Sections were said to have been built by the Killke culture about 1100 they had occupied the area since 900. The complex was expanded and added to by the Inca from the 13th century they built dry stone walls constructed of huge stones.
The workers carefully cut the boulders to fit them together tightly without mortar. The site is at an altitude of 3,701 m (12,142 ft). In 1983, Cusco and Sacsayhuamán together were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for recognition and protection. Located on a steep hill that overlooks the city, the fortified complex has a wide view of the valley to the southeast.
