Archaeological sights in Machu Picchu
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Intihuatana
A staircase behind the Sacristy climbs a small hill to the major shrine in Machu Picchu, the Intihuatana . This Quechua word loosely translates as the 'Hitching Post of the Sun' and refers to the carved rock pillar, often mistakenly called a sundial, which stands at the top of the Intihuatana hill. The Inca's astronomers were able to predict the solstices using the angles of this pillar. Thus, they were able to claim control over the return of the lengthening summer days.
Exactly how the pillar was used for these astronomical purposes remains unclear, but its elegant simplicity and high craftwork make it a highlight of the complex. It is recorded that there were several o…
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Temple of the Sun
Just above and to the left of the ceremonial baths is Machu Picchu's only round building, the Temple of the Sun , a curved and tapering tower that contains some of Machu Picchu's finest stonework. It appears to have been used for astronomical purposes. Inside are an altar and a curiously drilled trapezoidal window that looks onto the site.
The Temple of the Sun is cordoned off to visitors, but you can see into it from above, which is how you'll be approaching it if you take the stairs leading down and to the left from the caretaker's hut.
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Temple of the Moon
To get to the small Temple of the Moon, you take a plunging path down past Wayna Picchu. The trail is easy to follow, but involves steep sections, a ladder and an overhanging cave, where you have to bend over to get by. The spectacular trail drops and climbs steeply before plunging into the cloud forest. Suddenly, you reach a cleared area where the small, very well-made ruins are found. It's just a shame they're marred by graffiti.
The descent takes about an hour, and the ascent back to the main Wayna Picchu trail longer.
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Phuyupatamarka
Towards the end of the Inca Trail, you'll reach the beautiful, well-restored ruin of Phuyupatamarka (Town Above the Clouds), about 3600m (11,811ft) above sea level, which contains a stunning series of ceremonial baths with water running through them. A ridge here also offers camping - while it's a fabulous spot to watch the sun set, it's also the place where keen trekkers leave at 03:00 in a race to reach the Sun Gate in time for sunrise.
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Principal Temple
With the Temple of the Three Windows behind you, the Principal Temple is to your right. Its name derives from the massive solidity and perfection of its construction. The damage to the rear right corner of the temple is the result of the ground settling below this corner rather than any inherent weakness in the masonry itself. Opposite the Principal Temple is what is known as the House of the High Priest.
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Sacristy
Behind and connected to the Principal Temple lies a famous small building called the Sacristy . It has many well-carved niches, perhaps used for the storage of ceremonial objects, as well as a carved stone bench. The Sacristy is especially known for the two rocks flanking its entrance; each is said to contain 32 angles, but it's easy to come up with a different number whenever you count them.
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de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón
Don't miss the new Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón by Puente Ruinas at the base of the footpath to Machu Picchu. Buses headed back from the ruins to Aguas Calientes will stop upon request at the bridge, from where you can head back to town later, usually less than a half hour's walk.
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Royal Tomb
Below the temple is an almost hidden, natural rock cave that has been carefully carved, with a steplike altar and sacred niches, by the Inca stonemasons. It is known as the Royal Tomb , though no mummies were actually ever found here.
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