Sacsayhuaman
The Inca fortress-temple above Cusco, with giant zigzag walls of stones fitted without mortar.
- Address: Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, Cusco
- District: Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, above Cusco
- Category: archaeological site
On a hill above Cusco, Sacsayhuaman is the Inca capital's most dramatic monument. Its three tiers of zigzag walls run roughly 1,300 feet along the slope, built from limestone blocks that weigh well over 100 tons and rise taller than 15 feet, cut and fitted so closely that no mortar was needed. Raised in the fifteenth century under the Inca rulers, the complex served as a ceremonial center and a place of refuge as well as a fortress, and it was the scene of the Inca leader Manco's siege of the Spanish in 1536. Below the walls, a broad grassy esplanade hosts the culminating ceremony of Inti Raymi every June 24. Behind it, weathered rock outcrops and terraces known as the Rodadero make a natural playground, and the viewpoint over Cusco's red-tiled rooftops is one of the best in the city. The site sits at about 12,100 feet, roughly 1,000 feet above the Plaza de Armas, so pace yourself.
Highlights
- Three tiers of zigzag walls, roughly 1,300 feet long, built without mortar
- Stones weighing over 100 tons and rising more than 15 feet
- The esplanade that hosts the culminating ceremony of Inti Raymi every June 24
- The Rodadero rock outcrops and terraces behind the main walls
- Sweeping views over Cusco's red-tiled rooftops
- Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, three more Inca sites close by
Ideal for
- history and architecture lovers
- photographers, especially in morning light
- travelers combining it with the Cusco City Tour
Practical information
- Hours
- Daily, roughly 7:00am-5:30pm (confirm current hours locally)
- Price
- Included in the Boleto Turistico del Cusco: the general ticket (about S/130, valid for many sites) or the shorter partial circuit that covers Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay (about S/70) -- confirm current prices
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate. The paths along the walls are mostly level or gently sloping packed earth and grass, with a few stone steps if you climb the Rodadero. The real challenge is the altitude (about 12,100 feet), so go slowly and take breaks.
- Accessibility
- There is no dedicated accessible circuit. The esplanade and the main path along the walls are fairly level, but surfaces are packed earth, grass and gravel, and the upper terraces and the Rodadero involve uneven ground and stone steps. Travelers with limited mobility should speak with their guide beforehand.
- Good to know
- Most visitors arrive by taxi or with a tour, since the road up from the center is steep. Bring sun protection and an extra layer, as the weather changes quickly at this altitude. Entry is by ticket only.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket to enter Sacsayhuaman?
Yes. It is included in the Boleto Turistico del Cusco, either the general ticket or the shorter partial circuit that also covers Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
How long should I spend there?
Plan on 1 to 1.5 hours to walk the walls and take in the views, more if you climb the Rodadero or add the nearby Inca sites.
Why is Sacsayhuaman so famous?
For its zigzag walls: enormous limestone blocks, some over 100 tons, fitted together so precisely that no mortar was used.
Can I walk up from the Plaza de Armas?
It is possible, but the climb is steep and at altitude, so most visitors take a taxi up or visit as part of a tour.
What happens here on June 24?
The culminating ceremony of Inti Raymi, the Inca festival of the sun, is performed on the esplanade below the walls.
What is the best time to visit?
Morning, when the light on the walls is best and the site is quieter. Bring sun protection and a layer, as the weather changes quickly.