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Getting to Sacsayhuaman is easier than you could imagine for such an iconic landmark. In fact, it’s walking distance from pretty much every hotel in the city. Sacsauhuaman should be high on everyone’s to-do list while in Cusco thanks to its historical significance for the city.
The magnificent fortress looms high, overlooking the city. In my humble opinion, it is one of the best, most accessible ways to appreciate Inca stonework at its finest. Some of these expertly carved stones are as big as four meters tall and weigh several tonnes. Each one fits perfectly with the stones above, below, and either side of it.
As mentioned, Sacsayhuaman sits overlooking Cusco. So unfortunately for some, there is quite a steep hill to take on before you can access the site. If you’d rather avoid the hills then you can grab a taxi from pretty much anywhere in the city and they will know exactly where to drop you off.
There are three entrances to Sacsayhuaman, so if you are taking a taxi be sure to ask for one of the upper entrances. That way you can walk down through the site and avoid those pesky uphill slogs. If they stop and you’re clearly in the middle of the hill, then that is the lower entrance and you should ask them to continue driving.
Now if you’re in the business of saving the taxi fare, or you welcome the challenge of the hills of Cusco, walking to Sacsayhuaman is easy, simple, and safe. These instructions start from the main square as you should be able to navigate yourself there relatively easily from most places in the city.
There are many ways to walk to Sacsayhuaman from the main square, here are the most scenic.
From the main square head to the corner on the left of the cathedral. You should pass McDonalds on your right and the Morena Peruvian kitchen on the left. Walk up that street. There should be a lot of clubs and some restaurants, and it should have a definite uphill to it.
Take the first right up some steps and enjoy the view over the school.
Take the first left up Calle Resbalosa, and head directly up the steps. Keep straight until you meet the main road in front of the church. The church is the Church of San Cristobal. Head to the small plaza there and enjoy the view. You’re halfway to Sacsayhuaman!
From here, as you are looking out over the view, head to your left and continue walking up the hill, following the main road. It should continue sharply upwards before curving to the right. You will reach a hairpin turn, with women selling choclo con queso (corn with cheese), drinks and other snacks.
Here, you will find a gateway facing directly up the hill, and several taxi drivers offering to take you to Sacsayhuaman. Ignore them, as the entrance to Sacsayhuaman is the gateway facing up the hill. You still have another 5 or 10 minutes of walking uphill before getting your ticket stamped, but you made it to the entrance, and it’s impossible to get lost here (unless you really, really try).
As you are leaving Sacsayhuaman, Decide whether you want to keep exploring up the top or head back into the city.
If you want, you can stay at the top of the mountain and visit Q’enqo forest and ruins, the Christo Blanco statue that overlooks the city, and head to one of the trout farms for a fresh lunch. You can also travel a little further afield to the Moon Temple or Tambomachay.
If you’re happy and satisfied after visiting Sacsayhuaman, then you can return to the city through the same gate you entered in. This time instead of turning left down the road, follow the pedestrian steps on the right. These will lead you through the San Blas neighborhood- another highlight of Cusco.
If you want to explore Sacsayhuaman with the help of a guide, then get in contact with us today to ask us about our Cusco city tour.
