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Circuit number 2 is the most popular circuit of Machu Picchu. If you hire a Machupicchu guide, this is the circuit that most Machupicchu guides will take. The entire circuit takes about 3 hours to complete. It is one of the best circuits if you want to see most of the main attractions in Machu Picchu. The upper area consists of 3 of the best spots to take pictures of Machu Picchu. If you are into landscape photography, this circuit is one of the best. Below is a map that describes the best attractions you will find on this circuit. The best photo spots are marked with a camera icon so you can take the classic photo of Machu Picchu as well as some of the best landscape photos of this Inca world wonder. The lower section will also amaze you with incredible Inca structures that beautifully match the natural landscapes and surrounding mountains. There are only two tickets that allows you to visit circuit 1 completely:
- the Machu Picchu citadel ticket
- the Machu Picchu circuit 1 or 2 + Inca bridge
1 Lower platform. This is where you can take the classic picture of Machu Picchu
2 Upper platform. This is another area where you can take the classic picture of Machu Picchu
3 Main Gate
4 Dry Moat
5 Temple of the Sun
6 Granite Chaos
7 Temple area
8 Intihuatana Pyramid (Entrance only from 7 to 10am)
9 Sacred Rock
10 Industrial Sector
11 Inca oriental store houses
12 Water Mirror
13 Temple of the Condor (Entrance only from 10am to 1pm)
14 Pisonay tree plaza
15 Archaeological reserve
This is where you can take the classic picture of Machu Picchu.
This is another area where you can take the classic picture of Machu Picchu.
The Inca architects designed it to frame the Waynapicchu mountain, one of the tutelary deities of the place. The trapezoidal shape is a hallmark of Inka architecture.
The division between the agrarian and urban areas was marked by the Dry Moat, which would have been a water drainage. It also prevented excessive erosion of the land and contributed to the isolation of the ceremonial sector.
Sun Temple, The temple is one of the best examples of organic architecture in the world and one of the finest in the sites of Machupicchu. The lower level contains a stepped symbol, a lithic sculpture, and trapezoidal niches that were used for ceremonial purposes related to the cult of the dead. In the top level, trapezoidal niches can be found, along with a large carved rock altar and trapezoidal windows that were astronomical observation points.
The fractured rocks and partially worked granite blocks in this area were still in the process of formation. The area was still being used as a quarry at the time the site was abandoned. It hints at what the site may have looked like prior to the construction of the deposit.
The temple area was the main space for religious ceremonies in Machu Picchu. Around it are two of the most remarkable constructions: the Main Temple and the Temple of the 3 Windows. It is currently one of the most visited sites within the Inca citadel. It is open to visitors every day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The structure known as the Intihuatana is a rock hewn out of a rocky outcrop. This incredible rock is characterized by preserving several polished planes with incredible precision. This rock served as a sundial and has been known for years as the rock that radiates energy. Although it is forbidden to touch it, it will suffice to separate the palms of the hands a few centimeters to feel its energy.
The Sacred Rock is a monolith of amazing dimensions carved by the Incas inside Machu Picchu. It reaches a height of 3 meters sitting on a base 7 meters wide. This base is carved as an altar. It is made with granite stone located in the same sector. The fine carving of its base indicates that the Incas left various offerings there such as coca leaves, animal fetuses or llama sacrifices. It is currently one of the most famous buildings in Machu Picchu. Tourists believe that by bringing their hands close to its granite, they are filled with the energy of the mountains.
The "Industrial District" is the largest complex in the city, it is said that it could be the house of chosen women, women dedicated to the service of fine crafts, hence the name of the complex or industrial district
The colcas were part of the Inca system to store food and goods of each suyu that were later redistributed among all the inhabitants of the empire. This system guaranteed the survival of the Empire and its people in years of bad harvests.
They are two round-shaped containers, carved in a natural outcrop of granite, similar to mortars, which is why this place is known as: "The Mortar Room", they are located on the floor of one of the enclosures of the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun.
The Temple of the Condor is an impressive example of Inca masonry integrated into its natural environment. Created from a granite outcrop in the shape of an Andean condor, which is surrounded by two large stones representing its wings.
Pisonay or cinchona or cascarilla tree, which is located in the Plaza, which is a symbol that represents the riches of the vegetable kingdom in the national coat of arms of Peru, will be part of the 24 native species that will be planted in the next five years in the Historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The archaelogical reserve is series of inca structures that are roofless. There is a variety of rooms and hallways. Some structures have many windows, other structures have long halls and walkways.
