The Guardian’s House in Machu Picchu
The Guardian’s House is an Inca structure in Machu Picchu. Unlike the main temples and enclosures, its architecture is rustic. Its fame primarily lies in the fact that from there and its surroundings, tourists can get the coveted classic photo with the Inca citadel in the background. To visit this building and get the sought‑after photo, it is necessary to purchase one of the four tickets that include the Machu Picchu panoramic circuit.
- What is the Guardian’s House?
- Where is the Guardian’s House?
- History
- Which Machu Picchu ticket allows visiting 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 structure most tourists want to visit in Machu Picchu. The reason? From there you get the classic postcard photo of the Inca citadel. Only four tickets allow visiting it and getting 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 awaits you!
What is the Guardian’s House?
- The Guardian’s House is one of the most famous constructions in Machu Picchu, but not precisely because of the quality of its architecture, which is mainly made of small stones and adobe.
- The fame of this Inca structure lies primarily in its privileged location from which there are beautiful views of Machu Picchu. In fact, from there and its surroundings, you get the classic postcard photo of the Inca citadel that every tourist dreams of.
- As its name indicates, the function of the Guardian’s House was to watch over the Inca citadel. Inside, three square‑shaped windows stand out, offering scenic views of Machu Picchu.
- The Guardian’s House is the only roofed structure (with the famous wild thatch known as icchu) in all of Machu Picchu. Currently, entering this enclosure is prohibited. You are only allowed to approach and take the classic postcard photos with the archaeological site in the background.
- From the Guardian’s House you can observe the two most iconic mountains of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu, and you are facing all of the constructions and temples that make up the Inca citadel.
Where is the Guardian’s House?
- The Guardian’s House is located high up in Machu Picchu, about 2,430 meters above sea level.
- To get there, you must enter the archaeological site via Circuit 1, known as the panoramic route.
- After approximately a 15‑minute uphill walk, you arrive at the Guardian’s House.
- You will also find the upper terrace where you can take a break, enjoy a pleasant moment, and view the historic sanctuary.
History
- The Guardian’s House was built along with the other structures of Machu Picchu in the mid‑15th century.
- Unlike the main temples and enclosures made of finely carved stone, the Guardian’s House has simple architecture made of small stones and adobe. Its double‑sloped icchu (thatch) roof 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 this is where important people were embalmed for their later burial.
- Today, the Guardian’s House is one of the main structures in Machu Picchu because of the incredible photos of the Inca citadel that tourists can take from there.
Which Machu Picchu ticket allows visiting the Guardian’s House?
The Guardian’s House (where the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu is taken) can be visited with the following tickets, which include Circuit 1 (panoramic route).
| Ticket | Route Circuit | Advance Booking Time | Route Included | Availability | Schedules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu + Mountain (route 1A) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 1 month before | Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain | All year |
|
| Machu Picchu Upper Terrace or Classic Photo (route 1B) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 1 month before | Not included | All year |
|
| Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Gate (route 1C) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 1 month before | Hike to Inti Punku Gate | High season ticket availability (June 19 to November 2) |
|
| Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (route 1D) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 1 month before | Hike to Inca Bridge | High season ticket availability (June 19 to November 2) |
|
Machu Picchu has three tour circuits, each included within the ten available ticket types. The routes covered by each are as follows:
- Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route: You traverse the upper part of the Inca citadel, getting the best views of Machu Picchu.
- Circuit 2 – Classic Route: You tour the middle area of the Inca citadel, visiting some of the most important temples and structures.
- Circuit 3 – Royalty Route: You visit the lower part of the Inca citadel, along with some highly significant temple structures.
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.
- For that, you must purchase one of the tickets that allow its visit: 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 slot.
- Only the tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain and the Upper Terrace are available year‑round. Tickets to the Inti Punku Gate and Inca Bridge are enabled only from June 19 to November 2 (high ticket season).
- Finally, you just need to wait for a break to position yourself with your back to the Machu Picchu landscape. The best photos are taken in the afternoon. If it rains or fog obstructs visibility, you won’t be able to get the much‑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 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Each ticket has its own schedule, which you will find in one‑hour intervals from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m., which is the last entry time.
Tips for the visit
Follow these tips during your visit to the Guardian’s House at Machu Picchu:
- You are not allowed to enter the Guardian’s House. You may only take the classic photo from there.
- Respect the park ranger’s instructions stationed near the Guardian’s House, for example: do not get too close to the edges of the path, do not stray from the permitted circuit, do not shout in a way that disturbs the sacred character of the Inca city.
- To get the classic Machu Picchu photo, respect the line of tourists waiting for it at the Guardian’s House. First come, first served when it comes to getting your photo taken.
- Next to the Guardian’s House there is a wide terrace where you can rest and appreciate every angle of the Inca citadel.
- Book your tickets for Circuit 1, the panoramic route, at least one month in advance so you don’t miss out on the best views of the historic sanctuary.
- The visit to the panoramic circuit is purely contemplative—you will see from the upper terrace all the nature that surrounds the Inca citadel, as well as its constructions and temples.
- People trekking the Inca Trail will also be able to enter this sector, as they pass through here when entering Machu Picchu.
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 from there you get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
2. How much does the ticket 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?
The Guardian’s House at 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, called the panoramic route of Machu Picchu, is a contemplative tour along the best viewpoints of the Inca citadel.
5. Who built the Guardian’s House?
The Guardian’s House, like the rest of the structures at Machu Picchu, was commissioned by Emperor Pachacutec around 1450 AD.
6. What are the visiting hours for the Guardian’s House?
The Guardian’s House at 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 my “Machu Picchu + Mountain (route 1A)” ticket?
Yes, this type of ticket in Machu Picchu allows visiting the Guardian’s House, as it includes the panoramic circuit.
8. Can I visit the Guardian’s House with my “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (route 3A)” ticket?
No, this type of ticket (also the Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (route 3D) ticket) does not allow visiting the Guardian’s House; instead, it includes a tour of Circuit 3, called the royalty route, which traverses the lower part of Machu Picchu.
9. Can I get the classic Machu Picchu photo from the Guardian’s House?
Yes, from this structure and its surroundings you can get 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 if it rains or fog occurs, you will not be able to get the classic Machu Picchu photo from the Guardian’s House. A clear day is required to obtain such a photograph. However, if you want a misty, more mystical landscape among the clouds, it’s 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 see the entire citadel, and the view is amazing. I stayed there quite a while just watching and taking photos. It's a place that conveys a lot of peace, and makes you think about how the Incas lived. Definitely a must‑stop if you visit Machu Picchu.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 10, 2025