Amaru Muru Altar

The modern new-age mythology surrounding this site often presents it as an inter-dimensional portal, dubbed the "Gate of the Gods". One self-promoting tour guide even claims he disappeared through the portal, returning a few minutes later, unable to convey what he had seen. In truth, however, the veneration of mountains is a common theme across Andean cultures, where there was a widespread belief in Apus, or mountain spirits, as well as other elemental spirits and oracles. The original creators of this site, said by locals to be the Lupaca people, may have worshipped here to commune with these supernatural beings.