The archaeological remains of Sacsayhuaman are located only 2 km. of the city of Cusco. Its name comes from two Quechua words Sacsay = “satiate” and huaman = “hawk” ie the hawk satisfied and in the Inca era was a great center of worship.
According to historians its construction would have been initiated in the fourteenth century in the government of Pachakuteq and continued Tupac Yupanqui, would have taken about seven decades and the work of 20000 men its culmination.
The archaeological complex occupies the edge of the northern slope of the city. The south side of the building was surrounded by a polished wall almost 400 meters long. The boundaries of the temple, to the east and the west, were marked by other walls and platforms. The main front of the building looks to the north and is protected by a formidable system of three platforms. These are supported by zigzag walls, made up of large stones, which astonished its first visitors and which continues to astonish even now. The Inca Garcilaso affirms that these walls were made to demonstrate the Inca power.
The main wall consists of stones that can measure up to 5 meters high and 2.5 meters wide, and which can weigh between 90 and 125 metric tons. Moving these stones was a real feat, but so was the perfect fit between them, as well as the care taken in the curvature of the cushions.
From Sacsayhuamán you get a spectacular view of Cusco City and its surroundings. In addition, you can see peaks such as Ausangate, Pachatusan and Cinca, places believed to be inhabited by apus or powerful spirits that rule the mountains.
To the front of the complex is the Suchuna or rodadero, is a natural formation of rock of igneous origin that emerged modulating in its surface curvatures like slides. To the north of the esplanade stands the throne of the Inka, which is a succession of seats carved in rock. And beyond, the famous Chincanas or tunnels. Between both places is an immense reservoir of circular form, perimetrado by stone walls.
In the esplanade of this monument, on June 24 of every year is held the Inti Raymi or Fiesta del Sol.
In the surroundings is located a statue of Jesus of approximately 25 meters called “White Christ” that was a gift of the Arab colony Palestine to the Cusco.