Inca Ruin - Saqsaywaman (Sexy-Woman)

Saqsaywamen (which we all remember as Sexy Woman to help with the pronunciation) was an important Inca site.

(Left - the first siting of the area which sits on the hills surrounding Cusco - which in its original day was the Capital of the Inca empire)

Around the central area were constructed a variety of structures. Many of these are still being unearthed.

(Right - the rock walls on the far side fit perfectly together, with even a piece of paper unable to be fitted between. These walls were constructed so that the sun's shadow would describe the dates on the Inca calender)

During the June festival of Inti Raymi this area is central, and features the main parts of the ceremonies.

(Left the angles of the walls provide the shadows, indicating the

dates and seasons)

(Right - nearby is the white statue overlooking Cusco - Blanco Christo)

(Left - the enormity of the rocks can be gauged by the people standing on the top)

(Right - Amanda stands in front of the walls. In this one, it is said that the rocks make the shape of a llama, with the main part of the body behind Amanda's back, the tail to the right, and the head on the left - you need good imagination)

(Left - this archway leads to the upper area - again close fitting rocks)

(Right - Looking back across the central flat area - Cusco is behind us)

(Left - Away in the distance is a snow capped peak, part of the Andes)

(Right - Excavations continue on the higher areas, revealing more Inca ruins)

(Left - more Inca ruins being uncovered)

(Right - looking down on the main Plaza of Cusco)

(Left - our group at the top - me, Gerard, Amanda, Liz and Maz)