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The House of the Guardian
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The Guardian’s House in Machu Picchu

The House of the Guardian is an Inca construction in Machu Picchu. Unlike the main temples and enclosures, its architecture is rustic. Its fame lies mainly in the fact that from there and its surroundings, tourists can get the dreamed-of classic photo with the Inca citadel in the background. To visit this building and get the photo that everyone is looking for, it is necessary to buy up to three types of tickets to Machupicchu.

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Casa del guardian - Machu Picchu
The Guardian’s House – Machu Picchu

The House of the Guardian is the construction that most tourists want to visit in Machu Picchu. The reason? From there you take the classic postcard photo of the Inca citadel. Only three types of tickets allow you to visit it and get this photo: the ticket Machupicchu Only, the Machupicchu with Inca Bridge ticket and the Machupicchu with Mountain ticket. The House of the Guardian awaits you!

What is the Guardian House?

  • The House of the Guardian is one of the most famous buildings in Machu Picchu, but not precisely because of the quality of its architecture, made up mainly of small stones and adobe.
  • The fame of this Inca construction lies mainly in its privileged location from where you have beautiful views of Machu Picchu. What’s more, from there and its surroundings, you can get the classic postcard photo of the Inca citadel that all tourists dream of.
  • As its name indicates, the function of the House of the Guardian was to watch over the Inca citadel. Inside, three grid-shaped windows stand out with landscape views of Machupicchu.
  • The House of the Guardian is the only roofed construction (with the famous icchu or wild straw) in all of Machu Picchu. It is currently prohibited to enter this enclosure. It is only allowed to approach and take the classic postcard photos with the archaeological site in the background.

Where is it?

  • The House of the Guardian is located in the upper part of Machu Picchu at about 2,430 meters above sea level.
  • To get there, you must enter the archaeological site and follow circuit 1 or 2 towards the stone steps.
  • After 15 minutes of ascending walk, you arrive at the Casa del Guardian.

History

  • The House of the Guardian was built along with the other constructions of Machu Picchu in the mid-15th century.
  • Unlike the main temples and enclosures of finely carved stone; The Guardian House has a simple architecture with small stones and adobe. Its icchu roof with a gabled drop is preserved (and renewed) to this day.
  • A few steps from the Guardian’s House stands a rock carved with steps like stairs. It is presumed that mummies (important people) were embalmed there for later burial.
  • Today the House of the Guardian is one of the main constructions of Machu Picchu due to the incredible photos of the Inca citadel that tourists can get from there.

With which ticket to Machu Picchu to visit the Guardian House?

The House of the Guardian (where you can get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu) can be visited with the following tickets:

  • Entrance Machupicchu Only.
  • Entrance to Machupicchu with Inca Bridge.
  • Machupicchu entrance with Mountain.

How to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House?

  • In the House of the Guardian you can get the classic photo with Machu Picchu in the background.
  • For that it is necessary to purchase one of the tickets that allow your visit: a) Ticket Machupicchu Only, b) Machupicchu entrance with Inca Bridge and c) Machupicchu entrance with Mountain.
  • Finally, you should only wait for a free space to stand behind the landscape of Machu Picchu. The best photos are taken in the afternoon. If it rains or the fog prevents you from seeing the landscape, you will not be able to get the long-awaited photo.
Casa del guardian
Landscape around the House of the Guardian – Machu Picchu

What are the visiting hours?

  • Machu Picchu and the Guardian House are open every day of the year from 6 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon.

Tips for the visit

Follow these tips during your visit to the House of the Guardian of Machu Picchu:

  • You are not allowed to enter the House of the Guardian. It is only allowed to get the classic photo from there.
  • Respect the instructions of the park ranger who is located next to the House of the Guardian, such as: do not get too close to the edges of the path, do not deviate from the permitted circuit, do not shout that disturb the sacred character of the Inca city .
  • To get the classic photo of Machu Picchu, you must respect the tourists in the queue seeking to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House. Whoever arrives first gets their picture first.

Questions and answers about the Guardian House

  • 1. What to see in the House of the Guardian of Machu Picchu?

    The House of the Guardian is famous because from there you can get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.

  • 2. How much does it cost to enter the House of the Guardian?

    You can visit the Guardian’s House with the tickets: a) Machupicchu Only ticket (152 Peruvian soles), b) Machupicchu ticket with Inca Bridge (152 Peruvian soles) oc) Machupicchu with Mountain ticket (200 Peruvian soles).

  • 3. How high up is the House of the Guardian?

    The House of the Guardian of Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level.

  • 4. Which circuit in Machu Picchu includes a visit to the House of the Guardian?

    Circuit 1 and circuit 2 include a visit to the House of the Guardian of Machu Picchu.

  • 5. Who built the House of the Guardian?

    The House of the Guardian, like the rest of the constructions of Machu Picchu, was ordered to be built by Emperor Pachacutec in approximately 1450 AD.

  • 6. What are the visiting hours for the House of the Guardian?

    The House of the Guardian of Machu Picchu can be visited every day of the year from 6 am to 5 pm.

  • 7 Can I visit the Guardian’s House with my ‘Machupicchu with Mountain’ ticket?

    Yes, this type of ticket in Machu Picchu allows you to visit the House of the Guardian.

  • 8 Can I visit the Guardian’s House with my ‘Machupicchu with Huayna Picchu’ ticket?

    No, this type of ticket (also the Machupicchu with Huchuypicchu ticket) does not allow you to visit the Guardian’s House.

  • 9. Can I get the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House?

    Yes, from this construction and its surroundings you can get the classic photo with Machu Picchu in the background.

  • 10. If it rains I won’t be able to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu?

    Yes, unfortunately in case of rain or fog, you will not be able to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the Casa del Guardian. A clear day is required to obtain such a photograph.

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024

 


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Your ticket to Machu Picchu

This ticket is the only ticket that allows entering the Wonder of the World. Reserve your income easily and securely. Remember that there are discounts for university students, minors and citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.

Your transport to the train station

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Your Train Ticket to Machu Picchu

The train trip is the safest, fastest and most convenient way to get to Machu Picchu. Choose between the two Expedition and Vistadome services. Pay with a discount for children and avoid the hassle of queuing in Cusco to purchase this ticket.

Your Bus Ticket to Machu Picchu

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Your Official Tourist Guide

The visit to Machu Picchu with a tour guide is the best way to know the Wonder of the World. Choose between the shared or private option and in the language of your choice: English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. Here are the best guides of Peru.

Tour to Machu Picchu All Included

Forget the tickets, preparations and entrust your trip to Machu Picchu to the experts. The tours offer pick up, transfer, train ticket, bus, tour guide and entrance to Machu Picchu. There is also option to enter Huayna Picchu and lunch buffet.