Despite all the scientific and technological advances that we have today, in the world there are still many unsolved mysteries and, as you know, at Vuela Viajes we like to tell you about them. Without going any further, a few days ago we told you about the mysterious Newgrange tomb in Ireland, of which a lot of data is unknown.
Well, today we want to continue with more enigmas, although in this case we are going to move to Peru, where in addition to finding the famous Nazca lines, we can discover Sacsayhuamán , a strange site composed of walls and limestone rocks located very close to the city. Inca site of Machu Picchu, on the outskirts of Cuzco, capital of the ancient Inca empire. Would you like to discover more details about these archaeological remains? Well, you will have to join us!
Location
The known as Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park is located on a hill located north of the city of Cusco , in Peru, and has an area of 2,296.6 hectares, where in addition to finding 33 Inca archaeological sites, you can discover a rich flora and Andean fauna, with the presence of llamas, hawks and kestrels. Of course, what we want to focus on today is the mystery that surrounds the cyclopean masterpiece Sacsayhuamán, both in terms of its construction and the purpose of this place. And it is that it has not yet been possible to find out how the Incas were able to lift this type of stones and place them with such skill.
A religious edification
Although what now remains of the Sacsayhuamán Fortress are some ruins, it seems that in the 15th century this place was an impressive complex full of sacred lagoons and different ceremonial temples. However, due to its location, when the Spanish arrived at the place they believed that it was a military construction, rather than a religious building. Either way, there are still doubts about it.
Strength
With the mystery of the purpose of this place practically solved, what is surprising about this fort is the engineering knowledge that went into building it. In fact, historians estimate that it took the labor of about 20,000 men over 70 years. And it is that the fortress was formed by large carved rocks that fit with each other with great precision. Surprisingly, some of the stones weigh between 90 and 128 tons and the walls can reach more than 9 meters high. In addition, in some stones there are designed figures, as well as underground tunnels, amphitheaters and constructions of a ritual nature. However, due to the annihilation of the Inca nobles, the techniques that made the construction of this place possible disappeared from human memory.
Sun party
Every June 24, the day of the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere, the Festival of the Sun or Inti Raymi is celebrated in the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuamán, a very important festival for the Incas, since it indicated the beginning of the year and the mythical origin of the Inca. The locals stage the ritual of worship to the Sun God with costumes and typical dances. If you want to be present at this celebration, you must reserve your place well in advance.
Other sites to see in the park
In addition to Sacsayhuamán, in this archaeological park you can find the Kenco sanctuary, dedicated to the worship of animals; Puca Pucara, a military post and an Inca administrative center; the sanctuary for the Tambomachay water cult, known as the Inca Baths; and the pre-Hispanic shrines Lago, Lanlakuyoq and Cusilluchayoq. Then we leave you with our gallery , where you will find more images of Sacsayhuamán. Do not miss it!
