Inti Raymi Inca Festival
Join the spectators of Peru’s most extravagant Inca festival, Inti Raymi, which take place annually in June in Cusco.
The nine day festival known as Inti Raymi, which takes place annually in June in the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Peru, is the most flamboyant celebration in the Inca calendar. Indeed, it is probably the most important event in pre-Columbian cultural history which has survived to this day. It has been taking place for over 500 years, originally overseen by the Sun King, who in a series of rituals and processions honours the sun beseeching it to deliver a good harvest, and pays tribute to Pachamama, or Mother Earth. Nowadays local residents continue the tradition, decked out in elaborate costumes, the dignitaries transported in ornate carriages. They parade through the streets of Cusco, accompanied by haunting Inca music. The festival culminates in ceremonial speeches on June 24th at Sacsayhuaman, the visit temple fortress which is perched on the brow of the city.
This is an incredible spectacle, and, if you are interested in history, it is well worth designing your holiday around attendance. Join a throng of Cusceños and visitors observing the processions along the routes and at the temple itself.
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Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
