The Most Memorable Sights of the Machu Picchu Trek
Visiting Machu Picchu is a dream for so many people. It is iconic in a way that very few other locations are. Fascinating and beautiful in equal measures, it has so much to offer. But when you get there, the experience can be overwhelming. There is so much to see that it can be hard to know where to start. Which is why it’s a good idea to plan at least some of the things you really want to see in advance. These are some of our favourites.
Nine Sights You Need to See When Visiting Machu Picchu
The Sun Gate
If there’s one feature of Machu Picchu most people have heard of, it’s the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). The primary entrance and exit for the citadel, it also offers the very best view out across the mountain and towards Cusco. And if you can get to Machu Picchu for sunrise, that’s where you’ll want to be.
Temple of the Sun
Said to display some of the best architectural features of the site, there are a number of theories concerning the original use of the Temple of the Sun. Some believe it to have been used as an astronomical observatory. Others suggest that it may have been the site of religious ceremonies, including sacrifices. While there is also a belief that it could have served as a royal tomb. We may never know the whole truth. But we can still appreciate its absolute splendour.
The fountains
How do you provide enough fresh water to sustain a mountaintop city? In its heyday, Machu Picchu is believed to have been home to between 300 and 1,000 people. Bringing enough water uphill was an impossibility. The solution was to guide it downhill. Using a series of channels stretching 2,461 feet from a natural spring, the fountains feed into 16 baths across Machu Picchu. It’s an impressive feat of engineering, even by today’s standards.
The House of the High Priest
No one really knows if the High Priest of Machu Picchu really lived in this structure. But as the only building in the Sacred Plaza with four remaining walls, it seems to have a stronger structure than almost anything else on site. Which would imply that it is of some particular significance. But regardless of its use, it’s an extraordinary sight to see.
The Sacred Rock
Do we know what the Sacred Rock was used for? No. All we do know is that it’s immense and seems to loosely follow the contour of the mountain behind it. Some people claim that it radiates natural energy (you’ll see a lot of stone huggers on site!). Others say that it may have once been a place of performance and art. All we know is that it must have been a nightmare to move, but aesthetically, it’s worth every ounce of effort.
The Watchman’s Hut
This is one of the first sights you’ll see after entering the site. And compared to the rest of the structures, it’s small and unassuming. But the view of the city from this point will totally take your breath away.
The Principal Temple
The primary feature of the Sacred Plaza, the Principal Temple gained its name simply because of its size. But with its magnificently cut stone – which includes a deltoid shaped block which is believed to represent the Southern-Cross – it’s worth more than a few minutes of your time.
Huayna Picchu
For most visitors, actually climbing Huayna Picchu – the monolithic mountain which towers above the city – isn’t an option. It takes too long. And although you don’t need specialist equipment or too much climbing experience to manage it, it’s far from an easy stroll. But as it is by far the most easily recognised feature of the landscape surrounding Machu Picchu, it is definitely worth your attention. So, while you probably won’t climb it, you should certainly admire it.
The terraces
While you won’t be allowed to tread on the grass of the Central Plaza, on some of the terraces you are free to roam. Cleverly designed to enable crop cultivation on the steep slopes of the mountain, the terraces are not only beautiful, but historically and culturally impressive. Just be sure to stick to the authorised areas.
When you join a Choose a Challenge trek to Machu Picchu, you can either choose to explore the site on your own. Or join a guided tour (for an additional fee). Both options are worth doing, it just depends upon how much to know about the site, and how much more you wish to discover. Either way, these are the sights that we would never want to miss.
Find out more about trekking to Machu Picchu with Choose a Challenge.
