Skip to main content

Sacsayhuaman

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Riots in Peru: Government confirms eight dead in protests

Many protests are escalating in Peru: So far, eight people have died in demonstrations against the removal of the previous President Castillo . The state of emergency applies nationwide - this also has consequences for tourists at Machu Picchu . According to the government, eight people have died in various parts of Peru so far in the increasingly violent protests against the dismissal of President Pedro Castillo . Another 19 people were hospitalized in the capital of Peru , Lima and in the regions of Apurímac, Huancavelica, Arequipa and La Libertad, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Health . The human rights ombudswoman, Eliana Revollar, spoke of seven deaths within two days on Monday, under them two minors. All of the victims died from gunshots. Hundreds of tourists are stuck At the world-famous Inca site Machu Picchu , 800 tourists are currently stuck, the authorities said. The railway line between the World Heritage Site and the city of Cusco had previously been closed due to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Salkantay Travel Recommendations

If you are thinking of traveling to Salkantay Trek  here are some recommendations that you need to know. When to travel? The best time to do the tour is in the dry season, that is, between May and October. The most recommended month is May, as everything is still green after the rains. On the other hand, the coldest month is June. What to bring? First, a handbag, in addition to the one that will carry the horse, as well as a sleeping bag of -5 degrees at least. The clothes should be suitable for trekking in a mountainous climate, with heat during the day and very cold at night. To keep the clothes, bring 3 bags to keep clean clothes separate from dirty. Do not forget the toiletries for 4 days of trekking, such as towel, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, etc. Bring any medicines you need, for headache or altitude sickness, as well as bandages for wounds or blisters. It is important to have a flashlight with batteries, especially for the last day, because we w...
Post a Comment
Read more

Machu Picchu Ticket in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Machu Picchu , the Inca treasure of Cusco, keeps amazing travelers from all over the world. In the year 2025, there are more ways to get a ticket to this wonder, offering new and special experiences to see the city and its surroundings. From the regular ticket that lets you explore the Inca city to tickets that also include climbing Huayna Picchu , Mountain, or even Huchuy Picchu, each ticket gives a different way to have this magical experience. But, because there are only a few spots available, it is very important to buy your ticket early to make sure you can visit. Types of Tickets and Experiences The ticket to Machu Picchu is not just the way to enter the Inca city, but it also opens the door to many adventures and paths. Among the main kinds are: Machu Picchu Only: The simple choice to walk around the main areas of the Inca city. Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: Great for people who want to see the city and also climb the big Huayna Picchu mountain and enjoy views from above. Machu...
Post a Comment
Read more