Sacsayhuamán
An Inca ceremonial and defensive complex above Cusco, famous for immense polygonal limestone walls fitted with extraordinary precision.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Country
- Peru
- Region
- Cusco Region
- Civilisation
- Inca
- Period
- 15th century CE
- UNESCO
- World Heritage
Through time
The story
Sacsayhuamán or Saksaywaman (from Quechua Saksay waman pukara, pronounced [ˈsaksaj ˈwaman], lit. 'fortress of the royal falcon or hawk') is a citadel on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco, Peru, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. The site is an important example of Inca architecture and sits at an altitude of 3,701 metres (12,142 ft).
The Spanish chroniclers recorded that within the Inca's oral history, the fortress was said to be built during the reign of Sapa Inca Pachacuti and his successors, Topa Inca Yupanqui and Huayna Capac. Dry stone walls constructed of huge stones were built on the site, with the workers carefully cutting the boulders to fit them together tightly without mortar.
In 1983, Cusco and Sacsayhuamán together were designated as sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, for international recognition and protection. The archeological site is now a tourist destination.
Adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What you will see
- Zigzag walls
- Muyuq Marka
- Ceremonial plaza
Before you go
- Check opening hours and ticket rules shortly before your visit — they change seasonally.
- Plan for the heat. Most ancient sites have little shade; go early or late.
- Respect the barriers. Fragile surfaces are protected for the next visitors.
Discoveries from Sacsayhuamán
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