The “Mountain with a Face” near Cusco is a profile some see in the ridge of Nevado Sahuasiray and others attribute to formations around Sacsayhuamán above the city. The association with Saksaywaman — “satisfied falcon” in Quechua — ties the formation to the Inca complex at the city’s edge.
Sacsayhuamán itself is one of the most impressive Inca sites outside Machu Picchu — three tiers of zig-zag walls built from limestone blocks weighing up to 200 tonnes each, dating from the mid-15th century. The Inti Raymi festival is staged there each 24 June. From the complex you look out over Cusco and can read the puma shape the old city was laid out in.
Peruways runs half-day Cusco tours covering Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay — the four main Inca sites in the hills immediately above the city. The Boleto Turístico covers entry to all four.
Book at Peruways for the half-day with a licensed guide; add the Qorikancha and the Cathedral in the afternoon for a full day of Cusco without leaving the city.
