Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is a composed Quechua word comes from Saqsay: satiated or fill, and waman: hawk. According to some scholars means "sáciate hawk." The falcon is a bird of prey abundant in the area, which was the body guard of the first Inca Manco Capac.
At the time of the Incas was called the house of "sun" and was a great religious center of great importance in the local tradition, when the Spanish arrive they thought it was a fortress because of the position and shape, which has three levels, which stone walls and are perfectly aligned, and this gives the impression of a great fortress on impenetrable access.
The first wall is the most impressive of them all because of the size, made of rocks that weight 90-125 tons each, making it impossible to access unless you go through the three gates of the complex.
In front of the complex is a group called "Suchuna" or slider, is a natural formation of volcanic rock that emerges from the surface. North of the plateau you can see the throne of the Inca, a succession of benches in rock, past the famous chincanas or tunnels. Between these places there is a reservoir in a circular shape has a perimeter size of the rock.
Sacsayhuaman is divided into different sectors: Sacsayhuaman, rodadero, the Inca throne, warmi K'ajchana, Inca bath, amphitheaters, chincana towers and bases, where the latter handles the concept that there were three towers located on top of strength: Muyucmarca, Sayacmarca and Paucarmaca. The first had a cylindrical shape with a height of about four floors and a diameter of about 23 meters that was located in the center. The second was a home run, since there could be seen throughout the city of Cusco. The third, also square, was located at the other end of Sayacmarca.

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Location
Sacsayhuaman is an archaeological site located north of the Main Square, 1 km. of the colonial church of San Cristobal.
The "ceremonial construction" of Sacsayhuaman is located 2 miles from Cuzco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is located at an altitude of 3,700 m and covers an area of 3,093 hectares. The valley is surrounded by mountains Ausangate, Pachatusan and Cinca, and is bathed by the river Tullumayo. This area has a beautiful landscape, abundant wildlife, among which stand out the flames and hawks.

Opening:
From Monday to Sunday: 07:00 a.m. to 18:00 hours.
This entrance is included in the Boleto Turistico.

Getting to Sacsayhuaman
To reach Saqsayhuaman can take any City Tour (Shared service or private) of any travel agency (almost all of them offer this service) from the Plaza de Armas to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, it takes only 15 minutes by bus, can also walk to Sacsayhuaman, up the road from Slippery, turn right after the church of San Cristobal and follow the curve in the road. Here, you will join the old Inca road between Cusco and Sacsayhuaman in the top left. The climb is steep and takes about 30 minutes from the Plaza de Armas to the ruins can also be reached by private transport or taxi, as it is not far from the city or just can see the ruins from the White Christ take taking the tram service.

Inti Raymi
In Sacsayhuaman it is celebrate the Inti Raymi ceremony on 24 June at the winter solstice, the annual festival of Inti Raymi, which stages the Inca ritual of worship the Sun God or Inti. People villager moves and dances with colorful costumes dances, thus repeating the tradition of their ancestors. This festival is well known and many visitors come from around the world to book a place in advance to enjoy this wonderful show.

Surroundings
Although we could spend an entire day visiting this site we suggest combining the trip with a visit to the Pisac area to maximize the time available.
Visit the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko archaeological remains, place used for funeral ceremonies, rituals Tambomachay known for its water purification and finally the ancient Tambo of Puka Pucara, a place used as a food
Store and inn for travelers Incas crossing this road.

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