Inti Raymi 2025
Travel to Cusco and take part in one of Peru’s most iconic celebrations: Inti Raymi. This ancient festival gathers thousands of people to honor the Sun God with music, color, traditional dances, and rituals filled with history. If you want to visit Cusco and experience this celebration, use the promo code REDVIAJEROS and get up to 20% off on your bus tickets on
redBus app. (Terms and conditions apply.)
Discover how to get there, what to do, and why this is a unique cultural experience you can’t miss, all by traveling by bus with redBus.
What is Inti Raymi?
Inti Raymi, or the “Festival of the Sun,” is a traditional celebration that dates back to the Inca Empire. It takes place every June 24 in Cusco, with a reenactment of the ancient rituals honoring the Sun. An actor portraying the Inca leads the ceremonies, accompanied by hundreds of dancers and musicians in traditional costumes. The main ceremony is held at the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán.
When is Inti Raymi 2025 celebrated?
The 2025 edition of Inti Raymi will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 24, and a large number of national and international visitors is expected. It’s highly recommended to buy your bus tickets in advance.
How to get to Cusco by bus for Inti Raymi
Traveling by bus is one of the most affordable and convenient ways to reach Cusco. You can depart from major cities such as Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Abancay, or Ayacucho. redBus connects you with well-known bus companies like Wari Palomino, Transzela, Turismo Mer, Jean Buss, Transportes Libertad, and more.
Buy your ticket online with redBus, choose your seat, and enjoy exclusive discounts like the REDVIAJEROS code, valid on your first booking.
What to do during Inti Raymi?
During Inti Raymi, Cusco transforms into a vibrant cultural stage filled with Andean rituals and events that last for several days. Here are the top experiences you shouldn’t miss:
- Ceremony at Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): The festivities begin at Qorikancha, the ancient Inca temple dedicated to the Sun. The Inca (main actor) greets the sun in Quechua, accompanied by music and traditional dances. This spot gets crowded early, so it’s best to arrive ahead of time.
- Reenactment at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas: After the ceremony at Qorikancha, the event continues in the main square. From colonial balconies or the plaza itself, thousands watch the imperial entourage, including priests, warriors, and musicians. The Inca delivers a symbolic speech to the four corners of the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyo).
- Main ceremony at Sacsayhuamán: The highlight of the celebration takes place at the majestic Sacsayhuamán fortress. Here, a grand ritual is performed with dances, chants, offerings to the Pachamama, and the symbolic “sacred fire offering.” This is the most awaited spectacle and requires a ticket for the official seating areas, though many also watch from surrounding hills.
- Cultural festivals and food fairs: In the days surrounding Inti Raymi, Cusco hosts music festivals, dance performances, and art exhibitions in plazas and theaters. Local food fairs offer delicious regional dishes like chiri uchu, roasted guinea pig, tamales, and traditional chicha de jora (fermented corn drink).
- Street parades and folk processions in the city center: The streets come alive with parades featuring folk groups, bands, and dancers from different regions of Peru. It’s a perfect moment to enjoy the cultural diversity and take memorable photos of the vibrant costumes and performances.
- Visit nearby archaeological sites: While in Cusco, you can also explore nearby ruins such as Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara. During Inti Raymi, many tour agencies offer special packages that combine sightseeing with the festival’s main events.
Where does the main Inti Raymi ceremony take place?
The central event is held at Sacsayhuamán, located just 2 km from downtown Cusco. Arrive early to get a good spot, and bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and water.
Travel tips for Cusco in June
- Bring warm clothing: mornings and nights can be very cold.
- Book your accommodation and bus tickets in advance.
- Buy your bus tickets online with redBus and use the code REDVIAJEROS.
- Wear sunscreen during outdoor events.
- Bring a camera or a fully charged phone to capture every moment.
Buy your bus tickets to Cusco with redBus
Traveling to Inti Raymi has never been easier. With redBus, you can compare prices, check schedules, choose your seat, and buy your bus ticket online, all from the comfort of your home. Don’t forget to apply the promo code REDVIAJEROS to save up to 20% on your first trip!