The most important buildings to see in Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu is a constant surprise, not only because of the mountains and nature surrounding the site, but also because of the historic buildings and temples it houses. The archaeological sanctuary has more than 150 major structures, many of them with an energetic and ancestral influence that you can feel just by approaching it. Discover the 10 most impressive structures to see in Machu Picchu and which ticket you can use to visit.

The 10 most important constructions of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is home to so many impressive structures that one day won’t be enough to see them all. You’d have to explore each of its three circuits, in addition to purchasing tickets that take you to distant buildings via hikes. For this reason, it’s said that Machu Picchu should be visited more than once, because there are so many angles to see. Discover the most important structures in Machu Picchu and choose the ones that surprise you the most to visit.

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is the most famous mountain in all of Machu Picchu. While it’s not a structure in itself, it houses many buildings surrounding it, making it an even more impressive destination. From its summit (2,693 meters above sea level), you can contemplate the Inca citadel in all its splendor.

The Incas considered the mountains as “apus” protective spirits, Huayna Picchu along with other apus were the reason Machu Picchu was built on that specific site.

To reach Huayna Picchu mountain you will have to take a 2 hour and 30 minute hike (round trip) through steep steps, it is one of the best short adventures in the world.

• Ticket required: Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
• Availability: All year round
• Schedules:
  • Group 1 – Entry at 9:00 a.m.
  • Group 2 – Entry at 11:00 a.m.

Intihuatana

Interpreted as a sundial, its name means “place where the sun is anchored.” It is a stone structure that seems to simulate the shape of Huayna Picchu mountain in the background, as well as the shadows it casts on the structure. Even the base of the Intihuatana seems to represent the shape of the mountain.

The Intihuatana is at a central point, from which the mountains were aligned with the cardinal directions, and it was also a place where important ceremonies and rituals were performed.

Its location at the top of a summit is a perfect place for astronomical observations thanks to its unique geography. These factors contribute to the conceptualization of Machu Picchu as a mystical place.

• Availability: Currently, the Intihuatana cannot be visited in order to preserve it.

Sacred Rock

While there are many large rocks at Machu Picchu, the Sacred Rock takes on even greater significance given its shape and size. Its similarity to the contours of one of the mountains in the background leads some to believe it represents the snow-capped Pumasillo.

It has a base that could have been used to receive offerings and tributes, which lends greater symbolism to the sacred rock. To reach this site, follow the route toward Huayna Picchu mountain.

• Ticket required:
  • Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A)
  • Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B)
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)
  • Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon (Route 3C)
  • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)
• Availability: All year round
• Hours: From 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Temple of the Moon

Also known as the Great Cavern, the Temple of the Moon is a structure within a cave on the steep slope of Huayna Picchu Mountain. Visiting it will reveal some of the finest stonework of the Inca culture.

Its name comes from the fact that on nights of the full moon, the interior of the cave is surprisingly illuminated. Its importance also stems from its association with mountain worship, as well as its opening facing the sunset during the equinoxes.

The Incas considered these places sacred, as they believed that people came from the mountains through the caves and that after their death their souls returned there.

• Ticket required: Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon (Route 3C)
• Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)
• Schedules:
  • Group 1 – Entry at 7:00 a.m.
  • Group 2 – Entry at 8:00 a.m.

Inti Punku

The main entrance to Machu Picchu used by the Incas was the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) , which is located at the top of a summit in the northern part of the citadel.

From here you get a unique view of all the nature surrounding Machu Picchu, along with small buildings next to the entrance and all the way to get there.

If you happen to take the Inca Trail tour, you’ll enter here to see Machu Picchu.

• Ticket required: Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)
• Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)
• Schedules:
  • Group 1 – Entry at 8:00 a.m.
  • Group 2 – Entry at 9:00 a.m.
  • Group 3 – Entry at 10:00 a.m.
  • Group 4 – Entry at 11:00 a.m.

Inca Bridge

Located south of Machu Picchu, the Inca Bridge is an enigmatic structure on the side of a mountain. It’s made of stone, although it has a wooden plank in the middle, believed to have been removed for the protection of the Inca citadel.

This is an alternative route out of Machu Picchu, which is lost in the dense vegetation. Currently, you can only see the Inca bridge from a few meters away, as it crosses paths next to cliffs, which is quite dangerous.

