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Temple of the Condor at Machu Picchu

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Home » Blog Machu Picchu » Temple of the Condor at Machu Picchu

The Inca city of Machu Picchu surprises us with each archaeological construction, today we will focus on the Temple of the Condor that adopts the structure of this sacred animal for the Incas, construction that shows characteristics of the condor and looks as if it would be landing, undoubtedly an impressive Inca carving.

Three-dimensional (3D) Temple of the Condor in Machu Picchu

It is a huge stone where the shape of huge wings is evident, and under it is another stone carved in the shape of the condor's head, this gives us the impression of a Temple of the Condor three-dimensional (3D).

Details of the three-dimensional temple: we find three carved stones, the first and the second stone are the wings of the condor and the third is on the ground with the shape of a head and the crest of this animal, hence it is assumed that this animal was represented.

Another fact is that under the wings were found the remains of a mummy, so it is considered a sacred place.

The stone at the base was used as a ceremonial table, and it is said that rituals in honor of the Andean condor (sacred bird in the Andes) took place there; it is worth mentioning that ceramics, textiles and some remains of blood were found at the site.

What did the Condor mean to the Inkas?

The Incas considered this bird as sacred, as they believed that such birds allowed them to communicate from their earthly world with the celestial world or, as in Quechua, the Kay Pacha with the Uhu Pacha.

For the Incas the Andean condor signified strength, power, bravery and endurance, and they considered them to be immortal beings, since after they had completed their life cycle they could be reborn.

This precious bird is one of the largest in the world, with extended wings it can reach 3 meters wide with a height of 1.40 m, it flies over 5,000 m; that is why the Incas had much respect and worship to this bird, even today in the Andes this animal is still respected, and some villagers continue to preserve these Inca ceremonies.

Image gallery of the temple of the condor

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