Machu Picchu Things to Do Tips by cruisingbug

I'd read that these llamas were brought in for the tourists - but they were a nice touch, I'll admit.

We first encountered them on our hike up to the Hut of the Caretaker/Guardhouse, where they were all grazing off to the side, although one poked his head around the hut very close to us. Later, they had wandered down onto the main plaza. One was just a baby - very cute.

I'd heard at Sacsayhuaman that the black llamas were used for animal sacrifices at the Inti Raymi festival there. Sorry, black llama.

Be careful as you make your way around Machu Picchu, as llama droppings are literally everywhere.

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The Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu is built on a curved foundation of natural rock. Underneath is the so-called "Royal Tomb", where mummies were found laid out.

The Temple entrance is cordoned off, but you can see inside it from above - just go out to the steps on the right and up two levels. The window on the left (can't see from this picture) is the Serpent Window, so named because of the holes along the edges.

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The Principal Temple, facing away from Huayna Picchu in the Sacred Plaza, is significant due to its high quality stonework. The ground has settled under one corner, which has caused it to sag slightly, but not collapse, even after 600+ years and countless earthquakes.

Behind the Principal Temple is the "Sacristy". If you went to see the 12-Edged Stone in Cusco, take a gander at the massive boulders used on either side of the entrance to this small room - each one has at least 33 edges in 3-D, perfectly fitted to the adjoining stones.

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The Intihuatana at Machu Picchu was the only one the Spanish conquerors did not find and destroy (although with current discoveries, there may be more now).

Every winter solstice in June, the Inca priests would perform ceremonies at the Intihuatana during which they would "catch" the sun to keep it from going further away. The days would then grow longer until the summer solstice, keeping the populace happily faithful.

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Directions: Uphill from the Sacred Plaza

We opted not to do the climb up to the top of Huayna Picchu. We had a good enough view of the guardhouses at the top from the ruins below.

However, we did walk to the entrance gate, which is located at the far side of Machu Picchu, behind the Sacred Rock. Anyone who opts to do the climb must sign in by 1 pm.

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As you walk around Machu Picchu, you'll notice that although most steps are individual stones, some are carved out of single, massive boulders.

We found this one in the Sacred City area, to the left of the Royal Tomb.

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