Pachamama
Journeys
the path of beauty
SACSAYWAMAN

Sacsaywaman, is a huge, stunning site which holds the great house of the Sun, where
the head of the Puma of Cusco resides. Its megalithic, zigzag stone walls were pieced
together with amazing skill, drawing the SNAKE and other ANDEAN SYMBOLS, like a
lightening bolt across a great field.

Sacsaywaman: The immense walls of the complex made up of huge stones distributed
in a zigzag pattern in three platforms. These platforms are connected by flights of stairs
and doorways also in stone; one of these is big stones is more than 100 tons. The
largest stone block found in Sacsaywaman stands 27.88ft high and weighs 130 tons.
Together with the city of Cusco, this monumental complex is considered one of the
wonders of the world. This huge construction was planned and built by Andean Man.
The Inkas called it the House of the Sun. The construction, which is made up of three
platforms one on top of the other, was one of the most important spiritual places at the
Andes. Inka Pachakuti and other spiritual leaders considered this place as the most
important temple dedicated to the Sun.

The cusquenian mixed-blood Garcilaso de la Vega described in his chronicle "The
Royal Commentaries" every detail of this sacred spot, its walls, rooms, towers, doors
and canals, which have sparked great interest and admiration from visitors and
residents alike. The enormous blocks that form part of the construction were put
together perfectly.

Archaeologists are currently excavating and have discovered water fountains, canals
and rooms. In the nearby flat area, every June 24th, local inhabitants hold the Festival
of the Sun, or Inti Raymi. Sacsaywaman witnessed important historic events.

Sacsaywaman Archeological Complex. 1 km northeast of Cusco (7 minutes by car).
The area contains thirty-three archeological sites. The most famous is Sacsaywaman,
which was the most important temple in Hanan Qosqo or upper Cusco, and dedicated
to Andean celebrations for Inti (Sun) and the Killa (Moon).

INTI RAYMI

Before the invader Spaniards banned the ceremonial events occurring each June
Solstice in Cusco, the native residents gathered to honor the Sun, they offer their
respect to the Pachamama and Wiracocha, as the main entities giving life to humanity.

These ceremonies took place at the June solstice, when the Sun is farthest from the
earth. The celebrants fasted and putify their bodies for days before the event, and
were educated in the earth rituals. In 1572, Viceroy Toledo banned Inti Raymi
celebrations as pagan and contrary to the Catholic faith. Following the edict, the
ceremonies went underground. Today, thousands of people converge on Cusco from
other parts of the nation, South America and the world for a week long celebration
marking the beginning of a new year, the Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun.

Every day has its events, from daytime expositions, street fairs, and people milling and
dancing in the streets. In the evenings, live music from the best of Peruvian musical
groups draws the crowds to the Plaza de Armas for free concerts. During the preceding
year, in preparation for Inti Raymi, hundreds of actors are chosen to represent
historical figures. Being selected to portray the Sapa Inka or his wife, Mama Ocllo, is a
great honor. The centerpiece of the festival is the all-day celebrations on June 24th,
the actual day of Inti Raymi. On this day, the ceremonial events begin with an
invocation by the Sapa Inka in the Qorikancha. Here, the Sapa Inka and the spiritual
leaders call on the blessings from life. Following the invocations, the Sapa Inka is
carried on a golden throne, a provably replica of the ancient ones which weighed about
60 kilos, in a procession to the Solar temple of Sacsayhuamán, in the hills above
Cusco. With the Sapa Inka come the high priests, garbed in ceremonial robes, then
officials of the court, nobles and others, all elaborately costumed according to their
rank, with silver and gold ornaments.

