The Sacred Rock

The Sacred Rock is a large stone formation where religious rituals were performed. The shape of the rock was carved roughly but following the shape of a mountain. Some researchers point out that this shape follows the silhouette of a mountain located behind and in the distance. Near the place is the entrance door to the famous Huayna Picchu. It is one of the most photographed buildings in the Inca citadel.

The Sacred Rock of Machu Picchu

The Sacred Rock is one of the most enigmatic constructions of Machu Picchu. It is located a few steps from the entrance door to the Huayna Picchu mountain. It stands out from the other rocks of the citadel for its size: 3 meters high on a 7 meter base. Also because it is located in a ceremonial space where religious rituals were performed. Tourists believe that by placing your hands on this rock, one is filled with energy.

Research suggests that the Incas carved this immense stone following the shape of the Pumasillo mountain, located behind the rock and in the distance. The location of the rock in the center of two huayranas (rest areas for travelers) located opposite each other. In the center a small square where religious rituals were held at the foot of the immense rock.

Other investigations suggest that the rock fulfilled an important geographical function since its space coincides exactly with the north point of Machu Picchu. Today, visitors believe that the rock radiates energy when bringing their hands together. Tourists who make the arduous trek to the Huayna Picchu mountain ask for good luck from this stone.

The rock that radiates energy

Machu Picchu is recognized as a special place where one can be filled with energy. Well, the constructions that, according to the vision of tour guides and visitors, fill tourists with energy are: the Intihuatana and the Sacred Rock. This last construction was a site of Inca worship. It is believed that by bringing the hand closer, one can receive the energy of the mountains, considered sacred beings by the Incas. Today it is forbidden to touch the rock, it is only allowed to bring your hands closer.

For the Incas mountains were sacred beings respectfully called ‘Apu’ (great lord). The highest peaks, such as Ausangate (6,384 meters above sea level) or Salkantay (6,271 meters above sea level) were the most respected and revered. The ‘Apus’ decided on the life and death of the population. The Incas and their ancestors worshiped them through offerings of coca leaves, llama sacrifice, and liters of chicha (a fermented drink made from corn). Today, after hundreds of years, the Andean people continue to perform these ancient rituals.

How to get?

The Sacred Rock is in the northern sector of Machu Picchu. To get there, you must follow the tourist circuit through Machu Picchu (it lasts approximately 2 hours). After 1 hour of visiting you will reach this rock. To do this, you must cross the urban, religious sector until you reach the foot of the Huayna Picchu mountain.

The visit to the Sacred Rock can be done with any of the tickets to Machu Picchu. This construction is open at all times within the visiting hours in Machupicchu, from 6 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.

More information about this construction

To this day many tourists leave an offering of coca leaves at the foot of the Sacred Rock. For the Incas, the ‘Kintu’ is the combination of three coca leaves delivered with humility and respect to temples and sacred places. Today, many visitors continue to perform this ancient practice.

As well as the Sacred Rock in Machu Picchu there are other temples and places of Inca religious worship such as the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows and more.