Machu Picchu experiences its highest rainfall in February, typically lasting for a continuous period of five days. However, this is followed by a consistent pattern of two sunny days known as “Veranillo.” Numerous tour companies opt to suspend trek offerings to Machu Picchu during this particular month.

February marks the month with the least sunshine in Machu Picchu and its surrounding region. Despite the closure of the Inca Trail for maintenance during this period, Machu Picchu still welcomes visitors. While it doesn’t mean the site will be sparsely populated, the crowds are relatively smaller compared to other months. During this time, many opt for train travel from Cusco through the Sacred Valley tour and Ollantaytambo.

The weather in February is warm and wet, indicating the presence of rain, although it doesn’t rain continuously. In these conditions, the weather can fluctuate, either improving with bright skies, lifting clouds, and the emergence of the sun, or taking a turn for the opposite. Ultimately, it can be a mix of both scenarios.

Things to know

• In february, the crowds are minimal.
• Temperatures are warm and the hills are green.
• February is the wettest month in Machu Picchu.Normally, there is a five-day stretch of continuous rainfall, succeeded by a two-day period featuring sunny weather known as Veranillo.
• Carnival festivities unfold nationwide, typically in late February. In Aguas Calientes, people engage in water balloon play. Beware! You might find yourself getting wet.
• The government closes the Inca Trail during this period for maintenance and repairs.
• Rain: On average, rain falls  22 days of the month.
• Temperature: It fluctuates  between13°C and 25°C (55.4°F – 77°F).

Machu Picchu during the rainy season

Exploring Machu Picchu in the rainy season (December to March) offers a distinct experience compared to the dry season. The weather is cooler, and the landscape transforms into a vibrant, lush green. Optimal visiting time is during the early rainy season, spanning from late September to early December.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Weather: Anticipate regular rain showers and elevated humidity levels, which can add a layer of challenge to hiking and exploring Machu Picchu. However, the upside is that these conditions contribute to a lush and verdant surrounding landscape.
• Crowds: The rainy season typically sees fewer crowds compared to the dry season, offering the advantage of exploring the ruins and surrounding areas with fewer tourists.
• Safety: Rainfall can render trails and ruins slippery, presenting additional challenges for hiking. Wearing suitable footwear and clothing is crucial in these conditions.
• Photography: The rain has the potential to create stunning photography, as the mist and clouds infuse a mystical quality into the ruins.
• Flexibility:Be ready to adapt your plans according to the weather conditions. Certain areas may be susceptible to flooding or landslides.

The intense rainy season typically commences in mid to late December and concludes in late March. Rain is more likely during early mornings or late afternoons. Despite the rain, the sun persists, creating picturesque moments with Machu Picchu enveloped in the mist of the clouds. This season attracts fewer visitors, making it ideal for travelers seeking solitude. It’s also a opportune time to discover excellent deals on flights and hotels during the low season.

Machu Picchu In January

January stands out as the rainiest month of the year, averaging around 150 mm of rainfall. When visiting Machu Picchu during this month, it’s essential to have reliable rain gear. Travelers should be prepared for potential itinerary adjustments, trail closures due to landslides, train delays, and flight cancellations.

Machu Picchu in February

While February sees fewer rainy days compared to January, heavy rains are anticipated, averaging around 200 mm. During this period, the number of visitors to Machu Picchu reaches its lowest point.

Temperatures in Machu Picchu will fluctuate, reaching highs of around 72°F (22°C) and lows of around 46°F (8°C). Travelers should be ready for rain and potential schedule changes due to landslides or adverse weather conditions.

Machu Picchu in March

In March, the weather tends to improve, offering more sunny days and fewer hours of daily rain, averaging around 170 mm. The latter half of the month becomes the preferred time for travelers.

Temperatures in Machu Picchu will range from highs of approximately 71°F (21°C) to lows of around 42°F (6°C). Most trekking tours, including Inca Trail Tours, resume operations after February.

We advise against tours like the Salkantay Trek as they are situated in the Amazon area, where the rains remain substantial.

frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu in February

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Yes, Machu Picchu is open during 2023 and 2024 as per the Ministry of Culture, and it is currently running at full capacity. Machu Picchu after being closed as a result of strikes for different months was reopened after an agreement between authorities, community groups, and the local tourism industry allowed it to resume operations.

Nevertheless, it is strongly advised to secure your tickets ahead of time due to the substantial demand. Presently, tickets are unavailable until mid-September. It’s important to be aware that the sought-after circuits 1 and 2 are already fully booked, with only circuits 3 and 4 currently open. These circuits involve the mountains.

Why is Inca Trail closed in February?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is not operational in February. Since 2001, regulations for the conservation and management of the Inca Trail require its temporary closure throughout February for safety reasons and adverse weather conditions. Heavy rainfall and landslides are common during this period, prompting sanctuary officials to undertake maintenance work on trails, renovate bridges, and enhance facilities such as toilets and campsites.

Important Information

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu underwent closure in February 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic. It was subsequently reopened in 2021. Additionally, closures occurred on both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu due to strikes or internal issues within Peru.

Since 2001, regulations for the conservation and management of the Inca Trail mandate its temporary closure throughout February at Machu Picchu. This is due to safety concerns and challenging weather conditions. Heavy rains and landslides are common during this period, prompting sanctuary officials to conduct maintenance work on trails, renovate bridges, and enhance facilities like toilets and campsites.

Nevertheless, the temporary closure of the Inca Trail in February 2023 does not imply the closure of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu operates on its own schedule, welcoming visitors from Monday to Sunday, including holidays, from 6 am to 5 pm. While the Inca Trail experiences a temporary closure, Machu Picchu remains open throughout the year. We strongly advise against alternative trekking routes to Machu Picchu due to safety concerns.

While unexpected changes can happen, they don’t necessarily indicate a permanent closure of Machu Picchu. The last prolonged closure occurred at the end of January 2010 when landslides damaged the railway connecting Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu) to the rest of the country, which was the sole access route. Without train services to Machu Picchu, access to the Inca city was restricted. In 2023, it faced closures in January and February due to pandemic issues and strikes in Peru.

Is Machu Picchu Closing Temporarily?

People often inquire about the closure of Machu Picchu. They frequently ask, “Is Machu Picchu closing?” or “When is Machu Picchu closing?” There’s a prevailing belief that Machu Picchu is closing, and this is a common topic during my guided group tours. Some of my guests have even chosen to visit Peru or Machu Picchu based on the rumor that Machu Picchu will be closing soon, expressing a desire to experience it before any potential closure.

