Inti Raymi festival
 

How is it that no one on this forum has written about this festival? Has anyone out there attended it?

Yes, I've attended the festival. What would you like to know?

I'm one of these people who would rather visit a place when it is not mobbed for a special event, but I must say, it was amazing. The big day is June 24, when there is a huge, colorful parade from the Qorikancha, the temple of the sun, to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, just outside the city. If you want a seat to watch the doings at Sacsayhuaman, you need a reservation and a ticket. A lot of people take their own folding chairs, but their view isn't as good. Things go on all week. There are concerts and pageants and exhibitions in Cusco.

Thousands of people come to Inti Raymi. That and Independence Day week, the last week in July, are Cusco's two busiest weeks of the year for tourism. So if you're thinking about going to the festival, start looking into flights and accommodation soon. They fill up very quickly.

thanks for the response Jeff. i am going to be there this June thru adventure life, which seems to be the only company that even mentions this festival. And, they assure me, they have folding chairs.

Oops. My bad. i meant Andes Adventures

Oh, if you have a tour operator making the arrangements for you, then you should be fine. That's exciting to get to see it. Inti Raymi is Cusco's biggest festival.