Overview
The Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun was an Inca ceremony that took place on an annual basis in Cusco, the capital of Tawantin suyo, between the end of the harvest period and the beginning of the vernal equinox of the Andes, in the second half of June. The Inti Raymi at the time of the Incas was the equivalent of what today is for us the New Year festival. This was a party at which a new year began and ended all the previous “crop year” between the months of May to June, and also began the new agricultural cycle from July, so the period since the last week of June and early July was a period of transition from an old agri cultural year to a new one, then the party was dedicated to that event. Inti Raymi (The Great Festival of the Sun), Festival of the magnificent ritual of the Sun in the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman where you will be able to appreciate the most venerated Incas celebration.
Summary
ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
Welcome to Cusco! Begin your unforgettable journey with a warm greeting, expert guidance, and the magic of Inti Raymi.
SACRED VALLEY
Experience the Sacred Valley’s majesty, from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, before your unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu and Inti Raymi.
MACHU PICCHU
Ascend to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of its sacred temples, then enjoy a scenic return to Cusco.
FREE DAY
Enjoy a free day in Cusco, exploring ancient streets, vibrant artisan markets, and festive cultural performances leading to Inti Raymi.
INTI RAYMI
Celebrate Inti Raymi, the Inca Sun Festival, at Qoricancha, Plaza de Armas, and the majestic fortress of Sacsayhuamán for an unforgettable ceremony.
FAREWELL
Savor your final moments in Cusco with a historic walk or last-minute shopping before your smooth airport transfer home.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
On this day, according to your flight schedule to Cusco, our team will be waiting for you at the airport arrival gates holding a sign with your name. You will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your reserved accommodation.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will receive a detailed briefing about your itinerary, with special emphasis on the upcoming Inti Raymi celebration, the main highlight of your program. We will also provide helpful recommendations regarding acclimatization, schedules, and tips so you can fully enjoy this unique cultural experience in Cusco.
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY
The tour begins at 7:30 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. First, we’ll stop at the Taray Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Next, we’ll continue to the archaeological site of Pisac, renowned for its impressive agricultural terraces, ancient tombs, and strategic viewpoints that highlight the advanced engineering of the Inca civilization. After the visit, we’ll stop at a local artisan workshop to learn about traditional silversmithing techniques that have been preserved for generations.
Then, we’ll travel to Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional cuisine. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo to explore its impressive Inca fortress and the Temple of the Sun, one of the most important ceremonial and strategic sites of the Inca Empire.
After the guided tour, we’ll transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will go to your hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu, continuing your cultural journey around the celebration of Inti Raymi.
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU
Early in the morning, you will depart from your hotel in Aguas Calientes and board the shuttle bus for a scenic 30-minute ascent to the entrance of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Upon arrival, you will meet your professional English-speaking guide and begin a guided tour lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, exploring the most important áreas of Machu Picchu. During the visit, you will discover temples, ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, and royal sectors, while learning about the history, engineering achievements, and spiritual significance of this iconic Inca sanctuary.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to take photographs and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch (not included).
In the afternoon, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco, bringing this unforgettable Machu Picchu experience—within your Inti Raymi journey—to a perfect close.
DAY 4: FREE DAY
This day will be free for you to enjoy Cusco at your own pace. From the morning, you will have time to explore the city’s ancient and mysterious streets, historic plazas, and scenic viewpoints that tell the story of the Inca civilization and colonial heritage.
During this period, Cusco comes alive with traditional dances, folkloric performances, and cultural celebrations leading up to Inti Raymi, which you may encounter throughout the city squares and main streets. You will also have the opportunity to visit Cusco’s most popular artisan markets, such as San Blas Market and San Pedro Market, where you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
This free day is perfect for relaxing, acclimatizing, enjoying the festive atmosphere, or discovering Cusco’s vibrant culture at your own rhythm.
DAY 5: INTI RAYMI
One of the most important celebrations of the Inca Empire, Inti Raymi, is held every June 24th in honor of the Sun God. This historic reenactment takes place at three iconic locations in Cusco: Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun; Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, once the ceremonial heart of the Inca capital; and the impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán, where the main performance is held.
On this day, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Qoricancha, either by private transport or on foot depending on traffic conditions. At the scheduled time, we will continue to Sacsayhuamán, located at over 3,600 meters above sea level. From the Qolqanpata area, you will witness the main ceremony in a stunning natural setting.
The performance concludes around 4:00 p.m., after which we will transfer you back to your hotel in the afternoon.
DAY 6: FAREWELL
After breakfast, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or a final walk through Cusco’s historic center. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport, saying goodbye to Cusco with unforgettable memories of its history, culture, and Andean spirit.









