SAQSAYWAMAN THE HOUSE OF THE SUN
| Tours Exotiques discovering the Andes |
SACSAYWAMAN
Sacsaywaman, is a huge, stunning site which holds the great house of the Sun, where the head of
the Puma of Cusco resides. Its megalithic, zigzag stone walls were pieced together with amazing
skill, drawing the SNAKE and other ANDEAN SYMBOLS, like a lightening bolt across a great field.
The immense walls of the complex made up of huge stones distributed in a zigzag pattern in three
platforms. These platforms are connected by flights of stairs and doorways also in stone; one of
these is big stones is more than 100 tons. The largest stone block found in Sacsaywaman stands
27.88ft high and weighs 130 tons. Together with the city of Cusco, this monumental complex is
considered one of the wonders of the world. This huge construction was planned and built by
Andean Man. The Inkas called it the House of the Sun. The construction, which is made up of
three platforms one on top of the other, was one of the most important spiritual places at the
Andes. Inka Pachakuti and other spiritual leaders considered this place as the most important
temple dedicated to the Sun.
The cusquenian mixed-blood Garcilaso de la Vega described in his chronicle "The Royal
Commentaries" every detail of this sacred spot, its walls, rooms, towers, doors and canals, which
have sparked great interest and admiration from visitors and residents alike. The enormous
blocks that form part of the construction were put together perfectly.
Archaeologists are currently excavating and have discovered water fountains, canals and rooms.
In the nearby flat area, every June 24th, local inhabitants hold the Festival of the Sun, or Inti
Raymi. Sacsaywaman witnessed important historic events.
Sacsaywaman Archeological Complex. 1 km northeast of Cusco (7 minutes by car). The area
contains thirty-three archeological sites. The most famous is Sacsaywaman, which was the most
important temple in Hanan Qosqo or upper Cusco, and dedicated to Andean celebrations for Inti
(Sun) and the Killa (Moon).
INTI RAYMI
Before the invader Spaniards banned the ceremonial events occurring each June Solstice in
Cusco, the native residents gathered to honor the Sun, they offer their respect to the Pachamama
and Wiracocha, as the main entities giving life to humanity.
These ceremonies took place at the June solstice, when the Sun is farthest from the earth. The
celebrants fasted and putify their bodies for days before the event, and were educated in the
earth rituals. In 1572, Viceroy Toledo banned Inti Raymi celebrations as pagan and contrary to the
Catholic faith. Following the edict, the ceremonies went underground. Today, thousands of people
converge on Cusco from other parts of the nation, South America and the world for a week long
celebration marking the beginning of a new year, the Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun.
Every day has its events, from daytime expositions, street fairs, and people milling and dancing in
the streets. In the evenings, live music from the best of Peruvian musical groups draws the crowds
to the Plaza de Armas for free concerts. During the preceding year, in preparation for Inti Raymi,
hundreds of actors are chosen to represent historical figures. Being selected to portray the Sapa
Inka or his wife, Mama Ocllo, is a great honor. The centerpiece of the festival is the all-day
celebrations on June 24th, the actual day of Inti Raymi. On this day, the ceremonial events begin
with an invocation by the Sapa Inka in the Qorikancha. Here, the Sapa Inka and the spiritual
leaders call on the blessings from life. Following the invocations, the Sapa Inka is carried on a
golden throne, a provably replica of the ancient ones which weighed about 60 kilos, in a
procession to the Solar temple of Sacsayhuamán, in the hills above Cusco. With the Sapa Inka
come the high priests, garbed in ceremonial robes, then officials of the court, nobles and others,
all elaborately costumed according to their rank, with silver and gold ornaments.
They walk along flower-bedecked streets, to music and prayers and dancing. Women sweep the
streets to clear them of evil spirits. At Sacsayhuamán , where huge crowds await the arrival of the
procession, Sapa Inka climbs to the sacred altar where all can see him. Once all the celebrants
are in place in the grand square of the temple, there are speeches by Sapa Inka, the priests and
representatives of the Suyos: the Snake for the world below, the Puma for life on earth, and the
Kondor for the upper world. It will be celebrations to ensure the fertility of the earth which in
combination with light and warmth from the Sun provides a bountiful crop. As the sun begins to
set, stacks of straw are set on fire and the celebrants dance around them to honor the
Tawantinsuyu or the Empire of the Four Wind Directions. The ceremony of Inti Raymi ends with a
procession back to Cusco. The Inka and Mama Ocllo are carried on their thrones, the high priests
and representatives of the masters pronounce blessings on the people. Once again, a new year
has begun. The Inti Raymi today occurs on June 24th and is also celebrated throughout Peru as
Indians Day.
