The Inti Raymi is a festival takes place on June 24th in the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Cusco. In Quechua Inti means Sun and Raymi celebration. Inti Raymi is the celebration of the God Sun, the most venerated god in Inca religion. According to Inca tradition, Pachatutec, the first Inca, created the Inti Raymi to celebrate the winter solstice which marked the first day of the New Year in the Inca calendar. The winter solstice begins on June 21st but according to the Incas, the sun stays in the same place until the 24th when it finally rises. Therefore, every year on June 24th the festival of the Inti Raymi takes place in the city of Cusco.
Watching Inti Raymi
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 is located along one of Cusco’s principle roads – Avenida El Sol. Locals arrive early (early hours of the morning) to the best viewing spots.
In Plaza de Armas
Nearly all of Plaza de Armas is cordoned 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 of 4 or 5 people deep to catch a glimpse of the action. The best vantage 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 Saqsayhuman choose to watch Inti Raymi from two hills that overlook the festivities. One is located within the park of Saqsayhuman and the other is adjacent just outside the park perimeter. Although the main ruins of Saqsayhuman are closed to visitors during the day of Inti Raymi, general entrance to the surrounding hills (within the park) are free to all foreign and local visitors. Be warned that both hills get very crowed from early in the morning, many hours before the festivities take place. Go prepared with something to sit on, plenty of food, liquid refreshment and sun protection. Arrive at as early as 8am to get the best viewing spots.