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An Inca structure whose name in Quechua means "satisfied
falcon." Located on a hill on the edge of Cusco, overlooking
the city, it stands 3,700 meters (12,200 ft) above sea level. The
tourist interest of these archaeological ruins resides in its archaeological
and historical importance, and the extraordinary dimensions of its
fortress of rocks, that motivate its visitors to question how it
was built and by what means. How the rocks were moved and what type
of tools were used, are some relevant questions often asked. It
was believed to be a military fortress where the warriors trained,
however, today there are doubts regarding this idea. Because of
its architecture, it may have been constructed for religious purposes
as a huge temple for the Sun God.
Its major characteristic is the form in which it was constructed;
with large blocks of rock, reaching as high as 9 meters (29.7 ft)
that were transported 7 kilometers (4.3miles) to this location.
It is known that its construction took approximately 50 years having
begun in the period of Inka Yupanqui. The Spanish chronicler Ciesa
de Leon referred to this area north of Cusco as "La Real Casa
del Sol" (the Real House of the Sun"), which was constructed
by 20,000 men. The specific type of architecture is known as Cyclopean.
Every year in June at this location they celebrate the festival
of Inti Raymi.
What currently remains of the temple are 3 large staircased walls
of limestone rock of sedimentary origin, in fossilized form. The
area is also now divided into different sections: Sacsayhuman, Rodadero,
Trono del Inka, Warmi K'ajchana, Baño del Inka, Amphitheatres, Chincana,
Bases de Torreones, among others.
Area
Near Cusco
Location
2 km (1.2miles) north of Cusco
When to go
During the dry season from August to December.
Attractions
Rodadero, Trono del Inca.
How to get there
In order to get here you should utilize the paved road that
links Cusco with the Sagrado de los Incas Valley. Also you can
use the pedestrian walk way.
Activities
Photography, hiking, culture, and archaeology.
Services
Guides.
Surroundings
Cusco, Qenqo, Puku Pukara, Tambo Machay.
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