June is the month when Cusco celebrates its identity. For several weeks, the city fills with parades, dances, processions, and Inca reenactments that attract travelers from around the world. If you are thinking about visiting during this time, here you will find everything you need to know: what is celebrated, what the weather is like, how to get tickets for Inti Raymi, and what you should book well in advance.
What is the weather like in Cusco in June?
June falls in the middle of winter in the southern Andes, which here coincides with the dry season. Days are usually sunny, with clear skies and temperatures that can reach 19 °C around midday. Nights and early mornings, however, are very cold and temperatures can drop below 0 °C.
This contrast is important when planning your trip: outdoor activities, such as Inti Raymi at Sacsayhuamán, take place under strong sunshine, while evening processions and early-morning departures require warm clothing. Remember that the city is located at 3,399 m.a.s.l., so give yourself one or two days to acclimatize before doing any hiking.
What is celebrated during Cusco’s Jubilee Month?
Throughout June, the Municipality of Cusco organizes Jubilee Month, a calendar of activities centered around June 24, Cusco Day. Almost every day, there are parades by schools, universities, and institutions through the Plaza de Armas, dance performances from different provinces, food and handicraft fairs, and open-air concerts.
For you as a traveler, this means that at almost any time during the month you will find something happening in the historic center, free of charge. The downside is that the main square is often closed to traffic or very crowded, so it is a good idea to stay somewhere within walking distance.
Qoyllur Rit’i: the pilgrimage at the foot of Ausangate
Days before Corpus Christi, thousands of pilgrims climb to the Sanctuary of Sinakara, in the district of Ocongate, at more than 4,600 m.a.s.l., for the Festival of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit’i. It is one of the most impressive celebrations in Peru and was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Groups of ukukus, dancers wearing woolen masks, climb toward the glacier during the early hours of the morning in one of the festival’s most important moments. It is a demanding experience because of the altitude and cold, making it more suitable for well-acclimatized travelers. If you are interested in exploring this area at another time, the Ausangate trek or a visit to the community of Pacchanta allows you to experience the same mountain environment at a more relaxed pace.
Corpus Christi in Cusco: from the eve to the Octave
Corpus Christi is celebrated on a Thursday, 60 days after Easter Sunday, which means it can fall in late May or June depending on the year. On the eve of the celebration, fifteen images of saints and virgins arrive from their respective parishes at the Cathedral, accompanied by bands and religious brotherhoods. On Thursday, they all take part in a procession around the Plaza de Armas in one of the busiest days of the year.
The images remain in the Cathedral for one week, until the Octave, when they return to their churches. On that day and during the days leading up to it, look for chiriuchu around the main square, a traditional cold dish prepared especially for this celebration.
Inti Raymi: the three venues of the Festival of the Sun
On June 24, Inti Raymi is reenacted, the ceremony through which the Incas honored the sun during the winter solstice. The performance takes place at three different locations throughout the day:
- Qorikancha: in the morning, the Inca greets the sun at the ancient temple, where the Convent of Santo Domingo now stands.
- Plaza de Armas: the procession reaches the square, the former Huacaypata, where the meeting with local authorities takes place.
- Sacsayhuamán: from midday onward, the main ceremony takes place on the esplanade of the fortress.
The first two parts can be watched for free from the street. At Sacsayhuamán, you have two options: purchase a seat in the official grandstands or find a place on the free hillsides surrounding the esplanade, where you will need to arrive very early and the view is more distant.
Inti Raymi tickets: grandstands and free viewing areas
Seats in the Sacsayhuamán grandstands are sold months in advance and often sell out before May. They give you a numbered seat directly facing the performance and save you from having to wait from the early hours of the morning. If you prefer not to pay for admission, people begin securing places in the free viewing areas very early; bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and something to sit on.
At Incredible Peru Tours, we can help you book your Inti Raymi tickets together with transportation, so all you have to do is enjoy the ceremony.
How to plan Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail in June
June is high season, and this is especially noticeable at Machu Picchu. Tickets to the citadel, trains, and hotels in Aguas Calientes fill up quickly, while permits for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu sell out several months in advance.
A good strategy is to visit Machu Picchu a few days before or after June 24, when the city of Cusco receives its highest concentration of visitors. If you cannot get permits for the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek is an alternative with greater availability that also ends at the citadel.
What to pack for Cusco in June
Think in layers. During the day, a light layer may be enough, but once the afternoon ends you will need a warm jacket, hat, and gloves. Add sunscreen and sunglasses because UV radiation at high altitude is strong even during winter. For processions and Inti Raymi, carry a small backpack that you can keep in front of you while moving through crowds, as well as some cash for food stalls.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Cusco in June
Is Cusco worth visiting in June?
Yes, especially if you are interested in the city’s living culture. It is the month with the greatest number of celebrations, although it is also one of the periods with the highest demand and higher prices.
How far in advance should I buy tickets for Inti Raymi?
Ideally, you should purchase grandstand tickets at least three or four months in advance.
Can you watch Inti Raymi for free?
Yes. The performances at Qorikancha and the Plaza de Armas are free, and at Sacsayhuamán there are free viewing areas around the official grandstands.
Is it very cold in Cusco in June?
Days are mild and sunny, but nighttime temperatures can drop below 0 °C.
Can I hike the Inca Trail in June?
Yes. It is one of the best months because it falls during the dry season, but you should reserve your permits several months in advance.
