The Temple of the Sun
Quick Facts
- Location
- Peru, Machu Picchu
- Category
- Historic Ruins & Heritage
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Ticket Price
- Bundled with Machu Picchu entry and a chosen circuit.
- Address
- Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru
- Coordinates
- -13.1631, -72.5450
Introduction
The Temple of the Sun is the most sacred structure at Machu Picchu, set atop a great boulder at the heart of the site. Its curved wall of precisely cut granite blocks fits without mortar — the pinnacle of Inca stonemasonry. At the June solstice sunlight streams through the east window to land exactly on the ceremonial rock inside, a testament to Inca astronomy. Beneath lies a royal mausoleum, believed to hold the remains of Inca nobility. Circling the temple also rewards you with views over the Main Plaza and terraces — in its ring of Andean peaks, this shrine to the sun embodies the Inca reverence for cosmic order.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
💡 Tips
FAQ
How much is the admission for The Temple of the Sun?
Bundled with Machu Picchu entry and a chosen circuit.
Any practical tips for visiting The Temple of the Sun?
Morning mist lends the temple a mystical silhouette — shoot against the light. A guide explains the astronomical alignments — well worth it.
How long should I spend at The Temple of the Sun?
A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.
