Inti Raymi 2026: Cusco's Festival of the Sun on 24 June
Inti Raymi — the Inca Festival of the Sun — takes place on 24 June 2026 in Cusco, marking the southern hemisphere’s winter solstice and one of the largest cultural events in South America. Around 100,000 spectators attend each year, and June 24 is also a public holiday in the Cusco region (Día del Cusco), meaning the city fully comes alive for the occasion.
Three Venues, One Day
The festival unfolds across three sites over the course of the day:
Qorikancha (morning): Ceremonies begin at the Temple of the Sun, the holiest site in the Inca Empire. This section is free to watch from outside the temple grounds.
Plaza de Armas (midday): The grand procession moves through Cusco’s main square, with the Sapa Inca borne on a golden litter surrounded by priests, nobles, and attendants in elaborate costume. Entry to the plaza is free — arrive early to secure a viewing position.
Sacsayhuamán fortress (afternoon): The centrepiece theatrical performance takes place at the massive Inca fortress above the city. This is a ticketed event; seats sell out weeks in advance. Prices run approximately USD 30–60 as of 2026, depending on the seating section. Purchase through official vendors or reputable Cusco tour operators — avoid touts near the site.
What Makes It Worth Attending
Most of the hundreds of performers are local community members continuing a tradition that was revived in 1944 after being suppressed under Spanish colonial rule. The ceremony is conducted in Quechua, the indigenous Andean language, giving the event a living cultural weight that goes well beyond pageantry.
Practical Advice
Book accommodation now. Cusco hotels fill months ahead for Inti Raymi week. Our Cusco city guide covers the main neighbourhoods and where to stay near the historic centre.
Arrive acclimatised. Cusco sits at 3,400 m. If you’re flying in from sea level, allow at least two full days before the festival. Our altitude sickness guide explains how to manage acclimatisation effectively.
Combine with the Sacred Valley. Many visitors pair Inti Raymi with time in the Sacred Valley and a visit to Machu Picchu — note that Machu Picchu entry now operates on timed circuit tickets that must be booked well ahead.
June weather: Cusco’s dry season runs May–October, so June 24 conditions are typically clear and cold — warm layers are essential for the outdoor afternoon performance at Sacsayhuamán.
Inti Raymi is the kind of event that rewards planning. Tickets for Sacsayhuamán, accommodation in Cusco, and train connections to Aguas Calientes all move fast in the weeks before June 24 — if this is on your itinerary for 2026, act sooner rather than later.