Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The centerpiece of the Prison Group is this 'temple' named for a carving of the head of a
condor with outstretched wings.
Ruins Outskirts
INTIPUNKU
Offline map
From the far eastern edge of the residential sector, a trail leads to a notch in the horizon
called Intipunku (Sun Gate). This is where trekkers on the Inca Trail catch their first
glimpse of Machu Picchu. From the main ruins sector, it takes about an hour to reach Inti-
punku, and if you can spare at least half a day for the round-trip, it may be possible to
continue as far as Wiñay Wayna, on the Inca Trail itself. If you do the latter, expect to pay
a reduced-charge admission fee for the Inca Trail, and be sure to return before 3pm, which
is when the checkpoint typically closes.
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INCA DRAWBRIDGE
A scenic but level walk from the Hut of the Caretaker takes you right past the top of the
terraces and out along a narrow, cliff-clinging trail to the Inca drawbridge. In under a half-
hour's walk, the trail gives you a good look at cloud-forest vegetation and an entirely dif-
ferent view of Machu Picchu. This walk is recommended, though you'll have to be con-
tent with photographing the bridge from a distance, as someone crossed the bridge some
years ago and tragically fell to their death.
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