Temple of the Three Windows
An iconic Inca temple at Machu Picchu, famed for its three trapezoidal windows and intricate stonework, offering a glimpse into ancient ceremonial pra...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Temple of the Three Windows
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Inca temple at Machu Picchu, famed for its three trapezoidal windows and intricate stonework, offering a glimpse into ancient ceremonial practices.
"Gorgeous spot and a great place to take photos."
Book tickets & trains early
Essential for Machu Picchu! Secure your entrance and train tickets months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Consider a guided tour
Enhance your understanding of the history and architecture. Guides can offer insights beyond what's visible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Temple of the Three Windows
Sacred Plaza
Iconic Inca stonework with three trapezoidal windows offering stunning views and historical significance.
Intihuatana Stone
Highest point in the urban area
A mysterious carved stone, believed to be an astronomical clock or calendar, with spiritual importance.
Inca Bridge
Western edge of Machu Picchu
A precarious natural bridge carved into the cliffside, offering a thrilling glimpse into Inca engineering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Machu Picchu Access
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book tickets & trains early
Essential for Machu Picchu! Secure your entrance and train tickets months in advance to avoid disappointment. +2
Consider a guided tour
Enhance your understanding of the history and architecture. Guides can offer insights beyond what's visible.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven stone paths. Prioritize comfort!
Stay hydrated & bring snacks
There are limited options inside the site. Carry water and energy-boosting snacks for your exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book tickets & trains early
Essential for Machu Picchu! Secure your entrance and train tickets months in advance to avoid disappointment. +2
Consider a guided tour
Enhance your understanding of the history and architecture. Guides can offer insights beyond what's visible.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven stone paths. Prioritize comfort!
Stay hydrated & bring snacks
There are limited options inside the site. Carry water and energy-boosting snacks for your exploration.
Respect the site's history
Be mindful of the ancient ruins. Avoid touching stones and follow designated paths to preserve the site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Temple of the Three Windows for its stunning architecture and historical significance, offering a glimpse into Inca ingenuity. The intricate stonework and the dramatic views through the windows are frequently highlighted as breathtaking. Some note the importance of historical context, suggesting caution with guide narratives due to a lack of written records.
"The Temple of Three Windows is part of the Sacred Plaza. Steps from it lead up to the Intihuatana, Quechua for "place to which the sun is tied", which is a multifaceted astronomical and ceremonial stone piece sculpted from in situ rock forming the natural peak of the pyramid-like hill and is the highest point in the urban area."
Steve Fung
"Beautiful temple structure. I saw obvious evidence of significant wood timbers and like to imagine how they might have been carved and decorated during different iterations of worship."
Nicholas Barnett
"When visiting sites like Machu Picchu, be cautious of information provided by tour guides as these locations have been uninhabited for hundreds of years before the Spanish conquest of South America. Due to a lack of written documentation or hieroglyphics, guides' narratives might not always align with facts. As there are none."
Luke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is to take a train from Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. From Aguas Calientes, you'll take a bus up to the citadel. +2 Alternatively, adventurous travelers can hike the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, which take several days.
+2
The Temple of the Three Windows is located within the main Machu Picchu citadel. Once you've entered the site, it's a short walk through the Sacred Plaza to reach it. Follow the signs or ask a guide. 
Yes, protests in Cusco can sometimes disrupt transportation, including trains and buses to Machu Picchu. It's crucial to check local news and travel advisories before your trip.
The train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is about 25-30 minutes. Hiking the Inca Trail can take 4 days. +1
No, private vehicles are not allowed to drive directly to Machu Picchu. The final leg of the journey from Aguas Calientes is by bus or on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the circuit and any additional hikes (like Huayna Picchu). Expect to pay around $40-60 USD for general admission. Booking in advance is highly recommended. +1
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Peruvian government website or through authorized tour operators. It's best to book several months in advance, especially for peak season. +1
While not strictly mandatory, hiring a guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and significance of the site. Guides can provide context that enhances the experience.
Machu Picchu typically opens around 6:00 AM and closes around 5:30 PM. Specific entry times are assigned when you purchase your ticket, so arrive within your designated window.
Yes, the Temple of the Three Windows is part of the main Machu Picchu circuit and is accessible with a standard entrance ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow. Midday sun can be harsh.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, tripods and professional equipment may require special permits. Always be respectful of the site.
The windows themselves offer iconic shots. Also, try framing the surrounding mountains through the windows or capturing the intricate stonework.
No, drone usage is strictly prohibited within the Machu Picchu citadel and its surrounding areas to protect the historical site and wildlife.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is excellent for the expansive views. Don't forget extra batteries!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a shorter, guided tour that focuses on the main highlights to keep younger attention spans engaged. The Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana Stone are fascinating points of interest. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options within the site are limited and can be expensive.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Consider booking your train and entrance tickets well in advance, as this is crucial for solo travelers to secure their spot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Temple of the Three Windows
+1The temple is situated within the Sacred Plaza, a prominent area in Machu Picchu that also houses other important structures like the Principal Temple and the Temple of the Condor. Its strategic location and unique design suggest it played a crucial role in the spiritual and ceremonial life of the ancient city. The surrounding landscape, with its dramatic peaks and valleys, further enhances the mystical aura of this ancient site.
It's important to note that while guides offer narratives about these sites, historical documentation from the Inca period is scarce. Therefore, some interpretations may be based on archaeological evidence and educated speculation rather than definitive written records.
Navigating Machu Picchu: Logistics and Travel Tips
Booking in advance is absolutely critical. Train tickets and entrance passes to Machu Picchu sell out, especially during peak tourist seasons. Many visitors recommend booking these several months ahead to secure their preferred dates and times.
Once inside Machu Picchu, the site is extensive and involves a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential.
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