Saqsaywaman
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What people say
Deric Lima (Zuka)
Available for hire
"Saqsaywaman, often spelled Sacsayhuamán, is a monumental Inca citadel on a hilltop overlooking the city of Cusco. The site, famous for its grand stone walls and panoramic views, serves as a testament to the architectural and engineering skills of the Inca civilization with stone masonry.
Buying the Boleto Turistico for the Cusco Province is the best option to visit the citadel. This special ticket grants access to several places with a special discount. Please check the Boleto Turistico section to understand how it works better.
The main structure of Saqsaywaman consists of three large, terraced walls arranged in a zigzag pattern, creating a formidable defensive barrier. The walls are built using a technique known as ashlar masonry, where stones are finely cut and shaped to fit together perfectly. This construction method provided structural stability and helped the walls withstand seismic activity, a common occurrence in the Andean region.
In Cusco, many buildings survived earthquakes throughout history with minimal damage. Meanwhile, Spanish buildings, like churches and houses, suffered heavy damage and were rebuilt later.
Today, Saqsaywaman is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction. Make sure to visit the site and explore its vast terraces, admire the precision of the stonework, and enjoy the views of Cusco and the surrounding Andean landscape.
The annual Inti Raymi festival, held every June to celebrate the winter solstice, draws thousands of visitors to Saqsaywaman, reviving ancient Inca traditions and rituals.
🏅 ACTIVITIES
Besides visiting the citadel, many people visit the area outside Saqsaywaman for morning walks. If you are a fan of fasted morning walks, this is an excellent place to do it.
Another possible activity is to hike there after visiting the Moon Temple and the Balcon del Diablo. A description of and tips about both places were added to this guide.
🚶♀️HIKING
Hiking to Saqsaywaman can be a stand-alone adventure from Cusco, resulting in a short walk, or a full-day exploration where you hike to the Moon Temple and Balcon Del Diablo, resulting in a 14 km loop.
🚃 TRANSPORTATION
There's no need to book transportation to Saqsaywaman if you are in Cusco. A simple 30-to-40-minute walk is enough to reach the citadel."
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Taylor Blair
Available for hire
"Saqsaywaman is an incredible archaeological site located just outside Cusco, known for its impressive Inca ruins and massive stone walls. The site features large, precisely cut stones that fit together seamlessly, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the Incas. Walking through Saqsaywaman offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the city of Cusco. The site is not only significant for its historical importance but also for its cultural relevance, as it plays host to various festivals throughout the year. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Inca history and architecture!"
Sara Lemeire
" Sacsayhuaman was the most important military fort of the Inca Empire, compared for its greatness with the Roman Colosseum. It was the northern access point to the city of Cusco. In this fort the Incas stored their weapons and were prepared for any threat of invasion. "
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