If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu and are reading all about at the citadel, you probably have read about the Sun Gate hike. It’s less popular than the Huayna Picchu hike, but equally impressive.
Hundreds of years ago, the Sun Gate used to be the old entrance to Machu Picchu. It connects the Inca Trail that ran through the whole Inca empire, to the citadel.
The Sun Gate is located at a higher altitude than Machu Picchu. When people entered through the Sun gate, they had stunning views over Machu Picchu, the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the jungle.
It was actually used as an entry and exit control point, to ensure that only the elite members of the Incas could have access to the citadel.
Are you already excited about the hike? Let’s see some important details below.
Visiting the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu
Something very important to take into account is that, as of 2023, it’s not allowed to hike to the Sun Gate from Machu Picchu anymore.
Up to a few years ago, it was possible to the hike to the Sun Gate with your normal entry ticket to Machu Picchu. The hike from Machu Picchu takes one hour, and it is a beautiful walk through the nature and ruins.
Since the pandemic, though, this is not possible anymore.
There is no information regarding to if this will change in the coming time or if it will stay like it is.
But even if you can’t hike to the Sun Gate, you can do hike from the Sun Gate. Read more below.
How to Visit the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu in 2023
That the hike from Machu Picchu is forbidden nowadays, doesn’t mean that you can’t visit the Sun Gate.
Actually, the Sun Gate continues to be the entry point to Machu Picchu if you hike the Inca Trail. All Inca Trail treks will pass by the Sun Gate, starting from the 1-day treks. But depending on which one you do, you will arrive at different times.
The 4- Day Inca Trail arrival at the Sun Gate
If you hike the 4-day Inca Trail, you will arrive at the Sun Gate in the early morning. If you want to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu, which is an unforgettable experience, this is the trail you should do. You will see the sunrise from the Sun Gate, which will be particularly beautiful if you arrive on a clear day.
Though it’s of course also a very mystical experience to watch the day begin with the fog among the ruins. This is actually how I have started my day at Machu Picchu both of the times I have visited it.
Standing at the Sun Gate you can’t help but feel amazed. All around you are ancient ruins, with mountains rising up and the jungle spreading out like a green sea. The views are magical. It’s then you understand you’re looking at something really special: this is truly one of the 7 New World Wonders (not to be confused with the old 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, but just as amazing).
And there’s something even more magical about it: if you arrive on the day of the summer solstice, you’ll witness the sun positioned perfectly in the middle of the gate. This phenomenon is the origin of the Sun Gate’s name.
The 2-Day Inca Trail arrival at the Sun Gate
The 2-day Inca Trail is the short version of the Inca trail. In this hike, you won’t arrive to the Sun gate at sunrise, but around 3pm to 4pm.
You will enjoy the views from the mountain, but make sure not to stay there for too long. You won’t want to miss the last bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, which leaves at 5:30pm.
How is the Hike to the Sun Gate?
The last part of the Inca Trail leading to the Sun Gate gets a bit difficult and steep. But you will be rewarded with the end of an amazing trek at a magical place.
From there, the walk to Machu Picchu is downwards, and normally doesn’t take longer than 45 minutes.
What to Do at the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu?
The main thing to do is to appreciate the views of the surrounding areas. On one side, you will have Machu Picchu, which you will be able to appreciate from above. You will also be able to see the Huayna Picchu (the mountain on the background of Machu Picchu). Surrounding you, you will have the Andes mountains, and the beautiful Snowy Veronica.
At the Sun Gate, you can walk around the ruins, which are walls, doors and agricultural terraces.
The path between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu is also a great place to try to spot some exotic birds if you are into birdwatching. For example, you might see the Cock-of-the-Rock, the Blue-Grey Tanager and the Chestnut-breasted coronet.
Is the Sun Gate the same as Intipunku?
Yes. Intipunku translates as “sun gate” in quechua, the native language that the Incas spoke and which is till widely spoken in Cusco and in rest of the Andes.
But actually, that is not the original name of the gate, they just named it like that after the discovery of the Machu Picchu ruins.
What is the best time of the year to visit the Intipunku?
The best and most special time of the year to be at the Intipunku or Sun Gate in Machu Picchu would the winter solstice. That is, the 21st of June.
The Incas where great astronomers and their architecture is closely linked to the Sun, which was th main god for the Incas. If you visit it during the solstice, you will appreciate the Sun rays passing through the doors.
Is is Free to Visit the Sun Gate?
Yes, the Sun Gate is free to visit as long as you have a Machu Picchu ticket.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning a visit to Cusco and want to hike the Inca Trail, you will be sure to visit the beautiful Sun Gate. Watching the sunrise there and finishing the last part of your hike as you walk down to Machu Picchu will be a highlight of your trek.
Besides Machu Picchu there are several other places in the Sacred Valley that you shouldn’t miss. For example, the picturesque Ollantaytambo town, and Mara and Moray, a set of pink salt pools and intriguing ruins.
If you are arriving in Lima, make sure to read this post if you are wondering how to get from Lima to Machu Picchu.