Machu Picchu underwent a temporary closure from January 21st, 2023, to February 11th, 2023. This precautionary measure was implemented in response to the political crisis and civil unrest in Peru, aimed at ensuring the safety and security of both our staff and guests.

Since February 12th, 2023, Machu Picchu has once again welcomed travelers, with visitors exploring the iconic citadel. The Inca Trail is scheduled to reopen on March 1st, 2023, following the regular maintenance carried out in February. All tours scheduled after March 1st are confirmed and will proceed as planned.

Yet, this article doesn’t focus on the brief closure of Machu Picchu. Instead, it delves into the speculations surrounding the potential permanent closure of Machu Picchu, exploring various factors contributing to these rumors.

The onset of widespread concern dates back a few years when Machu Picchu earned UNESCO’s designation as a World Heritage Site. With UNESCO’s mission to promote the safeguarding of natural and cultural heritage globally, Machu Picchu was identified as an endangered site. This designation led to speculations about the imminent closure of Machu Picchu, driven by the implementation of new regulations aimed at shielding it from potential harm and ensuring its preservation for the benefit of future generations.

Machu Picchu is not facing closure due to natural erosion or the impact of thousands of daily visitors. In efforts to preserve this World Heritage Site, authorities at Machu Picchu have introduced new regulations. These measures include the enforcement of curfews and the restriction of the number of visitors allowed per hour, aiming to ensure the protection and sustainability of this iconic site.

Machu Picchu February

Is Machu Picchu closed in February? The short answer to all of these questions is NO. Machu Picchu is presently accessible to the public and will remain open year-round. Closures of Machu Picchu occur only in response to natural events that pose a threat to its infrastructure. It’s important to note that only the Inca Trail will experience a temporary closure in February.

However, Machu Picchu is currently undergoing significant changes. For instance, did you know that the visitation schedules for this stunning citadel have been revised from 2021 to 2023? Now, a total of 4,500 individuals can purchase Machu Picchu tickets each day, divided into three time slots and four circuits (from 6 am to 9 am, from 9 am to 12 pm, and from 12 pm to 2 pm). These new restrictions in 2023 have altered the way people experience Machu Picchu, prompting tour operators to adjust their tour operations accordingly.

How Can I Get to Machu Picchu When Inca Trail Closes?

If you’re planning to book the Inca Trail for 2024, it’s advisable to steer clear of February or consider alternative routes to reach Machu Picchu. However, if your plan is to visit Machu Picchu directly, February remains a viable month, provided you don’t mind the possibility of rain.

Keep in mind that February falls within the low season at Machu Picchu. The reduced number of visitors during this month is attributed to the rainy season spanning from December to March. The rain may result in slightly slippery stone paths, and persistent fog can be a challenge. However, on the brighter side, you might witness the Machu Picchu landscape adorned with only a few clouds and possibly a rainbow on days with gentle rain, creating an unforgettable scene!

Machu Picchu During 2023

Machu Picchu’s temporary closure this 2023

Machu Picchu is now fully open, welcoming hundreds of travelers daily. It experienced a temporary closure during the political crisis in Peru, spanning from January 21st, 2023, to February 11th, 2023.

Machu Picchu’s temporary closure this 2023

Machu Picchu underwent closure during the 2020-2021 pandemic period, prompted by successive waves of Covid-19. Various regions in Peru, including Lima, Cusco, and others, experienced prolonged and stringent lockdowns for several months.

Is Machu Picchu open for visitors?

Yes, Machu Picchu and all Inca sites and tourist attractions are open for travelers.

Is Machu Picchu Closed In February?

Machu Picchu remains open throughout the year, including the rainy season. However, it’s important to note that the Classic Inca Trail 4 days and the Short Inca 2 days are closed every February for maintenance. This closure specifically applies to the trails and not to Machu Picchu itself.

Despite the maintenance closures, we offer trekking tours to Machu Picchu in February. The Lares Trek, a 4-day trek, stands out as the best and most recommended option during this period.

Machu Picchu Opening Time?

Machu Picchu opens its gates daily at 6:00 am. To be among the first to arrive and enter, you can either catch the earliest buses from Aguas Calientes or commence your hike from the town at 4:30 am.

Machu Picchu Closing Time?

Machu Picchu’s main entrance ceases operations at 4:00 pm. Although the latest entrance shift available for purchase is at 2:00 pm, there’s a grace period until 4:00 pm for those arriving late from Cusco. Beyond this time, entry is not possible.

Post 4:00 pm, certain areas within Machu Picchu start closing down. By 5:00 pm, park rangers commence requesting visitors to exit, and typically, by 5:30 pm, the citadel sees no more visitors. The official closing time is 6:00 pm, coinciding with the last bus departure from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu FAQs

Machu Picchu regular tickets

• First Shift to Machu Picchu: 6:00 am
  The entrance to Machu Picchu begins at 6 am, and to reach there on time, it’s essential to catch the first buses from Aguas Calientes at 5:30 am. It’s recommended to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes town (Machu Picchu Pueblo) the night before your visit. After exploring the citadel, visitors typically exit around 10 to 10:30 am.

• Second Shift to Machu Picchu: 7:00 am
  The entrance to Machu Picchu opens at 7 am, and entry is not permitted before this time. The bus journey from Aguas Calientes takes about 30 minutes, but during peak season, the bus lines may extend to almost 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors should factor in these considerations. The approximate exit time from Machu Picchu is around 11 am.
• Third Shift to Machu Picchu: 8:00 am
  The entrance to the citadel starts at 8 am. You must always consider the 30-minute bus drive and lines for this bus. You will exit the citadel around noon.
• Fourth Shift to Machu Picchu: 9:00 am
  The entrance to Machu Picchu starts at 9:AM. This shift is perfect for those traveling from Cusco or the Sacred Valley early trains. The exit time is around 1: p.m.
• Fifth Shift to Machu Picchu: 10 am
  The entrance starts at 10 am. At this time, the sun can be extreme; use sun protection; the exit time is around 14:00.
• Sixth Shift to Machu Picchu: 11 am
  The entrance starts at 11 am; ensure you have eaten something before entering Machu Picchu, as you won’t find any stores inside. The exit time is around 15:00 pm.
• Seventh Shift to Machu Picchu: 12 pm
  The entrance to the site starts at noon; you must have lunch before this time. Once you are inside Machu Picchu, you won’t have access to any stores. The exit time is around 4 pm.
• Eighth Shift to Machu Picchu: 1 pm
  The afternoon entrance starts at 1 pm, Have plenty of water with you, and always rain gear just in case. The Exit time is around 5 pm.
• Ninth Shift to Machu Picchu: 14 pm
  The last shift starts at 2 pm, and you can enter until 4 pm; you must try to arrive at the designated time (2 pm) as many sites will start closing after 4 pm. Machu Picchu closes at 6 pm, and you must exit around 5.30 pm at the latest.

