Inti Raymi Festival
Join Cusco's most spectacular living tradition, a full day of Inca ceremony moving from the Koricancha temple to the Plaza de Armas and the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Area
Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Type
Community & Culture
History
As dawn breaks over Cusco, the ancient walls of Koricancha begin to fill with dancers in feathered headdresses and richly woven cloth, gathering long before the ceremony begins. Arrive early to claim a place close to the stage, where the Inca and his royal entourage emerge to give thanks to Inti, the Sun God, in a ritual first established by the Inca Pachacutec. The procession continues to the Plaza de Armas, where reserved balcony seating overlooking the square gives an uninterrupted view as the royal court parades through the heart of the old city. From there, private transportation carries you up to Sacsayhuaman, the fortress in the hills above Cusco, where the festival's most significant ceremony unfolds against a backdrop of colossal stone terraces and the sacred Apus beyond. Seated in a VIP section at the centre of the grounds, you watch hundreds of performers reenact the Inca's tribute to the harvest, a spectacle few visitors ever witness this close. For anyone weighing up things to do in Peru beyond Machu Picchu, Inti Raymi offers a living connection to Inca heritage, still playing out in the same hills as it did centuries ago.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View Accommodation
Hotel Sol y Luna
Set amidst the Sacred Valley’s rolling hills, Hotel Sol y Luna blends Andean heritage with contemporary luxury, offering a serene retreat.
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View AccommodationRio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel
Nestled along the Urubamba River in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Rio Sagrado offers contemporary luxury, serene riverfront views, and immersive Andean experiences.
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View AccommodationPalacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel
A former Incan palace transformed into Cusco’s most exclusive sanctuary, Palacio Nazarenas blends timeless heritage with contemporary luxury—an intimate retreat curated to perfection.
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View AccommodationJW Marriott El Convento Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco — a restored 16th-century convent beside the Plaza de Armas — blends colonial grandeur, 153 oxygen-enriched rooms, a spa, curated Inca-era artefacts and gateway access to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
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View AccommodationSanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel is the only hotel located adjacent to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and therefore a very convenient base for visiting the awe-inspiring ruins and the beautiful surrounding area.
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View AccommodationTambo Del Inka Resort & Spa
A luxury retreat in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka offers elegant rooms, exceptional spa facilities and refined local cuisine, set beside the Urubamba River and perfectly placed for exploring Machu Picchu and the Andes.
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View AccommodationInkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba — a refined 5-star hacienda in Peru’s Sacred Valley — offers 36 stylish rooms and casitas, an organic estate kitchen, spa sanctuary, and sweeping mountain views for a serene, soul-soothing Andean escape.
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View AccommodationMonasterio, A Belmond Hotel
Belmond Monasterio — former 16th-century monastery turned refined hotel at the heart of Cusco — offers 117 historic rooms, a cloistered courtyard under a 300-year-old cedar, colonial-chapel splendour and effortless access to the city’s soul.
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View AccommodationSkyLodge Adventure Suites
Suspended 400m above the Sacred Valley, Skylodge Adventure Suites offers one of the most adventurous sleeping abodes in Peru. Enjoy breathtaking views, watch condors swoop by and get your adrenaline pumping as you climb to your hanging capsule to sleep.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceGourmet Picnic Lunch in the Mountains
An outdoor gourmet dining experience in the Sacred Valley, combining refined Andean cuisine with spectacular natural surroundings of mountains, lakes and open landscapes for a relaxed yet exclusive experience.
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View ExperienceCusco Walking Tour - Half Day
Explore the magical city of Cusco on foot with a local guide taking in the rich ambience and key highlights of this fascinating city. The half day tour will take you to the Bohemian quarter, the main square and cathedral along to Mercado de San Pedro.
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View ExperienceMil Immersion Experience
Explore Moray’s landscapes, history, and ingredients through ruins, farms, and local traditions, culminating in tastings of unique spirits and an exquisite eight-course menu at MIL.
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View ExperienceFarming experience in the community of Huayllafara
An immersive visit to Huayllafara in the Lamay Valley, where local farmers share ancestral agricultural knowledge, native crops and traditions, complemented by a seasonal lunch and insights into traditional textile artistry.
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View ExperienceTribute to Mother Earth
A traditional Andean Offering honouring Pachamama, Mother Earth. Led by a pacco, this ritual reflects ancient spiritual beliefs rooted in gratitude, reciprocity and a deep connection to the natural world.
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View ExperienceVia Ferrata & Zip-Line Adventure
An award-winning via ferrata and zip-line experience high in Peru’s Sacred Valley, featuring a ladder-and-bridge ascent and a thrilling seven-line descent, with spectacular Andean views throughout.
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View ExperienceAndean Textiles Tour
Peru's brightly coloured textiles are iconic and can be seen throughout the country, each region boasting its own distinctive style. Pay a visit to the Sulca family Textile Gallery and admire the skills of this generations old art form.
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View ExperiencePachamanca Lunch at Piuray Lagoon
A traditional Pachamanca at Piuray lagoon, where food is cooked underground with hot stones. Take part in the ritual before enjoying a generous Andean feast with local produce, meats, desserts and drinks.
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View ExperienceAndean Drinks: Traditional corn beer and microbreweries
Discover Cusco’s brewing heritage through traditional chicherías and modern microbreweries, sampling ancient chicha de jora alongside innovative craft beers made with local ingredients such as Sacred Valley quinoa.
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View ExperienceVisit the potato fields of Manuel Choqque
Step into the Peruvian highlands to meet Manuel Choqque, the visionary agronomist behind 300+ rare potatoes. Explore his mountain farm, taste vivid heirloom varieties, Oxalis wine and fiery uchucuta—ingredients coveted by the world’s greatest chefs.
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View ExperienceMachu Picchu Guided Tour with Lunch
Experience a full-day tour of Machu Picchu, starting with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a guided two-hour tour of the ancient ruins, followed by lunch before returning. Discover the wonder of this iconic site with ease.
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View ExperienceTraditional Andean Wedding Ceremony
Celebrate your union at Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, with a private Andean ceremony led by a traditional paq’o. Set against the Sacred Valley’s dramatic peaks, this soulful ritual honours love, nature and ancient tradition in unforgettable style.
Call us on 020 8682 5430 to start planning