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"I got to go to Peru and visit many parts of the country. To get to Peru and actually see what they made and what they built and be able to see Saqsaywamán and Machu Picchu; to see the domes in person that have stood the test of time."
"Just above Cuzco are four Incan ruins: Saqsaywaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pukara, and Tambomachay. Of the four, Saqsaywaman is perhaps the most astounding, particularly when your guide mentions that some of the huge stones used to build the city walls may weigh as much as 200 tons. To this day, no one really knows how the Incas, lacking wheels, were able to get these stones into place and keep them together without using mortar. Another Saqsaywaman highlight is the gorgeous views of Cuzco , which lies below. Tours typically combine all four ruins, and while they’re close by car, reaching them on foot takes time."
"Sacsayhuaman is an impressive Inca fortress on a steep hill that overlooks all of Cusco. The ruins are humongous, but archeologists believe that the original site was as much as four times larger. What remains today are the impressive outer walls constructed in a zigzag formation across three levels. As with many Inca sites, the walls are made from massive, irregularly-shaped boulders that stick together like a jigsaw puzzle without any additional support. The stones are laid together so tightly that a sheet of paper will not fit into many of the cracks. As the night comes down, this is a perfect location to appreciate the stars."
"Sacsayhuaman is an impressive Inca fortress on a steep hill that overlooks all of Cusco. The ruins are humongous, but archeologists believe that the original site was as much as four times larger. What remains today are the impressive outer walls constructed in a zigzag formation across three levels. As with many Inca sites, the walls are made from massive, irregularly-shaped boulders that stick together like a jigsaw puzzle without any additional support. The stones are laid together so tightly that a sheet of paper will not fit into many of the cracks. As the night comes down, this is a perfect location to appreciate the stars."
3rd time here and just as incredible each time. The stone work is insane. Neat to see they found tunnels and you can see them working to uncover them. Great views from here and so historic. Really need to check it out.
Stephanie
Google
A must-do if you are staying in Cusco and looking for something to explore! It’s a short and inexpensive taxi ride from the city. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—I got burnt even with sunscreen!
You can easily spend half a day here enjoying the beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere. A large group of alpacas roamed around when we visited, which was a fun sight. Don't miss the rock slide at the back of the park and the cave walk-through! The slide is surprisingly fast but so much fun—even for adults!
We didn’t use a guide, but there were several available at the entrance for a fee. Make sure to bring soles for payment. You can also purchase a multi-day or multi-park pass to save money if you plan to visit other sites.
After visiting, you can either walk a scenic trail back to Cusco or take a taxi. Cristo Blanco is nearby and just a short hike away if you want to add another stop.
Overall, this place was definitely worth visiting—peaceful with stunning views.
DF MIX
Google
Incredible historic and archeological sight. Beautiful hike up from Cuzco as well if you’re fit enough for it. Once you get to Saqsaywaman, you can hire a tour guide to learn more about the site. Or you can roam freely like I did and make friends with the llamas and alpacas. If you are not in good shape, you should hire a taxi from Cuzco.
Keith Moore
Google
The Saqsaywaman Ruin, located above Cusco, Peru, is an intriguing historic site with stunning views of Cusco below. Hiking up here from town offers a great acclimatization hike before doing the Inca Trail. It's a great way to spend a morning and a good introduction to the sites to come in the Sacred Valley and along the Inca Trail. My only complaint is that it is pretty expensive to enter.
Ada Goodworth
Google
These ruins are amazing. The largest rock is 125 tons. If you get the chance you should go. You can ger an English speaking guide at the gate.
Adam Pinkert
Google
A definite must if visiting Cusco - definitely go with a guide service. Very impressive site and a lot to learn. In winter, plan to wear warm clothing, it’s windy and cold.
Johan Björefeldt
Google
Beautiful and historically significant site where Inca religious rituals and ceremonies were performed. The rock walls and construction are absolutely amazing, imagining the effort and engineering skill required to move these huge boulders and construct a wall which still stands. We spent two hours walking around the site at a leisurely pace, though it may take slightly more if you're with a guide. We still throughly enjoyed it without one, though we may have missed out on some of the significance of each part of the site. There is no signage other than the names of each ruin and some short information at the entrances. The site started to fill up around 09:00, so if you want to enjoy the sights with some more privacy arrive before then.
You can reach the site on foot from Cusco (15-20 minute hike from the trail head) or by car. Sneakers or hiking boots are recommended, and they're likely to get quite dusty. Entrance is by the Bileto Turistico (either general admission of 10 days for 130 soles or the limited one for this and a few other sites for 70 soles). You can buy either ticket at the booth at the entrance (pictured), but they only accept cash. Bring water!
Timothy Williams
Google
Sacsayhuaman is a great Inka archaeological site. The place is huge and you really can’t get a good idea of what it looks like until you look at the displays that are featured at the site. It’s still incredible when you look at the masonry and how the Inkan's cut these rocks to fit perfectly. The place itself is just a short walk from Cusco and I recommend going there if you’re looking to explore some Inka ruins. You have to buy tickets to go in and there are tour guides all around if you need one.