The Inti Raymi (”Festival of the Sun”) celebration in Cuzco

Having been the capital of the Inca civilization and considered “the world’s belly button,” Cuzco has a wonderful cultural legacy. Aside from wonderful architectural monuments – like Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World – it has traditions that show all the grandeur of one of the most powerful empires in the Americas.

Each June 24, the Cusqueños entertain and share with visitors the Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, which pays tribute to the main Inca god and demonstrates the people’s and its leader’s gratitude, for the granted favors.

Recreating the Festival of the Sun
The staging of the Inti Raymi takes place on the esplanade of the fortress of Sacsayhuamán (satiated Falcon), as this animal was considered the protector of the Manco Cápac, the first Inca of the empire.

Sacsayhuamán is located north of the “Plaza de Armas” (Main Square) of Cuzco. Over one hundred thousand persons arrive there, between inhabitants and tourists, to witness the staging of Cuzco’s most important festive ritual.

After observing the arrival to the esplanade of the actors portraying the Inca – being carried on a stretcher, and its Royal Procession of almost one hundred and fifty people – the musicians play a solemn march using Andean musical instruments like the pututo, cornetas (a horn-like instrument) and reed flute.

With the musical intro, the actor in charge of bringing the cusqueño leader to life, lights a fire which is then moved to a mound of straw piled on a gold tray, and then lights the torches of the agents of the four “suyos” (regions) or Empire divisions: Chinchaysuyo, Collasuyo, Antisuyo y Contisuyo.

Meanwhile, the actors portraying the people wait squatting for his majesty to give the God Sun’s approval so that they may begin their product offerings and dances, which concludes this exhibit of live tradition and culture.

Planning and lodging
To enjoy the celebration of the Inti Raymi, we can enlist the services of a travel agency specialized in trips to Cuzco, like Machu Picchu Travel, which organizes tours which include airplane tickets, airport pick-up and transfer to the chosen hotel, breakfast, transfers, as well as guided tours to the Sacsayhuamán fortress and enjoyment of the festivities.

One of the most exclusive places to stay in the city of Cuzco is the hotel Libertador (Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259), located in front of the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun’s Virgins. Among others, its guest can enjoy high speed internet, bar, café, restaurant, gym, jacuzzi and shops where you can get all sorts of cusqueño souvenirs.

Another highly recommended lodging is the Hotel Monasterio (Palacio Street 136, in front of the Nazarenas square), obtaining its name as it was built over an ancient Spanish monastery dating back to 1592. In addition to the beautiful architecture, visitors can enjoy a relaxing moment in its exclusive restaurant, its outdoors café, or in a private spa session.

To taste the best of the cusqueño food with dishes such as Puchero (a type of stew), Pepián de Cuy (stew made with corn and guinea pig meat), Humitas (similar to a tamal), Adobo de Cerdo (pig stew) and the Olluquito con Charqui (ulluco with llama meat), visitors can go to the Inka Wall restaurant (Santa Catalina Angosta Street 135). According to legend, it is located in the same place where the Inca Túpac Yupanqui lived over seven hundred years ago.
If you wish to combine Cuzco’s gastronomy with international cuisine, Fusiones Restaurant Bar, located in the corner of the avenue El Sol and Mantas street, just a few yards from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), is a great alternative, especially for night owls.

Some recommendations
Although it does not rain during the season in which the Inti Raymi takes place, we must bring warm clothes for the night, as temperatures can reach 39º F. We must also consume lots of coca tea, in order to adjust to the city’s height: 11,155 feet above sea level.

Fotos:  Hostal El Marquez, Para Conocer, Apu Tours.

Tags Blogalaxia: Turismo, Perú, Cusco, Inti Raymi.

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