Classic · Monuments
Machu Picchu 2026: the sun at the zenith, dates and times
Intihuatana, Cusco, Peru
Next date UTC−5
What happens
There is no line to hit: what counts is the height. It happens while the sun at culmination is between 89.5° and 90.0°.
Next dates
Local times at the site (America/Lima).
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11:34 UTC−5
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12:04 UTC−5
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11:34 UTC−5
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12:04 UTC−5
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11:34 UTC−5
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12:04 UTC−5
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11:34 UTC−5
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12:04 UTC−5
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11:34 UTC−5
Where to stand
Viewpoint: Intihuatana · Intihuatana, Cusco, Peru
-13.16310, -72.54530
Good to know
The Intihuatana has been closed to the public since 2024. The zenith passage (shadows vanishing) shows across the whole citadel, on the official circuits.
The zenith passage is certain geometry; the ritual meaning given to the Intihuatana is not. For a couple of days the sun passes within half a degree of the zenith.
Dates for 2026–2030, worked out by Duskbox’s own astronomy engine: the sun from NREL’s SPA, the moon topocentric, both with atmospheric refraction.