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Entrance Tickets

• First Shift: 6 am Machu Picchu / 7: am to 8: am Huayna Picchu Mountain
  This ticket allows you to enter Machu Picchu from 6 am and 7 am to 8 am at Huayna Picchu Mountain. There are only 200 spaces per day, and you must book in advance.
• Second Shift: 7 am Machu Picchu/ 7: am to 8: am Huayna Picchu Mountain
  This ticket allows you to enter Machu Picchu after 7 am and Huayna Picchu Mountain from 7 am to 8 am. There are only 200 spaces per day, and you must book in advance. Make sure to arrive on time.
• Third Shift: 8 am to Machu Picchu / 10 am to 11 am Huayna Picchu Mountain
  This ticket allows you to enter Machu Picchu after 8 am and from 10 am to 11 am to Huayna Picchu Mountain. The perfect shift for all our day tours and trekking tours.

Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain Entrance Tickets

• First Shift: 6 am Machu Picchu / 7: am to 8: am Machu Picchu Mountain
  This ticket permits entry to Machu Picchu from 6 am to 7 am and access to Machu Picchu Mountain (also known as Montaña) from 7 am to 8 am. With only 200 spaces available each day, advance booking is essential.
• Second Shift: 7 am Machu Picchu/ 7: am to 8: am Machu Picchu Mountain
  This ticket allows you to enter Machu Picchu after 7 am and to Machu Picchu Mountain from 7 am to 8 am.
• Third Shift: 8 am to Machu Picchu / 10 am to 11 am Machu Picchu Mountain
  This ticket allows you to enter Machu Picchu after 8 am and from 9 am to 10 am to Machu Picchu Mountain.

Huchuy Picchu + Circuit 4

This ticket enables entry to Machu Picchu after 7 am and guides you through the lower part of the site. There are 200 tickets available daily for this access. You can choose from various time slots: 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, and 2 pm to suit your convenience.

Inca Bridge + Circuit 1 or 2

This is one of the latest circuits/tickets available for exploring Machu Picchu. It includes the standard Machu Picchu ticket along with an additional hike to the Inca Bridge.

The trek to the Inca Bridge takes approximately 30 minutes, making it a one-hour round trip. It’s essential to be aware that the trail is narrow and steep, so it’s not recommended for travelers with vertigo.

You have the flexibility to choose from various time slots: 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, and 2 pm.

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The Mystery Revealed

In 1911, Hiram Bingham, an explorer and professor at Yale University, embarks on an expedition. Its objective? Find the mythical lost city of the Incas. The result? A discovery that changed history.

Although Bingham was not the first to reach Machu Picchu, his expedition was the one that made it famous worldwide. He returned to the United States with photographs and artifacts, bringing international attention to this mysterious place. His discovery began a fervent interest in Inca culture and its history.

Hiram Bingham and the Discovery of Machu Picchu

According to studies, the town was built approximately in the 15th century, however there is no consensus as to the reasons for its construction. Some maintain that it was a refuge for the Inca Pachacutec (1408-1471), in a context of expansionism of the Inca Empire. Others suggest that the citadel was built as a base to manage food planting in the region.

On July 24, 1911, Hiram Bingham, an explorer and professor at Yale University, along with his local guide, Agustín Lizárraga, arrived at the ruins of an ancient Inca city hidden in the mountains known today as Machu Picchu = Patallaqta. Although his true objective was to find the capital of Vilcabamba.

Since Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911, Machu Picchu has always been a true archaeological mystery that cannot be solved. Its history and many mysteries continue to attract researchers and tourists from around the world.

Agustín Lizárraga: The Anonymous Hero

While Hiram Bingham is widely recognized as the discoverer of Machu Picchu, there is another name that deserves recognition: Agustín Lizárraga. Lizárraga, a local farmer, lived near Machu Picchu and, according to some sources, was the first to arrive at the llaqta of Machu Picchu on July 14, 1902, as evidenced in a photo taken where writing can be seen on the stones of Machu Picchu Lizarraga July 14, 1902.

Agustín Lizárraga’s story is a reminder that exploration and discovery often involve local people who know the land like no one else. Although his role has not been as widely celebrated, his contribution to the discovery of Machu Picchu is undeniable.

Summary of the discovery of Machu Picchu

Agustín Lizárraga, originally from Cusco, is recognized as the first person to discover the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu. In 1902, he made the discovery of this site, although his efforts to make it known to the world were unsuccessful due to the lack of government support at that time. Nine years later, on July 24, 1911, Hiram Bingham, an American history professor, arrived at Machu Picchu while searching for the lost city of the Incas, Vilcabamba.

He was guided by Melchor Arteaga, a land tenant, and accompanied by a Peruvian civil guard sergeant named Carrasco. Upon arrival, they discovered that two peasant families, the Recharte and the Álvarez, lived in the place, using the southern platforms of the ruins for their crops and drinking water from an Inca canal that still worked and brought water from a spring. Pablo Recharte, one of the local children, guided Bingham through the urban area of the citadel, which was overgrown.

Bingham, clearly astonished, noted in his diary: “Would anyone believe what I have found?” (Will anyone believe what I have found here?).

«I suddenly found myself before the walls of a ruin and houses built with the maximum perfection of Inca art. The walls were difficult to see due to the cover of trees and moss that had hidden them for centuries. However, between the shade of the bamboo and the bushes were the visible walls, built from blocks of white granite cut with exquisite precision. I discovered glittering temples, royal residences, a vast plaza and thousands of homes. He seemed to be immersed in a dream. – Hiram Bingham, in his book “The Discovery of Machu Picchu.”

