The water mirrors in Machu Picchu
The water mirrors or Hall of Mirrors are one of the most famous constructions in Machu Picchu. It is a circular formation (like a dish) made of stone carved into the ground. When filled with water, it reflects the sky. Thus, the Incas used it as an astronomical observatory. Learn how to visit it, how much it costs, visiting hours, and more information.
- What are the water mirrors?
- Where are they located?
- History of the water mirrors of Machu Picchu
- Which ticket do you need to visit?
- How much does the visit cost?
- Visiting hours
- More information
- Questions and answers about the water mirrors of Machu Picchu
The Water Mirrors at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was an Inca citadel and religious site that stands out for its scenic beauty and architectural wonder. Some of its most famous constructions are: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and the Water Mirrors. This last site was an astronomical observatory where the Incas could observe (through the water) celestial gods such as the moon (quilla). Learn more!
What are the water mirrors?
- The water mirrors are two cylindrical Inca constructions located at the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
- Their construction—similar to two mortars—was done on a natural granite outcrop. For this reason, they are also known as the ‘Hall of Mortars’. However, their symmetry is not suitable for grinding purposes.
- Research indicates that the function of these constructions was to hold water—brought from sacred lakes or rivers—in order to reflect the sky, where the Inca gods (the sun, the moon, the stars) dwell. Because of this, the site was renamed ‘The Water Mirrors’.
- Above all the gods, the ‘Water Mirrors’ were used to reflect the moon, also known as the goddess ‘Killa’. This Inca goddess (wife of the sun god) was associated with women’s chastity.
- Therefore, researchers presume that—unlike neighboring Inca structures—the ‘Water Mirrors’ room did not have a roof.
Where are they located?
- The ‘Water Mirrors’ are located in the urban sector of Machu Picchu (in the lower part of the citadel).
- Nearby Inca constructions include the Temple of the Condor and the House of the Inka.
- To enter the area where the water mirrors are located, you need to purchase a ticket that includes the classic Machu Picchu circuit.
- Machu Picchu and all of its constructions are located approximately 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level.
Machu Picchu is divided into 3 touring circuits, each of which includes a set number of entry routes, sometimes with additional hiking options. The sectors covered by each circuit are:
- Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route: Covers the upper part of the Inca citadel, a short route with wide views, ideal for capturing the iconic photo of Machu Picchu.
- Circuit 2 – Classic Route: Covers the middle sector, passing through agricultural and urban areas along with important temples and constructions.
- Circuit 3 – Royalty Route: Covers the lower part of the Inca citadel, exploring the urban area, and includes hikes to the mountains and the most popular structures of Machu Picchu.
History of the Water Mirrors of Machu Picchu
- The Water Mirrors, like most constructions in Machu Picchu, were commissioned by Emperor Pachacutec around 1450 A.D.
- The construction took advantage of the abundant rock formations in Machu Picchu. Thus, the Water Mirrors were carved into a natural rock located in the lower part of the site.
- In 1535 A.D., and in the following years, Machu Picchu was abandoned due to the Spanish invasion and the Vilcabamba wars. The Water Mirrors, along with many other constructions in the citadel, were covered by dense vegetation.
- Finally, in 1911, American explorer Hiram Bingham arrived at Machu Picchu, bringing news of its discovery. In the following years, research and restoration work was carried out on the Inca archaeological site.
- Today, the Water Mirrors are one of the most famous Inca constructions in the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Water Mirrors – Machu Picchu
Which ticket do you need to visit?
- The Water Mirrors can be visited with tickets for Circuit 2, the classic route of Machu Picchu, which are available all year round.
| Ticket | Included Constructions | Circuit | Tour Duration | Restrictions | Availability | Booking Time | Entry Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designed Classic Route (2A) | Temple of the Sun, Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Main Plaza, Sacred Fountains, Water Mirrors, Sacred Rock, Three Doorways, and agricultural terraces | Circuit 2 – Classic Route | 2 hours 30 minutes | Suitable for all visitors | All year round | 3 months in advance | Ten time slots at one-hour intervals: 06:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. |
| Lower Terrace Classic Route (2B) | Temple of the Sun, Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Main Plaza, Sacred Fountains, Water Mirrors, Sacred Rock, Three Doorways, and agricultural terraces | Circuit 2 – Classic Route | 2 hours 30 minutes | Suitable for all visitors | All year round | 3 months in advance | Ten time slots at one-hour intervals: 06:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. |
How much does the visit cost?
