THE TEMPLE OF THE SUN: THE SACRED SANCTUARY OF MACHU PICCHU

One of the most important deities of the Empire. Due to its ceremonial nature, only priests and members of the elite could enter. It stands out for its semicircular architecture, finely carved walls, and its relationship with the movements of the Sun, which today makes it one of the most sacred and visited spaces in Machu Picchu.

History of the Temple of the Sun

It was built by order of the Inca Pachacútec in the 15th century as a sacred enclosure dedicated to Inti, the Sun god. Only priests and the elite could access this place, where religious rituals and astronomical observations were carried out. Beneath the temple there is a cave that is believed to have served as a royal mausoleum.

The Temple of the Sun: What is it and why is it so important

The Temple of the Sun is a sacred Inca enclosure located in Machu Picchu, built to worship Inti, the Sun god, one of the most important deities of the Inca Empire. Religious ceremonies were held here and only priests and members of the elite were allowed to enter.

It is so important because it reflects the religious and political power of the Inca Empire, in addition to demonstrating their advanced knowledge of architecture and astronomy. Its design made it possible to observe key solar phenomena, and its high-precision construction makes it one of the most sacred and valuable buildings in Machu Picchu.

Temple of the Sun: location within the Inca city

The Temple of the Sun is located in one of the most important areas of Machu Picchu, within the religious sector, in the area known as Hanan, which corresponds to the upper part of the Inca city. Access is part of the official route, which is carried out accompanied by an authorized tour guide.

Currently, for conservation and protection reasons, entering the temple is not allowed. However, visitors can observe it from a viewpoint located in the upper part, from where its architecture and its importance within the archaeological complex can be appreciated.

Altitude

The altitude of the Temple of the Sun is approximately 2,430 meters above sea level, within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

¿What was the Temple of the Sun used for?

As its name indicates, the Temple of the Sun had the main function of worshiping and offering offerings to Inti, the Sun god. In the lower part of the temple there is a natural cave, which would have been used as a tomb or mausoleum of great importance.

In addition, this building functioned as an astronomical observatory, since thanks to the strategic location of its windows it was possible to accurately identify the solstices and the changes of season. Inside there is an altar carved into the rock, where religious ceremonies were probably performed. During the solstices, the light of dawn entered through the windows and cast shadows on the central rock, marking key dates of the Inca calendar.

The architecture of the Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Sun is one of the most refined works of Inca engineering in Machu Picchu. It was built with large granite blocks carefully worked, typical of the imperial period, when the Inca Pachacútec promoted the most important constructions of the sanctuary.

The entrance is through a double-jamb trapezoidal doorway, an element that shows its ceremonial character. The building combines a straight wall with another of curved design, in which two windows open toward specific points on the horizon: the north and the east.

This temple rises over a natural cave, taking advantage of the shape of the mountain. Its walls, made up of irregular stones assembled with great precision, stand out for an almost perfect curvature of about 10 meters, a demonstration of the high construction level achieved by the Incas.

The structure rests directly on a huge rock of the mountain. At the back there is a window with small carved holes, which probably served to hold inlays of precious stones. This element is known as the Window of the Serpent, one of the most unique details of the temple.

How to appreciate the Temple of the Sun during your visit to Machu Picchu

The Temple of the Sun can only be appreciated from the authorized viewpoints inside Machu Picchu, since entry to the interior is restricted for conservation reasons. Its observation depends on the tourist circuit you have, and it is usually best seen during the early morning hours, when sunlight highlights its semicircular shape and fine stonework. Although Machu Picchu opens from 6:00 a.m., visiting time is limited according to the ticket (approximately 3 to 4 hours). During that route, the Temple of the Sun is part of the religious sector landscape and is one of the most photographed points, especially for its relationship with Inti and Inca astronomy.

What to bring

• Identity document or original passport
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Comfortable and light clothing (layers for weather changes)
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Sneakers or trekking shoes with good grip
• Sunscreen and cap
• Insect repellent
• Water in a reusable bottle
• Camera or cellphone

What not to bring

• Large backpacks (more than 20–25 L)
• Tripods, drones, or professional equipment
• Trekking poles with metal tips
• Excess food or disposable containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Sharp objects
• Speakers or sound equipment

Curious facts about the Temple of the Sun

• It is the only circular construction in Machu Picchu.
• It is built over a natural cave, something uncommon in Inca architecture.
• Its windows are aligned with the solstices, functioning as a solar observatory.
• According to chroniclers, Pachacútec would have been buried under the temple.
• Before the Spanish arrival, it was decorated with gold and silver.
• Today it cannot be entered, it can only be observed from viewpoints for conservation reasons.