The Secular Area is where the hundreds of workers and servants for Machu Picchu lived and worked. It is divided between kanchas, or living compounds, for the ayllus, or clans, or Inca elite.

The design is broken up and chaotic, and it’s difficult to follow a set route through the area. Think of this area as the bustling, populated part of the citadel where most people lived and worked. If you lose track of the directions, head to the general areas indicated by the map.

After the narrow entrance, there is a large open area with two enormous buildings that probably functioned as kallancas or great halls. These buildings were used by workers for celebrations, and doubled as large rain shelters.

Returning to the trail and heading in the direction of the Guards’ Quarters, continue until you find a series of two-story colcas or storehouses. Continue along this trail for about 50 meters until you reach a corner.

Head left on the steps and then head right, again in the direction of the Guards’ Quarters. Continue ahead for about 60 meters until you reach an area known as the Mortars.