Cuzco and the Surrounding Sites

Departure from the Plaza de Armas with a visit to the magnificent Cusco Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun, or Qorikancha (“Golden Garden” in Quechua). Continue on to the archaeological sites set in the hills above the city:

Sacsayhuamán (“the place where the puma rests” in Quechua) ranks among the most impressive Inca remains. This fortress, located 2 km from the city of Cusco, is made up of 3 stacked platforms averaging 360 m in length. They are linked by stairways and stone gateways (one of which stands 9 m high and 5 m wide). A striking example of the Incas' mastery of construction, the enormous stone blocks forming it were fitted together perfectly without any mortar or mastic and can weigh up to 125 tonnes.

Q'enqo (“labyrinth” or “zigzag” in Quechua). Located 3 km from Cusco, this is thought to have been a site of worship dedicated to Mother Earth (“Pachamama”). It consists of an enormous block of stone 5.90 m high, shaped like a puma. Beneath this stone, a labyrinth of tunnels carved into the ground leads to a large underground chamber housing a stone altar.

Puka Pukara (“red fortress” in Quechua). An administrative and military centre (a checkpoint along the Inca Trail).

Tambomachay. Known as “the Inca's bath,” Tambomachay is considered a site of water worship, once again demonstrating the Incas' high degree of mastery in hydraulic engineering.