Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu -Where Horizons Expand

In Machu Picchu, both Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 share several important archaeological sites, allowing visitors to explore many of the same iconic locations from slightly different routes and perspectives.  Both circuits guide you through important areas like the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and the Agricultural Terraces.

Circuit 2 is considered more comprehensive, taking visitors through a broader range of sites, including some additional temples and scenic viewpoints. Circuit 3, on the other hand, is shorter and focuses on a more concise route through the core areas of Machu Picchu.

 

Machu Picchu:

Rise Above the Ordinary!

From Every Angle, Mountains Amaze

Live Life at the Top – Explore the Mountains

I entered Machu Picchu from the platform below the Guardian House, taking a different route than the one many visitors use from the Main Gate, also known as the “Intipunku” or Sun Gate. While the Sun Gate is famous for offering a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, my entry from the Guardian House had its own unique charm.

Soar Above the Clouds – Mountains Await

As I made my way down from the platform, the iconic view of Machu Picchu slowly unfolded before me, revealing the ancient ruins nestled among the lush green mountains. The urban sector of Machu Picchu, where you’ll see various residences, storehouses, and workshops. Walking through these streets gives me a sense of what daily life might have been like in this bustling city high in the mountains.

Machu Picchu: Experience the Elevation

One of the most striking stops was the Temple of the Sun, with its semi-circular walls and strategic alignment with the sun’s solstices. I stood for a moment, marveling at the ingenuity of the Incas in constructing a building that honored the sun god, Inti, while also serving as an astronomical observatory. Beneath the temple, is the Royal Tomb, a place where important figures may have been buried—a quiet, sacred space that added a layer of mystery to the site.

Journey Upward: Mountains as Muses

As I continue, the route brings me to the Sacred Plaza, one of the spiritual centers of Machu Picchu. This area houses important religious buildings, such as the Principal Temple and the Temple of the Three Windows.

These temples were likely used for major Inca ceremonies and events to honor their gods. The Temple of the Three Windows, in particular, offers incredible views over the surrounding landscape, symbolizing the three realms of Inca cosmology: the underworld, the earth, and the heavens.

The Higher, The Purer: Climb Mountains

The Temple of the Three Windows, in particular, offers incredible views over the surrounding landscape, symbolizing the three realms of Inca cosmology: the underworld, the earth, and the heavens.

Find Your Peak Experience in the Mountains 

The Mortar Sector, or “Sector de Morteros,” in Machu Picchu is a fascinating area within the ancient citadel. It is named after two large circular stone basins, often referred to as mortars, located in the middle of the complex. These structures, carved directly into the stone floor, resemble shallow bowls or grinding stones.

Live Life at the Top – Explore the Mountains

I decided to take a break, pause for a moment, and smile as I breathed in the fresh mountain air. And then, for the first time, I saw them—llamas!

It was such a joy to see these iconic animals up close, peacefully grazing on the terraces of Machu Picchu. They seemed so relaxed, almost like they truly belonged here. People often say the llamas are the true owners of Machu Picchu, and after seeing them wander freely and confidently around this ancient city, I can totally understand why. It was like they were the guardians of this magical place, just as much a part of its history as the stones themselves.