×

Peru🇵🇪 | festivalsInti RaymiQuechua ceremony, Sacsayhuamán esplanade, Qorikancha sunrise, June 24 | things to do and best time to go

Explore Fiesta de la CandelariaExplore Qoyllur Rit’i

Backpacking in Inti Raymi
🏆 Top pickfestival ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

“Sit higher, up on the Sacsayhuamán grass, not down by the stage,” said the woman selling coca candy from a plastic stool, pointing her chin at the slope. She was right. Inti Raymi, the Inca sun festival staged every June 24 in Cusco, in the southern Andes of Peru, plays out in three places: Qorikancha, the Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuamán esplanade above the city. Hundreds of costumed performers speak Quechua, and the event follows a scripted ceremony to honor the sun god. Expect crowds, wool ponchos, drums and llama-fur headdresses. Costs and mistakes pile up fast. Grandstand tickets sell out and prices jump, so book through the official city channels weeks ahead, or take the free hillside spots and arrive by mid-morning. Hotels fill months early, so lock in a bed first. Watch for pickpockets on the walk up. The ceremony is in Quechua, so read a short summary beforehand. Then walk the stone zigzag walls, still warm from the afternoon.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Peru Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 festival in PeruWhat makes it a must-see festival

Inti Raymi is the one day when Cusco’s Inca past gets staged on the actual Inca stones. That is the pull. Backpackers plan routes around June 24 because the whole region lights up: parades and dance troupes fill the streets for days beforehand, and hostels turn into instant communities of people swapping tips on where to stand and which bakery opens earliest. You end up sharing a hillside lunch with strangers from five countries.

The second reason is timing. June sits in the Andean dry season, which makes it a natural fit for treks like the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu, so many travelers fold the festival into a longer Cusco and Sacred Valley loop. Acclimatizing for a few days before the ceremony helps you handle the climb up to Sacsayhuamán, which sits above 3,500 meters.

Third, the free … read more 👉
Inti Raymi is the one day when Cusco’s Inca past gets staged on the actual Inca stones. That is the pull. Backpackers plan routes around June 24 because the whole region lights up: parades and dance troupes fill the streets for days beforehand, and hostels turn into instant communities of people swapping tips on where to stand and which bakery opens earliest. You end up sharing a hillside lunch with strangers from five countries.

The second reason is timing. June sits in the Andean dry season, which makes it a natural fit for treks like the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu, so many travelers fold the festival into a longer Cusco and Sacred Valley loop. Acclimatizing for a few days before the ceremony helps you handle the climb up to Sacsayhuamán, which sits above 3,500 meters.

Third, the free side of it. You can see the ceremony from the surrounding slopes without paying for a seat, and the street celebrations, food stalls and Quechua music cost nothing. Few big festivals let a budget traveler see this much of a living tradition, so book your bed early and treat the rest as a bonus.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. Sacsayhuamán ceremony: The main event unfolds on the huge esplanade beneath the zigzag Inca walls. The Sapa Inca, played by an actor, speaks in Quechua, priests lead offerings, and a ritual llama sacrifice is simulated. Free hillside viewing exists; grandstand seats cost extra.
  2. Qorikancha opening: The day begins at the Inca Temple of the Sun, now built into the Santo Domingo convent. The Inca greets the rising sun here before the procession heads out. Arrive very early to see it from the street.
  3. Plaza de Armas procession: The cortege moves into the main square, where the Inca is carried on a litter, surrounded by dancers in region-specific costumes. It is the best place for photos of faces and fabrics up close.
  4. Costumes and dance troupes: Performers wear woven tunics, feathered headdresses and
… read more 👉
  1. Sacsayhuamán ceremony: The main event unfolds on the huge esplanade beneath the zigzag Inca walls. The Sapa Inca, played by an actor, speaks in Quechua, priests lead offerings, and a ritual llama sacrifice is simulated. Free hillside viewing exists; grandstand seats cost extra.
  2. Qorikancha opening: The day begins at the Inca Temple of the Sun, now built into the Santo Domingo convent. The Inca greets the rising sun here before the procession heads out. Arrive very early to see it from the street.
  3. Plaza de Armas procession: The cortege moves into the main square, where the Inca is carried on a litter, surrounded by dancers in region-specific costumes. It is the best place for photos of faces and fabrics up close.
  4. Costumes and dance troupes: Performers wear woven tunics, feathered headdresses and gold-toned ornaments, and move to panpipes and drums. Look at the detail of the textiles and masks, which carry regional symbols.
  5. Street food and Cusco’s festival stalls: Vendors sell grilled meats, corn snacks, hot drinks and sweets along the routes. Eat where locals queue, and bring small bills.
Allow a full day for the ceremony itself, plus an extra morning or evening if you want the parades and food.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Inti Raymi

