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Similar Gate of the Sun, Puyupatamarca, Sayaqmarka, Sacred Valley, Runkuraqay | ||
Inti punku peru
Inti Punku or Intipunku (Quechua inti sun, punku door, "sun door", Hispanicized spellings Intipunco, Intipuncu, Inti Puncu) is an archaeological site in the Cusco Region of Peru that was once a fortress of the sacred city, Machu Picchu. It is also the name of an Incan Trail connected to Machu Picchu. It was believed that the steps were a control gate for those who enter and exited the Sanctuary.
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It is one of the most important archeological constructions. Inti Punku was once the main entrance to Machu Picchu. This site was the main entry point from the South into Cusco, and the gate would have been protected by its military. Inti Punku is dedicated to the cult of the Inti, the Sun god. The sun would come out from this site. It is located 2745 meters above the sea level. The altitude of the climb to Into Punku from Machu Picchu is 290 metres. It is a wide archaeological site with windows and gates that are held up by terraces. This is the first place that tourists can see the whole sanctuary. Tourists are able to see the sun rise over the whole mountains by Machu Picchu. The location of the gate was given to watch the people passing.
Subiendo al inti punku o puerta del sol
Route description
The route covers a distance of approximately a mile, eventually rising above the ruins of Machu Picchu The ruins themselves serve as a final stop for hikers completing an optional five-day hike from a point far back from Aguas Calientes, the city at the base of Machu Picchu. This hike has been recommended by many tour guides as giving a great view of the city of Machu Picchu.
In order to get to Inti Punku, the Inca Trail must be trekked, which takes about three to four hours round trip to complete. There are visible signs throughout the Inca Trail indicating directions of the Sun Gate. From the Sun Gate, the Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain, Vilcambamba/Urubamba River, and Putukusi Mountain are all visible
Although the trail to Inti Punku is open all year, there is more rainfall from November to April. Due to the region's unpredictable weather, tourists are advised to be prepared with rain gear and sun protection.
