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The Guard House at Machu Picchu Inca city or House of the Guardian is one of the most visited points of Machu Picchu. From there get the classic postcard photo with the Inca city in the background. It is located in the upper part of the agricultural sector from where you can monitor the entire archaeological site. It is believed that this was its function; that of a guard post.
The Guardhouse also known as the Caretakers Hut. The building was a thatched roofed constructed from fairly crude stones and featured 3 walls and one open long side. The Guard-house was a building used by soldiers who guarded two main entrances to Machu Picchu. From the south there was the Inca Trail from Intipunku (the Sun Gate), which nowadays is the finish of the classic 4 days Inca Trail hike. The other was the west the entrance of the main Inca trail from Vilcabamba.
The Guardhouse is one of the first attractions on the upper tourist circuit around Machu Picchu. Its has a commanding high position in the south of the citadel. Considered one of the best places for panoramic views of of whole Machu Picchu inca city and the surrounding mountains.
The Guardian’s house is a simple enclosure, made of small stone and adobe. It is the only construction of the citadel whose roofing made of beams and wild grass from the Andes that remains to this day. It has massive terraced grounds, where you will find herds of llamas and apalcas grazing. These alpacas and llamas are used to tourists and are open to allowing to take a snap sot with them. Beware though, if you get too close and they feel threatened, they will spit on you. Inside there are three squared windows that offer a complete view of Machu Picchu Inca city, its access and exit points. It is because of this location that the Guardian’s House is believed to have served as a lookout post.
The Guard House at Machu Picchu or House of the Guardian is perhaps the most visited Inca site in all of Machu Picchu area. The reason is from there it is possible to get the classic postcard photo of the whole Inca city.
In the mornings tourists tend to crowd to get the best pictures of Machu Picchu. In the afternoons, on the other hand, there are not many tourists who visit the citadel and the Guardian’s House. Other great spots to get spectacular photos of the citadel include the top of Intipunku, Huayna Picchu mountain and Machu Picchu mountain.
Getting to the Guardian’s House is easy. From the entrance gate to Machu Picchu you must follow the signs uphill for about 500 meters on average. This walk can take 10 or 15 minutes. Once there, the tour of the Inca citadel begins.
The Guardian’s House is built in a rustic manner, yet it has stood the test of time really well. It is also recommended not to touch its walls or lean on them. In the place there is always a guard who guards that no tourist damages this structure.
The security personnel that guards the Guardian’s House can request the tourist to continue with the tour of Machu Picchu if he spends too much time there. It is recommended to allocate 15 minutes on average to take the necessary photos of Machu Picchu in this place.
In the vicinity of the Guardian’s House there are animals grazing the green lawn of Machu Picchu. Tourists can photograph themselves with the animal (Llamas) although they are not allowed to disturb them.
Although the House of the Guardian is regarded as the perfect spot for the classic post card photo of Machu Picchu. It is important to note that this picture cannot be possible if the weather is foggy and visibility is low. When Machu Picchu dawns with dense fogs it is impossible to get these photographs. The mornings of January, February and March are months when there is more fog in the place.
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