Cuzco Attractions
Inti Raymi festival, Sacsayhuamán © PromPeru/Mylene D Auriol
Sacsayhuamán
Of the four ruins near Cuzco, Sacsayhuamán is the closest
and the most remarkable. Its proximity to Cuzco and the dimensions
of its stones caused it to be used as a quarry by the Spanish
conquistadors, providing building material for their colonial
buildings in the city below. The complex suffered such destruction
by the Spanish conquistadors that little is known about the actual
purpose these magnificent buildings served, but it is usually
referred to as a fortress, constructed with high, impenetrable
walls, although it is also believed to have been a ceremonial or
religious centre. The ruins cover an enormous area, but only about
20 percent of the original complex remains and are a fine example
of extraordinary Inca stone masonry. It is estimated the complex
took 100 years to build, using thousands of men in its
construction, the massive blocks of stone fitting together
perfectly without the aid of mortar, one weighing over 300 tonnes
and standing 16ft (5m) tall. The magnificent centre was the site of
the infamous bloody battle between the Spanish and the Inca people
in 1536 that left thousands of the native people dead, providing
food for the circling condors, and ever since the Cuzco Coat of
Arms has featured eight condors in memory of the event. Today it
holds the annual celebrations of Cuzco's most important festival,
Inti Raymi, the sun festival, a spectacular and colourful affair
that re-enacts the Inca winter solstice festival every June.
Transport: A steep 40 minute (2km) walk up from the Plaza de Armas;
Opening time: Open daily from 7am to 5.30pm;
Admission: The site is part of the Cuzco Tourist Card that allows entry to all Inca sites around the city and museums; full ticket S/. 130 partial ticket S/. 40.
