Royal Palace
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The buildings on the other side of the main staircase are known as the Royal Palace, because it is here that the Inca and his family lived while visiting Machu Picchu. There are a few beautiful trapezoidal doorways and perfect Inca stonework, both tell-tale signs of royal architecture. Follow the doorways and staircases to a large stone patio.
On the right-hand side of the patio there is a large fine door that is presumed to be the entrance to an area where the Inca slept. There are a few other rooms that the Inca and his family used for different purposes.
Climb to the top of the main staircase and turn right before the quarry. Continue about 60 meters to the botanical garden, where you may see various species of native flora. There are orchids, passion fruit trees, and a coca plant.
Beyond the garden to the left is the Sacred Square, containing both the Temple of the Three Windows and the Principal Temple.
© Ross Wehner and Renée del Gaudio from Moon Peru, 3rd Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.