Final Scene

After the Inca initiates the Sun festival at the Qoricancha temple and addresses the authorities of Cusco at the city’s Plaza de Armas, the location where this festivity reaches its final act is at Saqsayhuaman.

At around 1:45 PM, the sound of pututos marks the beginning of the central ceremony, where the noble Sinchi calls upon the representatives of the four suyos or regions of the ancient Inca empire. They enter the Sacsayhuaman esplanade to the rhythm of music and dances from their places of origin, preparing everything for the Inca and Qoya to enter for the ceremony.

Then, the Inca, the Qoya, and their entire entourage solemnly enter, and the Inti Raymi ceremony begins. Generally, the following activities are respected:

• Ceremonial placement
• Report of the 4 Suyus or Regions: Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu, and Chinchaysuyu
• Chicha ritual
• Sacred Fire ritual
• Sacrifice of the Llama (Andean camelid) and omens
• Sankhu ritual (sacred bread)
• Q’ochurikuy (popular exaltation burst)