Tickets Going on Sale for the Inti Raymi 2015 Festival in Cusco

Tickets Going on Sale for the Inti Raymi 2015 Festival in Cusco

Cusco - Inti Raymi MusicianThere’s no better time to visit Cusco than during Inti Raymi, the Sun Festival, still the year’s most important festival ever since the time of the Inca empire, when Inti Raymi honored the supreme deity, the sun, and celebrated the end of one agricultural year and the beginning of the next. Two weeks of concerts, dancing, and fairs kick off each June 21st during the Andean Winter Solstice, in what has become South America’s 2nd largest festival. During this time Cusco honors its history through elaborate and massive reenactments and colorful celebrations that attract tens of thousands of spectators. Ticket sales will begin this Monday!

  • If you plan on joining in, it’s best to make plans as far in advance as possible- availability for hostels in Cusco, transport, and Machu Picchu can go quickly, and prices rise in response to the increased demand.

Although the complete schedule for the two weeks of celebrating has not yet been announced, we do have the details for the most important day, June 24th, when reenactments take place at Cusco’s most significant sites. This is also the date of the Day of the Farmer (formerly Day of the Indian) and of Cusco’s Anniversary, which is part of the reason why the city explodes with activity and color during this time, with free concerts, street fairs, and a seemingly endless parade of vibrantly dressed dancers.

Part I: Qorikancha, 9am

It all begins with the Sun Greeting at Qorikancha Inti_Raymi_92at 9:00. This temple’s name means Golden Enclosure but it is better known as the Temple of the Sun. It’s importance as the religious center of Cusco before the arrival of the Conquistadores was marked by the golden band which surrounded it. The ceremony lasts 30 minutes and you can watch for free as characters representing the nobility of a bygone age (the royal entourage, the Chosen Women, and the Sapa Inca himself) salute the sun, arriving along flower-strewn steets amidst the sounds of conch shell.

  • Remember to be wary of pickpockets in the crowds- keep a close watch on your pockets, bags, and especially small electronics.

Part II: Plaza de Armas, 11aminti-raymi-4

The second part of the reenactments is also free to watch, lasts about 45 minutes and takes place at 11am in Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas (once known as Auqaypata, Warrior’s Square). Climbing atop a ceremonial platform called an ushnu, the Inka formally addresses the mayor of Cusco in what is known as the Meeting of the Times.

  • If you go independently, you must arrive quite Inti_Raymi_36early and be willing to deal with intense crowding at times. Otherwise, agency packages normally include a private balcony from which to watch the celebrations.
  • Pirwa Posada del Corregidor, our hostel in the Plaza de Armas, has its own restaurant with a balcony from which to watch the proceedings.
  • Taxis will not enter the city center during this time, so if you’re staying in a hostel in the city center, your mobility will be compromised from Inti_Raymi_75the early morning through late afternoon (at least), and you will do better on foot.
  • Despite June being wintertime in Cusco, the weather is very variable. Mornings and evenings are very cold, but from approximately 11am to 3pm it can get very hot in the afternoon sun, so dressing in layers is recommendable.

Part III: Sacsayhuamán, 1:30pm
The central ceremony takes place at Sacsayhuamán, the fortress of massive stones which overlooks the city of Cusco, and lasts an hour and a half. The 4 suyos, or regions of the empire, issue their reports, and the Chicha, Sankhu, and Sacred Fire rituals take place. There’s the Llama Sacrifice (which is simulated) and the divining from its entrails. It all ends with Q’ochurikuy, the explosion of popular exhaltation.

Although tickets have not yet been made available, ticket prices range from US$100 (Green Zone) to US$140 (Orange Zone) and include the official program and explanation in three languages and a commemorative DVD. To buy tickets for the Sacsayhuaman ceremonies from EMUFEC, the managing government agency, one has to pay in advance through bank transfer, although their purchasing system is usually not activated very long before the celebrations.

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  • Rather than pay the ticket price, locals choose to simply gather in the surrounding area and hope to catch a glimpse of proceedings while picnicking along the hills, although visibility can be elusive in the crowds.
  • Sun protection is crucial; medical & safety personnel will be on hand in case of emergency

Pirwa Travel’s Inti Raymi Tours Inti_Raymi_7

Pirwa Travel Service offers two packages inspired by the festival. The one-day tour which includes tickets, balcony access overlooking the Plaza de Armas, a packed lunch, and a knowledgeable guide. Meanwhile, the 6-day tour includes the main festival day alongside guided tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu.

cuzco-peru_6851_600x450The specialists of Pirwa Travel Service have ten years experience providing affordable excursions thorughout Peru and Bolivia. If you need help planning your itinerary, or arranging transportation, excursions, entrances, etc, feel free to contact them at pirwatravel@gmail.com and they’ll be glad to help!

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