Sun Gate At Machu Picchu

Sun Gate At Machu Picchu Details

• Age Restrictions: There is no age limit.
• Height : 2,720 m / 8,924 ft.
• Altitude Gain: 290 m (951 ft).
• Location: The Sun Gate is located in the upper part, southeast of Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru.
• Trail Description: The Sun gate follows a trail that is more gradual at no more than 35 degrees in angle. As you get close to Sun Gate, the path turns steeper and a little more difficult(the last 15 minutes)
• Archaeological Attractions: Terraces and the unparalleled sun gate,
• Advantages: You experience part of the original Inca trail.
• Disadvantages: there is not.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Walking distance: 4 km/ 2.48 miles (round trip).

What To Do In The Intipunku

Visit the offering rock –  Almost halfway through the hike, you will find a rock, where in Incas times, people who came from Cusco used to leave some offerings. Nowadays, day visitors bring Coca leaves so you will see the rock with a lot of Coca Leaves. 

Observe amazing landscapes – From the Sun Gate, you can see Machu Picchu from a different angle that cannot be seen from elsewhere. You will see the Vilcanota river, the Wayna Picchu mountain, Aguas Calientes town, and its surroundings.

Take unique pictures – Some of the best photos of Machu Picchu that you can take are from the top of Sun Gate. Not only from the top, you will also find the best places to take the best pictures on the way up to Intipunku.

Bird watching – Hiking to the sun gate,  you will have to chance to spot some of the bird species that inhabit Machupicchu Sanctuary. You can see species such as the cock of the rocks, the Andean turkey, the tile tanager, the chestnut-breasted hummingbird, and the mountain watchmaker among others.

Best Time To Hike The Sun Gate

If you plan to hike the sun gate in the rainy season(from December to March), try to get there after 10:00 am because early in the morning this place stays misty so you won’t enjoy the beautiful landscape it offers.

In the dry season(from April to November). It is recommended to hike there early in the morning because after 10:00 am the sun is so strong.

Sun Gate (Intipunku) History

The Inti Punku was a control gate for people who entered and exited the holy Inca city. Because of its remote and tactical location, it is believed that Machu Picchu Llaqta only accepted people of the Incan Elite.

The Sun gate construction is dedicated to the sun. During the summer solstice, the rising sun would pass through the Sun Gate each year. The people who came back after seeing the holy city were treated with particular respect by the people who were on their way to Machu Picchu.

Things To know

• The hike to Sun Gate is not as hard as Huayna Picchu mountain, so it is more accessible for people of different fitness levels.
• If you plan to visit the Sun Gate, wear proper trekking shoes. This way, you are going to avoid accidents and kinks on the cobbled trail.
• During the rainy season which is from December to March, the trail to the sun gate can get slippery and you should watch every step twice and bring a rain poncho. Bring sunscreen and a hat if you visit in the dry season (from April to October).
• You will hike above 2,400m / 7,874ft. Make sure you get used to the altitude. Wear hiking shoes; some care is needed in the rainy season(from December to March) because some of the rocks on the trail might be slippery.
• There are no shops on the way to the Sun Gate so bring enough water, snacks, sun cream, and rain gear in case of a shower.
• After the Gate of the Sun viewpoint, the trail keeps going to Wiñay Wayna Inca ruin, the last control point of the Inca trail. However, you are not allowed to continue the trail as you need the Inca Trail permit.

There are several ways to access the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu:

Here are some ways to get to the famous Sun Gate:

• Directly from the Inca Trail 4 Days, The Sun Gate is where trekkers get their first well-earned view of Machu Picchu at the end of their long hike.
• Also directly from the Short Inca Trail 2 days which includes the visit and sightings of the Sun Gate the day before the tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
• Direct hikes to the Sun Gate from Machu Picchu on a regular tour.

Frequent Asked Questions

What Ticket Do I Need To Hike To The Sun Gate?

