Free Inti Raymi in Cusco
Inti Raymi is one of the most important festivals in Peru. Its fame lies in the fact that it is inspired by an ancient Inca celebration that comes to life among the people of Cusco every June 24. Every year, approximately five hundred actors and actresses dress up and play the role of the Incas during the historic ceremony of sun worship. It is a celebration that allows you to experience Inca culture firsthand. The main show at the Sacsayhuamán fortress is only allowed to tourists who have an entrance ticket purchased in advance online. However, there is the possibility of seeing the show for free. Find out how to enjoy Inti Raymi for free!
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The booths for the Inti Raymi show in Sacsayhuaman
The Inti Raymi during the Inca era
The Inti Raymi has its origins in an ancient Inca festival called Wawa Inti Raymi, whose first manifestations would be as old as the founding of the curacazgo of Cusco by the legendary Manco Cápac (12th century).
Upon his arrival in the Cusco Valley, Manco Capac established the beliefs of the Inca ethnic group from the highland kingdoms who worshipped the sun god. The Incas, in turn, absorbed some aspects of the local culture, such as the Quechua language.
The Incas made offerings to the sun such as llama sacrifices, offerings of precious objects (textiles, precious stones) and coca leaf ceremonies. These practices were adopted by the emperor Pachacutec who in the 1430s reorganized the festival in honor of the sun, the most important in the Inca calendar, calling it Wawa Inti Raymi.
The festival lasted 21 days or even more. However, the central date was June 21, the winter solstice according to Inca astronomers. On that day the sun was furthest from the face of the earth, so the Incas worshipped it to avoid catastrophes and request prosperity.
The Inca ceremony of Inti Raymi was held at important historical sites such as the Huanacaure hill (present in the legends of the founding of the Inca ethnic group) or the Huacaypata, which during the colonial period was reduced in size until it became the current Plaza de Armas of Cusco. In the 15th century, the Inca Pachacutec ordered the remodeling of the Coricancha, converting it into the temple of sun worship. The main ceremony of Inti Raymi was established there.
Chronicles indicate that during the Inti Raymi hundreds of llamas were offered, which were used to feed the population. This number reached 50 thousand people, including citizens of Cusco (the sacred city) and emissaries from the allied or recently conquered peoples of the Incas. Pachacutec sought to show the power and culture of the Incas through this great ceremony of worship to the sun god.
In the 16th century, the Spanish invaded Cusco, looted the Coricancha temple and banned the practice of rituals considered pagan, such as the Inti Raymi. Sun worship ceremonies continued clandestinely among the population. In the 20th century, the citizens of Cusco organized a festival to pay homage to their Inca ancestors. The script was based on the chronicles of the Inca sun festival. Today, the Inti Raymi is one of the largest cultural events in Peru. In 2001, it was declared a Cultural Heritage of Peru.
Inti Raymi in Cusco, the new festival of the sun
Today, Inti Raymi is celebrated every June 24, during the winter equinox in the southern hemisphere, just as the Incas did. This ceremony takes place in three historic settings that are related to the Inca celebration: the Coricancha temple (first show at 9 a.m. and lasts 45 minutes), the Plaza Mayor of Cusco (second show at 11 a.m. and also lasts 45 minutes) and the Sacsayhuamán fortress (third show at 2 p.m. and lasts 2 hours 30 minutes).
The Inti Raymi at the Coricancha is free for everyone as it takes place in a public space with free access. From very early hours, hundreds of people find spaces with preferential views of the show. Visitors who arrive one or two hours before the event do not find a good spot. Everyone will enjoy the standing show surrounded by a crowd. The show narrates the entrance of the Inca and his entourage who orders the ceremony to begin amid general joy with live music and original dance performances.
The Inti Raymi in the Plaza de Armas is also free for all people who gather around the perimeter to make way for the actors and actresses. The Inca is carried around the entire audience on a platform, the same is true for the coya (wife of the Inca). The coca leaf ceremony is performed. Representatives of the four suyos or regions of the empire perform dances and cheers for the Inca and the sun god. Here it is very difficult to find a free space unless you reserve a standing place two or three hours in advance.
The Inti Raymi in Sacsayhuamán, unlike the shows in Coricancha and Plaza de Armas, is only for people who have bought a ticket. This ticket allows access to one of the seats arranged in three groups or seats: red, orange or green. The show is the most complete (more than two hours long). The Inca surrounded by his entourage and representatives of the four regions leads the ceremony of the sacrifice of the black llama (actually a simulation) and the chicha ceremony. Attendees can take photos with the actors and actresses at the end of the show.
Free visits to the Inti Raymi shows
- Free visit to Inti Raymi in Coricancha – The Inti Raymi show in Coricancha is free to the public, so it is free for everyone, locals or tourists. However, due to the crowding, it is necessary to find a spot two or three hours before the start of the show. This way, visitors can enjoy the show from a good location. Everyone remains standing during the show, which lasts 45 minutes. There are optional seats for which tickets can be purchased online. The show starts at 9 a.m.
- Free visit to the Inti Raymi in Plaza de Armas – The Inti Raymi show in the Plaza de Armas is also free for all people, whether tourists or Peruvians. Because the plaza is fenced around its perimeter, spectators must find the best possible location surrounded by a large crowd. The best place is the steps of the Cathedral of Cusco. However, these are packed with people about three or four hours before the start of the show. In this staging there are no stands or seats arranged, everyone sees the show for free. A good option is to rent a place in a café, bar or restaurant with a balcony overlooking the plaza. However, this has a cost and must be reserved online in advance. The show starts at 11 a.m. and also lasts 45 minutes.
- Free visit to Inti Raymi in Sacsayhuamán – Unlike the shows in Coricancha and the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, the show in Sacsayhuamán is private. Access is with a ticket that allows you to find a seat on the main stage. There is an option to see the show for free and that is to sit on a hill behind the archaeological site. However, this site is very crowded by the people of Cusco who are there three or four hours before the start of the show. Entrance tickets are purchased online for approximately 150 dollars. The Inti Raymi show in Sacsayhuamán is the main one, it starts at 2 pm and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes on average.
Tips for watching Inti Raymi for free in Cusco
If you are visiting Cusco and plan to see the Inti Raymi show for free, follow these tips:
- Protect yourself from the Cusco sun. During the day, temperatures can reach 23 degrees Celsius. However, radiation is very high, making it necessary to protect your skin with sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, as well as rehydrating water.
- Protect your personal belongings at all times. The free visit to Inti Raymi, mainly in Coricancha and the Plaza de Armas, brings together thousands of people, not all with the best intentions. On that day, there are reports of cases of cell phone or wallet thefts without the visitor noticing. It is best to carry personal belongings in the front and not on your back.
- Whether at the show in Coricancha or in the Plaza de Armas, a good option to see the show for free and in good comfort is to find a spot with a good view of the show. This can only be achieved by arriving at the event two, three or even four hours in advance.