Intipunku, the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu
Intipunku was the entrance and control gate to Machu Picchu during the Inca period. From there, there is a panoramic view of the Inca structures.
The Intipunku is one of the most famous structures in Machu Picchu. However, because it is located in the upper part of the Inca city, about 2 kilometers from the archaeological site, only a few people visit this Inca site. More than five hundred years ago, Intipunku was the entrance gate to the Inca city. Its name means ‘Sun Gate’. You can get there in two ways: through the 4-day Inca Trail hiking route and from Machupicchu by purchasing the ‘Machu Picchu + Mountain’ ticket. Learn more!
Intipunku, the Sun Gate
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The Intipunku, the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu
Intipunku is known as the ‘Sun Gate’ of Machu Picchu. During the Inca period, it served as an entrance, exit, and control post for the Inca llaqta, which was inhabited by around one thousand people between 1450 A.D. and 1532 A.D.
Inti means ‘sun’ and Punku means ‘door’, so its name, translated from the Quechua language, means ‘Sun Gate’. It is made up of high stone walls with niches used to place various ritual objects, as well as agricultural terraces and platforms that support the Inca roads, the qhapac ñan.
From the top of Intipunku, a panoramic landscape of Machu Picchu can be seen. At certain times of the year, the first rays of the sun fall on its stone walls. For this reason, it is believed that religious ceremonies in honor of the sun god (Inti, in Quechua) were also held at Intipunku.
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What is the hike like to Intipunku?
Intipunku is located at 2,745 meters above sea level. Meanwhile, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is at 2,430 meters in elevation. This means the Sun Gate is located almost 300 meters higher. This route is done on foot, along a short 2-kilometer stretch of the qhapac ñan. The path is wide and easy, allowing visitors to enjoy a mountainous natural landscape and, in some sections, Inca stone structures.
In addition to the route that starts from Machu Picchu, Intipunku can also be visited via the famous 4-day Inca Trail. This trekking route begins at kilometer 82 of the railway (near the town of Ollantaytambo) and ends, after 39 kilometers on foot, at Intipunku, offering a first unforgettable panoramic view of Machu Picchu. There is also a shorter route known as the 2-day Inca Trail that also allows this first view of Machu Picchu from Intipunku. In both cases, a guided tour must be arranged through a travel agency.
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Information about Intipunku
Intipunku, the Sun Gate Information Meaning Its name means ‘Sun Gate’ Altitude 2,745 m.a.s.l. Photo Panoramic view of Machu Picchu Available routes Two ways to get there: a) from Machu Picchu with an entry ticket or b) via the 4- or 2-day Inca Trail Entry tickets ‘Machu Picchu + Intipunku’ ticket Entry times The ticket allows 4 entry times: 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m. Visitor age Route suitable for visitors of all ages Season Route available from June 1 to October 15 (the Inca Trail route is open year-round except in February) Hiking distance 2 kilometers from Machu Picchu and 39 kilometers via the Inca Trail Visit duration 2-hour hike from Machu Picchu Advance booking It is recommended to buy the ‘Machu Picchu + Intipunku’ ticket 2 to 3 months in advance. Inca structures included Intipunku features stone walls, enclosures, and structures Tour guide A guided visit to Intipunku is optional from Machu Picchu (mandatory on the Inca Trail) Ticket cost The ‘Machu Picchu + Intipunku’ ticket costs 152 soles. Difficulty Moderate route from Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail route is challenging. Recommendations Wear trekking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, bring snacks and rehydration drinks.
What is the visit to Intipunku like via the Inca Trail? – Intipunku can be visited from Machu Picchu or through the Inca Trail trekking route, either in its 4- or 2-day version. During both hikes, visitors reach Intipunku just as the Incas once did, arriving at the Sun Gate with a first view and control of the entrance. There, visitors have a special experience as they get their first view of Machu Picchu from the highest point. In some cases, visitors even shed tears of emotion. That is why the Inca Trail is considered one of the best trekking routes in the world.
The entrance to Intipunku in Machu Picchu
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The Intipunku entry ticket
The ‘Machu Picchu + Intipunku’ ticket allows access to the Machu Picchu archaeological site via Circuit 1, as well as to Intipunku through the 2-kilometer hiking route from Machu Picchu.
This entry ticket allows visits to Intipunku for tourists of all ages, including minors. However, access to Intipunku is only available during the high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15.
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Visiting hours for Intipunku
These are the visiting hours offered by the ‘Machu Picchu + Intipunku’ ticket:
- Group 1: entry to Machu Picchu is from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. (this route is available for all ages, but only during high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15 each year).
- Group 2: entry to Machu Picchu is from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (this route is available for all ages, but only during high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15 each year).
- Group 3: entry to Machu Picchu is from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (this route is available for all ages, but only during high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15 each year).
- Group 4: entry to Machu Picchu is from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (this route is available for all ages, but only during high tourism season, from June 1 to October 15 each year).
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The ticket prices for Intipunku
Check the prices for the ‘Machu Picchu + Intipunku’ ticket:
Machu Picchu + Intipunku Ticket Machu Picchu Entry Foreigners Andean Community: Peru, Colombia, Ecuador or Bolivia General adults 152 S/. 64 S/. University students 77 S/. 32 S/. Minors under 18 70 S/. 32 S/. *Visits to Intipunku are only available from June 1 to October 15 each year.
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The tour guide service on the Intipunku route
The tour guide service on the Intipunku route is not mandatory. However, for a safer and more informative hike, the company of a professional guide is recommended.
In addition to accompanying visitors along the Intipunku route, the guide will take them to the Guardian’s House, where the best photos of Machu Picchu can be taken. The service is private, meaning the visitor chooses their visit schedule according to their purchased ticket.
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What is included and not included in the Intipunku ticket
Included in the Intipunku ticket:
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1).
- Access to the 2-kilometer hiking route to Intipunku.
Not included in the Intipunku ticket:
- Tour guide service.
- Bus ride to Machu Picchu.
- Train ride to Machu Picchu.
Questions and answers about Circuit 3 in Machu Picchu
Tour Guide Service in Machu Picchu
- ✔ Pickup from the train station in Aguas Calientes
- ✔ Professional bilingual guide in Spanish or English
- ✔ Tour of the Circuit of your choice
Enjoy a unique experience in Machu Picchu with a professional guide and discover the history, architecture, and mysteries hidden in its temples, terraces, and enclosures of this Wonder of the World.
