Galapagos Day 13 (12/15): Sacsayhuaman Fortress and Cusco

Saqsayhuaman (also spelled Saqsaywaman)


Saqsayhuaman is near Cusco and is considered one of the oldest human structures of the Americas, perhaps the world.
It was planned and built by Andeans many years before the Incas, who also inhabited it.
When the Spaniards finally conquered it, they used the stones to build their mansions in Cusco.

Massive fortress walls - the stones that were too heavy to move to Cusco.



We hold up an ancient rock.

Walls zigzag along their entire length, theorized to withstand earthquakes better.



Decorative hats - didn't find out much about them.

Our guides, excellent!!

Looks like Alpaca judging, but only a guess.

Looking down on Cusco, which is at 11,200 feet!

Back in Cusco to visit 17th century Qorikancha Temple of the Sun
Resting or waiting for the store to open?

Qorikancha is also "sun temple" in Cusco, built before 1438. Spaniards destroyed it in 16th century
and built a church using some of the ruins as the black basalt foundation.

Qorikancha courtyard detail

Qorikancha courtyard

Black stone base dates to Incan or earlier.

School children helped with the Christmas decorations.

One of the nicest felt hats!

Happy Birthday!

Alex is enjoying this as much as Craig! What a nice thing for him to do.

Our hotel, dating from 1592, was once a Monastery - gorgeous inside!

Clouds coming over the hotel courtyard.

The oldest tree -300 years old- in Cusco, a Cedar tree.

The rains arrived on our last night in Cusco.

Cusco main square at night in the rain.

Same hat I admired earlier, but I should have asked her for the photo.
She is looking at me as if to say I was rude, and she's right.

End of Day 13. Please go on to Day 14!