• Sacsayhuamán
• cougar’s head
• The towers of Sacsayhuamán
• Relationship of the head of the Puma with Muyucmarca
• Image gallery

Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuamán

The archaeological remains that can be found in Sacsayhuamán are only 20% of what they once could have been. After the Spanish rule, little by little this enclosure was abandoned, which probably served as a ceremonial place due to the wide spaces to accommodate a large number of people. On the other hand, it has imposing zigzag-shaped platforms, these constructions are made with large stones that must be measured in tons.

Due to the presence of these large stones, it was also attributed to the function of a fortress, this idea agrees according to the records of the chronicles where Manco Inca, in an attempt to recover Cusco, sought refuge in this enclosure. During this battle, one of the best Tawantinsuyo warriors died. Cahuide, upon being wounded and seeing that the Inca resistance forces were perishing, decided to go up to the tower of Muyucmarca, and launch himself as an act of non-submission and courage, because he was aware that he could not be captured alive since they could ask for an exchange or a bounty on his head.

The constructions and order of everything that would comprise Cusco and Sacsayhuamán were directed by the Inca Pachacútec in the 15th century. Who decided that the Inca cities should have the shape of an animal? Cusco and Sacsayhuamán would form the figure of a puma. According to the Inca worldview, the puma represents everything earthly and everything that can be achieved in life. It is the protective spirit of all that is alive. The Sacsayhuamán Fortress is a test that the entire population of Tawantinsuyo managed to carry out.

The Battle of Sacsayhuamán: Probably this event took place in the year 1536, after the death of Huáscar and Atahualpa, the Tawantinsuyo empire was reduced. Manco Inca, after being fed up with the mistreatment and ridicule they made of him, decided to form resistance to the Spanish conquest. One of those battles took place at the site of Sacsayhuamán, which they used as a fortress. Unfortunately, they lost because the invaders allied themselves with chiefs of different ethnic groups, . especially with the Cañaris, the main rivals of the Huayna Cápac lineage.

Cougar’s head

As we mentioned Cusco would have the shape of a puma lying down. Sacsayhuamán would represent the head of the said animal. This is very important because it plays a lot with the spiritual zones that can be found within the body. This puma-shaped city planning was not only a whim but would obey a whole series of very important symbols to understand the Andean worldview.

The animal’s head would play an important role since great rituals were performed in this place. Not for nothing, the construction took 50 years to complete. It is estimated that it was built by more than 20,000 men. The walls reached 9 meters in height. Throughout the place, you can find water channels. All Sacsayuhuamán or the head of the puma can be divided into different sectors such as the rodders, the Inca throne, the Inca bath, amphitheaters, chicanes, and the towers, although currently, only the bases of these constructions remain, these buildings continue to be a mystery both for its form and functionality.

The towers of Sacsayhuamán

According to the chronicles of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, the main area of Sacsayhuamán was located on a small hill, on this hill you can find one of the three towers, which would be the most important Muyucmarca, let’s start talking about the other enclosures.

• The first of them is the Sallacmarca tower, this tower had a quadrangular shape, from where you could see the entire valley and the puma shape that the city had. It was located near the current viewpoint. This tower fulfilled multiple functions, such as sightings of enemies or the arrival of cheques by the Qhapac Ñan or announcing the arrival of a high official or the Inca army itself.
• The other tower that Sacsayhuamán had received the name of Paucamarca and adjoined the main square. At the same time, it was located near the Colcas, which is located parallel to the Sallacmarca tower. However, it was larger and probably had a sighting or storage function. This tower and the previous one cannot yet verify their real importance because the excavations are complicated throughout the area.
• The third tower is Muyucmarca, this structure is unique in all of Tawantinsuyo. Similar constructions are not registered in the entire Tawantinsuyo, that is to say, from the north of Ecuador and some areas of Colombia to the Chilean and Argentine north. In all the Inca archaeological sites there are no records of circular constructions.

The relationship between the form cougar head’s with Muyucmarca

The Muyucmarca tower seems to have an important relationship with the rest of the temples and the main deities of the Incas. It is said that this tower could store water, according to the Inca chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega. This was recently verified since several water channels come out from this place and are surely distributed throughout Sacsayhuamán. Before it was thought that the place was a solar calendar.

