The Sacsayhuaman fortress is one of the tourist destinations that you need to take into account, and in this article, you will know why.
This Inca fortress consists of a very important archaeological site in Peru, and is only 2 km from Cuzco, with a position of 3,700 meters above sea level.
In the Inca language, Sacsayhuaman means «place where the falcon is satiated.» This work was started by Pachacutec in the 15th century and was completed by Huayna Cápac in the 16th century.
At present, it is only possible to appreciate 20% of what was this incredible architectural complex, because the conquerors caused significant destruction in the year 1536 when Manco Inca led the Inca resistance of Vilcabamba.
Next, we will present you with the most important data of this tourist destination, so you can schedule your visit and enjoy the great places it offers you.
Where is Sacsayhuaman located?
As we have already mentioned, it is only 2km from Cuzco, located next to the Tullumayo River. It is located high enough to offer an impressive view of Cuzco.
Its settlement coincides with the side of a hill that is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains, such as Cinca, Pachatusán, and Ausangate.
The best thing is that a visit to Sacsayhuaman will also allow you to know Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and Qenqo, which are other archaeological sites of great relevance.
How is the climate of Sacsayhuaman?
The climate of the Inca fortress Sacsayhuaman is similar to that of Cuzco: dry and temperate, with an annual temperature averaging 12 ° C.
It is almost 300 meters higher than the Imperial City, which makes the weather colder at night, and hot during the day. In the Inca fortress, there are two seasons.
From November to March there is the rainy season, with the presence of more amounts of rainfall, and from April to October is the dry season, the rains decrease at this time.
How do you get to the Inca fortress?
There are several ways to get to the entrance to Sacsayhuaman:
- You can ascend on foot, from the Plaza de Armas del Cuzco, it will take you 1 hour
- You can also travel by taxi, from the same square, the trip is 15 minutes
- Or you can take advantage of the public service from the square, the journey will be 30 minutes
Getting there is completely easy, you can also support yourself in our Cusco Fortalezas tours.
How much is the entrance to Sacsayhuaman worth?
As for the price of the entrance to Sacsayhuaman, it is very cheap, in fact, you can buy a Partial Ticket, whose cost is 70 soles, which is approximately between 19 and 20 dollars, or 16 euros.
The best thing is that with this entrance to Sacsayhuaman you can also enter other archaeological sites, which are also considered fortresses.
So you will get to know this great fortress and also Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and Coricancha for the same ticket.
Fun facts about Sacsayhuaman
In this tourist destination of great importance in Peru, you will be able to know and verify a series of very interesting facts.
Here are some of them:
Stone formation created by demons or aliens
In Sacsayhuaman, you will be able to contemplate a formation of large stones, assembled as if it were a puzzle.
According to oral tradition, this formation was the work of extraterrestrials, and the Spanish conquerors attributed its creation to demons. Visit it and draw your conclusions.
Natural Inca slides
It is a natural rock formation, known as Inca rollers or slides. The function it had for the Incas is not known, but thousands of travelers slide on them as if they were swings.
It is one of the most popular spaces in this fortress, where you can also see Inca gates, thrones, bastions, and much more.
A fortress shaped like a puma head
Just as Machu Picchu has the shape of a bird, the city of Cusco had a shape of a puma, and, in this sense, Sacsayhuaman formed the head of the puma.
Another curious fact has to do with Coricancha, which you can also visit if you come to the Inca fortress, and that is that it comes to form the genitalia of the puma.
What can you know in the Sacsayhuaman?
In addition to the curious data described above. When visiting the Inca fortress Sacsayhuaman you will be able to know:
- The Inti Raymi, known as the Fiesta del Sol, is celebrated as a tribute to the Inca ancestors.
- The Muyucmarca, a scene of the suicide of the warrior the Inca warrior Titu Cusi Huallpa, who threw himself from the tower to avoid being a prisoner of the European conquerors.
- Two caves underground, a narrow and small one where you can access, and you can contemplate the Chicana, which, according to legends, connects with the Coricancha, it is believed that those who dared to travel it did not return.
Other attractions are:
Paucamarca y Sallaqmarca
Paucamarca is a tower that is in the east of the enclosure, it served to store water, and is currently covered with earth.
Sallaqmarca is located in the center of the enclosure, in other times it was intercommunicated with the other towers through tunnels.
The rooms
It is a group of enclosures that are supported on the hill, near the towers, and directed towards the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
These enclosures are interconnected by what is known as trapezoidal doors.
The Bastions
They are zigzag platforms, with huge limestone walls, which fit together perfectly.
The largest wall weighs 128 tons, which creates great mystery regarding how these bastions were built.
The throne of the Inca
In the Inca language, it is called K’usilluc Jink’ian, which means: where the monkey stands. It is a stone structure shaped like a seat.
The perfection with which the stones of this structure were polished, made it worthy of the dimension of a throne.
You will also be able to know all the enclosures that are part of the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, Sacsayhuaman is the great Inca fortress that you must visit to live a unique experience.
If you want to know tailor-made tourism plans, contact us here. We will gladly attend to your request.
