The+Sun+Gate

=The Sun Gate= The sun gate, also known as Inti Punku, is known as the main entrance to the beautiful Machu Picchu. There is a trail leading up to Inti Punku which shares the same name. This gate faced the south towards the town of Cusco. This grand entrance is located 2,745 meters above sea level. The altitude of the climb to Inti Punku is 290 meters.

During the first few years of the Incan civilization the gateway was built. This was the beginning of the the Inca calendar. Archeologists claim that the Incas used the gate to discover the length of year. The sun would rise over Machu Picchu and light up the whole mountain top. Throughout the course of a year the Incas noticed the sun’s angle on Machu Picchu would change. The sun would return to its starting position after the course of one year. When the Incas saw this change recurring year after year they formed a callender.

The location of the gate played an important role in the lives of those who lived on Machu Picchu. Because the gate was so high in altitude, it made it harder for enemies to attack the Incan people. Due to this, the main entrance was almost nearly impossible to get to. Also, the gate was constantly under protected by Incan warriors.

 By: Elli Duensing