• Required ticket: Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D)
• Availability: High season (June 19 to November 2)
• Schedules:
  • Group 1 – Entry at 8:00 a.m.
  • Group 2 – Entry at 9:00 a.m.
  • Group 3 – Entry at 10:00 a.m.
  • Group 4 – Entry at 11:00 a.m.

Temple of the Condor

The Temple of the Condor owes its name to two immense stone structures that resemble wings, as well as a rock carved into the floor in the shape of a triangle next to a slight peak surrounded by a ring similar to a ruff (characteristic of male condors).

Much of Andean culture believes that condors are representatives or manifestations of mountain spirits, so their importance may have been similar for the Inca culture.

• Ticket required:
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)
  • Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temple (Route 3B)
  • Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon (Route 3C)
  • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)
• Availability: All year round
• Hours: From 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Temple of the Sun

Also known as the circular tower, the Temple of the Sun features some of the finest stonework. Within this site is a three-tiered rock that was used as an altar and may also have served as a place for solstice observations.

When sunlight enters through the main window, it illuminates the rock carving during the June solstice. The rock inside the tower also forms the roof of a cave below, which also contributed to giving the structure a sacred appearance.

• Ticket required:
  • Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A)
  • Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B)
• Availability: All year round
• Hours: From 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Main Temple

When this place was discovered by Hiram Bingham, he noticed that there was a layer of white sand on it, this gives reference to places of great importance such as Haucaypata (main square of Cusco) and Cusipata (current Plaza Regocijo).

This sand was brought from the Pacific coast, and its connection to water was symbolized in rituals to invoke rain. This also meant that the Main Temple was a place to worship water and the mountains.

This place acquired its name due to the important ceremonial function that the citadel of Machu Picchu had.

• Ticket required:
  • Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A)
  • Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B)
• Availability: All year round
• Hours: From 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Temple of the Three Windows

Located on the eastern side of the Main Temple, it displays a beautiful enclosure with three finely sculpted windows, which give a view of the Pumasillo mountain range, as well as the Urubamba River.

During the excavations at the Temple of the Three Windows, many vessels for carrying liquids were found, corresponding to ceremonial utensils. Due to its proximity to the Main Temple, the site is associated with a ritual center for water or climate worship.

• Ticket required:
  • Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A)
  • Machu Picchu Classic Lower Terrace (Route 2B)
• Availability: All year round
• Hours: From 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Machu Picchu Tickets

Learn about all the tickets available for Machu Picchu, along with the buildings and tours they include.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which tour will give me the most insight into Inca buildings and temples?

  Circuit 2 (Classic Route) and Circuit 3 (Royal Route) include visits to most of Machu Picchu’s temples and buildings. If you’re looking for a panoramic tour, Circuit 1 is your best option.

• The difficult climb to Huayna Picchu mountain?

  Although it may seem complicated due to the steepness of the climb, accompanied by numerous steps, if you do it calmly and carefully, you can complete it without any problem. However, due to its proximity to ravines, the route is only open to those aged 12 and over.

• Why were mountains important to the Incas?

  Mountains were considered “Apus,” protective spirits who watched over the lands where they were located. They were among the most important deities in Inca culture, because it was said that people would watch over them through caves and return upon death.

• Why can’t you visit the Intihuatana?

  The Intihuatana is a structure that cannot be visited due to its state of conservation. It is believed to be one of the most important in Machu Picchu, and its preservation is vital to preserving the history and legacy of this place.

• How high is Machu Picchu?

  Machu Picchu is located 2,430 meters above sea level, so it’s very important to acclimatize beforehand during the first few days of your trip to avoid altitude sickness.

• Which buildings will I only be able to visit during the high season?

  Entrance to the route to see the Inti Punku gateway, the Inca bridge, and the Temple of the Moon is only available during the high season, from June 19 to November 2.

• How many tickets are there for Machu Picchu?

  There are 10 types of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, distributed across three circuits, each with a different experience.

• How far in advance should I purchase tickets to Machu Picchu?

  It’s recommended to purchase them one month in advance, regardless of the season of your visit. However, if you want a ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or the Classic Circuit, you must purchase them three months in advance.

• What other mountains can I climb in Machu Picchu?

  There are two different options to hike Huayna Picchu: Machu Picchu Mountain and Huchuy Picchu Mountain. Each one has its own ticket and offers experiences full of adventure and incredible scenery.

• What are the most important buildings in Machu Picchu?

  The most important are: Huayna Picchu mountain, Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Moon, the Inti Punku portal, the Inca Bridge, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple and the Temple of the Three Windows.

By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, September 9, 2025