Down a long set of stone stairs and to the left you'll
find the Royal Tomb. This cave-like area of Machu Picchu
contains ceremonial niches and an Inca cross carved from one wall
and is adjacent to the Temple of the Sun. The cross resembles a
series of steps, and represents the three levels of existence in the world
of the Inca. The first step, symbolized by the snake, represents the
underworld or death. The second step represents the present, human
life, and is symbolized by the jaguar. The highest step represents
the celestial/spiritual plane of the gods, and is symbolized by the
condor.
