinerary

Guests begin the Inti Raymi tour with a 7:30 am pickup.

The Inti Raymi tour kicks off with a 7:30 am pickup to start the day’s cultural exploration.

The tour visits three key locations:

Qoricancha Temple: Guests witness the first staging, which includes traditional music and offerings to the Sun God.
Plaza de Armas: The second staging is open to the public.
Sacsayhuaman: The final scene takes place here, where approximately 2 hours of ritual ceremony unfold.

The tour concludes at 4:30 pm with return transportation provided.

Inclusions

The tour includes transportation via a tourist vehicle for the duration of the event.

Entrance tickets to the Inti Raymi show are provided, with access to the red, green, or orange zones at Sacsayhuaman depending on availability.

An English/Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day. A box lunch is also included.

While appetizers, drinks, and tips aren’t covered, the tour provides a comprehensive experience to witness the Inti Raymi Festival.

Guests can focus on the culture without the hassle of arranging transportation or securing event tickets.

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Transportation

A tourist vehicle is provided for the duration of the Inti Raymi Tour, ensuring guests can focus on experiencing the festival without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.

The vehicle offers:

Comfortable seating for the full-day excursion.
Air conditioning to provide relief from the warm Cusco climate.
Safe and reliable transportation to the key festival locations, including Qoricancha, Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuaman.

With this transportation taken care of, guests can enjoy the vibrant cultural celebration of Inti Raymi without any logistical concerns.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Tickets

Tickets to the Inti Raymi show are included in the tour, providing access to either the red, green, or orange zone at Sacsayhuaman based on availability.

This secures your spot to witness the climactic final scene of the festival’s ritual ceremony, which lasts approximately 2 hours.

The inclusion of these tickets ensures you won’t have to worry about purchasing them separately, allowing you to fully learn about the cultural experience.

Whether you’re in the red, green, or orange zone, you’ll have a prime view of the Inca’s intricate sun worship traditions.

Guide

An English/Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the tour, providing in-depth insights and commentary on the Inti Raymi festival’s rich cultural significance.

The guide’s expertise enhances the experience in several ways:

Contextual knowledge: The guide shares historical background and explains the festival’s importance within the Inca civilization, ensuring a deeper understanding of the events.
Interactive engagement: The guide encourages questions and discussions, fostering a more interactive and immersive experience for the participants.
Logistical support: The guide navigates the tour, managing transportation and ensuring a seamless flow throughout the day’s activities.

Additional Information

Though optional, participants may choose to purchase entrance tickets to the Inti Raymi show at Qoricancha, which isn’t included in the tour price.

Plus, any appetizers, drinks, or tips aren’t covered by the tour package. The tour includes a box lunch, but other food and beverages are at the traveler’s expense.

Participants should meet at the specified location, which can be found by opening the provided Google Maps link.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Festival?

The dress code for the Inti Raymi festival is traditional Andean attire. Attendees often wear colorful ponchos, hats, and skirts to enjoy the cultural celebration. However, casual clothing is also acceptable.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks to the festival. A box lunch is included in the tour, and any additional snacks or beverages would need to be purchased separately.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?

There is no minimum group size required for this tour. Individuals can join the group, and the tour runs regardless of group size. The tour can accommodate both solo travelers and larger groups.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. Guests of all ages are welcome to participate in the Inti Raymi celebration. The tour is suitable for families, with a box lunch included for all participants.

Can I Extend My Stay in Cusco After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Cusco after the tour. The tour operator doesn’t have any restrictions on the length of your stay, so you’re free to explore Cusco at your own pace following the festival experience.

The Sum Up

The Cusco: Inti Raymi Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to witness the grand Sun Festival and explore iconic Inca sites in Cusco. With traditional music, dance, and offerings, this enriching adventure honors the Inca sun god Inti. The all-inclusive package ensures a hassle-free journey, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking to explore Peru’s rich heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: