Sacsayhuamán: The Majestic Fortress of the Andes

• HelloQoyanawasqayki
  [koy-ya-na-was-kay-ki]
• GoodbyeQanpas
  [kan-pas]
• YesArí
  [a-ree]
• NoManam
  [mah-nam]
• Please/You're welcomeSumaj
  [soo-mah]
• Thank youSulpayki
  [sul-pie-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryQhaspa
  [kas-pa]
• How are you?Imaynalla kashanki?
  [ee-mai-na-ya ka-shan-kee]
• Fine. And you?Allillan. Ñoqa?
  [ai-ya-yan. nyok-ka]
• Do you speak English?Inglisqa rimaykuyki?
  [ing-lees-ka ree-mai-koo-kee]
• I don't understandMana rikurichiy
  [mah-nah ree-koo-ree-chee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenuyta qawaykuyki, jamuspa
  [men-oo-ee-ta ka-wai-koo-kee, ha-moos-pa]
• I don't eat meatKarne mikuyta mana mikurani
  [kar-nay mee-koo-ee-ta mah-nah mee-koo-ra-nee]
• Cheers!Arriba!
  [a-ree-ba]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTikitiyta qawaykuyki, jamuspa
  [tee-kee-tee-ta ka-wai-koo-kee, ha-moos-pa]

• Help!Ñakay!
  [nyakai]
• Go away!Pakarik!
  [pa-ka-reek]
• Call the Police!Wasipaq simikuyki!
  [wa-see-pak see-mee-koo-kee]
• Call a doctor!Yachakmiq simikuyki!
  [ya-chaak-meek see-mee-koo-kee]
• I'm lostWillakuyki
  [wee-ya-koo-kee]
• I'm illRikuchiyki
  [ree-koo-chee-kee]

• I'd like to buy...Markatayta qawaykuyki...
  [mar-ka-tai-ta ka-wai-koo-kee]
• I'm just lookingMunankuyta chaskiy
  [moo-nan-koo-ee-ta chas-kee]
• How much is it?Ima kutikuyta?
  [ee-ma koo-tee-koo-ee-ta]
• That's too expensiveKutichiq paqariy
  [koo-tee-cheek pa-ka-ree]
• Can you lower the price?Kutin munayki?
  [koo-teen moo-nai-kee]

• What time is it?Ima shamukuyta?
  [ee-ma sha-moo-koo-ee-ta]
• It's one o'clockJusk'a shamurik
  [hoos-kah sha-moo-reek]
• Half past (10)Jisk'a llank'ay
  [hees-kah yan-kai]
• MorningP'unchay
  [poon-chai]
• AfternoonCh'aski
  [chas-kee]
• EveningTuta
  [too-ta]
• YesterdayHuk p'unchaw
  [hook poon-chow]
• TodayKay p'unchaw
  [kai poon-chow]
• TomorrowKuska p'unchaw
  [koos-ka poon-chow]
• 1Huk
  [hook]
• 2Iskay
  [ees-kai]
• 3Kinsa
  [keen-sa]
• 4Tawa
  [tah-wa]
• 5Phisqa
  [fees-ka]
• 6Suyu
  [soo-you]
• 7Qanchis
  [kahn-chees]
• 8Pusaq
  [poo-sak]
• 9Isqun
  [ees-koon]
• 10Chunka
  [choon-ka]

• Where's a/the...?Pipasqa...
  [pee-pas-ka]
• What's the address?Nispa kasqa?
  [nees-pa kas-ka]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mapapiq siq'uyki?
  [ma-pa-peek see-koo-ee-kee]
• When's the next (bus)?Imayna kachkan bus?
  [ee-mai-na kach-kahn boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikiti
  [tee-kee-tee]

Sacsayhuaman, a remarkable archaeological site located just outside Cusco, was constructed during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century. This massive fortress complex is known for its impressive dry-stone walls, built using enormous boulders that fit together with incredible precision. The site served not only as a military stronghold but also as a ceremonial center, reflecting the architectural prowess and societal organization of the Inca civilization.

The Spanish conquest in the 16th century marked a significant turning point in the history of Sacsayhuaman. In 1536, Manco Inca Yupanqui led a fierce resistance against Spanish forces, using Sacsayhuaman as a strategic base. The site witnessed intense battles, ultimately falling into Spanish hands. Following the conquest, much of the stone from Sacsayhuaman was repurposed to construct colonial buildings in Cusco, including the Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía.

In the early 20th century, Sacsayhuaman began to attract the attention of archaeologists and historians, leading to significant archaeological work and restoration efforts. Researchers recognized the site's importance in understanding Inca culture and architecture. Major excavations were conducted, revealing the extent of the complex and its historical significance, contributing to the broader understanding of Inca civilization.

Sacsayhuaman continues to hold immense cultural significance for the people of Cusco and Peru. The site is a focal point for various festivals, including Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, which celebrates Inca traditions and the winter solstice. During this annual event, thousands gather at Sacsayhuaman to witness reenactments of ancient rituals, emphasizing the living heritage and ongoing connection between the Inca past and contemporary Andean culture.

In 1983, Sacsayhuaman was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This recognition underscores the site's outstanding universal value and its role in representing the Inca civilization's architectural and cultural achievements. The designation has helped promote the preservation of Sacsayhuaman and has increased awareness of its historical importance both locally and internationally.

Sacsayhuaman is located just north of Cusco's historic center. From the Plaza de Armas, you can either walk (approximately 30 minutes uphill) or take a taxi for around 10-15 soles. For those preferring public transportation, local buses (colectivos) frequently run from the city center to the entrance of Sacsayhuaman, costing about 2 soles.

Sacsayhuaman is primarily a walking destination, as its extensive archaeological site is best explored on foot. There are no trains or extensive bus services within the site. However, some local tour companies offer bicycle rentals for those looking to explore the area more actively. Ensure to wear comfortable shoes and carry water for hydration.

Sacsayhuaman is generally safe for tourists during the day. However, as with any tourist destination, be cautious of petty crimes such as pickpocketing. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in less crowded areas. High-crime areas in Cusco include the outskirts of neighborhoods like San Blas and areas near the bus terminal, so stay vigilant and stick to well-lit streets.

In case of an emergency, dial 105 for police assistance or 106 for medical emergencies in Peru. There are local clinics in Cusco for non-critical medical issues. Always carry a copy of your passport and travel insurance information. If you are lost or need help, approach a local or a police officer for guidance.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking. Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry large sums of cash. Religion: Do respect the site’s cultural significance; refrain from loud noises and disruptive behavior. Public Transport: Do use taxis or official transport services; don’t accept rides from strangers. Greetings: Do greet locals politely; a simple 'Hola' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local snacks from vendors; don’t litter or leave food waste around the site.

To experience Sacsayhuaman like a local, consider visiting during the early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Engage with local guides who can provide in-depth historical context about the site. Bring a picnic to enjoy the stunning views of Cusco from the terrace, and don't forget to take your time exploring the surrounding areas, including the nearby Q'enqo and Puka Pukara archaeological sites.