Audio guide

Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire

Unveiling the Engineering Marvel and Sacred Citadel of Cusco

Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire

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Welcome to the Head of the Puma

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Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire • Section 1 of 5

Welcome to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological feats on the planet. You are currently standing at approximately three thousand seven hundred and one meters above sea level, overlooking the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. As you look out over the valley, try to imagine the city below in the shape of a puma. In the fifteenth century, the great Inca ruler Pachacuti designed Cusco with this sacred animal in mind; the city streets formed the body, and this massive citadel where you stand today served as the head. While often called a fortress, experts believe this site was primarily a religious sanctuary and a Sun House for the ruling dynasty. Take a deep breath and feel the thin, crisp Andean air as we begin our journey through centuries of history and stone.

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Quick answer

What does this Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire audio guide explain?

This Mappu audio guide for Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire highlights Welcome to the Head of the Puma, The Mystery of the Megaliths, and The Decisive Siege of fifteen thirty-six, giving travelers a concise overview before exploring Cusco.

Inside this guide

01Welcome to the Head of the PumaIn Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire, this section highlights Welcome to the Head of the Puma as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
02The Mystery of the MegalithsIn Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire, this section highlights The Mystery of the Megaliths as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
03The Decisive Siege of fifteen thirty-sixIn Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire, this section highlights The Decisive Siege of fifteen thirty-six as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
04The Festival of the SunIn Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire, this section highlights The Festival of the Sun as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
05Tunnels, Slides, and Hidden SecretsIn Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire, this section highlights Tunnels, Slides, and Hidden Secrets as a point to understand and notice during the visit.

Common questions

What does this free Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire audio guide include?

It covers Welcome to the Head of the Puma, The Mystery of the Megaliths, The Decisive Siege of fifteen thirty-six, and The Festival of the Sun, with practical context and details to notice during the visit.

What should I notice first at Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire?

Start with Welcome to the Head of the Puma. The guide then connects The Mystery of the Megaliths, The Decisive Siege of fifteen thirty-six, and The Festival of the Sun to the place, so you know what to look for on site.

What can I ask Mappu after this Sacsayhuaman: The Stone Heart of the Inca Empire guide?

You can continue with follow-up questions such as "Why was the city of Cusco designed in the shape of a puma?", then keep the guide connected to your map and trip plan.