The Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park is located just 4 kilometers from the city center. During the Inca period, it was one of the most important sites of its time, second only to the Llaqta of Qosqo. It was consecrated as “the House of the Sun of Hanaq Qosqo” due to its close connection with the city of Cusco.
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Sacsayhuaman: A monumental landmark of the Inca Empire
Sacsayhuaman covers an area of 3,093 hectares. The valley is framed by the mountains of Ausangate, Pachatusan, and Cinca, and is bordered by the Tullumayu River. The zone where the complex sits corresponds to the shape of the head of a sacred animal, and one of the translations of the word Sacsayhuaman is precisely “head of the reclining puma” the puma being the guardian of earthly matters.
The construction is characteristic of Inca architecture, although this is the site where that technique was applied on the largest scale.
History of Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman or Sacsahuaman derives from the Quechua saksay waman, meaning “Pukara” fortress of the royal eagle. It is a ceremonial temple used by the Incas. Construction began during the reign of the Sapa Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century, though it was Huayna Capac who brought it to completion in the 16th century.
The exact methods used in its construction remain unknown, although they are described by the chroniclers Bernabé Cobo and Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala who mention the use of earthen ramps, inclined planes, and rope systems a feat that drew the admiration of Francisco Pizarro and his men. The most detailed account, however, comes from the chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
Monumental architecture of Sacsayhuaman
The Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park covers an area of 3,093 hectares. Today, the remains of three stepped retaining walls built from sedimentary limestone of fossiliferous formation can still be seen.
Sacsayhuaman is divided into different sectors: Sacsayhuaman, Rodadero, Throne of the Inca, Warmi K’ajchana, Bath of the Inca, Amphitheaters, Chincana, and Tower Bases, among others. The area covered by these structures is remarkably vast, and the most striking feature remains the three massive stone walls that outline the shape of the fortress.
The Towers: Three towers once stood at the top of the fortress: Muyucmarca, Sallacmarca, and Paucamarca. The first was cylindrical in shape, roughly four stories tall with a diameter of about 22 meters, and occupied the central position. The second was quadrangular in form, and from it the entire city of Cusco could be seen. The third was also square-shaped and stood at the opposite end from Sallacmarca.
The Temple: The fortress served as the setting where the Incas worshipped the Sun in a temple used for religious ceremonies. It is believed that tens of thousands of people would gather there during special festivals to make offerings and take part in certain forms of pilgrimage.
Geological engineering: The temple features a variety of building materials, both igneous and sedimentary. The sedimentary materials likely belong to outcroppings from the Maras, Ayabacas Limestone, Kayra, San Sebastian formations, and more recent deposits. The study area sits within an internal geodynamic context of high seismicity, dominated by faults with seismogenic potential most notably the Cusco fault and the Tambomachay fault, among others.
The colossal stone walls
The site is defined by the use of enormous stones reaching up to 5 meters in height and 2.5 meters in width, with an impressive weight ranging between 90 and 125 tons of polished stone.
Strategic design
The Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park occupies an area whose shape corresponds to the head of a sacred animal. One of the translations of the name is precisely “head of the reclining puma” the puma being the guardian of earthly matters.
Cultural and spiritual significance of Sacsayhuaman
It is believed to have been a ceremonial fortress that also served religious functions. The size and weight of the stones used in its construction some weighing several tons make it a particularly remarkable feat of ancient engineering.
How to get to the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Complex
The most common way to visit the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park is through the guided City Tour, which in addition to Sacsayhuaman includes other archaeological sites in Cusco the Cathedral, Qoricancha, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay with an estimated visit time of 5 to 6 hours in a shared or private group.
The other option is to visit independently by taking a taxi or a local bus (such as the Cristo Blanco or Emp Huertos combis) if you wish to visit Sacsayhuaman on its own, paying the entrance fee at the gate. The journey by taxi or bus takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Hours and admission prices
Visiting hours:
- Monday through Sunday open every day.
- Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Full Tourist Ticket: S/ 130.00 (Foreigners) / S/ 70.00 (Peruvians). Partial Tourist Ticket: S/ 70.00 (Foreigners) / S/ 40.00 (Peruvians).
Tips for your visit
Keep the following recommendations in mind when visiting Sacsayhuaman:
- Bring your tourist ticket.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Wear light clothing during the rainy season, and bring a jacket or rain poncho.
- Wear hiking shoes.
- Bring a small daypack.
- Carry water.
- Bring cash.
- Do not forget your camera there are plenty of unforgettable moments to capture.
What to see near Sacsayhuaman
Very close to the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, you will find Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
