Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND CUZCO
The four ruins closest to Cuzco are Sacsaywamán, Q'enqo, Tambomachay and Pukapukara.
They can all be visited in a day - far less if you're whisked through on a guided tour. If you
wish to visit these independently, a taxi will charge roughly S40 to take you to all four
sites. If you only have time to visit one, Sacsaywamán is the most important (and spectacu-
lar), and less than a 2km trek uphill from the Plaza de Armas in central Cuzco.
Each site can only be entered with the
boleto turístico
and is open daily from 7am to
6pm. Local guides hang around offering their services. Agree on a price before beginning
any tour.
Robberies at these places are uncommon but not unheard of. It is best to visit in daylight
hours, between 9am and 5pm.
Sacsaywamán
This
immense ruin
of both religious and military significance is the most impressive in the
immediate area around Cuzco. The long Quechua name means 'Satisfied Falcon,' though
tourists will inevitably remember it by the mnemonic 'sexy woman.'