On the other hand, it was precisely the famous traveler Charles Wiener, in 1875, who learned of the existence of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, and searched for it without any results. In fact, there are rumors that farmers discovered a “lost city” in Cusco early this century, but Bingham was the first Machu Picchu tourist interested in science. Following the discovery, Bingham returned to the site in 1912. In 1914 and 1915, he and members of his expedition made detailed explorations of the site and its surroundings. They created the first maps leading to Machu Picchu in the Inca city.

An Archaeological Treasure Revealed

Bingham was deeply impressed by what he found. With backing from Yale University, the National Geographic Society, and the Peruvian government, he immediately began scientific investigation of the site. Working alongside engineer Ellwood Erdis, osteologist George Eaton, and the direct collaboration of Toribio Recharte and Anacleto Álvarez, as well as a group of anonymous local workers, Bingham led archaeological excavations at Machu Picchu from 1912 to 1915.

During this period, undergrowth was cleared and Incan tombs were excavated in the city. The world fame of Machu Picchu was consolidated in 1913 with the publication of an article in National Geographic magazine. Bingham’s excavations in Machu Picchu allowed him to collect 555 ships, plus 46,332 Inca archaeological pieces, including gold, copper, copper and silver objects, tools and utensils, etc. There are enough discoveries to be sure that the history of Machu Picchu can be traced back to the glory of the Inca Empire. Of the 135 bodies found at the site, 109 were women, 22 were men and only 4 were children.

Important archaeological sites have also been discovered in the surrounding area, such as the fortresses of Sayaqmarka and Vitcos, which have clear common features. For example, there are two areas: one is a city (residential area) and another is a cult area, and the other is dedicated to agriculture.

Hiram Bingham described Machu Picchu (1930) in detail, but mention should be made of Victor Angles (1972) and Herman Bingham Hermann Buse (1961), Luis E. Valcarcel (1964), Luis A. Pardo (1961) José Gabriel Cosio (1961) and Fernando Cabieses (1983)) scientists who gathered discovered architectural evidence that led to obtaining the information that Machu Picchu was built at the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. There is also evidence that the site continued to be inhabited after Spain invaded Peru.

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About the Entrances to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is located at an altitude of 2 720 m.a.s.l. At 300 above the Machu Picchu citadel, it allows you to take incredible photos of the citadel with the surrounding environment. Their roads were made more than 500 years ago by one side of the mountain wall on the edge of the high-altitude cliff above the Urubamba River.
Walking its paths and the incredible Stairs of Death make him earn the title of being one of the most incredible Short Walks in the world; Walking through it will surely be one of the best experiences of your life.

Machu Picchu Mountain. It is located 400 meters above Machu Picchu citadel, when you reach the top you can take incredible unique panoramic photographs of Machu Picchu citadel with the Huayna Picchu Mountain behind and all the surrounding environment.
This mountain is suitable for family use as it presents less difficulty than the Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Where to buy tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?

You can buy the ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain by any of these 3 ways:

ONLINE: By this method you can buy the ticket directly, here we indicate the procedure.
You must enter the Machu Picchu Ticket website, in the availability section, you must choose Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain and the schedules of your preference, check availability.

Having confirmed availability you must fill out the form with your personal data.
You will have the option to pay by the Banco de la Nación in Peru or by Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner Club or Pay Pal; according to the chosen payment method, you must follow the payment process.
After 24 to 48 hours of having made the payment, you will receive an email with your Ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which you must save and present the day of your visit to Machu Picchu.
Finally, you must send your valid identity document or passport to the Machu Picchu Ticket mail, if you are a student to access a discount, you must also send your current University Card with visible expiration date.
Take into account that the price charged through this process has a surplus of almost 50% of the original value of the ticket, without considering the commission for sending the payment method you choose.

AUTHORIZED PREMISES: It will be impossible for you to buy the ticket for Huayna Picchu in-person in Cusco because they end up at least 3 months in advance. The ticket to the Machu Picchu Mountain also ends in advance, but you may be able to get it in low season by this way.
To do this you must approach one of the offices of the Ministry of Culture Cusco with your passport or identity document, according to your nationality, and your current university card for a discount in case of a student.
You can make the payment in cash or by credit or debit card.
To carry out this process, we suggest you take a prudent time since you must line up.
The offices of the Ministry of Culture are at the following addresses:

• Maruri Street 324
• 723 Saphy Street
• Av. De La Cultura 220

BY AGENCY: It is the easiest way. You must email your passport or identity document and your university card for a discount to your travel agent. Your agent will make the purchase and choose and coordinate the best date and time for your visit.

Entrance times to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: Allows you to stay in the citadel and the mountain 6 hours after the entry time. 400 spaces are distributed for each day to climb to this mountain, divided between its 3 schedules, these quotas are usually sold out up to 6 months in advance in high season and 3 months in low season.

• 06:00 am Entrance to Huayna Picchu 07:00
• 07:00 am Entrance to Huayna Picchu 07:00
•  08:00 am Entrance to Huayna Picchu 10:30

Machu Picchu + Mountain: Allows you to stay in the citadel and the mountain 6 hours after the entry time. 800 spaces are distributed for each day to climb to this mountain, divided between its 3 schedules, these quotas are usually sold out up to 2 months in advance in high season and 1 week in low season.

• 06:00 am Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain 07:00
• 07:00 am Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain 07:00
• 08:00 am Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain 09:00

How much does the ticket to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain cost?
The entrance to the mountains varies according to nationality and age.

Tickets to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain for Peruvians

Peruvians have a differentiated rate, which also benefits visitors from member countries of the Andean Community, which are Colombia, Bolivia and Ecuador.

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The Temple of the Sun, also known as Inti Watana, is one of the fascinating structures located within the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru. Due to its importance and function in the Inca Empire of Tahuantinsuyo, it is one of the most mysterious constructions of the ruins of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Here we will present in detail the knowledge of this important temple up to the present:

What is the Temple of the Sun?

The Temple of the Sun is a room built on top of a natural cave. Due to its elevated position and exquisite carvings, it is considered a religious construction whose main function would be to worship the sun.

It is the only Inca construction with a circular shape; This construction has windows, walls and entrance doors. According to some records of chroniclers, the Inca Pachacuteq who would have ordered the construction of the citadel of Machu Picchu was buried there.

The temple was built with granite blocks and belongs to the Imperial Inca style. Before the Spanish invasion, it was decorated with gold and silver ornaments. These were looted in later years (certain cracks can still be seen to demonstrate the existence of decorations inside).

