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The Temple of the Condor at Machu Picchu│El templo del cóndor de Machu Picchu.

From the Sun Temple to the Sacred Plaza: Must-See Temples in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is much more than an archaeological wonder; it’s a place rich in history and deep spirituality. This citadel boasts temples, and one cannot help but wonder what secrets lie within their stone walls and what mysteries from the past remain undiscovered. What role did these temples in Machu Picchu play in the daily lives of the Incas?

In this blog by Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll discover the most important temples of Machu Picchu, where every corner has a story to tell. From the Temple of the Sun Machu Picchu to the Temple of the Three Windows Machu Picchu, you’ll uncover the cultural and spiritual significance of these sacred spaces. Are you ready to learn the histories and secrets of these Incan temples? Keep reading!

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel built in the 15th century and later abandoned. Today, it is an archaeological site of great historical and cultural significance.
Internationally recognized for its historical value, Machu Picchu has been declared by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Moreover, it is Peru’s top tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Despite numerous studies, mysteries still persist about its construction and use, making it a site of great interest for both archaeologists and tourists. Many travelers wonder how many temples are in Machu Picchu. While there are several, each has its own unique significance among the temples in Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu travel guide

Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world, is every traveler’s dream to experience the unparalleled energy that emanates from this place.

Temple of the Sun

This semicircular structure built atop a rock in Machu Picchu was used for religious ceremonies dedicated to the sun, the main deity of the Incas. The Temple of the Sun Machu Picchu is one of the most significant temples in Machu Picchu.

What makes it unique?

Its semicircular design is exceptional among the temples in Machu Picchu. Moreover, during the winter solstice, sunlight enters through a specific window and falls directly onto a central rock, demonstrating the Incas’ astronomical precision and architectural mastery.

How to enter?

This site is accessible from the upper part of the citadel. It’s important to know that access may be restricted at certain times of the day or even closed occasionally, due to efforts to protect it from ongoing wear and tear.

The temple of the moon of Machu Picchu│El templo de la luna de Machu Picchu

Temple of the Sun in Machu Picchu, an Incan structure with an altar and windows aligned with the sun.

Temple of the Three Windows

This site is a ceremonial building located in the Sacred Plaza of Machu Picchu, characterized by its three large windows that make it unique in the citadel. It is one of the most iconic temples in Machu Picchu.

What makes it unique?

Its name comes from the three aligned windows that allow sunlight to enter. It is believed that each window represents one of the three Andean worlds: Hanan Pacha (the upper world, of the gods), Kay Pacha (the earthly world, of the living), and Ukhu Pacha (the underworld, of the dead), making it a profound spiritual site among the temples in Machu Picchu.

How to enter?

You can access this site from the Sacred Plaza, one of the most visited points in the citadel of Machu Picchu; it will be a place that’s hard to miss.

Temple of the Three Windows of Machu Picchu│Templo de las tres ventanas de Machu Picchu.

Temple of the Three Windows in Machu Picchu, a structure with three large windows and stone walls.

Main Temple of Machu Picchu

The Machu Picchu Main Temple is one of the most important structures within the citadel, considered a significant religious ceremonial center and a central figure among the temples in Machu Picchu.

What makes it unique?

What makes this place unique is the perfection of its construction, with stone blocks precisely carved to fit perfectly. Although today it shows signs of deterioration due to the weight of the structure and erosion in the citadel of Machu Picchu.

How to enter?

The Main Temple is another of the most visited points and hard to miss. An important note: it is located near the Sacred Plaza, one of the main areas featuring the significant temples in Machu Picchu, so make sure you don’t miss it.

The main temple of Machu Picchu│El templo principal de Machu picchu

Main Temple of Machu Picchu, an impressive structure at the heart of the Incan citadel.

Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon Machu Picchu is another of the temples in Machu Picchu, located inside a cave on Huayna Picchu mountain; it is relatively distant from the citadel of Machu Picchu.

What makes it unique?

What makes the Temple of the Moon Machu Picchu unique is its location within a cavern featuring niches and altars carved directly into the rock, showcasing the architectural complexity of the Incas.

How to enter?

You can access this temple in Machu Picchu by taking an extra hike on the Huayna Picchu route; you should know that access is limited as it requires a special permit obtained when purchasing your ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain.

Temple of the Moon at Machu Picchu Temple of the Moon, an Incan archaeological site with intricate structures and a sacred cave.