| Ticket Type | Foreign Adults | Foreign Students | Foreign Minors | CAN Adults | CAN Students | CAN Minors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket (1A) | 200 S/. | 125 S/. | 118 S/. | 112 S/. | 80 S/. | 80 S/. |
| Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Ticket (1B) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Inti Punku Gate Ticket (1C) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Inca Bridge Ticket (1D) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Designed Classic Route Ticket (2A) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Lower Terrace Classic Route Ticket (2B) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket (3A) | 200 S/. | 125 S/. | 118 S/. | 112 S/. | 80 S/. | 80 S/. |
| Designed Royal Route or Lower Temples Ticket (3B) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Great Cave or Temple of the Moon Ticket (3C) | 200 S/. | 125 S/. | 118 S/. | 112 S/. | 80 S/. | 80 S/. |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket (3D) | 200 S/. | 125 S/. | 118 S/. | 112 S/. | 80 S/. | 80 S/. |
Visiting Hours
- The visiting hours for the Water Mirrors, as well as the opening hours of the Machu Picchu citadel, are every day of the year from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The schedules for Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu, which include the visit to the Water Mirrors, are available from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., with 10 different entry times.
More Information
- Currently, it is forbidden to touch the Water Mirrors. Visitors can only approach close enough to take photos or admire the construction. In fact, protective ropes are placed around the site.
- Near the Water Mirrors, tourists can visit other famous Inca constructions such as the Temple of the Sun or the Temple of the Condor. Take advantage of it!
- Circuit 2 includes, besides the Water Mirrors, visits to the Temple of the Sun, Main Temple, Temple of the 3 Windows, Main Plaza, Sacred Fountains, Sacred Rock, the Three Doorways, and some agricultural terraces.
Questions and Answers about the Water Mirrors of Machu Picchu
1. What are the Water Mirrors?
The Water Mirrors are two cylindrical Inca constructions located at the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. They served as an astronomical observatory for the worship of Inca gods.
2. Where are the Water Mirrors located?
The Water Mirrors are located in the urban sector (lower part) of Machu Picchu.
3. What is the history of the Water Mirrors of Machu Picchu?
The construction of the Water Mirrors dates back to 1450 A.D., when Emperor Pachacutec ordered their building along with other temples and enclosures of Machu Picchu.
4. Which Machu Picchu ticket allows visiting the Water Mirrors?
You can visit the Water Mirrors with the two tickets that include the classic Machu Picchu route: Designed Classic Ticket (Route 2A) and Lower Terrace Classic Ticket (Route 2B).
5. What are the visiting hours for the Water Mirrors?
The Water Mirrors are available every day of the year from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6. How much does it cost to visit the Water Mirrors?
Both Circuit 2 – classic route tickets include the visit to the Water Mirrors. The cost is: 152 soles for adults, 77 soles for university students, and 70 soles for minors under 18. Citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia have greater discounts.
7. Can I touch the Water Mirrors?
No, tourists cannot touch the Water Mirrors. A safety rope only allows observing or taking photographs from a safe distance.
8. Can everyone visit the Water Mirrors?
Yes, tourists of all ages can visit Circuit 2 – classic route, which includes the Water Mirrors of Machu Picchu. There is no age limit!
9. What other Inca constructions can I visit besides the Water Mirrors of Machu Picchu?
Besides the Water Mirrors, it is possible to visit the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor at Machu Picchu.
10. Which Inca ordered the construction of the Water Mirrors of Machu Picchu?
Chronicles state that this and other temples and enclosures of Machu Picchu were built by order of Emperor Pachacutec around 1450.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Smith A.“Machu Picchu“
“The Water Mirrors at Machu Picchu amazed me. I never imagined the water could reflect the sky and mountains so clearly. It was like seeing another world inside our own. I just stayed silent, simply watching. It was a simple moment, but one I will never forget.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 19, 2025