Where is the Temple of the Sun located?

This temple is located in one of the most important areas of Machu Picchu, it is located in the religious sector, specifically in the Hannan sector.

To get there, it is only necessary to follow the marked route, inside Machu Picchu.

Currently, the Temple of the Sun can only be appreciated from the perspective of the top of the building. For protection reasons, it is impossible to enter the temple.

What function did this temple have?

As we indicated before, the main function of the temple of the Sun was to pay homage and give offerings to the sun god. In the lower part, a cave was found which could have been used as a tomb or mausoleum.

This temple is an astronomical observatory, where the arrival of the solstice and the changes of seasons can be accurately determined (due to the strategic location of the windows).

In the center of the temple, there is an altar carved into the rock, where religious ceremonies in honor of the sun god would have probably been held. During the summer solstice sunrise, the two windows cast shadows on the central altar of the temple.

How was the construction of the Temple of the Sun?

The temple was built with granite blocks, which belong to the royal Inca style (time of the Inca Pachacutec). The site can be accessed through double door trapezoidal doors. It also has a straight wall and a semicircular wall, with two windows, one facing north and the other facing east.

The structure is built on top of a natural cave. Its walls are made of irregular stones. However, the perfect curvature of one of the walls is 10 meters.

The temple is connected to a huge rock above the natural cave. On the back wall, you can see a window with small holes, which may contain precious stones. This window is called a “snake window.”

What mysteries does this temple hide?

The connection between the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Tomb indicates that Inca Pachakatec was buried inside. This tomb must be decorated with gold and silver ornaments, which were looted during the Spanish invasion.

In the royal tombs, you can find exquisite stone walls, life-size trapezoidal walls and flower beds carved in the form of three-step stairs, representing the famous “Chakana” (Inca trilogy, meaning Inca Worldview of Hanan Pacha) the world of the gods), Kai Pacha (the world of the living) and Uku Pacha (the world of the dead).

What are the visiting hours?

Tickets for Machu Picchu offer different entry times: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 1 and 2 in the afternoon. After entering, each tourist has 4 hours to visit the entire tourist route, including the Temple of the Sun.

During the visit of Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu), you can visit the Temple of the Sun every day of the year: from 6 am to 5 pm.

Was the Temple of the Sun burned down?

Certain buildings of the Temple of the Sun were cracked by fire hundreds of years ago. Although there is no clear clue in this regard, it can be thought that this was caused by the Spanish invaders, who tried to colonize the few inhabitants who lived in Machu Picchu. Another hypothesis suggests that the Inca soldiers who supported the insurgency were the cause of the fire.

Despite the fire, the stone structure of the Temple of the Sun was not damaged.

Can I enter the Temple of the Sun?

There is currently no access to the interior of the Temple of the Sun, and the only way to observe the site is through the viewpoint at the top of the archaeological site.

Another way to visit the Temple of the Sun is from the perspective of the Temple of the Eagles. From there you can also see the royal tombs, but you can’t go inside.

With which ticket to visit this temple?

Although it is possible to visit the Temple of the Sun through any entrance to Machu Picchu, most tourists decide to buy tickets for “Machu Picchu Solo”, which includes tours to the Temple of the Sun and other tourist routes.

The ‘Machu Picchu Solo’ ticket can be purchased online or in the city of Cusco itself.

In addition to the entrance, it is best to have an official tour guide who explains the details of the Temple of the Sun in Machu Picchu in the same Inca city. You can rent a guide at the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Temple of the Sun Machu Picchu Architecture

The temple is located in the most important area of Machu Picchu, near “Hana Pacha”, which is a large-scale and unique religious site. The structure of the Temple of the Sun is perfectly assembled with granite blocks on a huge solid rock to form a natural cave. Its semicircular wall is precisely curved by 10.5m, giving it a unique and charming look.

In the center of the temple is a finely carved stone altar that is used for various rituals and sacrifices to the sun. To enter the temple you have to go through a huge door built with double beams, which previously had a locking mechanism for your protection and safety, and on the top of the door there is a special design of carved snakes.

The building has two trapezoidal windows facing north and east. One of the windows has a small hole carved in it that allows direct sunlight to enter.

Sun Temple

It is also known as “Circular Tower” or “Royal Tomb”. The portal can be accessed, which has a security system with a stone ring.

The temple, with a diameter of 10.5 meters, was built on a huge rock. It is semicircular with finely carved bricks, and the rear wall is straight.

It is believed that it is a mausoleum with mummies lying on its great wall.

It is used in ceremonies related to the June solstice. One of its windows shows traces of incrustations that were torn off in the history of Machu Picchu, destroying part of its structure. There are signs of fire.

Astrnomical Alignments

The window shown in red (No. 1) is the largest of the three windows in the tower. Because Bingham found a poisonous snake inside it, it is called the “snake window.”

It is oriented to NNW with an azimuth angle of 340 degrees. During the winter solstice, at sunrise, the stars can be seen behind the tail of the Big Dipper, arranged in the shape of a curved serpentine.

We identified the orange window #2 oriented towards the northeast corner with an azimuth angle of about 65 degrees, which coincides with the sunrise during the winter solstice. That day, the first ray of the sun cast its beam on the rock carved into the ground. A few hours ago, the Pleiades and the Hyades could be seen. Its bright red star Aldebaran is expected to have the sun.

Through the third window (yellow no. 3) (blue line 2) located at an azimuthal angle of about 132 degrees to the southeast, the tail part of the western constellation of the scorpion can be seen. Its shape is similar to the design of the turret.

As for the altar or the rock on the ground that casts the shadow of the sun at the winter solstice, there are many versions, most of which point to it as a symbol of the three Andean worlds, and others represent it as a sacred puma.

Walls

“The bottom steps, especially the big blocks, make the wall look strong. The elevation of the top reduces its size, adding elegance and sophistication to the structure. The beauty of the lines, the symmetrical arrangement of the blocks and the structure are combined with each other. It produces a wonderful effect, softer and more pleasant than the marble temples of the old world; because there is no mixing, no unsightly gaps between these blocks, they seem to have grown to the beauty of white granite, this structure’s appeal surpasses the best walls in Cuzco, which has awed travelers for four centuries.

Hiram Bingham in “The Lost City of the Incas.”

