The Guardian’s House or Guard House at Machu Picchu

The Guard House at Machu Picchu or House of the Guardian is one of the most visited points of Machu Picchu. From there you get the classic photos with the famous World Wonder in the background. It is located in the upper part of the agricultural sector from where you can see the entire archaeological site.

The Guard house was a thatched roofed building constructed from fairly crude stones and featured 3 walls and one long open side. From the south there was the Inca Trail from Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Nowadays it is the finishing point of the classic 4 days Inca Trail hike. To the west there is the entrance of Vilcabamba.

The site 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 Machu Picchu Inca city and the surrounding Mountains.

The Classic Pictures of Machu Picchu

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 at this time is usually a lot more open. From the top of Intipunku, the Huayna Picchu mountain, and the Machu Picchu mountain you can also get spectacular photos.

How to get there?

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.

More Information about the Guardian’s House

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. There is always a guard who ensures that no tourist damages any structure.

In the vicinity of the Guardian’s House there are llamas peacefully grazing the green lawn of Machu Picchu. Tourists can photograph themselves with the animals although they are not allowed to disturb them.

Although from the House of the guardian it is possible to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu; this largely depends on the state of the weather. When Machu Picchu dawns with dense fog it is impossible to get these photographs. It is important to note the mornings of January, February and March are 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!