The important thing about this temple is that it is located in the same direction as the Coricancha, that is, they have a certain symmetry in their location with the place where they are built since they are aligned. This imaginary line that is drawn has a lot to do with the figure of the puma. The Muyucmarca tower would be located on the feline’s neck and anatomically the Coricancha would come to be located on the genitals.

The relationship between the anatomical location of the neck and the entire anatomical representation of the entire city of Cusco, together with the distribution of water channels, is truly impressive. Both anatomical and probably spiritual aspects should be studied further. Let us remember that all the Inca constructions privileged the domain of water and at the same time they distributed it safely throughout all the facilities of their cities.

In this sense, Muyucmarca could represent an important temple that somehow managed to connect all parts of the city through water channels. It is also important to highlight the large size of the tube, almost reaching a length similar to the central square of Sacsayhuamán. Unfortunately, the studies on this entire place are carried out slowly so as not to further damage the archaeological remains, we hope that soon they can shed new light on this incredible place.

Photos Muyucmarca Sacsayhuamán

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024

The post Sacsayhuamán and the tower of Muyucmarca first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

• The mysteries of Sacsayhuaman
  • What mysteries does Sacsayhuaman hide?
  • They find writing of 30 thousand years of antiquity in Sacsayhuaman!
  • What proves the findings in Sacsayhuaman?
  • In what other places of the world are these astronomical values?
  • What other discoveries were made in Sacsayhuaman?
• Visit to Sacsayhuaman
  • How to visit Sacsayhuaman?
  • How much does the entrance to Sacsayhuaman cost?
  • Can you appreciate the ancient writing in Sacsayhuaman?
  • Tips during the visit to Sacsayhuaman
• Sacsayhuaman: location and importance
  • Where is Sacsayhuaman located?
  • What was the importance of Sacsayhuaman?
  • How did they build Sacsayhuaman?

Colossal stones of Sacsayhuaman

The mysteries of Sacsayhuaman

What mysteries does Sacsayhuaman hide?

Sacsayhuaman is one of the most mysterious places on the planet, even before the 30,000-year-old writing was discovered:

These are some reasons to consider Sacsayhuaman a mystery:

• The stones used in Sacsayhuaman fit like a puzzle without the help of any kind of glue. The lace is so exact that in many cases you can not even insert a sheet of paper.
• There are stones up to 8.5 meters high and almost 200 tons of weight. Even today it is not known how they did to move such a large rock.
• In Sacsayhuaman there are 2 tunnels or ‘Chincanas’. One of them has a short route and is open to the public. The other, however, remains closed. It is said to lead to the Coricancha.

They find writing of 30 thousand years of antiquity in Sacsayhuaman!

Sacsayhuaman continues to be studied by specialists. The American researcher Derek Cunningham, for example, analyzed the design of the fortress and reached the following conclusions:

• The mysterious zigzag of the walls of Sacsayhuaman reveal an ancient knowledge of astronomical alignments of the moon, the sun and the planet.
• Dr. Cunningham proposes that this architecture system would be a type of writing more than 30 thousand years old.
• In an article published by the magazine ‘Popular Archeology’, the American doctor proposes that this type of writing also existed in other ancient cultures of the world.

What proves the findings in Sacsayhuaman?

The placement and angles of the walls in Sacsayhuaman revealed an ancient and extraordinary secret:

• In Sacsayhuaman there are 9 astronomical values ​​in total, which serve to measure lunar and sun eclipses.
• This type of pattern is repeated in other parts of the planet until 500 years ago so it would be a type of writing made continuously.

Giant stone Sacsayhuaman

In what other places of the world are these astronomical values?

There are many sites that show an amazing ability to align exactly with the same angular values.

This includes the roads in front of the pyramids of Giza and the perimeter lines of the body of the Atacama Giant.

They can also be found in Ishango (Africa), in the Lascaux and Chauvet caves (Africa) in Europe and in other ancient sites.

What other discoveries were made in Sacsayhuaman?

Recently new discoveries were found in Sacsayhuaman as:

• An Inca temple 500 meters from Sacsayhuaman. Inside, 11 enclosures of various sizes were found. It is believed that mummies were buried there.
• The section of an alternate Inca road. This trail connected Sacsayhuaman with the huacas and other archaeological centers of the place.
• A complex irrigation system with gutters, fountains, and water reservoirs.
• An archaeological site in the upper part of Sacsayhuaman. Many buildings were completely destroyed during the Spanish conquest.