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The legend of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo is an Inca legend; that goes back to the beginnings of the Inca Empire; this legend like most of the Inca legends was transmitted orally from generation to generation; throughout the territory of the Tahuantinsuyo. It was later compiled and recorded on paper by the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

Legend of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo

Manco Capac, also known as Ayar Manco, was the first leader of the Incas, considered divine and son of the Sun God (Inti).

Legend has it that in the villages near Lake Titicaca, people lived like wild creatures; they had no religion or order. The inhabitants of these areas lived in a nomadic way; that is to say, they did not know any agricultural strategies and did not have any material. That is why they walked around naked and lived in caves and their diet consisted of gathering food and hunting animals.

Seeing this reality the god Inti saw the need to send someone who could socialize these men. The god Inti, seeing this situation, sent his son Manco Capac together with his wife Mama Ocllo; with the mission of ordering and educating all the inhabitants of the area.

Until that moment all the inhabitants of the area were in complete disorder; and it was in this way that the god Inti taught them to cultivate, train and respect the Apus.

For this mission the god Inti gave them a golden bar; indicating that every time they stopped to eat and/or rest they should try to plant the golden bar in the ground. However, they should not use force to carry out the task, since the place where the bar was sunk would be the foundation of the city of Cusco.

Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo appeared on the shores of Lake Titicaca; the locals were amazed by the beauty of their clothes and the splendor of their gems; they shone similar to that of the god Inti, so they considered Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo as divine entities.

Foundation of Cusco

Once out of Lake Titicaca, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo traveled north. Where they spent several days without the gold bar sinking into the ground.

One morning they woke up in a magnificent valley cordoned off by remarkable slopes and mountains; one of the slopes called Huanacauri where the shining bar sank without much effort. So Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo settled in this place and founded the city of Cusco.

Known today as the navel of the world and capital of the Inca Empire. Manco Capac was in charge of building and teaching men; agriculture, fishing, house construction, science and respect for the god Inti and the apus. Mama Ocllo was in charge of teaching the women domestic chores, such as weaving clothes to protect them from the cold and/or heat, cooking and helping in domestic chores.

Summary of the Legend of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo

The Legend of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, also known as the Legend of Lake Titicaca, tells that from the waters of Lake Titicaca Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo came out to fulfill the mission that their Father Inti (Sun) entrusted to them.

They went to the northwest of the Kollao region; taking with them a gold barretilla, with which they should test the fertility and firmness of the land to fix their dwelling; where the barreta was sunk they should populate and inhabit it.

They arrived at the Cerro de Huanacaure, where the barretilla sank. For what they were destined to fulfill the mandate of their father Sun and founded the Empire of the Incas; in this place, having as base to the city of Cusco.

Once established, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, undertook their civilizing mission; the first took the direction of the men, teaching them the work of agriculture and pottery, while Mama Ocllo was responsible for the training of women, teaching them to weave, cook, spin, etc. and thus gradually build what would become the Empire of the Incas.

Interpretation

It is evident according to this legend that they are mythical characters; considered of divine origin, who come with a civilizing mission carried from the south to the north of Peru. Basically, they are seekers of fertile lands who aspire to dedicate themselves to agricultural work. This sense is symbolized by the rod that sinks into the ground like the plant in the soil in order to bloom.

Dr. Valcárcel considers that it is about the conquest of the Vilcanota valley and the Cusco valley by the kollas (Aymaras); whose representative character is Manco Capac, who with his intelligence and his warrior spirit knew how to impose himself and lay the foundations of the Inca Empire.

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what does machu picchu mean in quechua

The word Machu Picchu comes from Quechua and is composed of 2 words Machu = old man and Picchu = mountain, however, recent studies indicate that this is not the real name by which Machu Picchu was known in Incan times.

What is the real name of Machu Picchu

According to the Spanish historian Maricarmen Martin Rubio based on a text published in chapter 32 of the Suma y Narración de los Incas chronicle by Juan de Betanzos, Machu Picchu would have been called Patallacta in ancient times.

What does Patallaqta mean?

The word patallaqta comes from the Quechua word that means pata = step and llacta = city that is to say city of step or city of the stairs qualification that go more in agreement with the construction of the Inca citadel due to the great platforms also Martin Rubio points out that the word machu picchu in reality would not mean old mountain since the word mountain in Quechua is said orco and picchu is a derivative of the word peak in Castilian.

Martin Rubio based his research on the discovery of 82 chapters of the sum and narration of the Incas written in 1550 by Juan de Betanzos found in the library Bartolomé March of Palma de Mallorca in these chronicles talks about the Spanish conquest seen from the point of view of the Incas in this document it is said that Pachacutec builder of Machu Picchu would have asked to be buried in their homes in Patallacta located in the jungle eyebrow. Several historians have begun to support this hypothesis.

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is not only recognized for its beauty but also for the mysteries and enigmas that it holds since its discovery for the western world in 1911 thanks to the work of the American explorer Hiram Bigham until today there are more questions that are formulated around this construction than the certainties that we have about it, issues ranging from its own discovery or its real name to its usefulness as it was built.

Meaning of Machu Picchu for the Incas

For the Inca People:

The meaning of Machu Picchu for the Inca people was to serve as a sacred enclosure, since during its heyday its main function was to be a place of worship for their gods and the Inca. We can find information that serves as evidence of this located in the Royal Commentaries of the Incas of Garcilazo de la Vega, where he describes the citadel as an enclosure to worship the four elements and even other entities such as animals and stars, which were also considered divine.

Inside Machu Picchu we can find temples of worship, the most important are: the temple of the moon, which is located at the top of the mountain Huayna Picchu and the temple of the sun which is located in the lower part of the citadel.

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Main Facts of Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu is a Quechua word meaning “Old Mountain”.
• Its majestic architecture comprises some 140 structures including walls, platforms, houses, terraces, etc. throughout the citadel.
• It was built by the Inca Pachacutec in approximately 1460.
• Due to being far from the cities of Cusco, it is believed that the Spaniards never reached Machu Picchu and it was forgotten. It was not until 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham arrived at Machu Picchu and made this magnificent wonder known to the world.
• The main buildings of Machu Picchu are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows.
• Machu Picchu is considered the most important and well known symbol of the Inca Empire.
• It is also known as the Lost City of the Incas.
• Machu Picchu received worldwide attention in 1913 when the National Geographic Society magazine dedicated its entire April issue to the recently rediscovered stone city.
• Machu Picchu is currently one of the 7 wonders of the world, a World Heritage Site, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important Natural Archaeological Site in Latin America.
• When Hiram Bingham arrived at Machu Picchu according to historians he found people living there and some ancient mummies were found.
• It is located at 2,400 meters above sea level, its climate is warm – temperate because it is near the edge of the jungle.