In order to visit the sun gate, you need to buy the Circuito 1 –  Ruta Puerta del Sol. This ticket will allow you to visit the Sun gate, take a panoramic picture of Machu Picchu, and follow Circuit 1.

How Do I Get To The Sun Gate?

Once you enter the main Machu Picchu gated entrance, you walk 2 minutes straight, then turn left in the direction of the guardhouse. At the guardhouse, you should turn left and stick to the stone-stepped trail that leads away from Machu Picchu Llaqta through the agricultural terraces. The wooden signs stating the Sun Gate obviously mark the way.

How Long Is The Hike To The Sun Gate In Machu Picchu?

It takes approximately one hour to hike gradually uphill from Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate and about 45 minutes to return, with a gradual downhill descent.

What Is The Significance Of The Sun Gate Machu Picchu?

The Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, at Machu Picchu holds significant historical and cultural importance as it served as the main entrance to the ancient Inca citadel for those arriving via the Inca Trail. Positioned strategically to capture the first rays of the rising sun during the solstices, it was likely used for ceremonial purposes and as a marker for agricultural and religious events. The Sun Gate offers a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, symbolizing the connection between the Inca civilization and their reverence for the sun, which was central to their cosmology and agricultural practices.

Is Sun Gate On Inca Trail?

Yes, the Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku in Quechua, is an integral part of the Inca Trail. Hikers on this iconic trail traverse through the Sun Gate before reaching the awe-inspiring destination of Machu Picchu.

What Is The Elevation Of The Sun Gate Machu Picchu?

The Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at Machu Picchu is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,720 meters (8,920 feet) above sea level.

What Was The Sun Gate Dedicated To?

The Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku, was dedicated to Inti, the Incan sun god. Located near the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru, it served as a ceremonial entrance to the sacred site. Inti was central to Incan religious beliefs, symbolizing both warmth and sustenance from the sun, which were crucial for agricultural prosperity and survival. The Sun Gate’s placement and alignment likely held significant spiritual and astronomical meanings for the Incans, underscoring their deep reverence for Inti and the natural world’s rhythms.

How Hard Is It To Hike To The Sun Gate At Machu Picchu?

Hiking to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu is considered moderate and manageable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

What Is The Main Gate In Machu Picchu?

The main gate at Machu Picchu, known as the “Sun Gate” or “Inti Punku” in Quechua, is a significant entrance located on the western side of the archaeological site. Historically, it served as an entrance for those approaching from the Inca Trail, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.

Why Is Sun Gate Closed?

The Sun Gate, located at Machu Picchu, is closed annually from October 15th to May 30th, operating exclusively during the high season. This closure period aligns with the region’s rainy season, characterized by unpredictable weather conditions and potential hazards such as landslides.

Is the Sun Gate worth it?

Without a doubt, the hike up to Inti Punku is worth it because you get an amazing view from the top over the Inca citadel like hikers of Inca trail 4 day trek.

Can I See The Sunrise From The Sun Gate?

Hiking the Inca Trail 4 days gives you the chance to see the sunrise from the Sun Gate. However, day visitors are not able to see the sunrise.

Why Is Called Sun Gate?

The construction was dedicated to the Sun god, because, during the summer solstices, the sun’s rays filtered through the entrance door, which caused a brilliant glow on the ground. You can see this phenomenon from the Machu Picchu Citadel.

Is The Hike To The Sun Gate Safe?

There is very little exposure on the hike from Machu Picchu citadel to the Intipunku, so It is very safe to hike to the Sun Gate.

Is There An Age Limit?

There is no age limit to hiking the Sun Gate. Tourists of all ages can go there.

Is There Any Time Limit?

You can visit the Sun gate from 6 am in the morning until 2 pm in the afternoon.

What to bring for the Intipunku

• 2 liters of water.
• Insect repellent.
• Sunblock, sun hat, and sunglasses
• Trekking poles with rubber tips (If required)
• Raincoat.
• Camara.