With its living pre-Hispanic history—experienced through Inca festivals like Inti Raymi, which continue to this day—and its nature and biodiversity, which inspire a fresh and innovative cuisine, this is the ideal time of year to visit the Sacred Valley of Cusco in all its splendor.

Experiencing Inti Raymi

It is one of the most important festivals in Cusco and all of Peru. The celebration features chants in Quechua, traditional dances, and colorful costumes from the Inca era. This annual festival takes place during the winter solstice in June and is one of the most anticipated dates on the country’s calendar.

The Festival of the Sun

Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca religious celebration honoring Inti, the Sun God—the principal Inca deity. During this festival, the sun marks the beginning of a new annual cycle, and offerings and rituals are dedicated to the deity to ensure prosperity throughout the year. Today, Inti Raymi is a theatrical performance that thousands of Cusco residents and visitors from around the world attend each year to take part in this significant cultural and ancestral celebration. It is held in June with vibrant color and tradition, featuring dances, traditional costumes, parades, and songs.

Everything begins very early, when the entourage of the Inca and the Qoya (his wife) set out in procession. The garden of Qorikancha—located across from Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel—serves as the setting for the sun-greeting ceremony, accompanied by the music of quenas and drums. This is the most spiritual moment, as the sun rises over the mountains. The procession then makes its way to the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, where, from an elevated platform, the Inca delivers a speech to the people, asking for the Sun’s protection and announcing prosperity. Traditional dances follow—a true spectacle.

The most anticipated moment of the day takes place at Sacsayhuamán, the main venue where the Inca, the Qoya, priests, warriors, and regional delegations gather to perform the main ceremony in honor of the sun, featuring a parade with costumes, feathers, and traditional dances.

For those planning to attend Inti Raymi—which in 2026 will be held on June 24—it’s helpful to know that the performances at Qorikancha and the Plaza de Armas are free of charge, so arriving early is recommended due to the large crowds. The ceremony at Sacsayhuamán does require a paid ticket. Seating is available in three grandstand areas, each offering a unique view of the Inti Raymi celebration on the magnificent esplanade of Sacsayhuamán.

To fully experience this unforgettable festival, there’s no better place to stay than Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in the most privileged location in Cusco.