Visit to Sacsayhuaman

How to visit Sacsayhuaman?

There are up to 3 ways to visit the Sacsayhuaman Fortress:

1. Buying the Tourist Ticket of Cusco.
2. Hiring a City Tour Cusco.

What are the hours of service at Sacsayhuaman?

The hours of operation are from 7 am to 6 pm

How much does the entrance to Sacsayhuaman cost?

The prices depend on the way you want to visit Sacsayhuaman:

1. Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket: 70 soles (S /.)
2. City Tour Cusco: 50 dollars (USD) approximately.

Can you appreciate the ancient writing in Sacsayhuaman?

The tour of Sacsayhuaman is accompanied by a tour guide. The tour of the main Inca buildings where writing was found in research is included.

Tips during the visit to Sacsayhuaman

• Wear a hat, sun block, comfortable shoes, drinkable water, snacks, a camera and a poncho in case of rain.
• The tour of Sacsayhuaman with a tour guide is recommended. If you do not make your visit with a City Tour that includes a guide, you can hire one at the entrance door.
• The best time to visit Sacsayhuaman is the dry season (between April to October). The days are sunny and ideal for excursions.
• Sacsayhuaman still hides many mysteries. The best way to discover them is to preserve the place. Therefore it is recommended not to cause damage to Inca structures.

Stones perfectly joined Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuaman: location and importance

Where is Sacsayhuaman located?

The fortress of Sacsayhuaman is located on the slope of a steep hill north of the city of Cusco. From there you can see the city. The archaeological site is 4 kilometers from the Historic Center.

What was the importance of Sacsayhuaman?

The site had a great religious importance. It is possible that this amazing structure will inspire the Incas to build places like Machu Picchu.

Due to its enormous structures, the Spaniards believed that it was a fortress and destroyed a large part of its structures.

In 1536, Sacsayhuaman was the scene of a battle between the Spanish invaders and the rebel Incas of Vilcabamba.

How did they build Sacsayhuaman?

Despite numerous investigations, there is still no firm theory regarding the creation of Sacsayhuaman.

One belief is that the stones were cut and stacked but then merged due to a huge forest fire.

Another insane theory suggests that the Incas used complex crystals and lenses to take advantage of the sun’s rays to create enough heat to melt the stone.

One of the most popular theory tells that the technology that made possible the construction of Sacsayhuaman was revealed to the Inca by extraterrestrials.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024

The post 30,000 years old writing in Sacsayhuamán first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

The fortress of Sacsayhuaman (‘Place where the falcon is satisfied’) is an Inca archaeological site located in Peru, just 2 kilometers from the city of Cusco and 3,700 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). According to the Peruvian chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega, the site is “the greatest architectural work done by the Incas during their heyday”. Its construction was begun by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century and completed by Huayna Capac in the 16th century. In 1536, Manco Inca, leader of the Inca resistance of Vilcabamba, fought the Spaniards in this enclosure. Due to the destruction caused by the conquistadors, only 20% of the architectural complex can still be seen today.

• Location, climate and more basic information
• Historical information
• Interesting facts

View of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman

Location, climate and more basic information

• Where is Sacsayhuaman?

  Sacsayhuaman is 2 kilometers from Cuzco. It sits next to the Tullumayo River on the side of a hill surrounded by snow-capped mountains such as Ausangate, Pachatusán and Cinca. Due to its high location, from there you can see the city of Cusco. It is currently located next to the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

• Climate and altitude

  Sacsayhuaman, like Cuzco, is dry and temperate. The average annual temperature is 12°C. Due to its altitude, at 3,700 m.a.s.l., almost 300 meters higher than the ‘Imperial City’, nights are colder and days are hotter. There are 2 seasons during the year. The first is the rainy season (from November to March) where there is more rainfall. The second is the dry season (April to October) where rainfall decreases considerably.

• How to get there?

  There are several ways to get there. Ascending on foot takes 1 hour from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. By cab the trip takes 15 minutes. It is also possible to get there by public service, you only have to take some of the transport lines that will take you there in approximately 30 minutes. However, the most common way to get there is by hiring the City Tour service, which includes transportation and guide service to this and other tourist sites.

