Machu Picchu holds countless secrets, and the Water Mirrors are among the most fascinating. Located near the Temple of the Sun, these carved stone basins reveal both spiritual and scientific brilliance.

What Are the Water Mirrors?

The Water Mirrors, also known as “Reflecting Pools,” are two round basins carved into natural stone. When filled with rainwater, they reflect the sky and nearby mountains. Therefore, they served not just an aesthetic purpose but likely a spiritual one as well.

In fact, historians believe Inca priests used them for astronomical observation. By studying the reflected sky, they could track stars, the sun, and the moon without looking upward. As a result, they could align agricultural and ceremonial calendars with celestial events.

A Window to the Inca World

Moreover, the Incas viewed water as a sacred element. It connected the heavens with the earth. Thus, the Water Mirrors may have been used in spiritual rituals, offering a symbolic way to communicate with the cosmos.

These basins, though small, show how deeply the Incas integrated nature, science, and religion. However, their true purpose remains partly a mystery, adding to their charm and intrigue.

Where to Find Them

The Water Mirrors are located in the Sacred Sector of Machu Picchu, near the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Tomb. They’re easy to miss, especially when dry. However, on a clear day after rain, they reflect the sky with stunning clarity.

Be sure to visit early in the morning or just after a light shower. That’s when the reflections are most vivid and magical.

Visit and Experience Their Beauty

Machu Picchu is more than a collection of stone ruins. It’s a place where the natural and spiritual worlds meet. The Water Mirrors are a small feature, yet they offer a deep insight into Inca wisdom.

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, make sure you don’t miss them.
Book your tickets now at peruways.com to explore this wonder of the ancient world.

At PeruWays, we make it easy to get to Machu Picchu—by train, bus, or foot. Start your journey with confidence, and uncover the mysteries of the Andes.