Anthropologist-Led Horseback: Moon Temple & Mysticism (Max 5)

Anthropologist-Led Horseback: Moon Temple & Mysticism (Max 5)

5.0(202) 4h
From €56
per personViator
Food and Culture Full day Tour in the Sacred Valley

Food and Culture Full day Tour in the Sacred Valley

5.0(182) 10h
From €250
per personViator
4-Day Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu: Biking, Rafting & Zipline

4-Day Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu: Biking, Rafting & Zipline

5.0(150) 96h
From €389
per personViator
The Textile Workshop Experience in Cusco Region

The Textile Workshop Experience in Cusco Region

5.0(145) 4h
From €72
per personViator
Half Day Private Tour Machu Picchu Cusco Peru

Half Day Private Tour Machu Picchu Cusco Peru

5.0(138) 14h
From €181
per personViator
4-Day Machu Picchu , Sacred Valley and Cusco-Private Guided Tour

4-Day Machu Picchu , Sacred Valley and Cusco-Private Guided Tour

5.0(137) 96h
From €1,243
per personViator
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

5.0(133)
From €354
per personViator
Machupicchu and Cusco Tour 7 days

Machupicchu and Cusco Tour 7 days

5.0(110) 168h
From €1,405
per personViator
Short Inca trail to MachuPicchu || 2days - 1nigth ||

Short Inca trail to MachuPicchu || 2days - 1nigth ||

5.0(106) 48h
From €449
per personViator
Sacred Valley Textile Workshop – Dyeing & Weaving in Cusco

Sacred Valley Textile Workshop – Dyeing & Weaving in Cusco

5.0(100) 8h
From €135
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Inti Raymi?

Inti Raymi is held every year on June 24, lasts one day (with build-up events in Cusco in the days before), and moves between Qorikancha in Cusco, the Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuamán ruins above the city.
  • Best part: The Sacsayhuamán finale in the afternoon is the main ceremony, but the grandstand seats are paid and the free hillside spots fill by early morning. The Qorikancha opening is short and easy to see for free.
  • Weather: Cusco is dry and sunny in June, with daytime highs near 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F) and nights that drop to around 0°C (32°F). Bring layers, a hat, sunscreen and a rain shell for rare showers.
  • Booking: Reserve beds 2 to 3 months ahead. Prices commonly rise 30 to 100 percent that week, and grandstand tickets sell out weeks before.
  • Crowds: Leave the city center by 7 a.m. to
… read more 👉
Inti Raymi is held every year on June 24, lasts one day (with build-up events in Cusco in the days before), and moves between Qorikancha in Cusco, the Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuamán ruins above the city.
  • Best part: The Sacsayhuamán finale in the afternoon is the main ceremony, but the grandstand seats are paid and the free hillside spots fill by early morning. The Qorikancha opening is short and easy to see for free.
  • Weather: Cusco is dry and sunny in June, with daytime highs near 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F) and nights that drop to around 0°C (32°F). Bring layers, a hat, sunscreen and a rain shell for rare showers.
  • Booking: Reserve beds 2 to 3 months ahead. Prices commonly rise 30 to 100 percent that week, and grandstand tickets sell out weeks before.
  • Crowds: Leave the city center by 7 a.m. to walk uphill to Sacsayhuamán. Plan your exit for after the crowd thins, since taxis and buses back to town jam for an hour or more.
Arrive in Cusco at least three days early so altitude (3,400 m) does not flatten you on the big day.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: not recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: not recommended for travelingMARMarch: not recommended for travelingAPRApril: not recommended for travelingMAYMay: not recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: not recommended for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: not recommended for travelingOCTOctober: not recommended for travelingNOVNovember: not recommended for travelingDECDecember: not recommended for traveling

