Name: Intihuatana Pyramid, Machu Picchu
Rating: 1.9

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Intihuatana Pyramid, Machu Picchu

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Intihuatana Pyramid, Machu Picchu

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Location: Machupicchu, Urubamba, Cusco, Peru

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1. Machu Picchu Viewpoint – Machu Picchu loop from Intihuatana

1.86km

00:36

80m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Björn

June 12, 2020

What some guides call the "Intihuatana pyramid" was probably not originally planned as a pyramid. Rather, the builders of Machu Picchu chose one of the existing hills in the Hanan section of Machu Picchu as the building ground and provided it with rising terraces on all sides, so that a polygonal structure resulted. The decisive factor was the outstanding and exposed point, as close to heaven as possible.

The Intihuatana pyramid (often referred to as the "Intiwatana pyramid") can be reached via two long stairs on opposite sides - one coming from the north, the other from the south. So visitors can choose the route from the main square or the climb behind the main temple. Originally, at least one of the stairs was seventy-eight steps long - an impressive stonemason achievement, as every single step was carved out of the hard stone of the hill.

Translated by Google •

Andi

April 28, 2024

This incredible pyramid building is located in the Hanan sector of the urban area. The exact location of the pyramid of Intiwuatana is on the slopes of one of the hills and was therefore designed to take on a pyramid shape. This was possible after the edges of the hill were converted into level slopes that formed a structuring of terraces and foothills on a polygonal base that took on the appearance of a pyramid.

The main entrances to the building consist of two long steps, one to the north and the second to the south of the building, each on opposite sides. One of them was designed to accommodate 78 steps, which is an excellent feat of construction. Most of the steps were exceptionally carved into one of the rock massifs of the hill. This staircase leads to an external chamber reminiscent of a terrace, where the same incredible architectural designs can be seen on each and every wall of the courtyard.

From this chamber, visitors can access the top of the building. The pyramid is surrounded by the buildings that are most valuable to the citizens of Machu Picchu due to their religious and spiritual significance and are essential to the Inca civilization. This is one of the reasons that clearly explain why the access through the aforementioned hand-carved stone staircase has such a magnificent design, considering that the foundation of the steps is a huge mound of granite rock.

Right in the center of the chamber is a device reminiscent of one of those fascinating devices of this civilization; the device could have been used by the Inca civilization as a measuring instrument for scientific purposes such as astronomy, astrology, mathematics, physics, meteorology and many other teachings. The tool seems to be based on light phenomena and provided the civilization with an excellent scientific device for analyzing the light and shadows of the sun during different seasons such as summer, solstice and equinox.

Source: enjoy-machu-picchu.org/architecture/intihuatana.php

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 2,450 m

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Saturday 20 September

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Max wind speed: 2.0 km/h

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Location: Machupicchu, Urubamba, Cusco, Peru

Intihuatana Pyramid, Machu Picchu

1. Machu Picchu Viewpoint – Machu Picchu loop from Intihuatana

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