The Guardian’s House in Machu Picchu
The Guardian’s House is an Inca construction located at the highest point of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Unlike the main temples and enclosures, its architecture is rustic. Its fame is mainly due to the fact that from there visitors can get the dreamed classic photo with the Inca citadel in the background. To visit the Guardian’s House and enjoy the best landscapes, it is necessary to purchase one of the four tickets that include the panoramic circuit of Machu Picchu.
- What is the Guardian’s House?
- Where is the Guardian’s House located?
- Historical context
- Which Machu Picchu ticket allows you to visit the Guardian’s House?
- How to get the classic Machu Picchu photo from the Guardian’s House?
- What are the visiting hours?
- Tips for visiting Machu Picchu
- Questions and answers about the Guardian’s House
Guardian’s House – Machu Picchu
The Guardian’s House is the construction that most tourists want to visit in Machu Picchu. Why? Because from there you can take the classic postcard photo of the Inca citadel. Only four tickets allow access to this spot and the chance to capture this iconic photo: the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (route 1A), the Upper Terrace or Classic Photo ticket (route 1B), the Inti Punku Gate ticket (route 1C), and the Inca Bridge ticket (route 1D). The Guardian’s House is waiting for you!
What is the Guardian’s House?
- The Guardian’s House is one of the most famous constructions in Machu Picchu, though not precisely because of the quality of its architecture, as the enclosure is made only of stones and adobe.
- The popularity of this building mainly lies in its privileged location, a place that offers beautiful views of the Inca citadel and its surroundings.
- As its name suggests, the function of the Guardian’s House was to watch over the Inca citadel. Inside, three square-shaped windows stand out with scenic views of Machu Picchu.
- The classic Machu Picchu photo is taken from this area, which is next to wide terraces that allow the best viewing angles of the Historic Sanctuary.
- As its name indicates, the Guardian’s House served the purpose of guarding the Inca citadel. Inside, three square-shaped windows stand out with scenic views of the entire Inca complex.
- The Guardian’s House is the only roofed construction (with the famous icchu or wild straw) in all of Machu Picchu. Currently, entering this enclosure is prohibited. Visitors are only allowed to approach it to take classic photographs.
- From this area, you also get a clear view of two of the most iconic mountains of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu. Additionally, you will be facing all the constructions and temples that make up the Historic Sanctuary.
Where is the Guardian’s House located?
- The Guardian’s House is located in the upper part of Machu Picchu, approximately 2,430 meters above sea level.
- To get there, you must enter the archaeological site through circuit 1, known as the panoramic route.
- After a 15-minute uphill walk, you will reach the Guardian’s House.
- You will also find the upper terrace, where you can take a break, enjoy a pleasant moment, and admire the Historic Sanctuary.
Historical context
- The Guardian’s House was built along with the other constructions of Machu Picchu in the mid-15th century.
- Unlike the main temples and finely carved stone enclosures, the Guardian’s House features a simple architecture with small stones and adobe. Its icchu roof with a double slope is preserved (and renewed) to this day.
- A few steps from the Guardian’s House, there is a carved rock with stair-like steps. It is believed that mummies (important individuals) were embalmed there before burial.
- Today, the Guardian’s House is one of the main constructions of Machu Picchu due to the incredible photos of the Inca citadel that tourists can capture from this spot.
Which Machu Picchu ticket allows you to visit the Guardian’s House?
The Guardian’s House, the place where you can get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu, can be visited with four tickets, all of which include the tour along circuit 1 (panoramic route) and have different schedules and availability.
| Ticket | Tour circuit | Booking time | Restrictions | Availability | Schedules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) | Circuit 1 – Machu Picchu Panoramic | 1 month in advance | Suitable for all ages | All year round |
|
| Upper Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B) | Circuit 1 – Machu Picchu Panoramic | 1 month in advance | Suitable for all ages | All year round |
|
| Inti Punku Gate Route (1C) | Circuit 1 – Machu Picchu Panoramic | 1 month in advance | Suitable for all ages | High ticket season (June 19 to November 2) |
|
| Inca Bridge Route (1D) | Circuit 1 – Machu Picchu Panoramic | 1 month in advance | Suitable only for visitors over 12 years old | High ticket season (June 19 to November 2) |
|
Machu Picchu has 3 tour circuits, each included within the 10 available tickets. The routes followed by each one are as follows:
- Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route: You walk through the upper part of the Inca citadel, obtaining the best views of Machu Picchu.
- Circuit 2 – Classic Route: You tour the middle part of the Inca citadel, visiting some of the most important temples and constructions.
- Circuit 3 – Royalty Route: You visit the lower part of the Inca citadel, along with some highly important temple constructions
How to get the classic Machu Picchu photo from the Guardian’s House?
