Temple of the Condor

At the entrance, there is an open area with a sculpted rock on the ground known as the head of the condor. Directly behind are the wings of this impressive Andean bird. Below the wings is a cave with stairs and niches on the wall believed to have been a tomb.

In 1975, this cave was excavated by Alfredo Valencia, who found the bones of both llamas and guinea pigs. Experts believe the flat rock outside was used as a sacrificial table.

Above the condor, there are three very unusual niches that have two holes on either side. While Hiram Bingham thought this was the prison, it is now believed to have been a place to worship mummies.

To the left of the condor, there is a large two-story building. In order to enter the building, you must climb down the stairs, where you will find another tomb inside the house. Under the stairs, there are small holes in the base of the wall that were used to farm cuy or guinea pigs, a method still used in communities throughout the Andes.

Returning to the Temple of the Condor and going to the far left, there is another cave. Go inside and you will find yet another tomb. To exit this chamber, duck under the small door, turn left, then go directly to the right, where you will find another secular area that offers a fabulous view of the Agricultural Area [1] and the Temple of the Sun [2].

Climb the stairs in the direction of the Temple of the Sun, but before arriving, turn left and follow the arrows to exit back to the Guards’ Quarters [3], from where you started your walk.