Saqsayhuaman is a prominent archaeological center that should not be missed on your travel itinerary if you are on a tour of the city of Cusco. This historic site has huge stone walls and a complex system of terraces that make it impressive. It is important to note that Saqsayhuaman is not a fortress, but an archaeological center designed for ceremonial and administrative purposes of the Inca Empire. Experts believe that important temples, plazas, and ceremonial buildings where important religious rituals were performed were located inside.
Are you planning to include Saqsayhuaman in your tour in Cusco?
If so, it is important to know that the distance from the Plaza de Armas to this impressive archaeological center is approximately 3 kilometers. If you decide to go by car, the travel time will be around 15 minutes, depending on traffic. However, if you prefer to walk, the journey can last between 30 and 40 minutes, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the city and the surroundings while you do it. In any case, the visit to Saqsayhuaman is an unforgettable experience that you cannot miss during your tour in Cusco.
The Archaeological Center of Saqsayhuaman and its Importance in the Inti Raymi Festival in Peru
The Festival of the Sun, also known as Inti Raymi in Peru, is an ancient celebration that takes place every year in the city of Cusco, and Saqsayhuaman is the place where the central ceremony of this event takes place. During the Inti Raymi Festival, thousands of people gather at the Saqsayhuaman archaeological center to witness the worship ceremony to the Sun.
The celebration includes music, dances, songs, and rituals that are performed by the priests and authorities of the Inca Empire, and today are recreated by actors and artists who prepare for months to make this festival a unique and unforgettable experience. If you have the opportunity to visit Cusco during the Inti Raymi Festival, do not miss the opportunity to witness this incredible ceremony at the impressive Saqsayhuaman archaeological center.
How to get a ticket for Inti Raymi in Saqsayhuaman and how long does the main ceremony last?
The main ceremony of Inti Raymi in Saqsayhuaman lasts between 1 hour and 1:30. If you plan to attend this ancestral festivity at the Saqsayhuaman archaeological center, it is important to note that tickets for Inti Raymi are not sold at the Cusco tourism offices, but are managed by the Municipal Company of Festivities of Cusco (EMUFEC).
However, the official date for the sale of tickets for Inti Raymi has not yet been announced. EMUFEC is expected to issue an official statement to inform about the dates and places where tickets can be purchased.
Due to high demand, it is important to stay tuned to news and announcements to be able to get a ticket and enjoy this ancestral festivity at the impressive Saqsayhuaman archaeological center. It should be mentioned that during this time, the priests and authorities of the Inca Empire perform a series of rituals and offerings in honor of the Inca deity Inti. If you have the opportunity to get a ticket, the Inti Raymi ceremony is a unique experience that you cannot miss during your visit to Cusco.
Can you enter Saqsayhuaman with only an Inti Raymi ticket? Discover the requirements for visiting the archaeological site during the festival.
If you’re planning to attend the third act of Inti Raymi at Saqsayhuaman, it’s important to know that the ticket for this event does not include access to the Saqsayhuaman archaeological site.
To be able to enter the archaeological site, it’s necessary to acquire the Cusco tourist ticket, either the general or the partial ticket, which can be purchased at the Ministry of Culture offices or at the entrance gate of the Cusco archaeological sites.
Unlike the tickets for Inti Raymi, which are managed by EMUFEC, the purchase of the tourist ticket is necessary to enter any archaeological site in the city.
It’s important to note that the Inti Raymi ceremony takes place in a specific sector of Saqsayhuaman, so access to other areas of the archaeological site is restricted.