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutPeru Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Peru
The digital guide (310 pages) contains:
✅ 102 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

The historic center around the Plaza de Armas and San Blas is the best base for Inti Raymi, because the ceremonies start at Qorikancha and the Plaza, and you can walk uphill to Sacsayhuamán in about 30 to 40 minutes.
San Blas is the pick for social backpackers. Its steep cobbled lanes hold a dense cluster of hostels, small cafes and artisan workshops, and it feels safe for solo travelers in the evening, though the climbs are tough in thin air. It sits closest to the Sacsayhuamán trail, which helps on festival morning.
Around Plaza Regocijo and Calle Procuradores you get the loudest nightlife and … read more 👉
The historic center around the Plaza de Armas and San Blas is the best base for Inti Raymi, because the ceremonies start at Qorikancha and the Plaza, and you can walk uphill to Sacsayhuamán in about 30 to 40 minutes.
San Blas is the pick for social backpackers. Its steep cobbled lanes hold a dense cluster of hostels, small cafes and artisan workshops, and it feels safe for solo travelers in the evening, though the climbs are tough in thin air. It sits closest to the Sacsayhuamán trail, which helps on festival morning.
Around Plaza Regocijo and Calle Procuradores you get the loudest nightlife and the most hostel bars. Expect noise late into the night, especially in festival week, so bring earplugs. Keep an eye on your bag in crowded bars and on the Plaza.
San Cristóbal and the streets just above Plaza de Armas are quieter and cheaper, with good views and fewer parties, which suits travelers who want sleep before an early start.
Avoid staying far out near the bus terminal or airport. Taxis are scarce and costly on June 24 and the road closures around the center make late returns slow. Choose a place within walking distance and book early, since the best-located dorms fill first.
Best hostels in Peru


Best quality hotels in Peru

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

A realistic budget for one festival day at Inti Raymi runs about US$85 to 150 for an independent traveler, with accommodation taking the largest share.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0 to 100Watching from the Plaza and the free hillside at Sacsayhuamán costs nothing. Grandstand seats at Sacsayhuamán cost about US$140 to 250 in 2026, depending on the section, and sold out weeks ahead.
AccommodationUS$25 to 50Dorm beds in festival week commonly cost two to three times the normal rate, and private rooms go from about US$60 up.
Local transportUS$3 to 10Most events are walkable. Short taxis in town cost around US$2 to 4, with a surcharge on June 24, and local buses are very cheap.
Food & drinksUS$12 to 25Street snacks cost US$1 to 3, set lunches US$3 to 6, and a restaurant
… read more 👉
A realistic budget for one festival day at Inti Raymi runs about US$85 to 150 for an independent traveler, with accommodation taking the largest share.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0 to 100Watching from the Plaza and the free hillside at Sacsayhuamán costs nothing. Grandstand seats at Sacsayhuamán cost about US$140 to 250 in 2026, depending on the section, and sold out weeks ahead.
AccommodationUS$25 to 50Dorm beds in festival week commonly cost two to three times the normal rate, and private rooms go from about US$60 up.
Local transportUS$3 to 10Most events are walkable. Short taxis in town cost around US$2 to 4, with a surcharge on June 24, and local buses are very cheap.
Food & drinksUS$12 to 25Street snacks cost US$1 to 3, set lunches US$3 to 6, and a restaurant dinner with a drink US$10 to 15.
MiscellaneousUS$5 to 15Water, sun protection, a poncho, small tips and souvenirs. Rain gear and warm layers sell on the Plaza at inflated prices.
Total Daily BudgetUS$85 to 150Based on high-season accommodation, one grandstand-free day, and the mid-range of each row.


