The Royal Tomb
The exquisite sculpted stone is traditionally called the Royal Tomb even though no human remains have been found there.
Inside is a meticulously carved altar and series of niches that produce interesting morning shadows.
The Incas obviously chose the site for the power of its natural beauty. Wherever you stand in the ruins
spectacular terraces can be seen slicing across magnificently steep cliffs, transforming mountains into
suspended gardens. To make a terrace, a stone wall eight to fourteen feet high was built. The area behind
this retaining wall was filled with a layer of large stones, medium gravel, sand and fine gravel.
This was followed by a top layer of agricultural soil, which workers carried up from the Urabamba Valley.
This system allowed for good soil permeation by water and proper drainage to prevent collapse and erosion.
These hand-carved stones were assembled in such a way that many of the windows,
throughout the houses and temples were perfectly aligned.
This large stone, with its 32 different angles, is just one of the many angled stones that show the
incredible skill of the Inca stonemasons.
The "Hitching Post of the Sun", or Intiwatana is located here at what is known to be the astronomical
observatory. According to Cusco legend, the Incas would ritually "tie" the sun to pillars like this one on the
winter solstice to bring the sun back. However, more modern studies suggest it may have been related to
observation of the equinox.
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