1.- HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
One of the main constructions having a significant role within the security of the Inca Citadel is undoubtedly the Guardian House Machu Picchu, not only because of its strategic location but also because of the historical importance it has gained over time. The Guardian House Machu Picchu contains one of the most strategic and important locations of the entire Inca city allowing you to appreciate a panoramic and complete view of what was once considered the lost Inca citadel in the Andes, on an elevated platform also provides a unique view over the vast valley that runs along the Urubamba River. From this point the ancient Inca soldiers who performed their duties in the Guardian House Machu Picchu had the task of observing and reporting all movements in the surroundings, thus ensuring that there would never be anyone outside to threaten their safety.
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2.- Origins and purpose
The Guardian House Machu Picchu had the main purpose of being a defensive surveillance point for the people who lived inside Machu Picchu, of course it was not the only purpose also had the role of guarding the access points at the same time was protected by deep cliffs and extensive local vegetation. This construction that can still be seen today was a checkpoint where the guards recorded and monitored any entry and exit of the Citadel to thus avoid leaks of spies from other cultures, naturally also had a symbolic purpose as it represented the authority exercised by the Inca ruler and his power.
2.1.- Original construction
Like many other constructions it is attributed that the Guardian House Machu Picchu was built during the government of the Inca Pachacutec who was considered as the reformer of the land, in fact the entire Citadel is represented as a symbol of the mastery that the culture had in engineering and construction, denoting the defensive role that had the Guardian House Machu Picchu for this same.
2.2.- Security system
Despite the time in which the Guardian House Machu Picchu was built, the security system that the Inca culture had was quite sophisticated and oriented by the natural geography in which it was located. Many of the roads and trails that allowed travelers to reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu consisted of complete challenges such as steep paths, deep ravines and of course natural barriers so the Inca culture imposed closed doors made entirely of stone blocks that were carefully fitted and that were only allowed to be opened by the nobility or guardians, this control allowed the citadel to prosper peacefully for a long time and to develop without problems.
3.- ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
3.1.- Construction design
The Guardian House Machu Picchu was built on a platform that is elevated which in a sense had a benefit of taking advantage of the natural terrain and topography of the environment to give better accessibility and at the same time visibility of panoramic views of the environment. The construction of the Machu Picchu Guardian House is quite simple but at the same time effective containing walls made only of stone and maintaining the traditional design characteristic of the Inca culture where they used a technique of ashlar which means carving the stone blocks so that they can get a great solidity and fit perfectly. And after many studies it is known that the Guardian House Machu Picchu contains geometric lines that are quite characteristic of the city of the Inca highlighting the correct alignment that has and of course the planning that was prior to its construction.
It is known that the Inca culture was an expert connoisseur of construction without the need for the use of mortar, for this reason it was determined that the stones at the beginning were carved with incredible precision so that they could fit perfectly in the place intended for their position so it was not necessary to use any type of cement or mortar as a union, This allowed to obtain structures much more resistant to the scientific movements and also to obtain a great durability, each one of these immense stones were brought from nearby quarries and obtained in some cases irregular forms but maintaining their great size which helped to maintain the stability with the passage of time.
3.2.- Materials used
It is important to understand that the construction of the Machu Picchu Guardian House is mainly the use of limestone, an element that is quite abundant throughout this region. Each of the stones were worked in an artisanal way but with a great mastery obtaining an ideal form that led to obtain constructions that did not present space between the stones that constitute them. Thanks to this, the structure was able to resist even the passage of time and seismic movements, added to the fact that the mortar could be maintained with greater stability.
3.3.- Defense mechanisms
The Guardian House Machu Picchu was an important control point and therefore also had certain protocols and defense mechanisms in case of any conflict. To this is added the presence of countless trails that allow free transit inside the citadel that also allows access to the top of the Guardian House Machu Picchu, where the guards could make smoke or fire signals and thus alert all the inhabitants about a danger or threat approaching, this kind of communication was very effective and fast that crucially ensured the safety of the citadel, being able to have a quick response at any time.
4.- GUARDIAN’S LIFE
The person was in charge of the Machu Picchu Guardian House not only was in charge of the security of the place if not also had to maintain order inside the citadel, before any invasion or attack would be who would give the initiative to start a response or counterattack, these people were fundamental pieces for the military system in addition to social control, although the Inca citadel is located in a remote place geographically maintains the importance and value mainly for the elite of the Inca culture.
The people who fulfilled this role were chosen strategically mainly because of the great skills they possessed as well as being people who gained the trust of the whole society, in addition to the position of guarding also had to have knowledge about geography, forms of communication, defense and related issues. The daily life of a guardian meant to be always attentive to observe the environment for long hours and always be prepared.
5.- Duties
- Essentially he had to maintain the security of the citadel from the Guardian House Machu Picchu while constantly observing both the valley and the trails up the mountain. Being in an elevated position the view was long distance so I could detect any movement that was suspicious.
- Give immediate warning if he found or saw any sign of intruders or threats.
- To carry out patrols in all the surroundings of the citadel.
- As a means of control, he was the one who determined who entered the citadel and who did not. Since it was a sacred place, only a few people could enter.
During the day the watchmen were located in the observation posts that had the shape of platforms which facilitated their vision and could observe the entire citadel in a panoramic way, in this way they could act almost immediately if any strange event occurred, also allowed them to appreciate the location of travelers who moved away or approached. On the other hand, during the night, although the observation activity continued, they had to be able to back it up with a means of communication and that is precisely where fire or smoke came into play, a means by which any event was reported to the nearest control post and thus be able to deal with any threat.
6.- CHOOSE YOUR TOUR CIRCUIT APPROPRIATELY
“Currently there are three types of circuits inside Machu Picchu to visit it, however only circuit 2-B is the one that allows you to enjoy a complete adventure even being able to reach the sector of the Guardian House Machu Picchu, where you can get the famous postcard photo for which many travelers in the world decide to visit it.”
7.- FAQs
- Where exactly is the Guardian House located in Machu Picchu?
The Machu Picchu Guardian House is located in the upper part of the citadel, thanks to this elevated area and strategic position, all visitors who come to visit it can get a great postcard photo of the citadel and the vast valley of Urubamba.
- How difficult is it to reach the Guardian House?
It has an easy-medium difficulty, due to the fact that in order to access the upper part, you must climb a steep path with many steps so you must have a degree of endurance to get here.
- Is it included in the regular Machu Picchu ticket?
Currently it is possible to visit the Guardian House Machu Picchu if you choose the entrance ticket for Circuit 2 – B, this is the most complete circuit that allows you to visit the Inca citadel in its entirety.
- Do I need a special permit to visit?
No, the entrance ticket will be enough for you to visit the Guardian House Machu Picchu.
- What’s the best time of day to visit?
During the rainy season it is best to opt for the schedules from 11:00 am to visit the Guardian House Machu Picchu because earlier there is the presence of fog almost every day. On the other hand in the dry season it is better to choose the schedules from 09:00 am because in the afternoon there is a risk that there may be rain.
- How long does it take to reach from the main entrance?
It depends a lot on the stamina and strength of each traveler, in some cases it takes 10 minutes and others can take up to 25 minutes. Each traveler has a personal pace, it is not necessary to be in a hurry.
Enjoying the panoramic view offered by the Guardian House Machu Picchu is one of the best experiences you can have during your 2025 trip. Auri Peru can design a personalized adventure tailored to your needs, contact us now and have the preparations ready for this great adventure.
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