Cusco is, without a doubt, the region with the most number of archaeological resources that you can find on your visit to Peru.
Sayacmarca in Cusco was built on the top of a hill, it is a place whose access is somewhat adventurous and challenging. It is certainly a unique experience to share with special friends, individually (in which case we will add a group of travelers), with the family, etc. We highly recommend that you view the photos of this wonderful archaeological site.
Definetely, is an impressive attraction that you can´t lose on your trip to Machu Picchu.
Location
Sayacmarca is an archaeological site located in Peru. Sacaymarca is located 3600 meters above sea level, all its architecture is adapted to the slopes of the mountain on which it was built.
Facts of Sayacmarca in Cusco
- In 1915, when Bingham made expeditions through this area.
- Sayacmarca in Cusco initially had the name of Cedrobamba since there was a small cedar forest.
Architecture of the Sayacmarca ruins in Perú
The place where Sayacmarca was built surprises many visitors, the structure is located exactly on the edge of the precipice, which shows the great skill of construction of the Incas. According to research, the design that Sayacmarca has suggests that it was built for ceremonial or astronomical use.
The Sayacmarca ruins in Perú is divided into two parts: ceremonial and residential. The site features a doorway and staircase, as well as an irrigation system through channels that supplies the houses.
Its stone architecture is magnificent: it features the Temple of the Sun, food stores and a residential area, as well as an ingenious irrigation system.
Similar to the Inca citadel of Phuyupatamarca, in Sayacmarca we also find a cult of nature, ritual baths were built for the Inca priests to purify themselves before the ceremonies.
Inca construction?
Some researchers argue that Sayacmarca in Cusco was probably not a purely Inca structure, but rather it would be one of the buildings where the “Qollas” lived and that the Incas conquered to use their lands as part of an improvement. Due to the limited territory that the complex occupies, the Inca government implemented in the surrounding areas a system of platforms and platforms that allowed the production of various products that guaranteed food for at least 200 inhabitants of the area.
History of Sayacmarca ruins in Perú
The Sayacmarca Archaeological Complex, discovered more than a century ago, is located on top of a mountain, and to get to this place it is a bit difficult.
The complex was discovered in 1915 when Bingham was on expeditions, naming it Cedrobamba. Later it was changed to Sayacmarca.
How to get to Sayacmarca in Cusco?
To know the Sayacmarca ruins in Perú you just have to follow the 4 day Inca Trail Tour that leads to Machu Picchu. We recommend that you take a tour of the Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights to enjoy various archaeological complexes found on this route, so that you can live an unforgettable experience before knowing the wonderful Machu Picchu.
Sayacmarca ruins in Perú is reached after a descent of around 300 meters. It is in a paradisiacal natural environment, where there are two lakes, forests, unforgettable views of the mountain ranges, the constant energy and tranquility of the Andean heights.
Also, you can get to this beautiful archaeological attraction of Cusco, choosing the following routes of the Inca trail: Machu Picchu 3 day hike, 2 day Inca Trail with camping, one day Inca Trail.
Tourism in Sayacmarca (Archeology)
Whoever visits the Cusco region will undoubtedly be surprised by the considerable number of archaeological resources that can be found on this side of the country, and it is because Cusco was the place where the powerful civilization of the Incas officially began. One of these Cusco archaeological complexes is Sayacmarca, possibly a ceremonial center that was discovered almost a century ago by Hiram Bingham.
The complex was discovered in 1915, when Bingham was expeditioning on site; During Bingham's reconnaissance of the territory, he named the Cedrobamba complex, a name that translates as "cedar pampas", and which at the time suited him well because of a small cedar forest that was close to the complex. Despite the fact that that was the initial name of the complex, over the years, in 1941, a new expedition, led by Paúl Fejos, changed the name of the supposed ceremonial center, giving it the one it holds today: Sayacmarca, whose immediate translation is that of "inaccessible people".
The name that Fejos gave the complex is not arbitrary either, since Sayacmarca is located on top of a mountain whose access is difficult. The complex is located over 3, 600 meters above sea level and is itself adapted in such a way that it connects with the slopes of the mountain on which it is located.
The design of the Sayacmarca complex, not only surprises the visitor and the researcher for its whimsical location, but also for the way in which the enclosures that comprise it are built; It is worth saying that there are enclosures that are located exactly on the edge of the precipice of the mountain in which they are located, which shows a great skill of its architects. The structures that border the precipice are not only of a residential nature, but also include channels, squares and fountains.
The whimsical location and design that Sayacmarca presents, make researchers think that the complex could have been built to respond to a ceremonial, astronomical, and even sacred purpose. Sayacmarca not only has a location that makes it difficult for enemies to access, but it also has a single access road, which at the time further prevented strangers from entering the complex.
It is known, after the analysis of the design, and the history of the territory, that Sayacmarca possibly would not have been a purely Inca structure, and that it would rather be one of the collas constructions that the Incas conquered and improved for their use; As part of its improvement, and taking into account the little territory that the complex occupies, during the Inca government a system of terraces would have been implemented in the vicinity of Sayacmarca that would allow food production to guarantee the livelihood of the 200 people who, it was believed, they populated the place.
Whoever wants to know the Archaeological Complex of Sayacmarca, must follow the Inca road that leads to Machu Picchu, the Sayacmarca complex, is on the route where previously the visitor will be able to know Runkurakay, other ruins that were also bequeathed by the Inca civilization.
