Inti Raymi: A Spectacular Festival in Cusco

Inti Raymi, held annually on June 24 in Cusco, is one of South America's three major festivals. As June begins, Cusco transforms into a festive city, with events and parades happening almost daily during the week leading up to the 24th. From prior research, I learned that the festival has three stages, and attendees move between them. Not knowing where to watch, I arrived at the first stage an hour before it started, only to find a wall of people blocking the view. Unable to see anything, I decided to skip the first stage and head to the second stage, which was about a five-minute walk away. Although there were still three hours until the second stage began, many people had already secured their spots. Surprised by the crowd, I quickly rented a chair for 10 soles and secured my place. For nearly two hours, I enjoyed a variety of dances and parades, which left me thoroughly satisfied. After the second stage ended, I attempted to move to the third stage, but the crowd was so dense that I couldn't make any progress and had to give up. Nevertheless, being able to watch the second stage from a great spot from start to finish was more than enough to make me happy. Tips for enjoying the festival: - A hat for sun protection is essential. - Many people used parasols while waiting. - Sunscreen is a must. - Bring drinking water and snacks. - Since the event lasts for hours, renting a chair is highly recommended. The first and second stages are free to watch, while the third stage can be viewed for free from a hilltop. However, you'll need to secure your spot in the morning, as movement becomes impossible later. Locals advised against using taxis or buses to reach the hill, as they tend to get stuck. Instead of trying to see all three stages, it's better to focus on enjoying one stage thoroughly. The third stage also offers paid seating, but the prices are quite steep and require early reservations. Overall, it was an incredible experience. During the Inti Raymi period, Cusco attracts even more visitors from around the world than usual, so booking accommodations early is highly recommended.