Temple of the Condor

The Temple of Condor Machu Picchu is a structure in Machu Picchu that represents a condor in flight, sculpted from the native rock.

What makes it unique?

This temple has a peculiar shape reminiscent of a condor, with the head and neck carved into rock, while part of the wings is represented by a rock situated at the back. This is another example of how the Incas integrated their architecture with nature.

How to enter?

The Temple of the Condor is part of the standard tour of temples in Machu Picchu that most travelers take; it can be easily accessed from the center of the citadel.

The Temple of the Condor at Machu Picchu Temple of the Condor in Machu Picchu, an Incan structure carved in the shape of a bird with ritual significance.

The Sacred Rock

The Sacred Rock is a large monolith located in the northern and upper part of Machu Picchu, very close to the entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain. It is a significant spiritual site among the temples in Machu Picchu.

What makes it unique?

A detail that makes this place unique is that the monolith resembles Yanantin mountain, situated in front of Machu Picchu. It is believed to have been an object of worship or a geographical marker and is considered a place of great spiritual energy.

How to enter?

You can access this site by following the traditional route through the citadel of Machu Picchu. It’s a must-see point, as it is located very close to the entrance to climb Huayna Picchu mountain.

The sacred rock of Machu Picchu│La roca sagrada de Machu Picchu

Sacred Rock in Machu Picchu, a carved monolith of ritual importance to the Incas.

The Guardian’s House

The Guardian’s House is a structure in the upper part of Machu Picchu that offers a panoramic view of the citadel and its surroundings to this day.

What makes it unique?

What makes it truly unique is its strategic location, offering an incredible complete view of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Today, it is one of the most photographed points in Machu Picchu due to the view it offers.

How to enter?

This is one of the places that almost no traveler misses, as on the classic route it is the first point of the visit to the entire citadel of Machu Picchu.

The guardian's house of Machu Picchu│La casa del guardián de Machu Picchu

Discover the Guardian’s House in Machu Picchu, a historic point overlooking the archaeological site.

Intihuatana

The Intihuatana is characterized by its monolithic structure located in the upper part of Machu Picchu, which functioned as a sun dial or astronomical calendar. It is one of the most intriguing structures among the temples in Machu Picchu.

What makes it unique?

This site in Machu Picchu is unique, as it is believed to have functioned to measure solstices and equinoxes, demonstrating the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Incas. Moreover, it is one of the few Intihuatanas that was not destroyed during the Spanish conquest.

How to enter?

This place is very accessible via the classic route that most travelers take; it is in the upper part of the citadel of Machu Picchu. You should know that it can only be visited during specific times.

The intihuatana of Machu Picchu│El intihuatana de Machu Picchu

Intihuatana in Machu Picchu, a ceremonial monolith used to mark solstices and rituals.

Sacred Plaza

The Sacred Plaza is located in the center of Machu Picchu, surrounded by some of the most important temples in Machu Picchu, such as the Main Temple and the Temple of the Three Windows.

What makes it unique?

This place is considered the heart of Machu Picchu, where ceremonies and rituals were likely held. The importance of the surrounding structures highlights its significance within the citadel of Machu Picchu.

How to enter?

Accessing this place is very easy; moreover, it’s one of the points that’s hard to miss, as it is part of the traditional tour.

The sacred square of Machu Picchu

Sacred Plaza in Machu Picchu, a central space surrounded by important Incan structures.

Water Mirrors Enclosure

The Water Mirrors Enclosure is a structure in Machu Picchu that contains two small pools used to observe the sky and stars. This is another unique feature among the temples in Machu Picchu.

What makes it unique?

What makes it unique is that these water mirrors were used to observe the sky and study the stars reflected on the water’s surface. This demonstrates the deep astronomical and religious knowledge of the Incas.

How to enter?

This is another easily accessible point that you can visit if you take the traditional route. It is located in the upper part and is quite close to the Intihuatana.

Temples in Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu's water mirror enclosure│Recinto de los espejos de agua de Machu Picchu.

Discover the Water Mirrors Enclosure in Machu Picchu, an interesting part of the Incan city.

Can you imagine exploring the temples in Machu Picchu and uncovering their secrets? What stories could their structures tell you? Now that you’ve learned about the importance and mystery of these temples of Machu Picchu, why not plan your trip and see them for yourself? Use the information from this blog to prepare your visit and enjoy the grandeur of Machu Picchu.

Written by: AdminGustavo

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