High among the hills that overlook Cusco, Peru lies an ancient fortress named Sacsayhuaman. Commonly known to international visitors as “Sexy Woman”, this fortress was built in the early 1500’s by thousands of men within 60-years time.

These ancient monoliths built in a lightening bolt pattern brings nothing but questions as to where they came from, and how they came to be. They create an awe-inspiring wall with their enormity and weight. How the Incas were able to place these stones within each other without any mortar in such a perfect fit that not a single blade of grass can pass between them is mind-boggling.

It is said that Cusco was built in the shape of the Puma with Sacsayhuaman as the head of the Puma. Located within the site, one can find this Puma’s paw print high on the fortress’s wall.

But one of the reasons why I wanted to visit Sacsayhuaman was to discover the hidden local secret – a natural slide that is tucked in a secluded area near the monoliths. With our guide David’s assistance, we quickly arrived to the slide. Without even thinking I began to climb the slide while watching two boys try their luck on successfully sliding down.

I really had put no thought into just how tall this slide was – that was until I saw the photos later. Perhaps it is better that I didn’t look before I leaped. I quickly scrambled up the slide like a kid, excited to have a thrill ride down the slide. My friends were quite anxious as they were worried I’d hurt myself before we headed off for the Inca Trail. But there was no way I wasn’t going to do the slide, after all – this is a once in a life-time opportunity !

After some coaching from both the guide and my friends, I prepared for my descent. After seeing the failures of the two children in starting a little higher up, I decided to start at the second bump along the slide.

Since I hadn’t really looked at the slide before I climbed up, I hadn’t realized just how long and steep it was. The rock was also quite slick from frequent use. To slide down, I left both of my hands on the rock behind me so that I could control my speed and to be able to stop. Uh..famous last words as the slide has its own mind on just how fast I was to slide. Alas, no photo finish but I did manage to land safely and with a quick acrobatic hop, I landed as an Olympic pro.

If you’re ever in Cusco and looking for some adventure, rock sliding at Sacsayhuaman is a must!