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Bucket list experience:

View of the Sacsayhuamán ruins, with mountains in the background

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

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.

Price from: £24
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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).

When to do it

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

Half day Horseback Riding tour around Sacsayhuaman

Half day Horseback Riding tour around Sacsayhuaman

Cusco

This  tour is the best way to explore the hiden places in Sacsayhuaman archeological park, this impresive place is located 15 min  away from...

$65 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [19 ratings]

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Sacsayhuaman Inca´s Temple, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara & Q`enqo Half-Day Tour

Sacsayhuaman Inca´s Temple, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara & Q`enqo Half-Day Tour

Cusco

Experience the impressive Incan architecture of the ancient fortress and temple at the archeological park of Sacsayhuaman. Our tour will go ...

$69 | Rating 4.39 / 5 [38 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Cusco 4-Hour Private Tour Including Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo

Cusco 4-Hour Private Tour Including Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo

Cusco

Discover the magic of Cusco on a 4-hour private sightseeing tour of the capital of the Inca Empire. Explore the city’s main attractions with...

$80 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [34 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Horseback Riding Plus Tour to Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Puka Pucara and Tambomachay

Horseback Riding Plus Tour to Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Puka Pucara and Tambomachay

Cusco

Enjoy a horseback riding tour which will visit the "Four Ruins" taking you to the most famous archaeological sites around Cusco wh...

$95 | Rating 5 / 5 [25 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

El Retablo

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.

Official star rating:

El Mercado

Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.7 miles]

Good-value, centrally located hotel with modern rooms fitted into the cloisters of the Spanish-colonial market.

Official star rating:

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

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.

Official star rating:

Inkaterra La Casona

Cusco, Cusco Region, Peru[0.8 miles]

Luxurious rooms in a beautifully-restored 16th Century Spanish-colonial mansion where Simon Bolivar once stayed.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Peru

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.

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Festival of the Sun

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

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Overview >

Qorikancha

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

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Overview >

A day in Cusco

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

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Overview >

Hiram Bingham Train

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..

A small village on a mountain covered in yellow grasses, with mountains in the background
Experience

Hike from Cusco to Huchuy

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

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Overview >
Town square and market with small church viewed from across the valley.
Experience

Chinchero village

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

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Overview >

Round-ups that include this experience