Inti Raymi
Festival of
the Sun
Description:
The modern-day re-enactment of Inti Raymi retains all of its majestic glory, albeit without the traditional procession of ancient mummies and just 1 animal sacrifice instead of 200 at the culmination of the day's celebrations. The celebrations start in the morning on the large open cancha at the front of the Inca Empire, the Sapa Inca opens the festivities with invoking praise to the sun god Inti. From Korokancha the royal entourage continues the short distance to Cusco's Plaza de Armas. A ceremonial reading of the sacred coca leaf then takes place to foresee the fate of the Inca Empire for the upcoming year. The ancient Inca archaeological site of Saqsayhuman is where the final part of the re-enactment is played out. Dressed in full costume, the Inca delivers his final words in Quechua before a ritual sacrifice of a llama. The festival finished as the air fills with the sound of horns, panpipes and beating drums.
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Background:
Each year on the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere Cusco celebrates the Inca Festival of the Sun - Inti Raymi. Created by Inca Pachacutec, Inti Raymi was a tribute to the venerated Sun God Inti. Nowadays, the festival draws thousands of the most important events of the calendar year.
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When to go:
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June 24th
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Viewing:
At Korikancha
There is no official seating for viewing the festivities at Korikancha, only public standing room. The festivities take place in the gardens outside of Korikancha which are located along one of Cusco's principle roads - Avenida El Sol. Locals usually arrive early (early hours of the morning) to the best viewing spots.
In Plaza de Armas
Nearly all of Plaza de Armas is sectioned off for the festivities, with just space in the colonial arcades around the outside of the plaza available for public viewing. Due to the limited viewing areas in the plaza, on looking spectators can often form crowds to catch a glimpse of the action. The best advantage points are found on second-floor balconies in the many bars, cafes, and restaurants surrounding the plaza. If you plan to view Inti Raymi from a balcony, make sure that you contact the bar owner a few days before to guarantee your spot.
At Saqsayhuman
Many local Peruvians who cannot afford the high prices of the grandstand seating within the grounds of Sacsayhuaman choose to watch Inti Raymi from two hills that overlook the festivities. One is located within the park of Sacsayhuaman and the other is adjacent just outside the park perimeter. General entrance to the surrounding hills (within the park) are free to all foreign and local visitors. Both hills are generally very crowded from early in the morning, many hours before the festivities take place. Arrival at 8 am is primal for best viewing spots.
Grandstand seating within the arena of Sacsayhuaman is the best option to watch Inti Raymi. These seats are premium seats and are sold on a first come first served basis. There are two price bands for Inti Raymi Tickets: Orange and Blue seating (The Best) which cost US $140 per adults and the slightly cheaper Green seating which costs US $100 per adult, a 50 % reduction applies for children under 12 years old. For the best and most informative experience, it is always best to go with a guide or as a part of an organized tour group
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