Intipunku

Machu Picchu

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The Inca Trail ends after its final descent from the notch in the horizon called Intipunku (Sun Gate). Looking at the hill behind you as you enter the ruins, you can see both the trail and Intipunku. This hill, called Machu Picchu (Old Peak), gives the site its name.

Access from the Machu Picchu ruins may be restricted. It takes about an hour to reach Intipunku. If you can spare at least a half-day for the round-trip, it may be possible to continue as far as Wiñay Wayna. Expect to pay S15 or more as an unofficial reduced-charge admission fee to the Inca Trail, and be sure to return before 3pm, which is when the checkpoint typically closes.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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  • Ollantaytambo ruins

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    27.19 MILES

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    Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary

    0.82 MILES

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  • Inca Quarry

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    17.29 MILES

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  • Llama Terraces

    Llama Terraces

    27.67 MILES

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Nearby Machu Picchu attractions

1. Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón

0.62 MILES

This museum has superb information in Spanish and English on the archaeological excavations of Machu Picchu and Inca building methods. Stop here before or…

3. Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary

0.82 MILES

For many travelers to Peru, a visit to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu is the whole purpose of their trip. With its awe-inspiring location, it is the…

4. Inca Drawbridge

0.83 MILES

A scenic but level walk from the Hut of the Caretaker takes you right past the top of the terraces and out along a narrow, cliff-clinging trail to the…

5. Temple of the Condor

0.84 MILES

This ‘temple’ is named for a carving of the head of a condor with rock outcrops as outstretched wings. It is considered the centerpiece of the Prison…

6. Royal Tomb

0.84 MILES

Below the Temple of the Sun, this almost hidden, natural rock cave was carefully carved by Inca stonemasons. Its use is highly debated; though known as…

7. Temple of the Sun

0.84 MILES

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…

8. Prison Group

0.84 MILES

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.

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