Visiting Sacsayhuamán is easy since it is very close to Cusco. For this reason, some people choose to walk, others use urban transportation services, but there is also the option of a travel agency that will organize the trip not only to Sacsayhuamán but also to other archaeological sites nearby. Below, we will give you a brief tour of Sacsayhuamán and the places you can visit to learn more about the Incas.

• How to get to the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park?
• How can I enter Sacsayhuamán?
• What places can I visit if I go to Sacsayhuamán?
  • Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Fortress
  • Qenqo Archaeological Site
  • Puca Pucara Archaeological Center
  • Tambomachay Archaeological Park
• How can I enter if I am from Cusco?
• More information
• Photo Gallery
• Frequently Asked Questions

Sacsayhuamán

How to get to the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park?

• The Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park covers an area of more than 3,000 hectares, where more than 96 archaeological sites have been identified. Among the most prominent places, apart from the Sacsayhuamán fortress, within this territory are: Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Kallachaca, Patallqta, Amaro – Markawasi, and others.
• The entire Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park is very close to Cusco, behind and in the elevated area of the city. It is only two kilometers away (on foot), so you can walk from the Plaza de Armas. This option is a bit tiring but not too difficult, ascending through stairs.
• As a guide, you can also follow the path to see the monument known as the Cristo Blanco, which stands on a hill overlooking the entire city of Cusco.
• Another option to reach this destination is through urban transport services, such as the company “Señor del Huerto”. You can also take a taxi from anywhere in the city.
• The most common way to reach Sacsayhuamán is through a tour called City Tour. This experience includes tourist transportation, a professional guide, and entry to places like: the Cathedral, Qoricancha, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara.
• As you travel through it, you will also be able to see a large amount of flora and fauna that makes the landscapes more beautiful. You may also find eucalyptus and queuña forests among its flora, ideal for taking a break during the tour.

How can I enter the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park?

• To enter the Sacsayhuamán archaeological fortress, you need to purchase the Cusco tourist ticket in its integral mode (ten archaeological sites, five museums, and one cultural center) or in circuit 1 (Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay).
• These tickets have discounts for students and Peruvian citizens. Additionally, each ticket has a limited validity period, for example, the Cusco tourist ticket is only valid for one day.
• Remember that to enter, you must also carry your identification document or passport.

What places can I visit if I go to Sacsayhuamán?

By purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket, you can visit more tourist destinations, as each ticket option includes several tour circuits. For example, with the integral ticket, you have more than 16 options, and with the partial ticket from Circuit 1, you can visit 4 destinations. These destinations are also included in the Cusco City Tour, which is highly recommended because it includes a guide, entries, and transportation to the access points of the 4 archaeological sites we will detail below:

• Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Fortress

  One of the most surprising Inca archaeological remains in Cusco is the Sacsayhuamán fortress. Although its appearance suggests it was deliberately destroyed, the foundations and immense stones that made up the walls and terraces of this site demonstrate incredible architectural ability, along with an engineering feat that amazes every visitor. It is highly likely that it was a titanic place, in the sense that it was built with gigantic stones. According to some studies, it can be understood that Sacsayhuamán was a religious space. In this sense, it would have housed temples dedicated to the Sun (Inti), the Moon (Quilla), the Stars (Chaska), and the Thunder (Illapa).

• Qenqo Archaeological Site

  Qenqo is an archaeological space dedicated to funerary rites, along with ceremonies related to burial or mummification. In this sense, it is highly likely that sacrifices were performed throughout the area, as several ceremonial stones can be found that are carved to allow liquids to flow through the structure. As you explore it, you will find several underground tunnels, also known as chincanas. In addition, the site is surrounded by vast natural landscapes, especially the Qenqo queuña forest.

• Puca Pucara Archaeological Center

  Puca Pucara is a site associated with the function of a control point, given its strategic location and panoramic views of the Cusco valley. This place contains remains of towers, large walls, residential areas, historic roads, and aqueducts. Being a strategic point, it is possible that it also functioned as a resting place or a preparation site for the beginning or end of large military campaigns. What also characterizes it as a fortress are the defensive walls and terraces that position the site very close to a precipice.

• Tambomachay Archaeological Park

  Tambomachay is an archaeological site dedicated to the worship of water. Its remains include waterfalls, ceremonial fountains, large doorways, and various stone chambers. It is believed that it was a space for the elite, as it is also known as “The Inca Baths”. Recent studies suggest it was more of a purifying and resting space. Based on its architecture, it is understood that it was a place of great importance, similar to the main Inca temples.

Cusco City Tour
The best way to explore Sacsayhuamán is with the Cusco City Tour. This half-day tour (5 hours) allows you to visit not only this fortress but also the Cathedral, the Qoricancha Temple, and the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. The experience also includes complete tourist transportation and a guide service, and you can choose whether to take the tour in the morning or afternoon.

How can I enter if I am from Cusco?

• Cusco residents have free entry to all the archaeological sites in the city, but don’t forget your ID card, as it will be essential to prove your residency.
• You will also need to write your name and ID number in the visitor’s log. This is important because it helps the Ministry of Culture statistically record the increase or decrease in visitors to the site.

More Information

Sacsayhuamán Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How can I get to Sacsayhuamán from downtown Cusco?

  There are several alternatives. You can walk from the Plaza de Armas in about an hour, following an ascending path with stairs. You also have the option of using urban transport, a taxi, or booking an organized City Tour.

• 2) Is it recommended to walk up to Sacsayhuamán?

  Yes, if you are in good physical condition and want to explore more of Cusco’s streets. The walk is short but steadily uphill. On the way up, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surrounding natural landscape.

• 3) What does the Cusco City Tour include?

  The Cusco City Tour includes tourist transportation, a professional guide, and visits to the Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, as well as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It’s an ideal option to visit the main attractions of the city in half a day.

• 4) What ticket do I need to enter Sacsayhuamán?

  To enter Sacsayhuamán, you need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket, either in its integral mode or in Circuit 1. This choice will depend on how many days you have available and which additional destinations you want to visit.

• 5) How long is the tourist ticket valid?

  It depends on the option chosen. The integral ticket is valid for ten days, while Circuit 1 is valid for one day. We recommend planning your visits in advance to make the most of each ticket.

• 6) Can I get discounts on the tourist ticket?

  Yes, there are differentiated rates for students and Peruvian citizens. It is essential to present your ID or valid university card at the time of purchase and entry.

• 7) What can I see at the Sacsayhuamán Fortress?

  You will find imposing walls built with large stone blocks and an architectural design that demonstrates a high level of Inca engineering. Additionally, you will discover many natural landscapes surrounding the site.

• 8) What are the visiting hours for the archaeological sites in Cusco?

  The main archaeological sites in Cusco are open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We recommend starting early to avoid crowds and make the most of the natural light to enjoy each landscape.

• 9) How long do I need to complete the whole tour?

  The full City Tour takes approximately five hours. If you decide to visit on your own, you can distribute the visits across half a day, considering travel times and exploration.

• 10) Do Cusco residents have to pay for entry?

  Residents of Cusco can enter the archaeological sites for free by presenting their valid ID. It’s necessary to register in the visitor log when entering.

Advice from people who have been there

Sacsayhuamán

By: Mariana L.

“Sacsayhuamán is incredible...huge stones“

“You have to walk 25 minutes from the center of Cusco to the archaeological park, I recommend going in the morning, in the afternoon there are too many people. Among all the places we visited, I can say that Sacsayhuamán seems like an extraterrestrial construction, it's simply stunning; an excellent precursor to Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 3, 2026