Inti Raymi
The annual Festival of the Sun is one of the most spactular of native celebrations in South America.
Make the Most of Your Time!
We can custom design an itinerary for your needs and interests. The itineraries given below are some popular choices. Costs include all transfers such as taxi, bus and train, hotels, entrance fees and taxes, guided excursions, and some meals.
The Inti Raymi Festival is a historical revival of the celebration held by the Incas on the June winter solstice, and was faithfully reconstructed in Quechua from the Spanish chronicles by a group of Cusco intellectuals in 1944, who chose the 24th because it was already a holiday in honor of the Peruvian peasant class.
The festival is held at the monolithic ruins of the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, on the hill of the same name high above Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, but the rituals begin at Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, from where the Inca and his queen are carried uphill on their litters.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Inti Raymi is the enormous popularity it enjoys with the ordinary people of the Cusco region as well as tourists. In all, thousands flock to Sacsayhuaman each year from far and wide, crowding the ruins in a grand and colorful display of traditional music and dancing.
Days That the Festival is Observed Throughout the Year
June 18th: Fly USA-Lima
After clearing customs in Lima Airport look for Edda Chumbiauca, holding up a sign with our logo (head of a hoatzin bird in a diamond shape) Check her identification, and then she will take you to the Melodia Hotel
June 19th: buffet breakfast incl
Edda will meet you in the hotel lobby at 8am and take you back to the airport.
Fly to Cusco
Upon clearing baggage security in Cusco Airport look for Percy, holding up a sign with your name on it.
Transfer into Hotel Centenario
Rest for a couple of hours to help acclimate to the high altitude
Afternoon guided excursion to Sacsahuaman National Park, Qenqo, Pukapukara, tambomachay, and the Korikancha.
Hotel Centenario or equal
B
June 20th: Full-day guided excursion in the Sacred Valley of the Inca, includes an afternoon at the Pisaq native bazaar.
Sacred Valley Hotel
B,L
June 21st: Guided excursion to Ollantaytambo Fortress and the ruins of Pisaq.
Sacred Valley Hotel
B,L
June 22nd: Transfer to train station; Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Guided interpretation of the ruins. Buffet lunch in El Sanctuario. Afternoon optional climb up Wayna Picchu or hike to the gate of the sun (Inti Puncu).
Hotel Machu Picchu Inn or equal
B,L
June 23rd: Early morning return to ruins on your own. Vistadome train (included)
departs late afternoon arrives Cusco in the evening. Supper usually served on the train
Hotel Centenario.
B
June 24th: Attendance at the celebration of Inti Raymi. Bleacher seating
Hotel Centenario
B,L
June 25th: Transfer out. Fly to Lima, connect to a flight to the USA, arriving June 26
Cost of the expedition is $1295pp. (airfare not included)