Saqsaywaman (Sacsayhuamán)

A local in traditional dress in front of one of the biggest stones of the site; 8.5 metres high and about 128 tons.

Saqsaywaman, also called Sacsayhuamán, is an archaeological site located near Cusco. It was built during the 15th century. It served as a fortified complex and ceremonial centre for the Inca Empire and because of its exceptional cultural value, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most striking feature of the site is its massive limestone walls, intricately assembled without the use of mortar, demonstrating the advanced engineering techniques employed by the Inca civilization.

Managing to photograph this site without any visitors was a small feat of which I am very proud. I got up at 5:30 am, then after a short breakfast and the preparation of my equipment, I headed to the site to arrive around 6 am. After intense negotiation with the guard and a call to his boss, I got permission to enter.

I only had an hour and a bit before the first visitors started coming in at 7 am. By 8 am, there was already a crowd and many buses already there. I think the pictures turned out well, although the light was a bit low this early in the morning.

General view of the archaeological site.

The rocks are impressive; my bike tank bag on the ground is about 11 in / 30 cm.

Facing the sun, in the centre of the location of the ancient round tower Muyuq Marka, a temple dedicated to the sun god Inti.

Muyuq Marka.

A beautiful view of Cusco.

It is forbidden to walk on the ruins of Saqsaywaman. However, one sees a multitude of locals cutting their way through the ruins and the barriers. The guards reprimand the tourists severely, but close their eyes to the locals. A disappointing attitude!