THE RIVER INTIHUATANA: HUACA SANCTUARY ON THE URUBAMBA

Authors

  • Steven Gullberg College of Liberal Studies, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73072 USA
  • J. McKim Malville Department of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309 USA

Keywords:

Machu Picchu, Intihuatana, shrine, Urubamba, Bingham, carved stone, ceque, huaca, June solstice sunrise, December solstice sunset, Sacred Plaza, Llactapata

Abstract

Below Machu Picchu, near the confluence of the Aobamba and Urubamba rivers, lies a large and complex shrine, initially identified by Bingham as the Intihuatana of the Urubamba River. The massive granite stone is approximately on the June solstice sunrise axis between Llactapata’s Sun Temple and Machu Picchu’s Sacred Plaza. The Intihuatana contains carved steps, east-west sightlines, water channels, a spring, fountains, caves, and basins, also aligned east-west. While many of these motifs are known at other sites, it is less common to find them all at the same shrine. Adjacent to the carved granite stone is a tower, which is symbolically congruent with the Torreon of Machu Picchu, as well as a possible residence and storehouse.

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Published

2023-07-28

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2014)

Section

Articles