THE RACE TO INTI RAYMI
As a result of a four-day strike of truckers, blocking the border between Chile and Peru, we had to rush to make it to Cusco in time for the Inti Raymi (Quechua for ‘sun festival’).
Having spent a day in beautiful Arequipa with its red monastery we continued a gorgeous mountain pass with a surreal feel to it. Driving between hundreds of trucks, our V8 engine came in handy; it was a sport taking over these giants, while ascending to 4,500 meters altitude.
PRESTINE PUCARA
Passing through Pucara we were attracted by the beautifully dressed people and decided to make a stop. After having had a look at the colourful market and the beautiful church, we discovered that today (23 June) was the day to be in Pucara, as Inti Raymi gets celebrated here a day before Cusco does (namely on June 24 of each year).
FROM MAIN SQUARE TO MAIN STAGE
The procession began at the market on the main square. We followed the parade to the Inca ruins outside the town.
BETWEEN THE LOCALS
We found a perfect spot between the gorgeous women. While watching the spectacle we got served yoghurt ice-creams and got invited to try an Andean Altiplano delicacy; chuño (a freeze-dried potato).
FRONT ROW IN THE HIGH GRASS
The ceremony on top of the giant stairs was followed by several dance groups showing their performances in front of this beautiful scene. Sitting as close to the ‘stage’ as possible, our heads were literally in the performers’ dresses!
NECK TWISTING BETWEEN PERFORMERS AND SPECTATORS
Watching the audience was equally impressive as the actual rituals themselves. It was hard to decide where to look as every single person passing by was worth a photo. It is impressive the clothes they wear aren’t costumes, but is their regular dressing. There were simply too many beautiful people!
Our random stop turned out to be a spectacular surprise; a totally authentic festival full with local, traditional people and hardly any tourists. We are happy that we so often tend to end up at the right place at the right time!
