House of the High Priest

Machu Picchu


Little is known about these mysterious ruins, located opposite the Principal Temple.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Machu Picchu attractions

1. Sacred Plaza

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Climbing the stairs above the ceremonial baths, there is a flat area of jumbled rocks, once used as a quarry. Turn right at the top of the stairs and walk…

2. Temple of the Three Windows

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Important buildings flank the remaining three sides of the Sacred Plaza. The Temple of the Three Windows features huge trapezoidal windows that give the…

3. Principal Temple

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The ‘temple’ derives its name from the massive solidity and perfection of its construction. The damage to the rear right corner is the result of the…

4. Sacristy

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Behind and connected to the Principal Temple lies this famous small building. It has many well-carved niches, perhaps used for the storage of ceremonial…

5. Central Plaza

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The plaza separates the ceremonial sector from the residential and industrial areas.

6. Ceremonial Baths

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If you head straight into the ruins from the main entry gate, you pass through extensive terracing to a beautiful series of 16 connected ceremonial baths…

7. Prison Group

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At the lower end of this area is the Prison Group, a labyrinthine complex of cells, niches and passageways, positioned both under and above the ground.

8. Temple of the Sun

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Just above and to the left of the ceremonial baths is Machu Picchu’s only round building, a curved and tapering tower of exceptional stonework. This…

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