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Your Trip to Cusco and Sacsayhuaman: What to Know

Cusco, located high up in the mountains of Peru at about 11,155 feet (3,399 meters), is a really popular place for tourists. It’s known worldwide. This area is full of mountains, colorful valleys, thick forests, pretty lakes, and fast-moving rivers. The whole Cusco region is actually considered a World Heritage site. Lots of people come here mainly to see the amazing Machu Picchu, which is a natural sanctuary and old citadel. People even call it one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Visiting Cusco lets you get outside and see some amazing views. You can check out incredible old buildings built by the Incas, look at the cool art inside colonial churches, or hear the unique sound of traditional shell horns. Watching the sunrise from a spot called Tres Cruces is something many travelers talk about – they say it’s one of the most beautiful sunrises anywhere. You can also spend time with local communities to see how people live now, or try some really good local food like pachamanca (food cooked underground) or tasty baked pork. Travelers often say the food is “riquísimo!” here.

Cusco used to be the main city for the big Inca Empire. Even today, you can see the old stone walls and structures they built, which kind of remind you how important and great the Incas, who called themselves “children of the sun,” were. The city feels ancient, full of history and old stories. It feels like you step back in time when you walk around, and it’s a fascinating experience for visitors.

There’s a lot to see in and around Cusco, not just the famous Machu Picchu. One cool place is the fortress called Sacsayhuaman, about two kilometers north of Cusco. It sits at an elevation of around 12,139 feet (3,700 meters). The name Sacsayhuaman comes from the Quechua language – some say it means “Place where the hawk is satisfied.” It’s described as an Inca “ceremonial fortress”.

Building Sacsayhuaman started in the 1400s when the ruler Pachacútec was in charge. But it was finished later in the 1500s by another ruler, Huayna Cápac. It’s kind of a mystery how they built this place. When the Spanish arrived and the Inca leaders were gone, the special skills they used to create these huge walls seemed to disappear. Even the Spanish explorers, like Pizarro and his crew, were really impressed by it. One of Pizarro’s guys, Pedro Sancho, wrote about it first, but the best description comes from Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, who was part Inca. Sacsayhuaman has these massive stone walls made of huge rocks. It’s seen as one of the most impressive buildings the Incas ever made when they were at their strongest. From the top of Sacsayhuaman, you get an awesome view of the area, including the city of Cusco.

Every year at Sacsayhuaman, around June 24th, there’s a big festival called Inti Raymi. This happens during the winter solstice. It’s like a play where people act out the old Inca ceremony of worshipping the Sun god, Inti. Local people dress up in colorful traditional clothes and do traditional dances, keeping their ancestors’ traditions alive. Lots of people from all over the world come to watch this festival, and they usually book their spots way ahead of time. It’s a major event and travelers find it really cool to see this living culture.

From Sacsayhuaman, you can easily check out a few other interesting spots nearby that are part of the same ancient area. Right close by is a place called Kenko, sometimes called Socorro hill now. Here, you can see rocks that are both natural and carved. There’s also an Intihuatana, a stone structure that they might have used with sunlight, maybe to tell time or for astronomy. You can also get to Puca Pucara, which means “Red Fortress.” It’s connected by old channels or aqueducts. This spot has carved stones, places to sit that were cut from rock, and an altar where sacrifices might have happened. A common way to see these places is to visit Puca Pucara and then finish up at Tambomachay. Tambomachay is known for its three cool fountains and lots of water coming from lakes that separate Cusco from the Sacred Valley area. It’s a nice way to see more Inca sites close together.

Cost Estimates (Prices can change)

Note: The Boleto Turístico is a ticket that lets you into multiple sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. There are different versions. Check official sources for current prices.

Recommendations & Tips for Your Visit

• Hydrate! You’re at high altitude, so drink lots of water to help avoid altitude sickness. Many travelers find this super important.
• Take it easy the first day or two to get used to the altitude. Don’t plan anything too strenuous right away.
• Learn a few Spanish or Quechua phrases. Locals appreciate the effort, even just “Hola” or “Gracias.” You might hear “Buen Viaje” a lot – it means “Have a good trip!”
• Consider a guided tour for Sacsayhuaman. Guides can explain the history and theories about how it was built, which makes it more interesting.
• Wear layers. The weather in Cusco can change quickly, from sunny to cloudy and cool.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen and a hat (the sun is strong up high).
• Sunglasses.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• A light jacket or sweater.
• Rain gear, especially during the rainy season (roughly November to April).
• A reusable water bottle.
• Maybe some coca leaves or hard candy to help with altitude.
• Your camera or phone for pictures!

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from May to October, is usually considered the best time to visit Cusco and Sacsayhuaman. The days are generally sunny, although nights can be cold. June, July, and August are peak season with the most tourists. The Inti Raymi festival is in June. The wet season is roughly November to April. It rains more then, but the landscapes are very green, and there are fewer crowds. Traveling during the shoulder months (April/May or October/November) can offer good weather and fewer people.