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Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuamán

Highlight • Historical Site

Sacsayhuamán

Name: Sacsayhuamán
Rating: 2

Recommended by 8 hikers

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Location: Cusco, Cusco, Cusco, Peru

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Best Hikes to Sacsayhuamán

4.7

(7)

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1. Sacsayhuamán – Cristo Blanco Viewpoint loop from Cusco

6.66km

02:04

240m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5.0

(1)

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2. Plaza de Armas of Cusco – Cusco Cathedral loop from San Pedro

15.0km

04:22

400m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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3. Cristo Blanco Viewpoint – Cristo Blanco loop from Cusco

6.75km

02:05

250m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

Faheem Hunarwar 🌲

May 18, 2025

Sacsayhuamán, a large Inca fortress overlooking Cuzco, Peru; from a hilltop 230m above the city. It was built in 15th Century AD, during reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui.

Built with stones that were up to more than 8.2m tall and weighed many tons, and with zigzag walls more than 305m in length, Sacsayhuamán is a feat of human engineering, the story of whose construction has caused much discussion among archaeologists. In construction of Sacsayhuamán, stones were laid together without the use of mortar, and they seem to be immovable by nature. Although earthquakes have laid waste to many more modern buildings in the locality, Inca site itself has remained unshaken by any of tremors. The purpose for which Sacsayhuamán was built is uncertain. The walls and original towers seem clearly defensive in nature. The site also incorporates a large plaza surrounded by terraces, and it is thought that this area may have been used for ceremonies. In addition, it is thought that there were temples in complex. In 2008, archaeologists uncovered the ruins of a pre-Inca temple and roadway at site’s periphery.

Faheem Hunarwar 🌲

May 18, 2025

Ah, this is a fascinating glimpse into the incredible stonework of Sacsayhuamán (sometimes spelled Saksaywaman)! This impressive site is located on the northern outskirts of Cusco, Peru, and it was once a citadel complex of the Inca Empire.

What makes Sacsayhuamán so remarkable, and what you're seeing a close-up of, is the massive scale and the astonishing precision of its stonework. The walls are constructed from enormous, irregularly shaped boulders, some weighing hundreds of tons. What's truly mind-boggling is how these stones were fitted together with such incredible accuracy that you can't even slip a piece of paper between them – all without the use of mortar!

The purpose of Sacsayhuamán is still debated by historians and archaeologists. While it clearly had a military function due to its strategic location overlooking Cusco, it also likely served important ceremonial and religious purposes. The complex features plazas, towers, and other structures that suggest a multifaceted role in Inca society.
The Spanish conquistadors were awestruck by the scale and sophistication of Sacsayhuamán. They dismantled parts of it to use the stones for their own constructions in Cusco, yet a significant portion of the original complex still stands today, a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.

The image you shared really highlights the intricate and almost unbelievable way these colossal stones were shaped and interlocked. It's a powerful reminder of the advanced skills and knowledge of the Inca people. Is there anything else you'd like to know about Sacsayhuamán?

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Details

Informations

Elevation 3,570 m

Weather

Today

Monday 24 November

18°C

9°C

17 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 2.0 km/h

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Location: Cusco, Cusco, Cusco, Peru

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Sacsayhuamán

1. Sacsayhuamán – Cristo Blanco Viewpoint loop from Cusco

2. Plaza de Armas of Cusco – Cusco Cathedral loop from San Pedro

3. Cristo Blanco Viewpoint – Cristo Blanco loop from Cusco

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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