6 Day Sun Festival “Inti Raymi” | Red Andes Peru

6 Day Sun Festival “Inti Raymi”

Overview

The Inti Raymi (Quechua for “sun festival”) is a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire in honor of the god Inti (Quechua for “sun”), one of the most venerated deities in Inca religion. It was the celebration of the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year  and the Inca New Year. In territories south of the equator the Gregorian months of June and July are winter months.

Day 1.- 20th of June Arrival to Cusco

Arrival to Cusco Magical city, group meeting at the Hotel reception and have the orientation tour including the visits to Koricancha and the ancient Incan palaces, after this tour we go on direction to sacred valley by the afternoon and the place where we see the change of seasons is in OLLANTAYTAMBO town, this astronomical observatory was made in 13th century, and still working till now. this place is one of the magnificent edifications made by the ancient Peruvians. (overnight in Ollantaytambo)

Day 2: 21 June.

This is the day where we see this amazing observatory. Early in the morning we go to the archeological site. After this exceptional activity we have free time to explore Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, we go to the town of Aguas Calientes by train.

Day 3: 22 June. Early in the morning we go to Machupicchu

Early in the morning we go to Machu Picchu where we’ll have chance to see the sunrise and to also take classic pictures. Then we have a guided tour and we’ll visit the most important places of this famous Inca city, then there is a free time to re-explore. Since 2007, Machu Picchu is one of the new seven wonders of the World. For the Inca, was a sacred place.

Day 4: 23 June.

We visit the ruins around Cuzco city, Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, Tambomachay, and Pukapukara. In the afternoon there is free time enjoy the celebration of the city’s anniversary which runs all night.

Day 5: 24June

Early in the morning we go to Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) where the festival starts. After Koricancha, we go to Sacsayhuaman, where we’ll see the central part of the Sun Festival. In the afternoon, we return back to the Hotel.

Day 6: 25 June

Free day and transport to the airport.

Included :

  • Transport.
  • Hotel.
  • Train tickets and bus tickets to Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance fees for Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and the Sun Festival.
  • Lunch for the Sun Festival.
  • English and Quechua Speaking native guide.
  • All of this tour is going to be guided by the local guide and the Andean Priest. The local guide is going to explain about the Inca sites based on the history and research, but the Andean Priest has a different background about those places. This ensures that you will have two different ways to learn about the Inca culture.