Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by mystery and legend. Its origin is often traced back to the year 1200 AD through two famous Inca myths: the legend of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, and the tale of the Ayar brothers. Both stories identify Manco Cápac as the first founder and ruler of the Inca civilization.
Later, according to legend, Prince Kusi Yupanqui was aided by the Sun God (Inti) to defeat the Chankas. After his victory, he was crowned as the new Inca. Kusi Yupanqui ordered the construction of Machu Picchu and became so proud of his achievements that he angered Inti, who punished the Inca by withdrawing his light from the sky.
🌙 The Legend of Inti and the Birth of Machu Picchu
The High Priest (Willac Uma) announced that Inti would abandon the heavens, casting the Inca people into darkness. The repentant Inca begged for forgiveness, but Inti ignored his pleas. Desperate, the Inca turned to Inti’s wife, the Moon Goddess Killa, asking her to intercede.
Moved by his sorrow, Killa advised the Inca to prepare a sweet-and-sour drink made from fermented corn (chicha de jora) and invite Inti to a ceremonial meal at a sacred location atop the mountains that divide the Andes and the jungle.
The Inca prepared everything with care and waited, but Inti did not appear. Instead, an old man approached, barely able to stand. The Inca wrapped him in his royal cloak and invited him to sit. When asked who he was waiting for, the Inca replied, “The Sun God.” The old man told him to be patient, assuring him that Inti always keeps his promises.
After sharing food and drink, the old man transformed into a radiant figure, it was Inti himself. He said, “Now I see that compassion and humility have returned to you. I promise never to leave this place. Build a temple for the chosen women in honor of Killa, and an altar where we dined as a symbol of my promise.”
That place became known as Machu Picchu, meaning “Old Mountain.” Within the citadel lies the Intihuatana, or “place where the sun is tied.”
🔥 The Legend of the Virgins of the Sun
Machu Picchu was a religious center dedicated to the worship of Inti, the Sun God. It was primarily inhabited by sacred women known as the Virgins of the Sun. These women maintained the sacred fire and, on certain nights, used emerald-like stones to capture the power of the stars. They were believed to possess the gift of clairvoyance.
The Virgins of the Sun could only be chosen as wives by the Inca himself, according to his will.
👑 The Legend of Inca Wiracocha and Machu Picchu
Before Pachacutec, the Inca Empire was ruled by Wiracocha. During a war with the Chankas, Wiracocha fled to Vilcabamba, leaving his son Kusi Yupanqui to face the enemy.
Kusi Yupanqui formed an army, defeated the Chankas, and captured their leader Uscovilca. He then began beautifying the city of Cusco and invited his father to witness his accomplishments. Amazed by his son’s success, Wiracocha was stripped of his throne as Kusi Yupanqui proclaimed himself ruler under the name Pachacutec, meaning “Transformer of the World.”
Pachacutec exiled his father to Machu Picchu, a city he had created. Upon Wiracocha’s death, Pachacutec ordered the citadel to be abandoned, which is why it remained untouched for centuries.
