Prison Group

Machu Picchu


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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Machu Picchu attractions

1. Temple of the Condor

0.01 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…

2. Ceremonial Baths

0.04 MILES

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…

4. Sacred Plaza

0.05 MILES

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…

5. Temple of the Sun

0.05 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…

6. Royal Tomb

0.05 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 Three Windows

0.05 MILES

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

8. Central Plaza

0.06 MILES

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

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "peru/machu-picchu/attractions/prison-group/a/poi-sig/1378637/363402",
      "destination": "Machu-Picchu",
      "continent": "South-America",
      "country": "Peru",
      "region": "Machu-Picchu",
      "position": "superzone"
    }