Saywas Sukankas Urubamba Mountain | Awesome Sacred Valley Hike

This is a map and basic overview on how to experience the Saywa Archaeological Park and the interesting Saywas Sukankas, or stone pillars that sit at the top. There are two pillars found along the ridge of this mystical mountain.

Although small, they are quite fascinating and come with a long history. While there are many theories as to what the actual purpose of the Saywas Sukankas Urubamba were used for, the best guess is they were astronomical markers, or used to help track the movement of the sun. Either way, this day hike in the Sacred Valley is one of the best, from the free Inca ruins at the top to the sweeping views of the mighty Chicón Mountain.

This Sacred Valley hike begins from the lovely village of Urubamba Peru and twists up the magical Saywa Mountain. Along the route, appreciate the sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. The sun pillars at the top are free to explore and although many people visit as a day trip, it’s possible to camp overnight right next to the Saywas Sukankas.

Here’s an overview on how to experience the awesome Saywas Sukankas of Saywa Mountain in Urubamba Peru.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

Overview Saywas Sukankas Hike in Urubamba

• Out & Back Trail
• One-Way Mileage: 3.15 miles from the Urubamba Plaza de Armas
• Difficulty: Saywas Sukankas: Moderately Difficult
• Ascent:Steep 3,000 miles
  • Be properly acclimated
• Excursion Duration: 5 – 7 hours to fully appreciate Saywa Mountain and those views
• No Official Trail markers, but the trail is fairly visible
  • Recently, someone has painted a few red and white trail markers along the route.
• Visit the Saywas Sukankas as a day hike or spend the night sleeping next to these powerful pillars
  • Once the climb begins there are no water sources, so be prepared to carry enough water for up and down. Overnighters should be especially conscious of this.
• There is no shade coverage along the route.
  • Start this Sacred Valley hike early to avoid the Andes Mountain afternoon heat.
• When to hike Saywas Sukankas Urubamba:
  • This trail can be done anytime of the year. Be mindful during the rainy season the path can be muddy and overgrown.

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Saywas Sukankas Urubamba Hike

Saywa Mountain is easy to reach from this must-see village. Leave the Urubamba Plaza de Armas and head towards the cemetery. The Urubamba Cemetery is also the remains of the Palace of Huayna Capac. Take a right after the cemetery and continue down the dirt road. To reach the Saywa trailhead, turn left at the Inca water canal and head towards the hillside church. The trailhead is defined and marked with a large red and white sign.

Wind up the hillside to reach the ridge of Saywa. There is a cross that many locals visit. From there, continue along the ridge until the Saywas Sukankas Urubamba pillars are visible.

The ascent is pretty steep, so it’s nice to pack a lunch and snacks for the top of Saywa Mountain. The free Inca ruins, are two pillars, but they offer up some truly breathtaking viewpoints of the glaciers and the small villages that follow along the Urubamba River.

Saywa Moutain | Rainy Season vs. Dry Season

Peru has two very distinct seasons, rainy and dry. Saywa is a Sacred Valley hike that can be done anytime of the year, but with each season the hike is so different.

The Cusco rainy season, which typically is from November to April, provides lush green mountains. While absolutely beautiful, this means that the trail may also be overgrown with shrubs and prickly bushes.  The hiking trails can also be muddy, but the wild flowers are stunning. Be mindful that those incredible views of the nearby glacial mountains can be hidden behind the clouds. 

During the Cusco dry season, from May to October, the hiking trails are more visible and easier to follow.  The hillsides are now yellow and dry, but this means that skies are usually clear.  With clear skies, be prepared to see some of the best views in the entire Sacred Valley from Saywas Sukankas Urubamba.

Whatever season, make sure to hike up Saywa Mountain, it’s still one of my favorite hikes in the Sacred Valley.

Saywas Sukankas | Don’t Miss this Sacred Valley Hike

Interested in knowing more about this worthwhile Sacred Valley hike that leads to the rare still standing Saywas Sukankas? Get the detailed information on how to reach the trailhead, tips and tricks, and find out why Saywa Mountain is special. Follow along with this detailed blog post:

Hike the Magical Saywa Mountain in Urubamba

Urubamba Hikes & Travel Guides

• The Best Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary in One Week
• Why Urubamba Peru is the Perfect Base to Explore the Sacred Valley
• The Complete Guide to the Sacred Valley in Peru
• Laguna Juchuycocha | A Hidden Alpine Lake in Urubamba
• Ñaupa Iglesia | An Interesting “Dimensional Portal”
• Perolniyoc Waterfall Hike with Inca Ruins at the Top
• How to Reach the Maras Salt Mine via the Back Entrance
• Hike the Maras Salt Flats to Moray Inca Ruins
• 22 Charming South America Villages in the Andes Mountains

More Things to Do in the Sacred Valley Peru

• Huchuy Qosqo Trek Hike up to “Little Cusco” in Sacred Valley
• Ancasmarca | Interesting High Energy Ruins Near Calca
• The Ultimate Guide to Ollantaytambo Peru
• Pumamarca Ruins | A Pre-Inca Hidden Gem Near Ollantaytambo
• Inti Punku | The Incredible Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo
• Lares Valley Trek in One Day
• Kinsa Cocha | 3 Beautiful Alpine Lakes from Pisac
• 35+ Inca Sites You Need to See in Peru

Cusco Travel Guides

• 23 Spectacular Things to Do in Cusco Peru
• Best Cusco Itinerary & Top Things to Do in the Imperial City
• Where to Eat in Cusco
• 8 Free Inca Ruins in Cusco
• How to Visit the 16 Sites of the Cusco Tourist Ticket Without a Tour
• The Complete Cusco South Valley Tour for Independent Travelers
• 32 Peru Landmarks, Unique & Famous Places to See in Peru
• Cusco Day Hike up to Cerro Picol
• Maukallaqta & Puma Orqo, is this the Birthplace of the Incas
• Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain
• Choquequirao Trek to the “Other Lost City”
• Alternative Inca Trails to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
• Waqrapukara Ruins, The Most Epic Inca Site in Peru
• 14 Peru Hot Springs You Have to Experience

Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.