Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman)

The Basics

The ruins of Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman) are close enough to Cusco to explore in a few hours; together, the ruins and city make up a large UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided half-day tours often include stpos at Tambomachay, Qorikancha, Puca Pucara, or Qenqo, while a full-day excursion allows time for Cusco’s top attractions as well. To see the ruins from a different perspective, opt for a horseback riding tour; or, for a deep dive into the Inca empire, embark on a multi-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu that stops at Sacsayhuaman along the way.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Sacsayhuaman is a great option for time-pressed travelers and history buffs.

• Don’t forget to bring your camera; the panoramic views of Cusco from an altitude of 12,139 feet (3,700 meters) are stunning.

• Tours visiting the Sacsayhuaman ruins last anywhere from three hours to a full day.

• Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun at high altitude can be intense.

• The Sacsayhuaman ruins are not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

How to Get There

It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the ruins from the Plaza de Armas via a steep trail. Those who’d prefer an easier route should take a taxi or join a guided tour to the Inca site 1 mile (2 kilometers) north of Cusco.

When to Get There

While it’s possible to visit the archaeological site throughout the year, the best time to go is between June and September when rain is less likely. Arrive early to escape the largest crowds and enjoy the ruins to yourself.

Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun

Each year on the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere (June 21), Cusco celebrates its most famous festival, Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun. The second-largest festival in South America includes a huge procession to Sacsayhuaman, where sacred rites and traditional dances take place in the grand square of the fortress. Entry is free during the festival, and food and drink vendors come out to keep the crowds sated.

Are guided tours available for Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman)?

Yes, there are guided tours available for Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman), which is the largest of the four archeological sites near Cusco. Tours shed light on the culture and customs of the Inca people and often include a city tour of Cusco or visits to other nearby Inca landmarks.

How much is the entrance fee to Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman)?

There is no separate admission ticket for Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman). To enter the ruins, you’ll need to buy a type of Cusco Tourist Ticket called Circuit Ticket 1, which costs 70 Peruvian soles (approximately US$20) for tourists and 40 Peruvian soles (approximately US$10) for Peruvian nationals.

Is there a combined ticket for multiple attractions in Cusco that includes Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman)?

Yes, the combined ticket that grants you access to Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman) also covers admission to Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay—three other Inca archeological sites on the outskirts of Cusco. It’s also included on the Full Ticket, which includes entry to 16 archeological sites (but not Machu Picchu) over 10 days.

How long does it take to explore Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman) thoroughly?

A visit to Sacsayhuaman can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to five hours, depending on how thoroughly you explore it. As it is one of the largest Inca archeological sites in the world, putting aside 2–3 hours is ideal, as it’s home to tunnels, towers, terraces, and even an Inca throne.

What’s the best month to visit Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman)?

The best month to visit Sacsayhuaman is June when the traditional Incan religious ceremony of Inti Raymi takes place at the archeological site. For the best chance of sunshine and the lowest chance of rain, visit Cusco during the winter months and dry season, which starts in May and ends around September.

What other attractions is Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman) close to?

Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman) is close to other important Inca archeological sites on the outskirts of Cusco. Nearby are Qenqo, famous for its intricate Inca carvings; Puca Pucara, with its panoramic views of the Andes; Qorikancha; and Tambomachay, a water temple known as the ‘Baths of the Incas’.

Ways to explore

The ruins of Sacsayhuaman are close enough to Cusco to explore in a few hours; together, the ruins and city make up a large UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half-day tours often combine Sacsayhuaman with the other three archeological sites within easy reach of Cusco’s center: the water channels of Tambomachay, the former citadel of Puca Pucara, and the labyrinthine Qenqo. To see the ruins from a different perspective, opt for a horseback riding tour or, for a deep dive into the Inca empire, embark on a multi-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu that stops at Sacsayhuaman along the way.

Accessibility

Inaccessible restrooms and uneven ground make Sacsayhuaman challenging for visitors with limited mobility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

High altitude means less atmospheric protection from the sun, so pack plenty of protection and sunglasses.

What to wear

While days can be warm in summer, temperatures drop quickly in the absence of the sun, so bring layers.

Not allowed

Drones, climbing on the structures

Amenities

Restrooms, visitor information, parking

Address 

It takes about 30 minutes to walk to Sacsayhuaman from the Plaza de Armas via a steep trail. Those who’d prefer an easier route should take a taxi or join a tour to the Inca site 1 mile (2 kilometers) north of Cusco.

Driving

From the Plaza de Armas, head north along Calle Suecia following signs toward Sacsayhuamán. The road winds uphill through narrow cobblestone streets and through the San Cristóbal neighborhood. Once you reach the top of the hill, the road opens up to a panoramic view of Cusco and the main entrance to Sacsayhuamán.

Public transportation

You’ll find plenty of colectivos (shared taxis) that pass Sacsayhuaman departing from Plaza de Armas. The schedule isn’t fixed, and the vehicles tend to leave when they’re full.

Best times to visit

The archaeological site opens early from 7am, so try to arrive as early as you can to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Sacsayhuaman sits at 12,140 feet (3,750 meters) above sea level, so visit after spending a couple of days acclimatizing to Cusco’s altitude.

Best months to visit

Because Sacsayhuaman is largely exposed, the dry season from April through October is ideal.

Special events

Each year on the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, Cusco celebrates its most famous festival, Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun, which includes a massive procession to Sacsayhuaman.