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When you go on tourism is important not to miss any detail of the activities that are planned for the trip to be perfect.
There are places whose natural diversity is wide, which is why you should organize your time to explore every corner of the place, especially if it is a wonder of the world.
It will be the case if you take the excursion to Machu Picchu, an archaeological jewel and a magical place where you can feel the connection with nature and the ancestors. So if you are planning your tours in Cusco and want to organize your trip well, here we show you what are the places to see in Machu Picchu to make your experience as complete as possible.
What to see in Machu Picchu
Although you have countless possibilities to visit this sacred place, it is true that if you are in a hurry, a 1 day tour to Machu Picchu will be enough to see the city. Of course, you will not be able to enjoy the incredible landscapes and places that you can find, for example, during the Salkantay Trek.
All options are good, as long as you end up visiting this Wonder of the World.
The Sacred Plaza
This enclosure is formed by three walls with polygon shapes. The function of this square was of a religious nature.
Proof of this is the so-called House of the Priest, an extra chamber where the High Priest or “Willaq Urna” resided, in Quechua, means “head that warns”.
Temple of the 3 windows, from where to see Machu Picchu
This stone temple is escorted by the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. As its name indicates, it has 3 trapezoidal windows that were used for religious rites.
The Temple of the 3 windows is one of the best examples of the symmetrical architecture so typical of the Incas, which is visible in much of the excursion to Machu Picchu. All thanks to the cutting and joining of stones used by the Incas. They were artisans of stone.
Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun has several levels both to be visited and enjoyed.
Under the temple, there is a small enclosure that has two windows that were used by priests to carry out their rites and prayers. The design and shape of the stones of this temple take you back to antiquity.
Can you think of a better place from which to see the sunrise from Machu Picchu?
The Royal Residence
And in an ancient civilization royalty could not be missing. The Royal Residence is the largest building and main temple of the whole citadel. It has a master bedroom and stairs that lead to a second level.
Its design, size, distribution and the fine carving of its walls and lintels reveals that it was an accommodation for the inhabitants of the highest social class of the whole citadel.
Intihuatana
It is a carved piece that is located in one of the highest places of the citadel. This Quechua term can be translated as “where the sun is moored”.
A translation that would have its meaning in that the Intihuatana served to differentiate the different seasons depending on the shadow cast by the piece on the base of the stone.
The Water Mirrors
It is an enclosure used by women to carry out different activities related to hygiene and the cult of water. Its name is due to the fact that in the middle of the enclosure there are 2 circular reservoirs that had the function of grinding the grains.
The story tells that in times of rain these reservoirs filled with water and at night you could see the stars through them since the water resembled a mirror where they were reflected.
Temple of the Condor
This temple is magical and unique because it was made above a cave, it has several levels and enclosures, it is said that each one was for people of different ranks. It is one of the most impressive things travelers tell of their Machu Picchu experience.
In the main courtyard there is a carved stone with the image of a condor, a bird considered as a deity for the Incas.
Huayna Picchu Mountain, the most iconic to see in Machu Picchu
This mountain is next to the citadel and is the best place to have a complete panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
You can also see the temple of the dead, the jail and the fountains that are all over the city.
You can find all in one place, amazing landscapes, captivating history and magical places, all in the Sacred City. Dare to make a Machu Picchu tour. I assure you that you will have a great time.