- At the Guardian’s House, you can get the classic photo with Machu Picchu in the background.
- To do so, it is necessary to purchase one of the tickets that allow access: a) Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (route 1A), b) Upper Terrace or Classic Photo ticket (route 1B), c) Inti Punku Gate ticket (route 1C), and d) Inca Bridge ticket (route 1D).
- These tickets must be booked at least one month in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
- Only the Machu Picchu Mountain and Upper Terrace tickets are available all year round. The Inti Punku Gate and Inca Bridge tickets are only available from June 19 to November 2 (high ticket season).
- Finally, you just need to wait for an open space to stand with the Machu Picchu landscape behind you. The best photos are taken in the afternoon. If it rains or fog prevents visibility, you will not be able to get the desired photo.
Landscape around the Guardian’s House – Machu Picchu
What are the visiting hours?
- Machu Picchu and the Guardian’s House are open every day of the year from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- The four tickets that include the Guardian’s House have their own schedules, most of them only available in the morning. However, the Upper Terrace Classic Photo ticket (1B) offers ten time slots, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tips for your visit
Follow these tips during your visit to the Inca citadel:
- Entering the Guardian’s House is not allowed. You may only take the classic photo from this area.
- Respect the instructions of the park ranger stationed near the Guardian’s House, such as: do not get too close to the edges of the path, do not leave the authorized circuit, and do not disturb the experience of other visitors.
- To get the classic photo, you must respect the line of visitors waiting to position themselves in the Guardian’s House area. First come, first served.
- Next to the Guardian’s House, there is a wide terrace where you can rest and appreciate each construction of the citadel from a panoramic angle.
- Book your tickets for circuit 1, the panoramic route, at least one month in advance so you don’t miss the best scenic views of the Historic Sanctuary.
- The visit to the panoramic circuit is purely contemplative; from the upper terrace, you will see all the nature surrounding the Inca citadel, as well as its constructions and temples.
- Visitors who hike the Inca Trail can also access this area, as they pass through here when entering Machu Picchu.
- Tickets for Inti Punku Gate (route 1C) and the Inca Bridge (route 1D) are only available during the high season (June 19 to November 2).
- Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain (1A) and the Upper Terrace Classic Photo (1B) are available all year round.
Questions and answers about the Guardian’s House
1. What can you see at the Guardian’s House in Machu Picchu?
The Guardian’s House is famous because it offers the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
2. How much does the entrance to the Guardian’s House cost?
You can visit the Guardian’s House with the following tickets: a) Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (200 Peruvian soles), b) Upper Terrace or Classic Photo ticket (152 Peruvian soles), c) Inti Punku Gate ticket (152 Peruvian soles), and d) Inca Bridge ticket (152 Peruvian soles).
3. At what altitude is the Guardian’s House located?
The Guardian’s House in Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level.
4. Which circuit in Machu Picchu includes the visit to the Guardian’s House?
Circuit 1, known as the panoramic route of Machu Picchu, is a contemplative visit offering the best angles of the Inca citadel.
5. Who built the Guardian’s House?
The Guardian’s House, like the rest of the constructions in Machu Picchu, was commissioned by the emperor Pachacutec around 1450 AD.
6. What are the visiting hours for the Guardian’s House?
The Guardian’s House in Machu Picchu can be visited every day of the year from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
7. Can I visit the Guardian’s House with the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (route 1A)?
Yes, this type of ticket allows you to visit the Guardian’s House along with the panoramic circuit.
8. Can I visit the Guardian’s House with the Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (route 3A)?
No, this type of ticket (as well as the Huchuy Picchu Mountain ticket (route 3D)) does not allow access to the Guardian’s House. Instead, it includes a tour along circuit 3, known as the royalty route, which explores the lower part of Machu Picchu.
9. Can I get the classic Machu Picchu photo from the Guardian’s House?
Yes, from this construction and its surroundings, you can capture the classic photo with Machu Picchu in the background.
10. If it rains, will I not be able to take the classic Machu Picchu photo?
Yes, unfortunately, in case of rain or fog, it will not be possible to get the classic Machu Picchu photo from the Guardian’s House. A clear day is required to obtain this photograph. However, if you prefer a more mystical landscape among the clouds, it can be an ideal opportunity.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Raquel E.“The best view of Machu Picchu“
“The Guardian’s House was one of my favorite places in Machu Picchu. From there, you can see the entire citadel, and the view is incredible. I stayed there for quite a while just looking and taking photos. It is a place that transmits a lot of peace and makes you think about how the Incas lived. Without a doubt, it is a must-stop if you visit Machu Picchu.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 10, 2026