Sacsaywaman, is a huge, stunning site which holds the great house of the Sun, where the head of
the Puma of Cusco resides. Its megalithic, zigzag stone walls were pieced together with amazing
skill, drawing the SNAKE and other ANDEAN SYMBOLS, like a lightening bolt across a great field.
The immense walls of the complex made up of huge stones distributed in a zigzag pattern in three
platforms. These platforms are connected by flights of stairs and doorways also in stone; one of
these is big stones is more than 100 tons. The largest stone block found in Sacsaywaman stands
27.88ft high and weighs 130 tons. Together with the city of Cusco, this monumental complex is
considered one of the wonders of the world. This huge construction was planned and built by
Andean Man. The Inkas called it the House of the Sun. The construction, which is made up of
three platforms one on top of the other, was one of the most important spiritual places at the
Andes. Inka Pachakuti and other spiritual leaders considered this place as the most important
temple dedicated to the Sun.
The cusquenian mixed-blood Garcilaso de la Vega described in his chronicle "The Royal
Commentaries" every detail of this sacred spot, its walls, rooms, towers, doors and canals, which
have sparked great interest and admiration from visitors and residents alike. The enormous
blocks that form part of the construction were put together perfectly.
Archaeologists are currently excavating and have discovered water fountains, canals and rooms.
In the nearby flat area, every June 24th, local inhabitants hold the Festival of the Sun, or Inti
Raymi. Sacsaywaman witnessed important historic events.
Sacsaywaman Archeological Complex. 1 km northeast of Cusco (7 minutes by car). The area
contains thirty-three archeological sites. The most famous is Sacsaywaman, which was the most
important temple in Hanan Qosqo or upper Cusco, and dedicated to Andean celebrations for Inti
(Sun) and the Killa (Moon).
INTI RAYMI
Before the invader Spaniards banned the ceremonial events occurring each June Solstice in
Cusco, the native residents gathered to honor the Sun, they offer their respect to the Pachamama
and Wiracocha, as the main entities giving life to humanity.
These ceremonies took place at the June solstice, when the Sun is farthest from the earth. The
celebrants fasted and putify their bodies for days before the event, and were educated in the
earth rituals. In 1572, Viceroy Toledo banned Inti Raymi celebrations as pagan and contrary to the
Catholic faith. Following the edict, the ceremonies went underground. Today, thousands of people
converge on Cusco from other parts of the nation, South America and the world for a week long
celebration marking the beginning of a new year, the Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun.
Every day has its events, from daytime expositions, street fairs, and people milling and dancing in
the streets. In the evenings, live music from the best of Peruvian musical groups draws the crowds
to the Plaza de Armas for free concerts. During the preceding year, in preparation for Inti Raymi,
hundreds of actors are chosen to represent historical figures. Being selected to portray the Sapa
Inka or his wife, Mama Ocllo, is a great honor. The centerpiece of the festival is the all-day
celebrations on June 24th, the actual day of Inti Raymi. On this day, the ceremonial events begin
with an invocation by the Sapa Inka in the Qorikancha. Here, the Sapa Inka and the spiritual
leaders call on the blessings from life. Following the invocations, the Sapa Inka is carried on a
golden throne, a provably replica of the ancient ones which weighed about 60 kilos, in a
procession to the Solar temple of Sacsayhuamán, in the hills above Cusco. With the Sapa Inka
come the high priests, garbed in ceremonial robes, then officials of the court, nobles and others,
all elaborately costumed according to their rank, with silver and gold ornaments.
