A traveller's reflection: South America 2017: 08c Peru - The remnants Fortress of Sacsayhuaman in Cuzco...

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Monday, 30 October 2017

South America 2017: 08c Peru - The remnants Fortress of Sacsayhuaman in Cuzco...

“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones…” – Chinese Proverb

(The Fotress of Sacsayhuaman in Cuzco, Peru)

We arrived Cuzco early noon and checked in Cuzco Eco Inn hotel. After performing our prayers and had lunch in the room, we were ready for a tour of the many attractions in Cuzco.

(Cuzco Eco Inn Hotel)

The city of Cuzco, at an altitude of 3,300 meter, is a city in the Peruvian Andes, was once capital of the Inca Empire, and is now known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. Plaza de Armas is the central square in the old city, with arcades, carved wooden balconies and Incan wall ruins. The baroque Santo Domingo Convent was built on top of the Incan Temple of the Sun, the Qoricancha, and has archaeological remains of Inca stonework.

(Located on a steep hill overlooking Cuzco)

(A large swimming pool and bath area)

(The area is designed for ceremonial activities)

(The spaniards destroyed and damaged the ruins)

(The fortified complex has a wide view of the valley)

(The site is at an altitude of 3,701 m)

(A statue of Christ the Redeemer in Cuzco)

Our first visit was to Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, meaning ‘Royal Eagle’, a fortress-temple complex at the northern edge of Cuzco. Its massive, well-built walls remain today as a testimony not only to Inca power but also the skills of Inca architects and their approach of blending their monumental structures harmoniously into the natural landscape. The Sacsayhuaman is still used today for re-enactments of Inca-inspired ceremonies. The fortress was the largest structure built by the Incas. It was constructed on an elevated rocky promontory facing the northern marshy ground outside Cuzco. The panoramic view of Cuzco from the Christ Statue was beautifully magnificent.

(Plaza De Armas Cusco Peru)

(The Church of la Compañía de Jesus)

(Antisuyu quarter of the Inca Empire)

In Cuzco town we had a walking tour of the city and passed Hatunrumiyoc Street, an ancient street that once led to the Antisuyu quarter of the Inca Empire. It is one of the best preserved original Inca roads in Cuzco. We had a glimpse of San Blas Artisan Quarter, which is definitely one of the most beautiful streets in Cuzco.

(The Inca Sun Temple)

(A ticket to enter the museum)

(Museo de sitio del Qoricancha)

(The entrance to the Temple of the Sun)

(Another entrance to the temple and museum)

Our last visit was at Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun, Convent of Santo Domingo and its beautiful courtyard. Qoricancha is the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The temple was mostly destroyed after the war with the Spaniards. Much of its stonework forms the foundation of the Santo Domingo church and convent.