Peru: Cusco's Sacsayhuaman ranked Hierarchy 4, on par with Machu Picchu as tourism asset

13:38 | Cusco (Cusco region), Dec. 23.

The Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, located on the city of Cusco's upper reaches, has been granted Hierarchy 4—the highest distinction awarded to a tourism resource by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur).

This recognition places Sacsayhuaman on the same level as the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which holds the same top-tier tourism hierarchy status.

The presentation of the commemorative plaque by the Mincetur took place as part of the 42nd anniversary of Sacsayhuaman's designation as a Cultural Heritage of the Nation, under Law No. 23765, granted by the Ministry of Culture (Mincul).

The event was held the previous day during a brief yet moving ceremony at Llaullipata, on the site's vast esplanade.


The commemorative event featured the unveiling of the official recognition plaque by Cusco's Regional Management of Foreign Trade, Tourism, and Handicrafts (Gercetur) representatives.

They highlighted the importance of Sacsayhuaman as one of Cusco's —and the country's—leading cultural and tourism attractions.

Decentralized Directorate of Culture in Cusco (DDC Cusco) Cultural Heritage and Heritage Protection Deputy Director Maria Cristina Quispe highlighted the historical and symbolic significance of this date.


"The commemoration of the 42nd anniversary of the designation not only invites us to reflect on the exceptional value of Sacsayhuaman, but also reaffirms the institution's commitment to its research, conservation, and enhancement, for the benefit of present and future generations," she stated.

In turn, Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park Working Team Chief Guadalupe Quiroga underscored the importance of the recognition granted by Gercetur.

Quiroga noted that its classification as a tourism resource strengthens coordinated efforts between the culture and tourism sectors.


"This recognition enables us to promote the responsible use of heritage, always prioritizing its protection and respect for its profound cultural significance," she emphasized.

Lastly, Gercetur Cusco representative Amparo Morales stated that the recognition granted to Sacsayhuaman is the result of a rigorous technical evaluation process.

She underscored its value as a testament to the high level of knowledge, engineering, and architecture achieved by the Inca civilization, as well as a symbol of the worldview and historical memory of Cusco's people.

The ceremony was also attended by local and regional government representatives, Tourism Police members, and DDC Cusco staff working at the site.

(END) PHS/MAO/MVB

Published: 12/23/2025