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Published: November 25th 2014
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Inside the Fortress at Saqsayhuaman
Only about 10% of the former walls still exist on site Today was a free day with an available option to visit nearby ruins in Cusco during the morning. I opted for the ruins which included a visit to Saqsayhuaman, Q'enqo, and Tambomachay. The history of all three sites is fascinating but I'll try to keep it brief. Sacsayhuaman is a religious fortress overlooking Cusco. It has three walls shaped in a precise zigzag fashion. Much of the site was decimated by the Spanish after they won the battle at Sacsayhuaman in 1536. The original site had three large towers and only the foundations still remain. Only the huge stone blocks, some over 12 feet high, still remain of the once impressive site. Viewing the site was still awe-inspiring but also sad because this amazing site was lost to history.
Q'enqo was a sacred site that has caves used for mummification. When I placed my hands on the slab of rock used for preparing the bodies it was very cold which would have helped with the preservation of the bodies. The entrance of the site has a large rock that was once a sculpture of a puma. After the battle at Sacsayhuaman was won by the Spanish, they beheaded the puma
Fortress Walls at Saqsayhuaman
You can see the zigzag wall structure from this angle sculpture, but the rest of the sculpture remains where it stood during the Incan times. On top of the caves are steps carved into the rock leading to nowhere. It is assumed that this site was used for sacrificial rituals and worship.
After Q'enqo, we traveled to Tambomachay. After a short uphill hike, we came upon the sacred water fountains which remain largely intact. It was very beautiful and peaceful. The fountains were considered to have special powers including the retention of youth and virility. The actual fountains are roped off today.
My afternoon was free and was spent shopping and exploring in downtown Cusco. Lunch was amazing at Incanto where I had gnocchi in a tomato cream sauce with mushrooms and basil. Dinner was the big adventure of the day. We had dinner at a cute place with delicious personal pizzas. A local band came in to play a set of music which was some of the best I have seen so far. As our dinner was winding down, a bunch of people ran out of the door of the restaurant, including our waiter and the band members. After a lot of confusion, we found out that
Saqsayhuaman Tower Foundation
It was there that many Inca leapt to their death to avoid death at the hands of the Spanish. The condors that fed on the dead the next day are symbolized in Cusco's coat of arms. someone had stolen the bag of one of the women in the restaurant. It was surprising because it was at the back of the restaurant. Eventually, the waiter came running back in the restaurant to let her know that they had caught the thief. Shortly afterwards, we see the police outside of the restaurant and her bag handed back to her. Nothing was gone and we found out that one of the band members had caught them. The band member felt bad and gave her two of their CDs. Amazing! Also a good reminder to always keep your bag in front of you and not hanging off the back of your chair, no matter how safe the restaurant feels.
On to Lake Titicaca tomorrow!
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