INTI RAYMI 2023

Feast of the Sun

1 day (24 June) Cusco

Duration : 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Inti Raymi. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to experience a celebration that dates back to the Inca Empire, you're in luck! Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant, colorful and lively festivities of Inti Raymi in Cuzco, Peru. This is not just any festival: it is a celebration of the winter solstice and pays homage to the sun god, Inti. This event is a cultural landmark you won't want to miss, and it will take place in 2023. So start packing your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. This tour will take you on a journey through the history, traditions and rituals of the Inca people, all while experiencing the beauty of Peru's breathtaking landscape. Join us to explore the meaning of Inti Raymi and celebrate this incredible festival together.

The traces of human presence in the location of the current city date back to immemorial times, where the magnificent Inca civilization emerged, expanded, and flourished. The capital was designed in the shape of a puma, a feline considered one of their tutelary deities. Therefore, Cusco is also known as the "City of the Puma".

In a privileged location of the sacred capital, Inca Pachacutec ordered the construction of Qorikancha, a magnificent temple dedicated to worshiping the Sun, a god whom the Incas called Apu P'unchao or Apu Inti. In honor of the Sun, the impressive Inti Raymi festival was consecrated, which reaches dimensions of solemnity and splendor, as described by the most important chroniclers.

On June 24th, the celebration in honor of the Sun God is held in the three historical and natural stages that are commonly used.

Stages:

The Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun):

The main temple of the sun, the first part of the ceremony takes place where an offering of coca leaves and chicha (fermented corn drink) is made to Inti and his blessing is requested for the harvest and the prosperity of the Inca people. Then, a ceremonial dance known as "Tarpuy" is performed where the seeds are planted in the ground to symbolize the beginning of the agricultural cycle.

The Main Square (formerly known as Auqaypata or Plaza of the Warrior):

In the second scenario, the Inti Raymi ceremony includes dances, songs, and offerings to the gods of nature. The event is a theatrical representation of the original ceremony that took place in the Inca Empire. It is an important celebration for Andean culture.

Saqsaywaman (a name derived from the Quechua terms "saqsay" and "waman", which translated into English means "satisfy yourself, falcon").

In the third stage of Saqsaywaman, a theatrical performance is held to recreate the Inca's arrival at the Temple of the Sun and offer sacrifices to the gods. The ceremony includes dances, music, and traditional clothing. It is a very important celebration for Andean culture.

Final staging - acts (Saqsaywaman) Ceremonial site. Report on the 4 Suyus or Regions: Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu, and Chinchaysuyu.

Chicha Ritual. Sacred Fire Ritual. Sacrifice of the Llama (Andean camelid) and omens. Sankhu Ritual (sacred bread). Q'ochurikuy (explosion of popular exaltation).

The central staging of INTI RAYMI is held in the main square of the sacred Temple of Saqsaywaman, there have been placed the grandstands with capacity of 3,906 people. All the seats are very comfortable for the Viewer. The VIP area is formed by these 3 platforms that give a better view of the ceremony.

INCLUDES: INTI RAYMI, the Festival of the Sun DURATION: 8:00AM to 5:00PM

This tour begins at 8:00 a.m. and you will be picked up from your hotel. We will then proceed to the first scene for the ceremony. The INTI RAYMI ceremony has three different scenes in three different locations. It starts at the Qoricancha Palace located on El Sol Avenue. Then we move to the main square, the Plaza de Armas, where the second ceremony will take place. Finally, it ends in the most special scene of Sacsayhuaman (3 km from Cusco) where we will be transported by bus.

In / Out transfers
Tourist transportation
Professional tourist guide
Audio transmitters
Entrance ticket with seat included for the Central Ceremony in Sacsayhuamán
Visit to the Coricancha "The main temple of the Sun" where the Opening Ceremony is appreciated.
Visit to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco where the Greeting and good wishes ceremony to Cusco, Capital of the Inca Empire is appreciated.
Box Lunch

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Optional: Entrance to the ceremony at the Qoricancha temple "subject to availability"

GRANDSTANDS AT SAQSAYHUAMAN

The central staging of Inti Raymi takes place in the sacred main square of Saqsaywaman. They have grandstands that can accommodate about 3,906 people. All seats are very comfortable for spectators. The VIP area is formed by these 3 grandstands (orange, blue, and green) that offer a better view of the ceremony.

SERVICES IN SACSAYHUAMAN

EMUFEC offers other necessary services to assist with INTI RAYMI, comfortable VIP seating for spectators, portable restrooms, first aid personnel, and police security that allow you to enjoy this ancestral ceremony.