Machu Picchu Technical Facts

Due to its location strategically established for its protection, the number of temples and their architectural quality and due to the small number of “Kanchas” (rooms for large families), and the various characteristics of Machu Picchu was originally a center of regional power dependent on Cusco. It was a small religious and political capital. It was probably used as a dwelling by the Inca or any high ranking dignitary of the Capital as well as for a selected nobility that had many privileges being attended by hundreds of servants.

Most modern archaeologists and historians claim that Machu Picchu was built and used by Inca Pachacutec, who was the greatest builder of Tawantinsuyo who ruled from 1438 to 1471, as his royal estate. Scholars use for this statement the chronological dating given by carbon 14 or radiocarbon. Its undoubted “Imperial Inca” architectural style, the predominant ceramic style and a couple of ancient chronicles found in Cusco archives. Moreover, the archaeological and architectural evidence totally rules out any possibility of pre-Inca settlements in this Inca citadel.

According to the buildings found in this Inca village, the population during its heyday is normally estimated at about 1000 people. Osteologist John W. Verano, after a recent study of the mummies found by Bingham’s expeditions, affirms that there was a relative balance between the male and female population in Machu Picchu, thus discarding the theory based on George Eaton’s study that erroneously affirmed that 80% of that population were women. That theory said that Machu Picchu was an important “Aqllawasi” or House of Chosen Women, chosen from among the most beautiful and virtuous, who were considered the wives of the Sun.

Many modern scholars suggest that a large percentage of them were also wives of the Inca, considering that he was the son of the Sun; therefore, a living god. So it was normal for the Inca to have hundreds of concubines, and for example, history says that Wayna Qhapaq who was the father of Waskar and Atawallpa had more than 400 children. However, his main wife must have been a sister of his; this being the only way that the Inca descendants could conserve their “solar blood” that they supposedly had. The heir to the throne had to be a son of the Inca and his sister. From John Verano’s meticulous study, it is also known that the population at Machu Picchu was ethnically heterogeneous and its people were not really strong, nor did they show signs of having participated in warlike activities.

Rather, its classification fits perfectly with the theory that Machu Picchu was a royal mansion belonging to the Inca Pachakuteq, and the human remains found belong to the servants of that mansion, where the height of adult men was an average of 1.57 meters, and that of the women was 1.48 meters. It is evident that this Inca Village suffered a bad depopulation for unknown causes, about which although some hypothetical logical reasons are outlined, it is believed that once there was a terrible epidemic that forced the abandonment of the village built in a humid area with abundant insects. Even until the first decades of the 20th century, several epidemics were frequently reported in this area, mainly malaria.

But don’t worry, because nowadays several chemicals are used to fumigate the environment, so sanitation conditions are much better here. Another possibility points to the fact that this village had to be abandoned and closed after the death of the Inca ruler who built and used the village. Another hypothetical reason points to the fact that once the Antis (name of the Andes Mountains comes from “Antis” = jungle tribes living in the Amazon Rainforest), who were the worst enemies of the Incas, came to this place carrying out a great massacre. What is clear is that the Inca village was closed, abandoned and forgotten from the time of the Incas until the early twentieth century.

Machu Picchu attractions

Machu Picchu is divided into two main areas: agricultural and urban. This classification is based on the possible uses that the Incas gave to these sectors.

Agricultural sector

The Agricultural Area is located just after entering from the tourist hotel Belmond Sanctuary Lodge; here there are very wide cultivation terraces that are only some of those existing in the region, since most are covered with thick vegetation. At the eastern end of the terraces, there are five buildings that may have been used to house the farmers who cultivated this area known as the “Farmers Group”, although Bingham called them “The Outer Barracks”. At the upper end of these terraces, there is a small three-walled room known as the “Casa del guardian” built in a strategic location from which there is a wide view of the Urubamba canyon in two different directions. It is here, from where the classic photographs of Machupicchu are taken.

Further south of the “Funerary Rock” is located the largest building of Machu Picchu which is a “Kallanka” that has 8 entrance openings in its front wall and 2 on the sides. Because of its location near the trails, its size and morphology it is thought that this building must have been a kind of “Tambo” and that is why it was used as a shelter for a large number of people.

Some authors call this building “La Sede” and others “Los Talleres”. Passing from the agricultural area to the urban area there is a large “Dry Moat” that served as a barrier between the two areas. Machu Picchu was a very exclusive town and its population was selected among the nobility, therefore it had a very effective security and protection system.

Urban Sector

Crossing the dry moat we locate the urban area and then we find the street of the fountains that contains 16 liturgical fountains, in the Inca Society, water was always considered as a special deity, so there were usually fountains and reservoirs for their worship. The main fountain is located in front of a three-walled building that in Inca architecture is called “Wayrana”, which is supposed to be a ceremonial center from where the “Willaq Uma” or High Priest had to perform various ceremonies to worship the water. At present, the water no longer flows through these canals only because the tourist hotel is using it. Originally, the water came from a spring located behind the Machu Picchu mountain. That channel was set aside and along the Inka trail to Intipunku.

Nearby is the “Temple of the Sun” which was originally a very well protected facility. At the time of the Incas, only priests and Incas could use these temples; thus they remain closed and protected. The common people had their popular ceremonies in open areas or plazas like those of Machu Picchu or Cusco.

The entrance to the Temple of the Sun is made through a magnificent double jamb portal, which in its interior surface shows its security system with a stone ring over the lintel where the wooden door must have been hung, and the two nails inside small boxes carved in two interior jambs where the gate of the door was tied. The temple was built on a rock “in situ”. It has a semicircular floor; whose back wall is straight and the whole temple is of “Imperial Inca” architectural type, which is of rectangular stonework with perfect joints. The semicircular wall has two windows; one of them to the east and the other to the north. According to modern scientists, these two windows are the most important solar observatory of Machu Picchu. In the east-facing window, it is possible to precisely configure the winter solstice by measuring the shadow projections on the central rock.