source: peru.travel
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

Food at Inti Raymi is mostly street snacks around the Plaza de Armas and the slopes of Sacsayhuamán, with vendors setting up from early morning for the crowds heading uphill.
Expect anticuchos grilled over charcoal, choclo con queso (giant-kernel corn with fresh cheese), empanadas, and cuy (guinea pig) for the curious. Women sell steaming cups of api or emoliente on the cold early hours, which warms you better than coffee. For drinks, try chicha de jora, the fermented corn beer, and pisco sour in the restaurants near the Plaza.
Worth trying for the full experience is a plate of chiriuchu, a Cusco festival dish of cold guinea pig, dried fish eggs, seaweed, corn cake and sausage. It is a Corpus Christi specialty rather than a daily meal, but some places serve it around this period. Vendors on … read more 👉
Food at Inti Raymi is mostly street snacks around the Plaza de Armas and the slopes of Sacsayhuamán, with vendors setting up from early morning for the crowds heading uphill.
Expect anticuchos grilled over charcoal, choclo con queso (giant-kernel corn with fresh cheese), empanadas, and cuy (guinea pig) for the curious. Women sell steaming cups of api or emoliente on the cold early hours, which warms you better than coffee. For drinks, try chicha de jora, the fermented corn beer, and pisco sour in the restaurants near the Plaza.
Worth trying for the full experience is a plate of chiriuchu, a Cusco festival dish of cold guinea pig, dried fish eggs, seaweed, corn cake and sausage. It is a Corpus Christi specialty rather than a daily meal, but some places serve it around this period. Vendors on the hill sell hot lunches of trucha (trout) and soups.
Pay with cash in small soles, because stalls rarely take cards and have trouble changing large notes. Portions are generous, so share a plate with a hostel friend. Lines move slowly near the grandstands, so bring snacks and water, and eat before climbing, since prices on the hillside climb with the crowd.

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Inti Raymi takes place every year on June 24, the winter solstice festival of the Inca sun god. The main events start at Qorikancha in Cusco in the morning, move to the Plaza de Armas, and end at the Sacsayhuamán ruins in the afternoon. Cusco also holds parades and cultural events across the week before.
Watching Inti Raymi from the Plaza de Armas or the hillside at Sacsayhuamán is free, while grandstand seats cost about US$140 to 250 (2026) and sell out weeks ahead. Dorm beds in Cusco often rise to US$20 to 40 during festival week. A realistic total for a day is about US$85 to 150 including food and transport.
Inti Raymi needs advance tickets only if you want a grandstand seat at Sacsayhuamán, and these usually sell out weeks ahead through authorized agencies and the city. Free standing areas on the surrounding hillside and at the Plaza de Armas need no ticket, but fill from early morning. Book your bed 2 to 3 months before June 24, because Cusco hostels are full by May.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Peruvian festivals near Inti Raymi

Explore more nearby:

  • Corpus Christi de Cusco—Fifteen saints, silver litters, chiriuchu platter, Cathedral octave| 2 km away
  • Festival de la Chicha—fermented corn drink, rural gatherings, traditional brewing| 2 km away
  • Santurantikuy—Christmas Eve market, Niño Manuelito, hand-painted ceramics, nativity stalls| 2 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Peru including Inti Raymi and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all festivals

Or checkout all Peru has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Peru
Country photo of Peru
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on celebrating the Inti Raymi

Most first-timers fixate on the Sacsayhuamán stage and miss the dawn ceremony at Qorikancha, which is free and far less crowded. I would go to that first, then walk uphill with the crowd. Pack layers and a sun hat, and skip the pricey seats unless you need a guaranteed view.

✈️ When did I visit Peru?
Peru I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Peru, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story