If you are traveling to Cusco, Peru you may be considering visiting Sacsayhuaman Inca Ruins. Without question, the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuaman is a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and stone masonry of the Inca civilization. Sacsayhuaman is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of ancient Andean culture.
Perched 755 feet above Cusco, Sacsayhuaman is an awe-inspiring archaeological site that is worth visiting. These Inca ruins offer a glimpse into the rich history and architectural prowess of one of the world’s greatest empires. Marvel at its massive stone walls that have withstood centuries of time.
I recently returned from a vacation in Peru. I will share essential tips for visiting Sacsayhuaman in this travel guide. The Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman is worth visiting to delve into the mysteries and marvels that await at this extraordinary site.
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Where Is Sacsayhuamán Located?
Sacsayhuaman is on the outskirts of Cusco City. The area is the former Inca capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is approximately 1.5 miles from the main square of Cusco. Perched 3, 700 meters above Cusco (or 755 feet), it overlooks the expansive valley below.
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Is Sacsayhuaman Worth Visiting?
Sacsayhuaman (also spelled Saksaywaman and Saqsaywaman) is definitely worth visiting when you travel to Peru. Believed to be one of the largest ancient Inca fortresses, it spans over 7400 acres and has walls almost 60 feet high.
Remarkably, locals used over 5000 stones, some weighing in excess of 100-300 tons, to construct the site. Incas transported these massive boulders 10-20 miles without the use of the wheel. Over 20,000 villagers used shear manpower, logs, and hemp ropes to drag stones from a quarry to build the site. In fact, it took over 50 years to complete Sacsayhuaman.
Another notable feature of Sacsayhuaman is the precision in which it was crafted. Stones and rudimentary bronze tools were used to carve the limestone of the massive rock fortress with shocking precision. Even though the Incas constructed Sacsayhuaman without mortar, you cannot fit a piece of paper between the perfectly fitted stone walls.
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History of Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman was constructed during the reign of King Pachacuti 1438-1471 CE. The founder of the Inca Empire, emperor Mano Capac, created the city of Cusco in a puma shape.
According to our tour guide, Sacsayhuaman was the head of the puma and its tall tower resembles its eye. The puma body is shaped by the Tullumayo and Huatanay rivers. It’s tail, meets in the place called Pumaq Chupan where these rivers meet. Its heart was the holy square of the Temple of the Sun.
Sadly, the Spanish conquered Cusco and partially dismantled the ancient ruins. Today, only about 40% of the original structures of Sacsayhuaman remain.
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What Was Sacsayhuaman Used For?
The exact purpose of Sacsayhuaman remains a mystery. Experts believe the main function of Sacsayhuaman was for military purposes. In addition, the site contains aqueducts, terraces, and a religious shrine. Our tour guide also told us Incas used a giant reflection pool for astronomical purposes. Today locals use Sacsayhuaman as a site for festivals and ceremonies.
How to Pronounce Sacsayhuaman Cusco Inca Ruins
If you need clarification to pronounce Sacsayhuamán ruins, listen to the video below. The name, pronounced “sexy woman“, makes this Cusco site worth visiting. Our teenagers certainly had a few laughs pronouncing its name.
Visiting Sacsayhuaman From Cusco
Getting to Saqsaywaman from Plaza de Armas in Cusco is an easy half day trip. You can get to Sacsayhuaman by taxi, colectivo or walking. Keep reading to find out how to get to Saqsaywaman from Cusco!
Save time! Click Here to Book an Easy City Tour From Cusco to Sacsayhuaman!
Taxi to Sacsayhuaman
The most efficient way to get from Cusco to Saqsaywaman is by taxi. We visited Sacsayhuaman the day after we arrived in Cusco. Since we did not have time to acclimate, we opted to travel by taxi. It costs about 30-40 soles by taxi.
Typically, the drive to Sacsayhuaman takes approximately 10 minutes. However, pay attention to traffic. Since we visited during the Inti Raymi celebration, traffic was awful. The journey took us over 45 minutes!
Seeking Stamps Tip: I recommend traveling by taxi if you are not used to the altitude.
Visiting Sacsayhuaman by Colectivo
Alternatively, you can take a “colectivo”, or shared van, to Sacsayhuaman. Get off at the Cristo Blanco statue and walk to Sacsayhuaman. The price to travel by collectivo is 2-3 soles.
How to Walk From Cusco to Sacsayhuaman
Visitors can also walk to Sacsayhuaman from the Cusco city center. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes and is a steep uphill walk. Simply follow Sweden street to Resbalosa. Then, follow the road after San Cristobal Church. Keep in mind that the altitude makes the walk much more strenuous.
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What to See When Visiting Sacsayhuaman
Inca Tunnels (Chincanas or Chinkanas)
One of the first areas you visit are the Inca tunnels, known as Chinkanas. The name “chinkanas” in Quechua translates to “the place where one is lost”. Since the 1920’s, the cave system has been sealed off because numerous people have gone missing inside.
These miles of tunnels form a complex underground labyrinth. According to our tour guide, local legend states that the tunnels lead to the corichana temple of the sun. However, no evidence has proven that theory.
When you visit Sacsayhuaman you can enter a small portion of the Chinkana Chica cave. Watch your head, because you explore these cramped caves in the dark. To be honest, it was eerie crouching though the cave!
Seeking Stamps Tip: I highly recommend using a Sacsayhuaman tour guide to help you understand the significance of the sites.
Throne of the Inca
Next make your way to an open field to view the Inca’s Throne at Sacsayhuaman. Seats were carved from large rocks to form the Throne of the Inca. Inca nobility used these seats during ceremonies and celebrations.