• Price and entrance ticket

  Access to Sacsayhuaman is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. This ticket also allows access to other archaeological sites such as Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and Coricancha. The price of the Partial Ticket is 70 soles.

Map of the Saqsayhuaman tour

Historical information

• Who built it?

  According to several studies, it is estimated that long before the Incas there were already buildings in Sacsayhuaman. However, the apogee and the immense constructions that can still be seen today were initiated by the Inca Pachacutec (15th century) and concluded by Huayna Capac (16th century).

• What was it built for?

  Due to its location on top of a hill at the highest point of the city of Cusco, it is believed that the purpose of such an immense construction was as a fortress. In 1536, the site was the scene of resistance by the rebellious Incas of Vilcabamba. However, according to several chroniclers, the site was built as the Temple of the Sun. According to the chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega: “…because they said that it was a messenger of war and not of peace, that the fortress was the House of the Sun”.

• How was it built?

  It is estimated that the construction took more than 70 years and required up to 20,000 men. Stone quarries located 20 kilometers from the site were used for its construction. The stones that are superimposed on the main wall can weigh up to 100 tons approximately. How did they manage to join rocks of that size so perfectly? It is still a mystery.

Gigantic stone walls found in Sacsayhuaman

Interesting facts

• The puma’s head

  According to the Andean cosmovision, urban or religious centers of importance harmonized urbanistically with their natural surroundings. Machu Picchu, for example, has the shape of a bird. According to several investigations, the city of Cusco was once shaped like a puma. The fortress of Sacsayhuaman would form the head of the feline while the Temple of the Sun or Coricancha, the genitals.

• Demons and extraterrestrials?

  In the archaeological complex there is a stone formation formed by large stones assembled together like a puzzle. The perfection of this and other constructions caused the astonishment of the Spaniards during the conquest. According to the chronicles, they attributed its creation to demons. Today, according to oral tradition, these buildings were the work of extraterrestrials.

• Temple or fortress?

  According to several chroniclers, Sacsayhuaman was built as a religious temple. In its main temple, religious ceremonies were held in honor of the sun, the most important divinity of the Incas. In 1536, the site was the scene of an attack by the rebel Incas of Vilcabamba who sought to recover the city of Cusco. Fearing another possible attack, the Spaniards destroyed a large part of the site. Today, the archaeological site celebrates the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), staged as a tribute to the Inca ancestors.

• The resistance and the martyr Cahuide

  One of the most amazing constructions of the archaeological complex are the towers. One of these, known as Muyucmarca, was the scene of one of the most symbolic historical events during the Inca resistance. There, the Inca warrior Titu Cusi Huallpa (known as Cahuide), knowing he was defeated by the European conquerors, threw himself from the tower to avoid being taken prisoner by the victors. Today this site is called the ‘Cahuide Tower’.

• Subway path to Coricancha?

  There is an unsubstantiated story at Sacsayhuaman. It is about a subway tunnel or ‘chincana’, which communicates the immense fortress with the Temple of the Sun or Coricancha. In reality there is no convincing evidence to corroborate the rumors. In the site there are 2 of these underground caves. The first is narrow, small and visitors are allowed access. The second, the ‘chincana’ that supposedly connects to the Coricancha, is longer but is off-limits to the public. According to several stories, the people who ventured in have never returned.

• Inca Toboggans?

  Among the numerous tourist attractions inside Sacsayhuaman are towers, enclosures, bastions, gates and even Inca thrones. However, one of the most popular areas, without a doubt, are the Inca rock formations or slides. This natural rock formation is currently used by travelers to slide as a swing. The function it had for the Incas is uncertain.

• Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara

  Near the site are the archaeological ruins of Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara. All of these sites are known as the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park. Admission to these four tourist attractions is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. The Tour to this complex covers these sites in addition to the Coricancha, the Plaza de Armas and the White Christ, from where you can appreciate all the beauty of the ‘Imperial City’.

Advice from people who have been there

Sacsayhuaman

By: Pedro C.

“Imposing site equal or more than Machu Picchu!“

“Although it appears in all tours as a must-see place, I was very surprised by the imposing and detailed finishing of the stones, which are even more perfect than those you can see in Machu Picchu. Truly a must-see!“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 22, 2024

The post Sacsayhuaman: interesting facts and information first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.