Both windows show false beams carved in projection that surround their exterior surface. These windows were probably used to support components that facilitated solar observations. In the center of the temple is a rock altar carved “in situ”, which was used to perform various ceremonies in honor of the sun. It is here, where animal sacrifices were performed, so that by analyzing their hearts, lungs and viscera, the priests could predict the future. It is also here that the Inca had to symbolically drink “chicha” (corn beer) with his father the Sun. The straight back wall has a window with small holes carved in its sill, which tradition knows as the “Serpent Window” (name given by Bingham). The holes are very similar to those found in the Temple of the Stars in the city of Qoricancha Cusco that according to Garcilaso kept ornaments of precious metals and stones. Possibly also in this place, those holes mentioned had the same use.

The straight walls of the temple have trapezoidal niches on their inner faces that were used to keep various idols and offerings. Some authors claim that originally this temple had a conical thatched roof, and name it as “El Suntur Wasi”, “La Torre Militar”, etc. Under the “Temple of the Sun” there is an interesting small cave known as the Royal Tomb. “So called by Bingham who believed that it could house the mummy of an Inca or a monarch of Machu Picchu; clarifying that nothing was found inside. Then, the relationship would be logical: the Inka buried under the temple of his father sun. Undoubtedly, that small cave must have been related to the Ukju Pacha or subway world and the cult of the dead. Inside the small cave, on the right side wall, there are two large trapezoidal niches with false stone beams protruding from the height of their lintels, and two smaller niches in the deeper wall. On the floor, there is a carving with a symbol of passage, called chacana that represents the three levels of the Andean Religious World.

In the Inca Society, all the corpses were embalmed and mummified in a fetal positi with the only difference that the mummies of the nobles were kept in the temples, while those of the common people were buried or placed in cemeteries. Inside the Temple of the Sun there is also a two-story high building known by some authors as the “Cerramiento de Ñusta” (ñusta, meaning princess) and as the “Cerramiento del Sacerdote” by some others that because of its location in that installation must have had a close relationship with the Temple and possibly was the Willaq Uma, or place of residence of the High Priest.

Crossing the street in front of the Temple of the Sun, the “Royal Group of Buildings” is located, which is a classic “kancha” (an apartment for a large family); being the only one found in this area and the only one very solid and built in carved stone. There is no doubt that it was the Inka’s dwelling. The group has two large rooms and two small “wayranas” around a central courtyard. The eastern room is known as the dormitory and inside, its southern part is divided in carved stones that make up the “bed”, so it is thought that the Inca may have slept in that corner on blankets woven in vicuña wool.

At the north end of the room, there is a very small compartment that people have dubbed the “bathroom,” which is unusual because bathrooms are not normally found inside apartments. The room in front is known as the ruler’s “study”; and the two small “wayranas” used on the two opposite sides were probably used as a kitchen and workshop. Almost in the middle of the central courtyard is a carved stone that was used as a mortar for grinding grain or other products. Leaving this group by its only entrance, at present there is another exit behind the “studio” that was opened to help tourists walk, in the small and narrow passage, and on the right side and about two meters high a carved ledge There is a stone showing a false beam that has a hole in the middle, which must have been used to contain ceremonial components and perhaps an “aryballus”, which is a classic Inka vessel with a sharp base containing chicha (corn beer).

Going up the stone stairs, the area of “Quarry” or “Granitic Chaos” is located, where there are amorphous granite boulders; which insinuates that they were simply being worked immediately. All the mountains around this Inca town have rocks of the same quality; grayish white granite from the Vilcabamba Batolito region, which proves that the rocks that make up this citadel were already located in this place from the initial time, so they were not transported from the bottom of the valley as some authors tried to affirm.

In this area, there is a partially broken rock frequently pointed out by local guides as not being a genuine Inca work, but only a sample to show the technique used to split stones in Inca times, which was done in 1953. When the magma cooled to form granite stone, a crystallization process occurred whereby these rocks always present ribs, faults or natural lines on their surfaces, these ribs or lines were located by the Quechua stonemasons to make holes along them. Those holes were filled with wooden wedges that were then soaked; thus using that expansion or swelling of soaked wood to split the rocks.

From the quarry, it is possible to go up the stone stairway to the southeast to reach the area known as the “Upper Group” which some historians call this area as the “Main Gate of the City”, or the “Yachay wasi” which means school. In this area there are many walled “pirka” type buildings that apparently were used as public buildings, among which are some “Qollqas” or warehouses.

In this area is located the main gate of the town of Machu Picchu, which was the only entrance from the southeastern part of the town, and was very well protected to allow entry only to its exclusive population. On the inner surface of that gate you can also see its locking system with the stone ring on the lintel and the two stakes inside the small boxes carved in the jambs.

To the west of the quarry is the “Sacred Plaza” (Sacred Group), where at its western end is located the “Main Temple” (Main Temple) which is a Temple type “Wayrana”, since it only has three walls made in rectangular pieces of stone surface and perfect “Imperial Inka” type tight joints. The Great Temple shows seven trapezoidal niches in its central wall and five in each of the lateral ones. In front of it, about 8 meters ahead and near the “Temple of the Three Windows” is a huge partially carved rock that must have been the central pillar of the main temple that supported the roof beams, which is currently called “the altar of sacrifices”.

Currently the main temple has its central wall broken, and moves to the northeast; archaeological work showed that the displacement is due to rain seepage, although some geologists hint that it is due to a geological fault that passes through this place and crosses it, which says more, that there is another fault in the Temple of the Sun. The deity worshipped in this main temple is unknown, although some historians claim that it may have been Wiracocha, the invisible Andean high god. On the other side of the wall on the south side of the temple, there is a small diamond-shaped outcropping made of carved stone that according to some authors, is an allegory of the Southern Cross, a statement that is not definitively proven. At the north end of the “Sacred Plaza” is located the temple of the windows of the trees, which has only three walls and when it was in use had a gable roof, its stones are polygonal, and comparatively must have been earlier or earlier. less important than the “Main Temple”.

Evidence shows that this temple was originally designed to have five windows, but it appears that the last two windows were bricked up after the temple was completed. In the central part of what would become the front wall, there is a single stone pillar used to support the thatched roof, and on its western side a stone carved in steps representing the three levels of the Andean World: the “Hanan-Pacha” (sky), the “Kay-Pacha” (surface of the earth) and the “Ukju-Pacha” (subway). The existence of this Temple made Bingham believe that he had found the mythical Pakaritampu “Tampu T’oqo” or the place where the Inca civilization began; but all this has been proven wrong today.

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