Sacsayhuaman, Cuzco, Peru
The stone walls of Sacsayhuaman
In the mountains above the city of Cuzco lies a plateau on which the Incas have built walls and structures from enormous carved stones. The stones in the walls have different shapes and sized and are very precisely cut to fit perfectly without leaving any room between them. Why and how the gigantic structures of Sacsayhuaman were built is still a mystery. The complex was finished not long before the Spanish conquistadores conquered the land in the 16th century.
Strangely carved rocks
Other very remarkable stone carvings on the Sacsayhuaman plateau, that are overlooked by most of the visitors, are situated on the opposite side of the famous walls. In the rockface you can find large pieces cut out, like a hot knife cut out a piece of butter. Single cut out square shapes and turned upside down steps and stairways leading nowhere with no obvious purpose are a total mystery.
The city of Cuzco
Many of the stones from Sacsayhuaman where used by the Spanish to build the city of Cuzco and its Cathedral. In the historic centre of Cuzco a long original Inca wall with the typical carved stones remains intact and is used as the bases for buildings of later periods.
Places to stay in Cuzco
Cuzco is a popular place for exploring travellers and there are a lot of hotels and hostels.
The Fallen Angel - The Small Luxury Guest House is one of the best places to stay in Cuzco located near the main square it has lots and lots of atmosphere and beautifully designed rooms.
If you are backpacking and looking far a more affordable but still very nice place to stay, try the Nao Victoria Hostel.
Find your hotel in Cuzco
