The Sun Gate

A couple admiring the view in The Sun Gate near Hotel Sumaq

The Sun Gate, or Inti Punku in the native Quechua language, is one of the ancient control points for people entering Machu Picchu Citadel. It’s also where those people today who are hiking the Inca Trail enter into the sanctuary.
 
While you may not be interested in hiking the entire trail, it is possible for you to hike up to the Inti Punku from the citadel, allowing you to take in the impressive vista that lies before you from this privileged location. If you want some great bird’s eye views of Machu Picchu, without having to hike up to the top of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this is the hike for you. No special entrance tickets are necessary to visit the Sun Gate; it’s included with your entrance into Machu Picchu.