Press Release

Friday, May 16, 2014

Inti Raymi Festival Opens Goway's Newest Peru Trip

Goway offers travellers VIP seats to the Incas most sacred tradition.

Goway Travel's Incan Festival of the Sun trip lets travellers observe one of South America’s most sacred traditions up close. Using Cuzco, the former Inca capital as its base, this 9-day adventure offers guests VIP seats at the Inti Raymi Festival before going on to favourite sights such as the Pisac Ruins, and incredible Machu Picchu.

Inti Raymi was the Inca’s largest and most sacred festival prior to being outlawed under Spanish colonial rule. Each year at the winter solstice, the Inca, fearful that the sun would abandon them, would sacrifice an animal to ensure good crops and pay homage to their king. The name ‘Inti Raymi’ comes from the Quechua language and means ‘resurrection of the sun.’

In 1944, this ancient tradition returned to Cuzco, and today brings Inca culture to spectacular and vivid life. While mass takes place in Cuzco cathedral, the rainbow Inti Raymi flag is raised high outside at 8am on June 24. Before long, the locals are thanking the Sun god for his blessings and the Inca (king) is carried to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where the rest of the ritual takes place. Animal lovers needn’t worry however, as today’s simulated ceremony is cruelty-free.    

Enticing travellers with spectacular landscapes and the ruins of multiple empires, Peru tours have become a centrepiece for many South America vacations. The country is also an incredible journey on its own. The Inti Raymi festival is a unique opportunity to be immersed in living Inca culture, but Peru offers much to travellers year round. Fit hikers may want to tackle an Inca Trail trek, but there are many more relaxing options, such as the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley of the Incas also deserves its own sightseeing day on any Cuzco itinerary.

Goway’s 9-day Incan Festival of the Sun is an all inclusive trip priced from US$4275/CA$4670 per person. This price includes international fares from Miami or Toronto to Lima, and domestic flights to Cuzco, along with hotel transfers, VIP seats at the Inti Raymi festival, English-speaking guide, packed lunch, extensive sightseeing, Vistadome train journey and entry to Machu Picchu with a guided tour of the ruins. Numerous meals are also included. This unique trip departs exclusively on June 22, 2014.

Goway also offers its 7-day Peruvian Landscapes trip. This competitively priced introduction to Peru includes airfare, starting at US$2299 per person from Miami, Los Angeles or New York, CA$2299 from Toronto, or CA$2599 from Vancouver. Also included are Lima and Cuzco city tours, extensive sightseeing, a visit to Machu Picchu aboard the Panoramic train, and airport transfers. Travellers may add an extra night in Aguas Calientes (including a second visit to Machu Picchu) for US$230 or CA$250 per person.