Best to do in Machu Picchu in Cusco Peru; But, what activities can we do in Machu Picchu? Machu Picchu is stretched over 13 km², which means that there are lots of fascinating locations that will allow you to take a look into the lost culture of the Incas. And these locations will give us a wonderful glimpse of what this complex consists of.
You will even find complementary activities such as hiking to the surrounding mountains. So, Machu Travel Peru will put together 10 things to do in Machu Picchu. You will spend hours wandering and being amazed from marvel to marvel in this Inca city of wonders. And how long do you need at Machu Picchu? Taking into account that each entrance allows you about 4 hours inside the complex and that the longest circuit lasts 3 hours, you will have enough time
1. Huayna Picchu mountain,
Huayna Picchu means “young peak” and is the mountain that is located to the north of the Inca city. The mountain, looming behind the lost city is an important part of the icon that we know as Machu Picchu as it forms the backdrop of most iconic Machu Picchu photos. Its highest point is 2700 meters and allows us splendid views of Machu Picchu and the nearby mountains.
2. The Temple of the Sun/Sun Temple
Semi-circular building located on the lower part of a hill, near the Ritual Fountains and the Royal Tomb, in the part of the Urban Sector close to the Agricultural one.The temple could have been an astronomical observatory.It is believed that high level Incas had their residences in this area. It is not know exactly what rituals have been taking place in and around this temple. Some specialists that the main god of Viracocha would have been one of the worshipped ones.
3. The Condor Temple (Temple of the Condor)
The Temple of the Condor in Machu Picchu is a breathtaking example of Inca stonemasonry. A natural rock formation began to take shape millions of years ago and the Inca skillfully shaped the rock into the outspread wings of a condor in flight. On the floor of the temple is a rock carved in the shape of the condor's head and neck feathers, completing the figure of a three-dimensional bird. Historians speculate that the head of the condor was used as a sacrificial altar. Under the temple is a small cave that contained a mummy.
4. The Temple of the Moon/Moon Temple
Behind the summit you will find a route to the Temple of the Moon, which is "installed" in a natural cave. Visiting the Temple of the Moon takes about 1 hour. Because it is not exactly on the top of Huayna Picchu, but slightly below it. You will have to walk downwards and after that even climb a little bit. There will be 2 ways down: a short, but steeper, scarier way and a longer, but less dangerous path.
5. Inca Bridge
This is an easy hike, although not for people who suffer from vertigo. The Inka Bridge is, in fact, part of the stone pathway that takes you in a westerly direction away from Machu Picchu. Here, at this highly strategic point along the city’s defenses, the Incas left a gap of about 6 meters in the carved cliff face (a 600 meter drop into the defile below) and bridged it by laying two tree trunks across it. That way, if they were threatened in any way from the west, all they had to do to impede an enemy advance was remove the trunks, leaving Machu Picchu impregnable from that sector.
6. Intipuncu/Intipunku (Sun Gate)
Only those who take the hike to Machu Picchu have the possibility to pass through this unique gate, called "The Sun Gate", which is located on the edge of the Agricultural Sector.The view is very beautiful in the morning, when the Sun comes up. It is a rewarding experience to see for those who hiked all the way to the ruins!
7. Intihuatana/Sun Dial,
The Intihuatana stone (meaning 'Hitching Post of the Sun') has been shown to be a precise indicator of the date of the two equinoxes and other significant celestial periods.
8. The Temple of the Three Windows/The Three Windowed Temple
The building located near the hill where the Sacred Plaza is situated. The temple is clearly recognizable because it has 3 trapezoidal windows. Interestingly, this buildings looks like it never had any roof. Or, it was fully made of wood and grass and had perished during so many centuries.
9. The Funeral Rock
It is right near the Guard House. You can't miss it, it's a huge stone. Human remains were found near it, proving that burials were made in the proximity.Some stones found nearby contain grooves, which could mean that they were used in sacrifices. Some specialists say that certain carvings in rocks were made for blood drainage or for placing human or animal body in it. Though, there is no concrete evidence that the Incas made human sacrifices in Machu Picchu, we know that animal sacrifices were very frequent and considered requirements by the gods in Inca religion.
10. Illa or Scale model .
a natural lithic formation that looks like scale representing the mountain is background wich is considered a Waka ( sacred place )
