23. The Cemeteries
Four main sacred cemeteries protected by walls. George Eaton’s 1912 research uncovered over 100 human remains, reflecting the profound ritual respect the Incas provided to their ancestors.
24. The Temple of the Condor
Features a natural rock sculpture carved to represent the outstretched wings, head, and white collar of an Andean condor, a symbol of power and justice in the Inca trilogy. It includes funerary niches and an underground cave.
25. The Prison Group
An enigmatic site generating debate between two theories: a punishment center with niches to tie prisoners and underground cells, or a highly specialized storage complex for dehydrated grains and vegetables.
26. Farewell to Machu Picchu
Thank you for accompanying our audio guide on your visit to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We hope you enjoyed this 15th-century marvel built under the mandate of Inca Pachacuti. Safe travels!
13. The Sacred Plaza
Located in the western sector, this is the most prominent ceremonial center. Surrounded by the Main Temple to the north and the Temple of the Three Windows to the east, it served as the primary stage for ceremonies like Inti Raymi.
14. The High Priest’s House
Located in the Main Plaza, it stands out for its two entrances, five rear niches, and notable pink granite protrusions brought all the way from Ollantaytambo, adding mystery to its ceremonial purpose.
15. The Temple of the Three Windows
One of the most prominent structures in the Sacred Plaza, named for its three large west-facing windows. It features finely carved polygonal stone walls and a central pillar that once supported an inclined roof.
16. The Main Temple
Situated in the northeast sector, this rectangular building (‘wasi’) features large, finely finished stones, seven central niches, and robust earthquake-resistant construction, serving as the spiritual center of Machu Picchu.
17. The Temple of the High Priest
Located behind the Main Temple, notable for its technical skill with stones cut up to 32 precision angles, ceremonial wall slits (ñanjas), and stone seats used to venerate mummies.
18. The Intihuatana
Meaning ‘place where the sun is tied’, this 1.18-meter tall monolith atop a terraced hill with 78 steps served as an astronomical instrument to measure solstices and equinoxes.