Sacsayhuaman

Description:

Providing impressive birds-eye views of the city and surrounding valley, the Incan archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman is a to-do not to be missed while in Cusco . Popularly believed to have been a fortress, more recent interpretations suggest that it may have been used for religious rituals and activities. The site itself is comprised of an enormous plaza bordered on one side by three parallel Inca walls reaching lengths of 400 meters. The rocks themselves are fitted with impressive accuracy and can reach heights of six meters and outlandish weights of up to 200 tons. The site is thought to have included other stone structures and temples which were later demolished by the Spanish so as to construct new buildings within the city of Cusco .

Towards the back of the archaeological site, stone slides and serpent-like caves make for great recreation for younger travelers and adults as well. Visiting the massive Inca stonework of Sacsayhuaman is a must when traveling to Cusco and makes for a quiet half-day excursion outside of the lively city of Cusco . Accessible by taxi, public bus or by foot, entrance is included on the Boleto Turistico de Cusco and tour guides are available at the entrance....

Description:

Huayna Capac Inca (at the end of the 15th century) ordered the construction of this complex altar for funeral rituals. It's made of a system of tunnels, galleries and geometric cuts carved into the stone. Opposite this area is the amphitheatre, a great elliptical wall with 19 entrances that appear to be wide seats or thrones, and an interesting monolith of 4,70 meters in height. Until 1934, the whole ensemble was covered beneath 3 meters of earth. Admission is included in the "Tourist Ticket."

Description:

Twenty-five minutes by car from Cusco, you'll find this magnificent construction attributed to the public works commanded by Pachacutec Inca. It's also known as the "Baths of the Inca" for its fountain, falls, and streams. This place of recreation for the Inca and the princesses was also used as lodging for hunting trips. The fountain, its terraces, stairways, portals, and walls give the place a devout atmosphere. It is considered to be a sacred place for water, a theory shared by past and present Andean inhabitants. Admission is included in the "Tourist Ticket."