Sungate II

In this post we have images from Sungate.  I think I had previously mentioned that Sungate was a control point for the Incas to control visitors to Machu Picchu, in particular it was the primary approach from the capitol city Cusco.  It gets its name from the fact that the rising sun would pass through the gate during the summer solstice and is dedicated to Inti, the Sun god. In Quechua, the language of the Incas, it is called Intipunku.

While we were there we did have some openings in the fog and we were treated to spectacular views for a few minutes at a time.  I  can imagine that for travelers coming for days from the southeast via the Inca Trail, it was and still is, a welcoming site to pass through the gate and see Machu Picchu from this vantage point.  

The approach from the southeast.

                                          The trail from Machu Picchu