Should I avoid visiting Cusco during this festival in late June? Or would it add to my travel experience? I am worried about additional crowds.

I think attending a country during its festival periods add a lot to the experience, but you have to decide for yourself if you're willing to deal with the crowd or not. I would love to experience Cusco during Inti Raymi.

Any other comments? I am worried that my experience in Cusco may be less than ideal due to the crowds for the festival.

The intiraymi is nice festival, i would say don't miss it, but is it up to you if you want do deal with crowd!!!

Our visits to Arequipa, Cusco and Puno coincided with various fiestas, In Arequipa it was a particularly large event. These festivals really were highlights of our time there. Unless you REALLY dislike crowds, don't miss it.

www.cusco.net/articulos/intiraymi.htm

As far as I know the festival of the Sun is unique to Cusco

and wonderful well worth it although crowds...

A do not miss for me if you will be there at that time

do book ahead...

June is the best month you can tour in Cuzco. Inti Raymi is celebrated on June 24th, and days before there are many parades and street dance shows presented by schools, they are really competitions to get a prime given by goverment to best school group dance performence. Forget the crowds and enjoy it. Yeah book way in advance, specially hotels.

If you need extra info go to www.pachatoursperu.com and ask for Gary Sanchez, he is a professional guide and will answer anything about Peru.

Thanks everyone. I may now consider attending this festival after reading yor comments.