Intihuatana

This exquisite four-sided sculpture was likely considered the most sacred place in Machu Picchu [1] because of its unusual form and the three elements of sacred Inca architecture: bedrock to represent mother earth or Pachamama, fine Inca imperial architecture, and three-sided wayrana buildings.

Without a doubt this was a highly sacred stone, or huaca, for the Inca. Scholars dispute the function of this stone and have largely dismissed its use as a sun dial. Theories of its use include a solar observatory, sacrificial altar, or a temple aligned with the surrounding mountains and their resident apus (gods).

What is remarkable about the Intihuatana is that there is no logical explanation for its careful but bizarre shape. We believe the Intihuatana is a deeply sacred work of art, perhaps the world’s first abstract sculpture.

In front of the Intihuatana there is a stone on the ground that looks like an arrow and points directly south, similar to a stone found on Huayna Picchu [2]. This observatory is surrounded by two three-walled constructions, one of which is completely intact.

Follow the white arrows down the stairs to the bottom. Turn right and cross the plaza. To the north, there are two more wayrana buildings that surround the Sacred Rock [3].