Sacsayhuamán is a remarkable example of Inca architecture and engineering, built between the 14th and 15th centuries. It became an important site after the llaqta of Qosqo and was known as “the House of the Sun of Hanan Qosqo.” Its structures blend harmoniously with the surrounding topography and landscape.
Before the expansion of the Inca Empire, the area was inhabited, according to studies, by the Killke culture. Construction of the Inca fortress was started by the Inca Pachacútec around 1350 AD and completed by his grandson, the Inca Huayna Cápac. It is believed that construction lasted more than 90 years and required more than 20,000 workers under the mita system (communal labor).
With the arrival of the Spanish, Sacsayhuamán became a battlefield and a key point of Inca resistance. After the battles ended, the site was dismantled and its stones were reused to build churches, such as Cusco Cathedral. Over time, Sacsayhuamán lost its importance and was eventually abandoned. It was even used as a quarry for building local homes. In 1983, the city of Cusco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a recognition that includes its historic center and main monuments.
The word Sacsayhuamán comes from the Quechua words Sacsay, meaning “satisfied,” and huamán, meaning “falcon.” An interpretation in English would therefore be “the satisfied falcon.”
The Festival of the Sun was a ceremony that formed part of Inca religion and was held every winter solstice. During the ceremony, offerings and sacrifices were made in honor of the Sun god. The Incas used astronomy to create their calendar, determine when the dry or rainy season began, and establish the start of the harvest season by observing the position of the sun during the solstices and equinoxes.
Sacsayhuamán was initially built for religious purposes, in honor of the god Illapa, “the god of thunder,” among other Inca deities. However, after the arrival of the Spanish, it became a battlefield and was referred to by the Spanish as a “fortress.”
The archaeological park itself contains important architectural and natural features, each with its own meanings and stories, including:
They are known as Muyucmarca, Paucarmarca, and Sallaqmarca and are located at the top of the bastions (zigzag walls). During the Inca period, these towers were arranged in a straight line along the summit of the hill. There was abundant water in this area, and you can still see parts of the ancient aqueducts today.
Today, only the foundations of the towers remain. The buildings were destroyed during the early colonial period, and their foundations were covered with earth. They were later located and recovered by Dr. Luis E. Valcárcel.
This group of enclosures is located at the top of the hill, south of and a short distance from the towers. These rooms are built against the hillside and overlook the plazas of the Inca city. The rooms are long and narrow and are connected by a series of trapezoidal doorways. Their walls are made of irregular polyhedrons with rough faces and finely polished edges.
These are the three platforms that form a series of inward and outward projections, creating a zigzag pattern. They are made of limestone blocks, irregular polyhedrons fitted together with remarkable precision.
Located in the central and middle sections of the bastions, these trapezoidal-shaped gates served as entrances to the area of the towers. The three gates are T’iopunku, Ajawanapunku, and Wiracochapunku.
Geologically, this is a natural formation of diorite, a volcanic rock whose surface developed curves and grooves resembling slides.
These words are interpreted as “where the monkey stands upright.” It consists of a series of seats carved into diorite rock with a strong aesthetic character. It is located on the eastern side of the hill and offers a panoramic view of the complex.
There are two chincanas. The smaller one, located next to Warmi K’acchana, is relatively short and has become an attraction for visitors. The larger one is farther north, beneath a large limestone rock. This passage is flooded and cannot be entered.
There are many theories and rumors about the origin of the chincanas and why and for what purpose these so-called “labyrinths” were built. Some believe they were connected to different Inca constructions; however, they remain a great mystery.
There are dozens of legends traditionally told by people from Cusco, as well as accounts written by chroniclers such as Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. These include stories about a possible connection between Sacsayhuamán and Qoricancha, as well as tales of the sudden appearances of ancient inhabitants of Cusco.
Sacsayhuamán is located north of the main square of the city of Cusco. To get to Sacsayhuamán, you can take a City Tour.
The archaeological site is divided into several sectors: Sacsayhuamán, Rodadero, Inca's Throne, Warmi K’ajchana, Inca's Bath, Amphitheaters, Chincana, and Tower Foundations, among others.
The weather in the city of Cusco is highly variable. The rainy season generally includes December, January, February, and March, while the dry season includes May, June, July, and August. However, due to the altitude of Sacsayhuamán (3,700 m above sea level), the weather is usually cold. Conditions also depend on the month you choose to visit.
Today, Inca-themed performances are held on the esplanade of Sacsayhuamán.
Every June 24, the Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is celebrated on the esplanade of Sacsayhuamán. This ceremony honored the Sun god and was an important celebration during the Inca period, and it continues to be held today. It is one of the most important festivities of the year, attracting travelers from around the world who come to witness the reenactment of Inti Raymi.
Monday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission to Sacsayhuamán is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Getting to Sacsayhuamán is very easy, and there are several options:
Would you prefer to visit Sacsayhuamán on an organized tour?
Explore our tours in Cusco and visit Sacsayhuamán together with other archaeological sites in the city, accompanied by a local guide. Learn more here.
To explore the main areas of Sacsayhuamán, it is recommended to allow approximately 1 to 2 hours. If you want to see the bastions, towers, Rodadero, and other areas in greater detail, you may want to allow more time.
There is no individual ticket sold exclusively for Sacsayhuamán. To enter, you must have the Integral Tourist Ticket or the Partial Ticket for Circuit I.
The early morning is usually a good option for exploring the site with fewer visitors. You can also visit in the afternoon, always taking into account the closing time and possible changes in weather.
Drones cannot be used freely inside the archaeological park. Their use requires prior authorization from the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco.
Yes. The complex is connected to the Historic Center through former Inca neighborhoods such as Qolqampata (San Cristóbal) and Toqocachi (San Blas), which preserve pedestrian routes leading to the archaeological park.
The main reenactment of Inti Raymi takes place on June 24 on the esplanade of Sacsayhuamán. On this date, access and movement through the complex may be subject to special regulations established for the celebration.
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