Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
About
The Inca winter-solstice rite to Inti, the sun, re-enacted each year above Cusco at the fortress of Sacsayhuamán — the headline event of the Andean dry season, with hundreds of costumed performers.
Highlights
- A staged re-enactment of the Inca sun-worship ceremony, in Quechua, at the great fortress of Sacsayhuamán.
- Falls during the dry season's clearest skies — and its heaviest crowds in Cusco.
- Part of a wider month of festivities across the city in June.
Practical tips
- Cusco is at 3,399 m — arrive acclimatized and pace the day gently.
- Free hillside viewing fills early; bring sun protection, water and a layer for the wind.
- Combine with a Machu Picchu visit booked separately and well in advance.
Sources
Other upcoming events
Saints Peter and Paul in Peru 2026 (San Pedro y San Pablo)
29 June, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (San Pedro y San Pablo), is a Peruvian national public holiday, especially celebrated in fishing communities as a day honouring fishermen.
Machu Picchu Discovery Day 2026 (July 7)
July 7 marks the 1911 discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham — and, since 2007, its naming as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Cusco and Aguas Calientes mark the day with decorations, parades, folk music, dance and Pachamama offerings.
Virgen del Carmen (Paucartambo)
One of Peru's most vivid Andean-Catholic fiestas: for several days masked dancers fill the highland streets of Paucartambo, east of Cusco, in a riot of costume, music and procession.