The Guard House at Machu Picchu Inca city or House of the Guardian is one of the most visited points of Machu Picchu because from there you 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 precisely believed that this was its function; that of a guard post
The Guardhouse also known as the Caretakers Hut was a thatched roofed building 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; and from 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. From its commanding high position in the south of the citadel, it is one of the best places for panoramic views of of whole Machu Picchu inca city and the surrounding Mountains.
Note: In order to get to this spot, you need tickets for circuit #1 or 2. See more details about circuits here!
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 ichu (wild grass from the Andes) 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 tooo 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 that 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 postcard picture 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 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 Machupicchu in this place.
In the vicinity of the Guardian’s House there are flames 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.
*** With the new regulation, you need the entrance tickets which includes the circuits #1 or #2. More information about circuits here!
It was perfect! On the first day we had a great time exploring the Sacred Valley and see the main attractions and learn about the history of this beautiful place.
I would definitely recommend the short Inka trail, I think it was the best way to get to know Machu Picchu and the surrounding area. We arrived at Machu Picchu when most of the crowd was gone and it felt really special.
You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru
Best mix of adventure, history and nature: Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
4-day trekking option seemed too intense for us, but we still wanted to experience the entrance to Machu Picchu through the ancient Inka trail, so we opted for Orange Nation’s combination of Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I couldn’t be more happy about our decision.
We booked and paid the deposit to Orange Nation / Sam travel for the 4 day Inca Trail and Machu Pichu trip back in 2019. But we couldn't travel in 2020 and 2021 - but the company honoured our agreement and so we came back in 2022.
recommends Orange Nation Peru
You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru. This tour had so many incredible things and places packed into 4 days.
recommends Orange Nation Peru
My girl and i did the Machu Pichu trek tour with Orange Nation. It was seriously the most amazing experience that we'll never forget. Gorgeous views! The long trek was worth the amazing view. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. We considered other tours but chose Orange Nation because we liked the idea of smaller groups and this was definitely worth it. I will be using Orange Nation again next year when I come back to Peru!
recommends Orange Nation Peru
Wow, what a wonderful trekking experience! My trip to Peru was amazing thanks to this awesome tour that i took with Orange Nation. I did multiple tours with this company. I'm a solo traveler and everyone in my group was always still friendly and did not make me feel left out. I loved going off the beaten track with this company. It's much better to pay extra to go off the path for the quality experience of this amazing guided tour They definitely helped guide us and gave us a quality experience with a small group and paid special attention to each one of us. I highly recommend using Orange Nation for your next tour in Peru!
Has one of the most outstanding meal services. Our chefs have been highly trained to prepare the best peruavian and International food our treks. You should be prepared to not only have a superb trekking experience, but also a culinary one. "The food has been the highlight for all our hikers"
Christian B
10/10 Amazing experience
If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.
Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!
Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.
Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!
Matt A
Awesome experience!!
Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.
Rius
Short Inca Trial (2-Day)
This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!