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An Inca structure whose name in Quechua means "satisfied
falcon." Located on a hill on the edge of Cusco, dominating
the city, it stands 3,700 meters (12,200ft) above sea level. The
tourist interest of these archaeological ruins resides in its archaeological
and historical importance, and the extraordinary dimensions of its
fortress of rocks, that motivate its visitors to question how it
was built. One might ask how the rocks were moved or what type of
tools were used. It was believed to have been a military fortress
where the warriors trained. However, today there are doubts regarding
this possibility since due to its structure it could have had a
religious purpose and have been constructed as a grand temple for
the Sun God.
Its major characteristic is the form in which it was constructed;
with large blocks of rock, reaching as high as 9 meters (29.7 ft)
that were transported 7 kilometers (4.3miles) to this location.
It is known that its construction took approximately 50 years beginning
in the Inka Yupanqui era. The Spanish chronicler Ciesa de Leon referred
to this area north of Cuzco as "La Real Casa del Sol"
(the Real House of the Sun"), and that it was constructed by
20,000 men. The specific type of architecture is known as Cyclopean.
Every year in June at this location they celebrate the festival
of Inti Raymi.
Currently, the remnants remain of 3 staircase walls of limestone
rock of sedimentary origin, in fossilized form. The area is also
now divided into different sectors: Sacsayhuman, Rodadero, Trono
del Inka (Throne of the Inca), Warmi K'ajchana, Baño del Inka (Inca
Baths), Amphitheatres, Chincana, Bases de Torreones, among others.
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Area
Near Cuzco
Location
2 km (1.2miles) north of Cuzco
When to go
During the dry season from August to December.
Attractions
Rodadero, Trono del Inca.
How to get there
In order to get here you should utilize the paved road that links Cuzco with the Sagrado de los Incas Valley. Also you can use the pedestrian walk way.
Activities
Photography, hiking, culture, and archaeology.
Services
Guides.
Surroundings
Cuzco, Qenqo, Puku Pukara, Tambo Machay.
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