The Temple of the Sun was a sacred enclosure built by the Incas to pay tribute and offer sacrifices to the sun in Machupicchu. This star was one of the most important deities of the Inca civilization. Thus, only the priests and elite of the empire could enter this temple

Translated by Google •

Björn

June 12, 2020

The sun played a similarly central role in the Inca belief system as the mountains. The sun temple is therefore located in the urban core of Machu Picchu. Immediately next to it is the residence of the builder and Inca man Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui - which is also located in the southwestern part of Machu Picchu and is therefore separate from the other residential buildings of the social elite. Incidentally, the ruler not only had a spacious private garden, but also the only private sanitary facilities in all of Machu Picchu.
But despite the luxury of this ensemble, Machu Picchu also placed great value on the superiority of the gods over men: the stone work on the ruler's walls is obviously deliberately less detailed and opulent than that on the temple complex.

Translated by Google •

Peter Franken

April 18, 2024

The Temple of the Sun was the first building we visited after the Inca Trail. The construction is very special and from here you have some great views in a 360 degree radius. It is also a strategically good starting point to begin your tour of Machu Picchu.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 2,510 m

Weather

Tuesday 4 November

19°C

12°C

17 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 0.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Machupicchu, Urubamba, Cusco, Peru

Other Popular Places to Check Out

View of the Temple of the Condor

Stairs of Death (Huayna Picchu)

Hidroeléctrica Train Station

View of Machu Picchu Ruins

Machu Picchu Mountain Summit

Hiking Trail Along the Machu Picchu Railway

Urubamba River Railway Bridge to Machu Picchu Pueblo

View of Machu Picchu

Hidroeléctrica Station

Huayna Picchu

Sun Temple (Machu Picchu)

1. Machu Picchu Viewpoint – Machu Picchu loop from Intihuatana

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️