Sacsayhuamán
In the valleys of Peru’s Cusco province, there’s a bucket-list destination that shouldn’t be missed. Discover the awe-inspiring majesty—and mystery—of Sacsayhuamán.
Uncovering The Sacsayhuaman Mystery
Sacsayhuaman—also called Sacsayhuamán, Sacsayhuaman, or Saqsaywaman—is what remains of a massive, ancient Inca citadel.
The megalithic stonework of Sacsayhuaman is a marvel of ancient engineering. It’s largely composed of giant stone slabs, many weighing over 100 tons, perfectly fitted, puzzle-like, into walls, towers, and buildings.
The Sacsayhuaman site spans roughly 12 square miles, and it incorporates several architectural wonders:
- The massive, three-tiered Cyclopean Ramparts
- Mile-long subterranean, labyrinthine tunnels called chincana
- Smooth rock-channel “slides” called rodadero
- 18-meter-high terrace walls arranged in zig-zag patterns across the plaza
- Puma and serpent imagery depicted in the stones’ arrangement, only visible from above
Moreover, the structures are built in harmony with the natural landscape, appearing to emerge seamlessly as an outgrowth of the hills at first glance.
The ruins’ architectural marvels open a well of mystery. Who built these structures? How did they do it without modern technology? And, what was Sacsayhuaman’s original purpose?
Archeologists haven’t answered all of these questions quite yet. Fortunately, research has illuminated quite a few of Sacsayhuamán’s hidden depths.
What Was Sacsayhuamán’s Purpose?
In its prime, Sacsayhuaman’s structures were used as a military stronghold, a storage warehouse for agricultural goods and armor, and a temple for religious ceremonies.
In addition to practical utility, historians believe spiritual and religious purposes guided the fortress’s design.
The plaza was likely the site of ritual worship and celebration of the Inca sun god. Subterranean passages connect the Sacsayhuamán citadel to the Temple of the Sun, enabling the swift transport of priests and sacred ritual tools.
How Was Sacsayhuamán Built?
The Incas built Sacsayhuamán from limestone using sophisticated “ashlar” stone masonry techniques.
Once cut, the limestone pieces were rolled from the limestone quarry to the Sacsayhuamán site on logs. Incan laborers likely lubricated the logs with oils to help them move faster.
It took 20,000 Incan laborers roughly 77 years to build the Sacsayhuamán citadel.
Sacsayhuamán Location & Altitude
Sacsayhuamán is carved into a hillside overlooking the Tullumayo and Huatanay river valleys, in the Andes’ southeast region. It’s within the Peruvian province of Cusco, on the edge of the city of Cusco itself.
Sacsayhuamán’s altitude is 3,701 meters above sea level.
How To Get To Sacsayhuamán
Travelers planning to visit Sacsayhuamán usually fly into the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Peru.
Then, they head to Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, or Urubamba: cities and towns near the historic site known for excellent accommodations. Public buses, private taxis, bikes, and rented cars are all safe transit options.
After adjusting to the altitude, visitors can head to Sacsayhuamán. Each nearby town has direct, well-trod paths to the citadel, which travelers can follow on foot, by bike, or on horseback—either independently, or with a guided tour.
Many paths are short and simple. For example, one trail starts at the San Cristobal church in Cusco, and it reaches the citadel in under two miles.
Adventure Through Sacsayhuamán With Caravan
At Caravan, tours are stress-free and all-inclusive. Our experts curate each trip’s lodging, dining, transit, and experiences for an intriguing, comfortably-paced itinerary. We reserve everything well in advance, so our guests can sit back and relax.
Delve into the mystery and revelation of Sacsayhuamán with Caravan’s expert guides. Our 8-Day Tour of Peru With Machu Picchu whisks our guests on a wonder-filled adventure in South America.
Call us toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot. Or, call +1-312-321-9800 to learn more.