Hello, dear traveller! Did you know that June is the most significant month in Cusco? Not only is it the dry season with pleasant weather (ideal for travel), but it also hosts the renowned Inti Raymi celebration, which features a variety of dances, processions, and ceremonies that attract locals and visitors from all over the world!
Discover the heart of Andean festivities.
Why is June considered Jubilee Month in Cusco, Peru?
June is known as the jubilee month because of its many activities based on Andean cosmology and Inca heritage. These celebrations provide a one-of-a-kind visual spectacle as well as profound insights into the Andean worldview, emphasizing the role of Pachamama and celestial bodies in solemn ceremonies.
Experience the June festivities in Cusco.
Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllur Riti
Date: June 1 - Pachamama Offering
The pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllur Riti (Lord of the Shining Snow) begins and ends in Ocongate, Quispicanchi. Thousands of faithful from Cusco and beyond have gathered here. This event is now classified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This event takes place at the base of the snowy Colquepunku, more than 5,000 meters above sea level in Sinakara, and features an image of Christ etched into the rock of a grotto. The pilgrimage is divided into eight "nations," named after their respective towns: Paucartambo, Quispicanchi, Canchis, Acomayo, Paruro, Tawantinsuyo, Anta, and Urubamba. These groups salute the image of the Lord of Qoyllur Riti in a formal manner.
Q’eswachaka Bridge Renewal
Date: June 6 - Start of the Annual Ritual
The Q'eswachaka bridge renewal festival takes place in Quehue, Canas, Cusco, during the second week of June. This suspension bridge, made entirely of vegetable fibers and stretching 28 meters, is part of the ancient Inca Trail and was designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013.
Around 1,000 villagers gather, with women braiding the ichu and men replacing broken ropes. They also take part in ceremonies to the Pachamama (Earth goddess) and Apus (mountain gods) led by an Andean priest.
Q'eswachaka Bridge. Image by Peru Rail
Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun
Date: June 24 - Inti Raymi Ceremony
Inti Raymi, dedicated to the Sun God, is the Inca Empire's most important celebration and the focal point of Cusco's jubilee month. This grand occasion occurs between the end of the harvest and the start of the Andean winter solstice.
The Coricancha temple, Plaza de Armas, and Sacsayhuamán fortress host over 700 performers reenacting ancient rituals. Since 2001, it has been recognized as the nation's cultural heritage and the main ritual ceremony of national identity.
Inti Raymi. Image by: El comercio.
Corpus Christi
Date: June 6 - Octave of the Corpus Christi Cusqueño Festivity
Corpus Christi is one of Cusco and Peru's most iconic celebrations, having been designated as a National Cultural Heritage in 2004. It has been celebrated for over 400 years and incorporates both Andean and Catholic traditions. When the Spanish conquerors arrived in Cusco, they replaced the sovereigns' mummies in solemn processions with religious images of Christ, saints, and prayers to the Virgin Mary.
Image by: Luna Joie
Additional Festivities
June 2: Great Race "Qosqo 10K Hatun Phaway 2024"
June 8: Light Salute Parade to Cusco
June 10-13: Parades of typical Cusco dances by educational institutions
June 14: Gala concert by the Cusco Symphony Orchestra
June 15: Canine Parade
June 16: Allegory Parade 2024 - Diego Quispe Tito National Art University
June 17-18: Parades of Andean University and the National University of San Antonio Abad of Cusco
June 20: Mega light and sound event, Gala concert by the 5th Mountain Brigade Band
June 21: Gala concert by the National Police of Peru Band
June 22: Parade of the 13 provinces - Salute to Cusco
June 23: Start of the grand civic parade
June 30: Launch of the festivities of the Virgin of Carmen of Huarocondo
Experience June in Cusco with Andean Travel Experience!
Andean Travel Experience provides luxurious tours that immerse you in Andean culture, allowing you to visit Cusco's most iconic landmarks during its most vibrant month.
Ready to visit Cusco in June? Book your tour with us and experience an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian Andes.