Sacsayhuaman ('Place where the falcon is satiated') is a fortress of Inca archaeological site located in Peru, just 2 kilometers from the city of Cusco and 3,700 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.). According to the Peruvian chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega, the site is "the greatest architectural work that the Incas carried out during its apogee". Its construction began the Inca Pachacutec in the fifteenth century and was completed by Huayna Cápac in the sixteenth. In 1536, Manco Inca, leader of the Inca resistance of Vilcabamba, fought the Spaniards in this enclosure. Due to the destruction caused by the conquerors, only 20% of the architectural complex is currently appreciated.
Where is Sacsayhuaman?
Sacsayhuaman is 2 kilometers from Cuzco. It sits along the Tullumayo River on the side of a hill surrounded by snowcapped mountains such as Ausangate, Pachatusán and the Cinca. Due to its high location, from there you can see the city of Cusco. Currently it is located next to the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
Who built Sacsayhuaman?
According to various studies it is estimated that long before the Incas there were already buildings in Sacsayhuaman. Nevertheless, the apogee and the immense constructions that are appreciated until today were initiated by the Inca Pachacutec (XV century) and concluded by Huayna Cápac (XVI century).
What was it built for?
Due to its location on the top of a hill in the highest point of the city of Cusco, it is believed that the goal of such immense construction was that of fortress. In 1536, the site was the scene of the resistance of the rebel Incas of Vilcabamba. However, according to several chroniclers, the site was built as Temple of the Sun. According to the chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega: "... because they said it was a messenger of war and not peace, that the fortress was Casa del Sol".
Climate and height
Sacsayhuaman, like Cuzco, is dry and temperate. The average annual temperature is 12 ° C. Due to its height, at 3,700 masl, almost 300 meters higher than the 'Imperial City', the nights are colder and the days are hotter. There are 2 stations during the year. The first is the rainy season (from November to March) where there is a greater amount of rainfall. The second is the dry season (from April to October), where rainfall decreases considerably.
How to get to Sacsayhuaman?
There are several ways to get there. Ascending on foot takes 1 hour from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. By taxi, the trip is 15 minutes. It is also possible to get there with public service, you should only take some of the transport lines that will take you there in approximately 30 minutes. However, the most common way to get there is to hire the City Tour service, which includes transportation and guided service to this and other tourist sites.
Entrance ticket
Access to Sacsayhuaman is included in the Tourist Ticket of Cusco. This entrance also allows entry to other archaeological sites such as Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and Coricancha. The price of the Partial Ticket is 70 soles.
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