Suchuna Rock Slides (Rodaderos)
As you continue visiting Sacsayhuaman you make your way to the Suchuna. Suchuna is Quechua for “slides“. They are also called Rodaderos which means “playground or slides for children” because Inca children played here years ago.
Experts believe volcanic activity or rocks sliding along fault lines created wave-like formations. The result was towering natural slides made of diorite rock.
It’s understandable why Inca children played here. Our kids said climbing and sliding down the smooth rocks was the highlight of our visit!
Seeking Stamps Tip: Use caution because you hit the ground with considerable force. We saw a woman slide and jam her ankle at the bottom. Ouch!
Sacsayhuaman Walls
Also notable at Sacsayhuaman are the three zig-zagging fortress walls that offered protection from potential invaders. These impressive walls reach a height of almost 60 feet high and expand almost 1770 feet wide.
Doors at Sacsayhuaman
As you explore the walls at Sacsayhuaman, you will see three trapezoid shaped doorways. These doorways lead to the interior and towers of the fortress.
The three doors at Saqsaywaman Cusco Inca Ruins are called:
- Ajawanapunku
- T’iopunku
- Wiracocha Punku
The Three Watchtowers at Sacsayhuaman (Torreones)
There were three watchtowers at Sacsayhuaman before its destruction. You can find their remains at the top of the zig-zagging walls.
- Paucamarca- this former tower was used for water storage.
- Muyumarca- This the tower where General Cahuide jumped to avoid being taken as a prisoner during the Inca resistance in 1536.
- Sallaqmarca- It was destroyed but its remains are visible in the center of Sacsayhuaman.
Sacsayhuaman Visitor Information
Opening Hours of Sacsayhuaman:
- Daily 8:00 am-5:30 pm
- It is open year-round
Entrance Fee for Sacsayhuaman:
There is not an exclusive entrance ticket for Saqsaywaman. When visiting Sacsayhuaman you must buy a tourist ticket that includes the Sacsayhuaman entrance fee. It costs 70 soles (cash only) for foreigners and students. It can be purchased at the Sacsayhuaman ticket booth or at the central office in Cusco.
Keep reading below to learn more about buying the tourist ticket for entrance to the Sacsayhuaman Peru ruins.
Buy Cusco Tourist Tickets When Visiting Saqsaywaman
If you plan to visit several sites near Cusco, consider buying a boleto turistico, or “tourist ticket”. It includes entrances into several sites in the Sacred Valley. You can choose from a Cusco Integral ticket or partial ticket depending on how many sights you plan to visit. Read more about the options for Cusco tourist ticket here.
Comprehensive Tourist Ticket
The Cusco Comprehensive ticket includes the entrance for Sacsayhuaman plus Q’engo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chincero, Moray and several museums. It covers 16 locations in total.
- The cost of a Cusco Integral Tourist Ticket for foreigners is 130 soles and 70 soles for foreign students.
Partial Tourist Ticket
The Cusco Partial ticket has three circuit options. For entrance to Sacsayhuaman, choose circuit one. This circuit includes Sacsayhuaman, Q’engo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
- A Partial Tourist Ticket costs 70 soles for foreigners and foreign students.
Click here to book a full day private tour of sites in the Sacred Valley
Best Time to Visit Sacsayhuaman
The best time to visit Sacsayhuaman is during the dry season in Peru. This typically falls between the months of April to October. During this time temperatures range from lows in the 30-40’s Fahrenheit to upper 60’s. During our visit mornings were very chilly and warmed up considerably throughout the day.
December through March has the most precipitation which can cause conditions at Sacsayhuaman to be wet and muddy.
Seeking Stamps Tip: To avoid crowds at Sacsayhuaman, try to visit early in the morning or before closing time.
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What to Bring When Visiting Sacsayhuaman
- dress in layers
- hat
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- water
- comfortable walking shoes
- cash for souvenirs near the exit
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Attractions Near Sacsayhuaman
Cristo Blanco
After you tour Sacsayhuaman, walk over to the Cristo Blanco statue. This is a mini replica of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue which stands 26 feet tall. The best part is it’s free, close to Sacsayhuaman, and offers more gorgeous views of Cusco.
San Blas
If you have time, explore the nearby San Blas neighborhood of Cusco. It is filled with colonial buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and local artisans.
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Visiting Sacsayhuaman: FAQ’s
1. What Is the Altitude at Sacsayhuaman?
Sacsayhuaman is at an altitude of 3, 700 meters or 12,139 feet. In fact, its approximately 984 feet higher than Cusco City. If you have not acclimated to the high altitude, you may feel slightly short of breath and tired when you visit Sacsayhuaman.
2. Who Built Sacsayhuaman?
Sacsayhuaman ruins near Cusco were built by over 20,000 Incas under the reign of King Pachacuti in the 15th century.
3. How Much Does It Cost to Visit Sacsayhuaman?
There is no exclusive entrance ticket for Saqsaywaman. You must buy a partial tourist ticket for circuit 1 which costs 70 soles for foreigners. It includes admission to Sacsayhuaman, Q’engo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Purchase the ticket at the Sacsayhuaman entrance or central office in Cusco.
4. What Does Sacsayhuaman Mean in English?
Sacsayhuaman means “the place where the hawk is satisfied”. It is derived from “sacsay” Quechua for “satisfy” and “huaman” which translates to “hawk”.
5. Can You Walk to Sacsayhuaman?
You can walk to Sacsayhuaman from the Cusco city center. The walk takes approximately 30-45 minutes and is a strenuous uphill journey given Cusco’s high elevation. Consider acclimating to before you attempt the trip, or take a taxi to the site.
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Visiting Sacsayhuaman: Final Thoughts
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