Landmark
Intihuatana, Urubamba
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The Intihuatana, or 'Hitching Post of the Sun,' is a precisely carved granite stone located in the upper sector of Machu Picchu. This ritual stone is one of the few surviving examples of its kind, as many were destroyed by Spanish conquistadors. The Incas used it as an astronomical device to mark solstices and equinoxes, with the sun casting shadows that indicated the time of year. Visitors today can admire the stone's intricate carving and the way it aligns with surrounding mountain peaks. It stands as a testament to Inca engineering and their deep connection to celestial cycles.
Don't miss
- Examining the precise geometric carvings and angles of the stone
- Observing how the stone aligns with the sun during solstices (June and December)
- Viewing the surrounding Sacred Plaza and the Temple of the Three Windows from the same area
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Intihuatana, Urubamba
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGroup tour in Machupicchu from Aguas Calientes.4.7★ · 23 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$38 per personSee dates →
Best full day2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco by Train4.8★ · 1,277 travelers~48 hoursFrom$449 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Tourist Guide in Machupicchu (From Aguas Calientes).5★ · 22 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$90 per personSee dates →More attractions in Aguas Calientes