Saqsaywaman

Historical place · Cusco

Saqsaywaman

Historical place · Cusco

4

Cusco 08002, Peru

Photos

Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by Photo by Gary Manrique
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null
Saqsaywaman by null

Highlights

Inca fortress with zigzag walls & massive stones  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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Cusco 08002, Peru Get directions

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Cusco 08002, Peru Get directions

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Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Oct 12, 2025

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@cntraveler

How I Travel: Allison Williams Thinks Bare Feet on Planes Should Be Illegal

"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."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-i-travel-allison-williams
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@afar

"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."

Wood grain pattern
The Best Things to Do in Peru
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@afar

"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."

The Perfect Weekend in Cusco
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@afar

"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."

Peruvian Heritage Beyond Machu Picchu
View Postcard for Saqsaywaman

Michal Rogozný

Google
This site is an absolute must-see when visiting Cusco. The scale and precision of the stonework here are simply mind-blowing. Seeing the massive stones, fitted together without mortar, is a powerful testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Inca Empire. The zig-zag walls are architecturally unique and the history is palpable. The views of Cusco from this hill are also spectacular. Be prepared for the altitude, take your time, and enjoy this incredible piece of history!

yung-chin Chen

Google
A place you should visit if you visit Cusco. My guide told us this was a sacred place. Huge rocks were used for construction. It can sustain earthquakes. One of the biggest rock could be over 180 tons.

S E

Google
An amazing place to visit!!!! We know nothing about them but be ready to blow fuses seeing their stone work that is rather impossible and impressive to do with our current technology!

Michael Hoffman

Google
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.

How Ling Ling

Google
Another great project builds by Incas. Go near to the stones only you will feel the huge and miraculous!

Datuk David Chong

Google
Our first stop upon arriving in Cusco. We had a good guide to elaborate on the history and details of this aged citadel. Be prepared for the altitude.

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!

C Ng

Google
Saqsaywaman is an incredible Inca site located just above Cusco, only a short drive or walk from the city. The massive stone walls are breathtaking — the sheer size and precision of the blocks show the genius of Inca engineering. From the top, you also get stunning views over Cusco. In ancient times, these zig-zag walls served both as a fortress to defend the city and as a ceremonial site for rituals dedicated to the sun god. Even today, it remains the stage for the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) every June. A fascinating mix of history, culture, and scenery — definitely worth visiting!