Inti Raymi Route: Discover the route of the festival of the Sun

Inti Raymi Route: Discover the route of the Sun Festival

Inti Raymi is an ancient celebration that brings together the essence of Inca culture and the experience of traditions that have endured over the centuries. The traditional route of this festival covers three fundamental spaces: Qoricancha, the Main Square and Sacsayhuamán. Each of these destinations has a unique cultural value and plays an essential role in the development of the ceremony.

Qoricancha at the Inti Raymi

The Qoricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun, was the religious epicentre of the Inca Empire. Although with the arrival of the Spanish part of its structure was transformed and today it coexists with the Convent of Santo Domingo, the Qoricancha remains a palpable testimony of the Inca greatness and the fusion between the pre-Hispanic and the colonial.

Ceremonial Activities at the Qoricancha

During the Inti Raymi, the Qoricancha becomes the symbolic starting point of the ritual journey. In this space, activities are carried out that seek to pay homage to the sun and recover ancient traditions:

• Opening Ceremony: At the beginning of the day, rituals are carried out that symbolize the direct connection with the Sun God. Traditional actors, dressed in clothing typical of the Inca era, make offerings and blessings that invoke the energy of the Sun.
• Purification Rites: Part of the ritual involves acts of purification in the temple grounds, where water and fire are used as symbols of renewal. The atmosphere is imbued with a magical atmosphere, which prepares the participants for the journey that will follow the festival.
• Interpretation: Through dramatizations, the importance of Qoricancha as a center of astronomical and religious knowledge is made known. The role of the temple in the Inca agricultural calendar is highlighted, where the arrival of the sun marked the beginning of a new cycle of harvests and fertility.

The Main Square at the Inti Raymi

During Inti Raymi, Cusco’s Main Square is transformed into an energetic space where various cultural events take place that complement the main ceremony. Its importance lies in being the meeting point for locals and visitors, fostering cultural exchange and a sense of community.

Ceremonial Activities in the Main Square

During the festival, the Main Square comes alive with multiple activities that allow participants to experience the Inti Raymi first-hand:

• Processions and Parades: The square is filled with color and energy with parades that start from Qoricancha and go through the main streets. The participants, dressed in traditional costumes, carry the glory of yesteryear, personifying the greatness of the Inca empire. These processions are a living recreation of the rituals of offering and gratitude to the Sun God.
• Cultural Exhibitions: Throughout the day, dance performances by the four suyos are organized with Andean music. The performances take place at various points in the square, allowing the visitor to discover multiple facets in their interpretation.
• Community Interaction: The Main Square also becomes a social meeting point. This atmosphere of coexistence reinforces the sense of belonging and highlights the importance of the festivity as an event that unites the community around its cultural roots.

Sacsayhuamán in the Inti Raymi

Sacsayhuamán is one of the most important archaeological complexes of the Inca culture and is the final stage of the Inti Raymi tour. Renowned for its enormous carved stone walls, this site was originally conceived as a military fortress and as a sacred space for highly important ceremonies. Its strategic location and architecture make it a testament to the power and organization of the Inca empire.

Ceremonial Activities in Sacsayhuamán

The final stretch of Inti Raymi is concentrated in Sacsayhuamán, where the festivity reaches its highest point through a series of rituals and stage performances:

• Representation of the Sun Ritual: The main ceremony consists of the dramatization of Sun worship rites, where actors dressed in traditional costumes pay homage to the Sun God to ask him for the prosperity of the empire. Each gesture and each offering is loaded with meaning, honoring the solar divinity that was the pillar of Andean existence.
• Traditional Dance and Music: Music and dance play a crucial role in the atmosphere of Sacsayhuamán during Inti Raymi. Native instruments, such as flutes, panpipes and drums, accompany the ritual dances, creating a mystical atmosphere that transports spectators to ancient times.
• Offerings and Symbols of Renewal: At the end of the ritual, symbolic acts of offering to the sun are carried out, where natural elements such as food, flowers and animals are given. These offerings represent gratitude for the blessings received and the commitment to keep the ancestral tradition alive.

Recommendations for Inti Raymi participants

The success of the Inti Raymi experience depends largely on planning. Visitors are advised to:

• Arrive Early: At both Qoricancha and the Main Square, and especially at Sacsayhuamán, there are a lot of people. Arriving early guarantees better positioning to enjoy the activities and performances.
• Check the Schedule: If you do not have a guide, look for updated information on specific times and activities at each destination. Checking this information is essential to ensure you do not miss any details of the ceremony.

Clothing and Comfort

Since the celebration extends throughout the day and there are walking tours, it is advisable to:

• Wear comfortable and warm clothing: The variability of the climate in Cusco makes it necessary to be prepared for temperature changes, especially in open spaces such as Sacsayhuamán.
• Appropriate Footwear: Due to the cobbled nature of many of the historic sites, comfortable and safe footwear is recommended.
• Water and snacks: During the tour it is advisable to stay hydrated and bring some snacks given their scarcity in some places, especially in Sacsayhuamán.

Respect for Tradition and Sacred Space

Participating in the Inti Raymi involves entering into an experience of profound cultural and spiritual significance. It is essential to:

• Show Respect for Rituals: Avoid interruptions, maintain an attentive attitude during performances and follow the instructions of the organizers and guides.
• Value Cultural Heritage: Recognize that these spaces are testimony to an ancestral heritage that deserves to be preserved, avoiding acts that may deteriorate or distort its meaning.

Features of the route

Frequently asked questions