Home
Peru
PLAN MY VISIT
Peru Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Peru
  3. Destinations
  4. Southern Highlands

Sacsayhuaman, Peru

Perched on the hillside north of Cusco, the immense fortress ruins of Sacsayhuamán are some of the most impressive ruins in the area, holding both religious and military significance. When visitors hike up to the site, they will likely see a herd of alpaca, the domesticated South American camelid, roaming among the ruins.

Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
Sacsayhuaman Peru
←→

Emperor Pachacuti (or Pachacútec) began building the hillside citadel in the 1440s, but the massive complex wasn't completed until nearly 100 years later. Today only a fraction of the original structure still stands, the rest having been torn down by the Spaniards to build houses in Cusco. What does remain, however, is remarkable.

The most impressive feature might be the massive 66-foot-tall (20-m) outer walls, which are still intact and zigzagging together like razor-sharp teeth, having withstood battles, earthquakes, and time. Even though the largest of the stones weigh over 300 tons, they are fitted perfectly, in the Inca style reserved for important structures. It is believed that in ancient times, this area was probably used for ceremonial gatherings. Today, visitors may be lucky enough to catch one of the many sun ceremonies still held throughout the year.

In 1536, the fort was the site of one of the bitterest battles of the Spanish conquest, sparked by Manco Inca’s rebellion. The Incan resistance leader’s army managed to seize Sacsayhuamán from the Spanish, one of the only victories of the native people against the conquistadors. The triumph was short-lived, however, and 50 Spanish cavalry led by Juan Pizarro, Francisco’s brother, succeeded in recapturing Sacsayhuamán and essentially ending the rebellion.

While Manco Inca survived and escaped to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, most of his forces leapt to their death from the high towers to avoid being killed by the Spanish. The next morning, condors feasted on the pile of corpses, an image captured forever on Cusco's coat-of-arms.

In Quechua the name Sacsayhuamán means “satisfied falcon,” though it’s often referred to mnemonically – “sexy woman” – by travelers.

Sacsayhuaman Things to Do

Full-Day Horseback Riding Sacsayhuaman | PeruFull-Day Horseback Riding Sacsayhuaman
Horseback Riding at Sacsayhuaman | PeruHorseback Riding at Sacsayhuaman
←→
Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 528 reviews
Trustpilot
A PERFECT vacation experience in Peru!
I keep raving about Anywhere.com, especially in Peru. Cesar customized our trip based on the attractions we wanted to se...
Aug 29, 2021
– Raisa S.
Trustpilot Rating
5 nights in Peru
This is the second time we have used Anywhere (Costa Rica last year). The Peru team guided by Cesar was superb. Always o...
Mar 10, 2020
– Steve & P.
Trustpilot Rating
Excellent choice for our trip through…
Excellent choice for our trip through Peru. Lima/Cusco/machu Picchu/back to Cusco then onward to Chile. Good hotels, exc...
Mar 02, 2020
– Anne
Trustpilot Rating
Highly recommend Anywhere Travel
Anywhere does a fantastic job of really building the perfect trip for you. Just tell them dates, general budget, and wha...
Feb 29, 2020
– Ben Gurtn.
Trustpilot Rating
Wouldn't travel any where without Anywhere
Thank you for making this a perfect trip for us. All arrangements worked like clockwork and we never missed a beat as we...
Jan 21, 2020
– IcameIsaw
Trustpilot Rating
I would recommend Anywhere.com Peru to…
I would recommend Anywhere.com Peru to anyone! They did an excellent job coordinating our itinerary and transportation. ...
Oct 25, 2019
– Eddie A.
Trustpilot Rating
Thank you Anywhere.com
I used Anywhere.com to plan a trip to Peru. The trip they organized for me and my mom was amazing. The agent, Sara, was ...
Aug 16, 2019
– Rori
Trustpilot Rating
Outstanding Job!
Anywhere.com did an OUTSTANDING job with helping be coordinate and facilitate the best adventure that I have ever had in...
Aug 06, 2019
– Adam
Trustpilot Rating
Our 2nd time with Anywhere and HAPPY!
We love Anywhere! We just have to pack and we are taken care of basically during our whole stay. Everything is nicely ar...
Jul 18, 2019
– Valery
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com provided us excellent…
Anywhere.com provided us excellent service during our Costa Rica trip in 2016 and Peru trip in 2018.From planning,bookin...
Jun 22, 2019
– Sunil
Trustpilot Rating
Peru June 2019
Anywhere.com planned every step of our trip perfectly. We are very happy with their service.
Jun 21, 2019
– Lata
Trustpilot Rating
Our experience with Anywhere travel in…Peru
Our experience with Anywhere travel in Peru was, in a word, remarkable. The sights, experiences, and accommodations wer...
Jun 14, 2019
– Stuart
Trustpilot Rating
Excellent organization
Excellent organization. Everything went seamlessly as scheduled. All guides, transports arrived on time. Throughout our ...
May 24, 2019
– Lale
Trustpilot Rating
Book with Anywhere! Easiest decision you'll have to make
Booking with Anywhere was the best decision we made. Our trip was absolutely amazing, everything we wanted, plus everyth...
Apr 26, 2019
– Stephanie
Trustpilot Rating
Great company
Great company! They’re more than helpful and they make your trip a time to remember. The customer service is in a class ...
Apr 26, 2019
– Johnny
Trustpilot Rating
Peru Vacations
  • Adventure
  • Family
  • Luxury
  • Romantic
  • Trekking
Highlights
  • Unique & Authentic
  • Coasts
  • Mountains
  • Beaches
  • Cloudforests
  • Lakes
  • Surfing
  • Spiritual
  • Culinary
PLACES TO GO
  • Machu Picchu
  • Nazca Lines
  • Cusco
  • Lima
  • Aguas Calientes
  • Puno
  • Arequipa
  • Iquitos
  • Sacred Valley
  • Nazca
  • Amazon
THINGS TO DO
  • Culture
  • Get a Guide
  • Ruins
  • Archeology
  • Culinary
  • Train Rides
  • Hiking
  • Museums
  • History
  • Boating
  • Birdwatching
  • Cooking Lessons
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2022 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy