#2 of 286 · Things to do in Cusco Cusco Region
Sacsayhuaman
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About
Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman): Inca fortress and sun shrine on the hill above northern Cusco, once the Inca capital.
Why go
- The three zigzag walls, about 600 m long and stacked like terraces, with the middle one 10 m high.
- The puma-head outline of the site, seen from the air, with old Cusco's streets as its body.
- The valley view to the southeast, and the city view from the adjacent hill with the big Jesus statue.
Opening hours
Today07:00 – 17:30Show all
Monday07:00 – 17:30
Tuesday07:00 – 17:30
Wednesday07:00 – 17:30
Thursday07:00 – 17:30
Friday07:00 – 17:30
Saturday07:00 – 17:30
Sunday07:00 – 17:30
Don't miss
- Circular sunken plazaA round sunken plaza, ringed by a wall roughly a man's height tall.At the back of the site, behind the walls. On the map
- Narrow tunnelOnly one person at a time fits through this short, narrow passage.Beside the sunken plaza. On the map
- Muyuqmarka towerThe round tower where the ruler and court stayed during fasting and meditation.At the top of the site. On the map
- RutschbahnA rock channel cut in the shape of a slide.Near the narrow tunnel. On the map
- Water channels in the terracesWater channels run through the terraces, supplying water and draining rain away.Across the three terrace walls. On the map
Know before you go
- Entry to explore the ruins is paid at the second control point, or you can show a boleto turistico.
- Open every day from 07:00 to 17:30.
- Protective ropes keep visitors back from the circular base of the former tower.
Tips for your visit
- Plan at least two hours to explore the ruins.
- Start the climb from the Plaza de Armas.
- Walking up to the entrance costs nothing and gives a sense of the ruins.
- The battle fought here, one of the last episodes of the Spanish conquest, is important to the site's story. The guides do not discuss it, so read up beforehand.
- Robberies have been reported in the mornings and evenings, so take care on the way.
Best time to visit
- The site is calmer early in the morning, before guards start blowing whistles at visitors who stay on the ruins.
- Inti Raymi, the sun festival, is held every year on 24 June.
- The Warachikuy festival is held at the complex every year on the third Sunday of September.
With kids
- A sloped rock inside the ruins is a favourite slide for children.
- A dark tunnel inside the ruins can be walked through.
Interesting facts8
Shorts
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How Did the Incas Move These Massive Stones? | SacsayhuamánAnunnakiArchives
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How Did the Incas Build Sacsayhuamán Without Modern Tools? #Sacsayhua…Beyond the Frame of Knowledge
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How Old Are the Giant Walls?Maze Runner
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Sacsayhuaman Dismantled Observatory of the IncasDeDunking
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Sacsayhuaman - Cuscoinka expeditions
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The Strange Stonework of Ancient PeruMaze Runner
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The Underground Tunnels of Sacsayhuaman!History in a Minute
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The Story of SacsayhuamanMexican Abroad
How to get there
- On footFrom the Plaza de Armas, go up Plateros street, which changes to Saphi. The site lies about 3 km above the city centre.
- On footLook for the long staircase on the right, then follow the paved curvy road to the cobblestone pedestrian path.
- On footA cab is not needed if you can walk the climb.
Sources: Sacsayhuamán - Wikipedia · Cuzco - Wikivoyage (see) · Sacsayhuamán - Wikipedia · Saqsaywaman - Wikipedia · checked 17 Oct 2026
Where
Cusco
Questions and answers
How long does a visit to Sacsayhuaman take?
Plan at least two hours to explore the ruins at Sacsayhuaman.
What are the opening hours of Sacsayhuaman?
Sacsayhuaman is open every day from 07:00 to 17:30.
Is it free to visit Sacsayhuaman?
Walking up the hill to the entrance costs nothing. Exploring the ruins needs paid entry, so see the entry rules under Know before you go.
How do I get to Sacsayhuaman from Cusco?
Sacsayhuaman lies about 3 km above the city centre, and the climb starts at the Plaza de Armas. Walking is enough, and the steps are under How to get there.
Is Sacsayhuaman good for children?
Children like to slide down a rock inside the ruins.
Is Sacsayhuaman wheelchair accessible?
The way up from the Plaza de Armas is steep and has a long staircase.
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