The Sacred Rock is one of the most photographed structures by tourists at Machu Picchu. It is an enormous block of stone carved in the shape of a mountain. It is located on the north side of the citadel, a few steps from the entrance to Huayna Picchu. This structure can be visited every day during Machu Picchu's opening hours: from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What is the Sacred Rock?
The Sacred Rock is a monolith of astonishing dimensions carved by the Incas within Machu Picchu.
It reaches a height of 3 meters, resting on a 7-meter-wide base. This base is carved in the style of an altar.
It is located in the center of two huayranas (altars) situated opposite each other, separated by a high-ceilinged courtyard. It's worth clarifying that the 'kallancas' were large structures used to house people who would witness a religious ceremony. This is why researchers indicate that it had a religious purpose.
It is made of granite found in the same area. The fine carving of its base suggests that the Incas left various offerings there, such as coca leaves, animal fetuses, or llama sacrifices.
Currently, it is one of the most famous structures in Machu Picchu. Tourists believe that by placing their hands on its granite, they are filled with the energy of the mountains.
Where is it?
The Sacred Rock is on the north side of the Inca city of Machu Picchu (a few steps from the entrance to the immense Huayna Picchu mountain).
From the entrance to Machu Picchu, it is reached after a 700-meter walk (passing through the religious sector of the citadel).
What was its function?
This rock appears to have been an altar, a central and important element in a sacred area dedicated to mountain worship.
Experts have outlined several theories about the meaning of the Sacred Rock. One hypothesis suggests it was a place of mountain worship, as it offers a view of Cerro Pumasillo, located on the opposite side of the valley. This view bears a resemblance to the way the rock was carved.
The Incas worshipped mountains, which they considered guardian deities. Today, Andean people continue this ancestral belief, which aims to foster harmony with Mother Earth (Pachamama). Even now, rituals are performed in almost all Andean villages, offering respect and veneration to the mountains.
The Sacred Rock also seems to have a geographical significance. According to studies of the area, its location coincides exactly with the northern part of the city.
How to visit it? The Sacred Rock can be visited with any Machu Picchu ticket. Visiting hours are the same as for the archaeological site, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
More important information: It is currently believed that placing your hands on the Sacred Rock fills you with the energy of the mountains. Something similar occurs with the Intihuatana, an Inca structure at Machu Picchu that served as an astronomical calendar. It is believed that placing your hands on this structure fills you with energy.
Some tourists who hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu like to ask the Sacred Rock for good luck before starting the route. It is believed that the Incas also made this request before traversing the 2-kilometer trails that lead to the top of the mountain.
The Sacred Rock is one of the nearly 150 structures that the Incas built within Machu Picchu. Just like this one, there are other religious sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, and more.
What is the meaning of the Sacred Rock?
Experts have considered several theories about the meaning of the Sacred Rock, and one of them is based on the view of Pumasillo Hill, located on the back side of the valley. This view bears a certain resemblance to the way the Sacred Rock was carved. Therefore, this theory states that the Sacred Rock represents Pumasillo Hill, and its purpose could well have been related to astrological study, which was apparently carried out through the practice of sacred rituals. It is also worth highlighting the importance of the area where the Sacred Rock is located, an area that represented one of the most significant parts of the city for the civilization due to its function as a center for hosting the most important sacred rituals and ceremonies of the citadel.
Visiting Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable experiences anyone could have. To book a tour to Machu Picchu and the entire Sacred Valley, contact us at Tierras Vivas, a company that guarantees a pleasant and unforgettable trip.
