Temple of the Sun - Cusco, Peru

The Incas built their Temple of the Sun at the highest point in the Cusco area. Built between 1300 and 1400, it precedes Machu Picchu. At one point, as many as 10,000 laborers worked building this very large temple.

Top pic is a panoramic view of the major potion of the temple. There are 2 major parts with a very large plaza between them.

Bottom pic shows the incredibly huge, intricately carved/placed stonework for which the Temple of the Sun is known. Note that these stones are much larger than the stones used at Machu Picchu. Most of the stones are granite found where the temple is built - but some are sandstone that we transported 2-3KM to the temple site from a sandstone quarry!