They walk along flower-bedecked streets, to music and prayers and dancing. Women sweep the
streets to clear them of evil spirits. At Sacsayhuamán , where huge crowds await the arrival of the
procession, Sapa Inka climbs to the sacred altar where all can see him. Once all the celebrants
are in place in the grand square of the temple, there are speeches by Sapa Inka, the priests and
representatives of the Suyos: the Snake for the world below, the Puma for life on earth, and the
Kondor for the upper world. It will be celebrations to ensure the fertility of the earth which in
combination with light and warmth from the Sun provides a bountiful crop. As the sun begins to
set, stacks of straw are set on fire and the celebrants dance around them to honor the
Tawantinsuyu or the Empire of the Four Wind Directions. The ceremony of Inti Raymi ends with a
procession back to Cusco. The Inka and Mama Ocllo are carried on their thrones, the high priests
and representatives of the masters pronounce blessings on the people. Once again, a new year
has begun. The Inti Raymi today occurs on June 24th and is also celebrated throughout Peru as
Indians Day.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Q’enco means labyrinth or zigzag. Located 2km from Cusco, this temple dedicated
to Mother Earth is a unique center of celebrations and astronomical studies. It has
numerous ceremonial carvings, holes and canals cut into the rock. One of its
features is a semi-natural underground chamber. Limestone formation intricately
carved with depictions of mythical beings, as well as winding underground
passageways and semicircular amphitheater. This waka was used for ceremonies to
Mother Earth and Heaven. It is a Temple of the Living Light, ceremonial altar and
main spiritual center. Dedicated to the Puma, the vibrant vortexes are some of the
most powerful for initiates.
This archeological complex is situated 2 km northwest of Cusco (10 minutes by car).
Q’enko or “labyrinth” is considered a holy place where ceremonies honoring the
Sun, Moon, and the stars used to take place.
Puka Pukara
This archeological complex is situated 7 km/4 miles northeast of Cusco (20 minutes
by car and 2 hours on foot). The complex contains several rooms, inner plazas,
aqueducts, vantage points, and pathways. It might have served as a tambo or rest
and lodging area. According to the tale, each time the Inka was able to go to
Tambomachay, he would be accompanied by a large cortège, which stayed at Puka
Pukara.
Tambomachay
Situated 8 km/4 miles northwest of Cusco (25 minutes by car). Tambomachay might
have fulfilled an important altar function linked to water and the regeneration of the
land and closely linked with Puka Pukara. The area covers about one hectare, and
was made out of polygonal shaped set limestone.
Camelids such as llamas, vicuñas, and alpacas are to be seen around in their
native environment. They also demonstrate how to make clothing from the wool
fibers of the animals. In addition, you can see native flowers and some Inkan built
agricultural terraces.
to Mother Earth is a unique center of celebrations and astronomical studies. It has
numerous ceremonial carvings, holes and canals cut into the rock. One of its
features is a semi-natural underground chamber. Limestone formation intricately
carved with depictions of mythical beings, as well as winding underground
passageways and semicircular amphitheater. This waka was used for ceremonies to
Mother Earth and Heaven. It is a Temple of the Living Light, ceremonial altar and
main spiritual center. Dedicated to the Puma, the vibrant vortexes are some of the
most powerful for initiates.
This archeological complex is situated 2 km northwest of Cusco (10 minutes by car).
Q’enko or “labyrinth” is considered a holy place where ceremonies honoring the
Sun, Moon, and the stars used to take place.
Puka Pukara
This archeological complex is situated 7 km/4 miles northeast of Cusco (20 minutes
by car and 2 hours on foot). The complex contains several rooms, inner plazas,
aqueducts, vantage points, and pathways. It might have served as a tambo or rest
and lodging area. According to the tale, each time the Inka was able to go to
Tambomachay, he would be accompanied by a large cortège, which stayed at Puka
Pukara.
Tambomachay
Situated 8 km/4 miles northwest of Cusco (25 minutes by car). Tambomachay might
have fulfilled an important altar function linked to water and the regeneration of the
land and closely linked with Puka Pukara. The area covers about one hectare, and
was made out of polygonal shaped set limestone.
Camelids such as llamas, vicuñas, and alpacas are to be seen around in their
native environment. They also demonstrate how to make clothing from the wool
fibers of the animals. In addition, you can see native flowers and some Inkan built
agricultural terraces.
