Bucket list experience:
Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru
This ruined Inca fortress and ceremonial centre to the sun perches over Cusco – with magnificent views of the city from its massive walls. The masonry boggles the mind: boulders weighing hundreds of tons cut into strange geometric shapes – transported without the use of the wheel – are jigsaw-pieced together without cement or metal tools.
The ruins represent just a fifth of its original mass. Even so, it’s an imposing sight: a series of tri-level ramparts hundreds of metres long and overlooking a vast field. The scale of some boulders is truly monumental, a testament to the ingenuity of Inca masonry.
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Destination Guide >Sacsayhuaman stands on a large plain that overlooks Cusco.
Get there Inca-style by making the steep, 30-minute hike up an old roadway from Cusco centre. The trail begins at the north-western end of Calle Pumacurco, through the narrow, mansion-lined streets of atmospheric San Blas.
It’s straightforward to walk around the ruins self-guided (information is available from the tourist office on Plaza de Armas – Portal Harinas 177), but a guided tour is far more rewarding (guides available through the tourist office).
It’s open all year round, seven days a week. Ideally, visit mid-afternoon, when the ruins are bathed in golden light and tourists are leaving. Avoid after dark when the location attracts thieves.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
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$65 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [19 ratings]
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$80 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [34 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.5 miles]
A tranquil, family-run guesthouse sits in up-and-coming, arty San Blas neighbourhood, with views of central Cusco at every street corner.
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Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.7 miles]
Good-value, centrally located hotel with modern rooms fitted into the cloisters of the Spanish-colonial market.
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Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.8 miles]
A luxuriously-restored convent with a glittering baroque chapel, filled with Cusqueno artworks and home to one of Cusco’s top restaurants.
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Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.8 miles]
Luxurious rooms in a beautifully-restored 16th Century Spanish-colonial mansion where Simon Bolivar once stayed.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Peru
A land of spectacular deserts, high mountains and rainforests that teem with wildlife, Peru is also home to an array of dramatically situated pre-Colombian ruins, including Machu Picchu.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.9 miles]
Colourful parades and ancient Inca ceremonies are re-enacted at this world-famous winter solstice festival.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 5 hours
Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[1.3 miles]
The Inca empire’s most elaborate sun temple, covered in gold and silver, is now a colonial church housing stunning Inca stonework.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[2.3 miles]
The heart of the old Inca empire has a wealth of Inca ruins, Spanish treasures and historic architecture to explore.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1 day
Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[6.8 miles]
One of the world’s most spectacular train rides, the journey between Cusco and Machu Picchu via the Sacred Valley combines dramatic landscapes and absolute luxury.
Best for ages: 18+ | £550 | 3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[1.9 miles]
This, the shortest and easiest of alternative Inca trails, takes three days from Cusco and offers wonderful mountain views, little-visited Inca sites and a final day at Machu Picchu itself.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4 | 3 days
Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[14.9 miles]
This little village in the Sacred Valley near Cusco is a centre for traditional indigenous weaving in Peru. It has a lively market and ancient Inca agricultural terraces.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Throughout human history vast empires have risen and fallen into ruin, their culture and customs lost to the sands of time. Thankfully, some outstanding examples remain. Here’s our round-up of the best.
