The annual Festival of the Sun is one of the most spactular of native celebrations in South America.

Inti Raymi Festival

It is a historical revival of the celebration held by the Incas on the June winter solstice, and was faithfully reconstructed in Quechua from the Spanish chronicles by a group of Cusco intellectuals in 1944, who chose the 24th because it was already a holiday in honor of the Peruvian peasant class.

The festival is held at the monolithic ruins of the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, on the hill of the same name high above Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, but the rituals begin at Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, from where the Inca and his queen are carried uphill on their litters.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Inti Raymi is the enormous popularity it enjoys with the ordinary people of the Cusco region as well as tourists. In all, thousands flock to Sacsayhuaman each year from far and wide, crowding the ruins in a grand and colorful display of traditional music and dancing.

June 18
Fly USA-Lima
After clearing customs in Lima Airport look for Edda Chumbiauca, holding up a sign with our logo (head of a hoatzin bird in a diamond shape) Check her identification and then she will take you to the Melodia Hotel

June 19
buffet breakfast incl
Edda will meet you in the hotel lobby at 8am and take you back to the airport.
Fly to Cusco
Upon clearing baggage security in Cusco Airport look for Percy, holding up a sign with your name on it.
Transfer in to Hotel Centenario
Rest for a couple of hours to help acclimation to the high altitude
Afternoon guided excursion to Sacsahuaman National Park, Qenqo, Pukapukara, tambomachay and the Korikancha.
Hotel Centenario or equal
B

June 20
Full day guided excursion in the Sacred Valley of the Inca, includes afternoon at the Pisaq native bazaar.
Sacred Valley Hotel
B,L

June 21
Guided excursion to Ollantaytambo Fortress and the ruins of Pisaq.
Sacred Valley Hotel
B,L

June 22
Transfer to train station; Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Guided interpretation of the ruins. Buffet lunch in El Sanctuario. Afternoon optional climb up Wayna Picchu or hike to the gate of the sun (Inti Puncu).
Hotel Machu Picchu Inn or equal
B,L

June 23
Early morning return to ruins on your own. Vistadome train (included)
departs late afternoon arrives Cusco in evening. Supper usually served on train
Hotel Centenario.
B

June 24
Attendance at the celebration of Inti Raymi. Bleacher seating
Hotel Centenario
B,L

June 25
Transfer out. Fly to Lima, connect to flight to USA, arriving June 26