Intipunku was the gateway to Machu Picchu used by the Incas. The hike there is intense. It follows a path that originally belonged to the Inca trail network (qhapaq ñan). This route allows you to access Circuit 1, which can be done with the “Machu Picchu + Intipunku (Route 1C)” ticket. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours (round trip).

• What is the Intipunku or Sun Gate?
• What is the entrance ticket to Intipunku?
• What are the entry times?
• Where is the Intipunku?
• How is the walk to Intipunku?
• Is the walk to the Sun Gate difficult?
• What to wear
• In which month do the walk to the Sun Gate?
• Useful information of the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu
• Is it dangerous to make the walk to the Intipunku?
• Frequently Asked Questions

View from Sun Gate or Intipunku

To climb the Sun Gate you must follow the stone steps that lead to the top of Machu Picchu. On the way there are many signs that prevent tourists from getting lost. From the top is a charming landscape of the Inca city.

What is the Intipunku or Sun Gate?

• Intipunku is a Quechua word that means ‘Sun Gate’ . Its name is due to the fact that the sun’s rays pass there during the summer solstices. In addition, this construction was the entrance gate to Machu Picchu used by the Incas.
• This construction is made up of several walls, windows, doors and rustic terraces of stone. To get there, the Incas built several staircases as well as terraces and other minor buildings.
• From the Intipunku you can see a spectacular view of Machu Picchu . It is for this reason that many tourists ascend the hundreds of stone steps. Many do so in the early hours of the day, in order to see the sunrise in the Inca city.

What is the entrance ticket to Intipunku?

• The Intipunku is located within the Inca city of Machu Picchu so any type of ticket includes the option to visit this tourist attraction.
• The general entrance ticket is ‘Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)’ and is the preferred option for visitors to hike to the Sun Gate .
• It’s also possible to take other hiking routes on Circuit 1 with tickets such as ‘Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)’ and ‘Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D)’. However, these are not recommended, as these tickets include equally strenuous hikes.

What are the entry times?

The Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C) offers the following entry times for visitors:

• Group 1. Admission begins at 8:00 a.m.
• Group 2. Admission begins at 9:00 a.m.
• Group 3. Admission begins at 10:00 a.m.
• Group 4. Admission begins at 11:00 a.m.

Where is the Intipunku?

• The Sun Gate is high and south of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
• This famous construction is 2,745 meters above sea level (9 thousand ft). At 300 meters (984 ft). higher than the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

How is the walk to Intipunku?

• After entering the Inca city, you will climb the steps leading to the famous ‘Guardian’s House’. There the path is divided into two: a) the tourist circuit through Machu Picchu or b) the route to the Intipunku and the Machu Picchu mountain.
• The road to the Machu Picchu mountain and the Intipunku forks on a stretch. The path to the Sun Gate is more gradual, the steps ascend at an angle of 30º. However, when approaching the top, the slope is accentuated and the road becomes more difficult.

The Sun Gate is also the entry point for hikers who arrive after traveling the 4 days of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you continue through this door you will reach the Inca citadels of Wiñaywayna. However, entry permits to the Inca Trail are needed.

Is the walk to the Sun Gate difficult?

• Moderate – To make the walk to the Sun Gate requires an acceptable physical level. The route is wide and much less rugged than other excursions offered by the Inca city, such as the Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu mountain.

What to wear

• 2 liters of water.
• Hat, sunglasses and sun protection.
• Insect repellent.
• Snacks
• Rain poncho
• Photographic camera.
• Small backpack.
• Cane with rubber tip.
• Passport or identity document.
• Printed entrance to Machu Picchu .

In which month do the walk to the Sun Gate?

• Machu Picchu remains open to the public every day of the year, but access to the Sun Gate is only during the high season (June 19 to November 2).
• The best time to hike to Intipunku is during the dry season in Machu Picchu: June, July, and August
• In those months it rains less frequently so it is possible to walk to Machu Picchu without the inconvenience of rain.
• February is the rainiest month in Machu Picchu, so it is not recommended for tourists to do any hiking.

Useful information of the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu

• Time needed: 2 – 3 hours round trip.
• Altitude of the summit: 2,745 meters from sea level (9 thousand ft).
• Height in relation to Machu Picchu: 290 meters (951 ft).
• Type of terrain: Stone steps and dirt trails.
• Recommended footwear: Hiking boots.
• Ticket type: Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket (Ruta 1C).
• Entry schedule: From 6 am. until 2 in the afternoon.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Is it dangerous to make the walk to the Intipunku?

• The walk to the Sun Gate is a safe route. Almost all the way is on wide stone steps and far away from cliffs. The more one advances, the route is narrower but without any risk for the tourist.
• During the rainy season of Machu Picchu (from November to March) , the stairs can get a little slippery because of the rain. However, if hiking shoes are used the road is safe.

Questions and Answers

• 1) What is the Intipunku or Sun Gate?

  The Intipunku, or Sun Gate, was the ancient entrance to Machu Picchu used by the Incas. It is a stone structure located at the top of the sanctuary, offering a panoramic view of the archaeological complex and marking the entrance for those arriving via the Inca Trail.

• 2) What is the entrance ticket to Intipunku?

  To access the Intipunku, you must purchase the ‘Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)’ ticket. This ticket allows entry to circuit 1 of the citadel and includes the hike to the Sun Gate.

• 3) What are the entry times?

  The ‘Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)’ ticket has four staggered entry times to the citadel: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, and 11:00 a.m.

• 4) Where is the Intipunku located?

  The Intipunku is located at the southern and elevated end of the Machu Picchu citadel, at about 2,745 meters above sea level.

• 5) Is the hike to the Sun Gate difficult?

  The difficulty is moderate. No hiking experience is required. The path is wide and well-marked, although the final slope may require extra effort.

• 6) In which month should I hike to the Sun Gate?

  The hike can only be done during the high season (June 19 to November 2), but the most recommended months are June to August, during the dry season. During this period, rainfall is scarce and the weather is more stable.

• 7) Is it dangerous to hike to the Intipunku?

  Under normal conditions, it is not dangerous. The trail is maintained, wide, and does not have extremely exposed sections. Still, caution is advised, especially on rainy days when the terrain can become slippery.

• 8) When is the low season at Machu Picchu?

  The low season at Machu Picchu runs from November 3 to June 18. The rest of the time is considered high season.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Leandro T.

“Inti Punku Experience“

“My trip to Machu Picchu was incredible. The hike to Inti Punku made me want to hike the Inca Trail. I'll definitely be planning to hike it the next time I visit this great wonder. It's an unforgettable experience.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 30, 2025