They walk along flower-bedecked streets, to music and prayers and dancing. Women
sweep the streets to clear them of evil spirits. At Sacsayhuamán , where huge crowds
await the arrival of the procession, Sapa Inka climbs to the sacred altar where all can
see him. Once all the celebrants are in place in the grand square of the temple, there
are speeches by Sapa Inka, the priests and representatives of the Suyos: the Snake
for the world below, the Puma for life on earth, and the Kondor for the upper world. It
will be celebrations to ensure the fertility of the earth which in combination with light
and warmth from the Sun provides a bountiful crop. As the sun begins to set, stacks of
straw are set on fire and the celebrants dance around them to honor the Tawantinsuyu
or the Empire of the Four Wind Directions. The ceremony of Inti Raymi ends with a
procession back to Cusco. The Inka and Mama Ocllo are carried on their thrones, the
high priests and representatives of the masters pronounce blessings on the people.
Once again, a new year has begun. The Inti Raymi today occurs on June 24th and is
also celebrated throughout Peru as Indians Day.

Q'ENQO

Q’enco means labyrinth or zigzag. Located 2km from Cusco, this temple dedicated to
Mother Earth is a unique center of celebrations and astronomical studies. It has
numerous ceremonial carvings, holes and canals cut into the rock. One of its features
is a semi-natural underground chamber. Limestone formation intricately carved with
depictions of mythical beings, as well as winding underground passageways and
semicircular amphitheater. This waka was used for ceremonies to Mother Earth and
Heaven. It is a Temple of the Living Light, ceremonial altar and main spiritual center.
Dedicated to the Puma, the vibrant vortexes are some of the most powerful for initiates.

This archeological complex is situated 2 km northwest of Cusco (10 minutes by car). Q’
enko or “labyrinth” is considered a holy place where ceremonies honoring the Sun,
Moon, and the stars used to take place.

PUKA PUKARA

This archeological complex is situated 7 km/4 miles northeast of Cusco (20 minutes by
car and 2 hours on foot). The complex contains several rooms, inner plazas,
aqueducts, vantage points, and pathways. It might have served as a tambo or rest and
lodging area. According to the tale, each time the Inka was able to go to
Tambomachay, he would be accompanied by a large cortège, which stayed at Puka
Pukara.

TAMBOMACHAY

Situated 8 km/4 miles northwest of Cusco (25 minutes by car). Tambomachay might
have fulfilled an important altar function linked to water and the regeneration of the
land and closely linked with Puka Pukara. The area covers about one hectare, and was
made out of polygonal shaped set limestone.
POWER PLACES AROUND CUSCO
TIPON

Tipon, a place of great water fountains, is another one of the most important
architectural complexes found in Cusco. This old site is located 23 km. Southeast of
the Inka capital at a height of 3,600 meters above sea level; the highest area of the
park is found at the pass of Ranraq'asa above 3,900 meters. It belongs to the district
of Oropesa, province of Quispicanchis in Cusco.

Historian Luis Antonio Pardo says the real name of Tipon may come from the
Quechua word Timpuj which means "to be boiling", and it relates to the water flowing
out of the fountains as if the liquid was boiling. This name was recently made up since
the original name is not known.

Victor Angles holds that Tipon could have been the Royal House of Yahuar Huaca,
who retreated here after being defeated by the Chancas. His son Wiracocha faced the
Chancas and defeated them, being crowned Inka instead of his father.

Garcilaso de la Vega wrote the following: "It was determined that the son, as most of
the court decided, would be the head of the kingdom; and to avoid riots and civil wars,
they accepted everything the prince wanted. After it was agreed, they obtained a
Royal House, between Muyna and Quepicancha, in a pleasant place with all the gifts,
fields, gardens and other royal amusements for hunting and fishing. The house was
built close to the Yucay river.." Angles assumes that the place identified by Garcilaso
is Tipon.

The Watanay river passes close to Tipon and two small rivers flow out of it to surround
the complex. These could be the small rivers that the Garcilaso wrote about.
Muiuparka: A vortex where Inkas performed rituals to create perfect union with the
Creator and Cosmic energy (phenomenal healings occur here.)