The best places to visit in Cusco during Inti Raymi
Your visit to the Inti Raymi festival in Cusco is a unique opportunity to explore unique destinations throughout the region, taking advantage of the dry season, which ensures pleasant weather conditions and climates in each of the places you discover. Discover the best tourist attractions waiting to be discovered.
Content:
The best season to visit Cusco
The Inti Raymi festival (June 24) is celebrated during the peak season in Cusco. This encompasses part of the dry season, also known as high season. The best times are between June and July, when you’ll not only find ideal weather for visiting places steeped in history and beautiful landscapes, but also coincide with cultural events that will add even more significance to your trip.
During the peak season (June-July), you can experience Cusco’s jubilee celebrations, which throughout June will add more color, tradition, and events that will leave you with something to do every day.
July also commemorates Peru’s Independence Day, with dates packed with cultural events, making it a great time to visit the magnificent Inca city.
Plan your tourist experience throughout Cusco with your ticket to Inti Raymi
If during your visit to the Inti Raymi festival you’d like to discover more of the historic sites filled with adventure and charm in the Cusco region, make your own plans or let our expert consultants do it for you. Don’t forget to ask about all the other options available to you when booking your Inti Raymi tour so you don’t miss out on any of the magical corners of Cusco waiting to be explored.
The Inca Citadel Machu Picchu
As the years go by, Machu Picchu is increasingly consolidating its position as one of the world’s must-see destinations. It encompasses places steeped in history and buildings that will make your visit an almost mystical experience. You’ll also find rest areas with panoramic views and even adventure trails brimming with biodiversity.
To reach this magnificent Inca archaeological complex, you must choose to go to Ollantaytambo (2 hours from the city of Cusco) and then take a train that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes (2 hours), the place that protects Machu Picchu.
There are many other options for reaching the citadel: the Inca Trail, the route through the Santa Teresa Hydroelectric Power Plant, the hike through Choquequirao, and others. So, visiting this incredible destination can be appreciated from a wide variety of angles, adding even greater magnificence to your experience.
For your visit to Machu Picchu, there are 10 different routes that offer incredible experiences. One of the most popular is the route up Huayna Picchu, the highest mountain featured in all the photographs of the citadel. To hike there, you must purchase your own ticket; you’ll also be able to explore part of the citadel.
Machu Picchu during the Inti Raymi festival is a must-see, because at almost any time of day you visit, you can enjoy the mountains completely clear, enjoying a magical panorama that will make you consider it the most rewarding experience of your life.
The Mountain of 7 Colors (Vinicunca)
In recent years, Rainbow Mountain has gained significant importance in Cusco, establishing itself as a must-see during your visit. This place is accompanied by incredible landscapes that will make you feel like you’re in a magical place.
Located in the province of Canchis, the hike begins 3 hours from Cusco, and then continues on foot for approximately 2 hours.
The Rainbow Mountain is a natural attraction highlighted by peaks that have acquired various colors and shades resembling a rainbow due to melting ice and mineral erosion.
During the tour, you can also choose to ride horses or ATVs if you’re not in good physical condition or simply want to add more adrenaline to your experience.
Visiting it during the Inti Raymi season allows you to enjoy the completely uncovered panoramas, allowing you to see the valley in all its splendor and take even better photographs.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas
A visit to the towns that comprise the Sacred Valley is a must on your tour of Cusco. Throughout these magical towns, you can find nearby archaeological and historical sites such as the Ollantaytambo fortress, the Chinchero archaeological park, and the Pisac archaeological complex.
Aside from these, there are other options, which will require a more adventurous spirit, but the rewards of exploring them will make them completely worthwhile. These include: the hike to Huchuy Qosqo, the legendary Ñaupa Church, the Moray terraces, the Maras salt mines, and many more nature-filled adventures.
The Sacred Valley is located one hour from the city of Cusco, with notable towns such as Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Yucay.
During your tour of the Sacred Valley, you’ll also find places to rest and relax, immersed in nature, offering you such diverse panoramas that your visit will be one of the most complete ones you can find.
The 7 Lagoons of the Ausangate Snow-Covered Mountain
The Ausangate snow-capped mountain offers a panorama covered by 7 incredible lagoons, each one distinguished by its unique characteristics and colors.
The names of the 7 lagoons are: Pucacocha lagoon, Patacocha lagoon, Alqacocha lagoon, Qomercocha lagoon, Orco Otorongo lagoon, China Otorongo lagoon and Azulcocha lagoon.
To reach the start of the hike to the 7 Ausangate lagoons, you’ll travel through the South Valley for approximately 3 hours by car until you reach the town of Pacchanta, a place that shelters magical hot springs, which make the trip much more complete.
The hike to visit the 7 lagoons from Pacchanta can take more than 5 hours (round trip) if you want to visit each one and discover the reason for their names and colors.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy enigmatic landscapes that will make you want to stop every moment to take souvenir photos. You’ll see valleys, the gigantic Ausangate snow-capped mountain, lagoons, rivers, and abundant flora and fauna.
The South Valley of Cusco
One of the destinations gaining significant popularity in Cusco is the South Valley. Located just two hours from the city, you can discover a wide variety of tourist attractions.
Among the most important archaeological sites you’ll visit are the Inca archaeological site of Tipón and the Wari citadel of Piquillacta. You’ll also find colonial temples such as the Temple of San Juan Bautista, the Temple of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, and the Purified Virgin of Canincunca.
The main towns in the Southern Valley of Cusco are Oropesa, Huasao, Huaro, and Urcos. These are places where we’ll find beautiful views, from natural sites like Huacarpay Lagoon, Urcos Lagoon, and even the popular Huasao Wetland.
You can take full-day tours throughout the South Valley, visiting the most notable sites to capture an unforgettable memory of Cusco.
Recommendations for visiting Cusco during Inti Raymi
- Visit Cusco around June 24th to enjoy the incredible Inti Raymi festival.
- Booking tours of Cusco along with Inti Raymi is your best option for your trip, as it will allow you to experience the most emblematic festival along with places like Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- There are three types of seats available for you to watch Inti Raymi in Sacsayhuamán: Green tribune, Red tribune, and Orange tribune. Reserve them in advance through our Entradaintiraymi page.
- The dry season, which is part of the Inti Raymi festival, runs from April to October. This is a perfect time to visit all of Cusco’s attractions.
- Visit Cusco and attend the cultural events the city schedules to learn about a more cultural and traditional perspective of Andean culture.
- Ask our sales advisors about all the options you have to experience Inti Raymi, along with tours or excursions throughout Cusco.
- Purchase your ticket for the main Inti Raymi show in Sacsayhuamán through our website. Remember, they sell out quickly. This is your chance to experience the most important Inca festival.