The Ruins on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Most people hike the Inca Trail to see the world famous Machu Picchu. Trekkers see magnificent archeological ruins and native flora and fauna, while treading along a truly unique path, carved hundreds of years ago. Many hikers are especially intrigued to observe the sunrise from Inti Punku on the morning of the fourth day, as the Inca’s may have done in their time. On this blog you know about some of the sites you’ll see on your trek, based on the classic four day Inca Trail trek.

Qorihuayrachina

The classic Inca Trail starts from Km 88, where the Qoriwayrachina ruins are located. The name Qoriwayrachina is Quechua for ‘Where the wind was used to refine gold’, and the site was recently discovered in 2001 by Englishman, Peter Frost. Most hikers do not enter Qoriwayrachina to explore it. However, there are unique stone sculptures and altars to be found, it is highly recommended to make the most out of your Inca Trail trek in Peru and visit each of the ruins along the way. Remember to charge your camera batteries fully; there are many ruins that you will encounter along the way.

Llactapata

It is located at 9,318 feet above sea level; it is thought to have been primarily used for crop plantations. Llactapata is a combination of two Quechua words, ‘llacta’ which means town and ‘pata’ which means at height. Thus, more than one site has been, and is, referred to by this name. Unfortunately, few trekkers take time to visit these ruins as they are situated far below the trail.

Dead Woman’s Pass

Although this is not an archeological site as such, it deserves a mention it this list. The name, ‘Dead woman’s Pass’ or ‘Warmiwañusca’ in Quechua, is derived from the arrangement of terrain which looks like a woman lying on her back. The pass is a breathtaking 13,650 feet above sea level and identified as the highest point on the trail. At the top, excellent views of nearby mountains such as the Salkantay and Veronika can be appreciated. Many groups will spend the second night 600m. below Dead Woman’s Pass, on the other side of the pass named Pacaymayu.

Runkurakay

After the third pass on the third day the ruins of Runkurakay will be met. The structure consists of two concentric walls that enclose chambers and a courtyard; the walls are inclined, which leads to the conclusion that they were designed to withstand earthquakes. Runkaurakay was thought by archaeologists to have been a ‘tambo’, which was a resting station, for couriers traveling to Machu Picchu due to the construction of many sleeping quarters and stabling for pack animals.

Sayacmarca

Sayacmarca is commonly referred to as the ‘Inaccessible Town’ due to the steep drops on three edges of the structure falling to the jungle below. To enter the ruins one needs to climb 98 vertical stone steps along the edge of a mountain at a height of 3,600 meters above sea level. An excursion not for the faint of heart! After Sayacmarca, the vegetation along the Inca Trail begins to change as it comes to the tropical cloud forest, part of the Amazon jungle in Peru, filled with exotic flowers and colorful orchids.

Inca Tunnel

On the Inca Trail map you’ll see two spots where it says “Inka Tunel”. These are natural tunnels that were already in the mountain, that the Incas made wider in order to continue the trail through them. Like most tunnels and caves, they are very dark, damp, and mysterious. They are also interesting because it shows how the Incas incorporated the natural stone into their trail, but how they even decided where the trail should go is another mystery that will probably never be discovered.

Phuyupatamarka

Most of the last two days on the Inca Trail one can encounter archeological sites of original Inca construction. Phuyupatamarca also known as ‘the cloudy place’ can be reached by climbing down a long flight of stairs where you will be greeted by the marvelous site. The ruins contain six flowing fountains with Andean terraces and a pair of plazas including numerous buildings. Phuyupatamarca is thought to have housed hundreds of people at one time.

Intipata

The name of Intipata was thought up by a recent expedition member, which means ‘Sunny Slope’. This is due to the many terraces and the absence of plazas, religious structures or fortifications. The ruins can be found a off the beaten track of the original Inca Trail, several hours from Machu Picchu. The location of the site gives reason that it may have been strategically positioned in order to pass messages quickly to the mountain city of Machu Picchu. It also has a beneficial viewing point down to Choquesuysuy and there are many lookout platforms throughout the ruins.

Wiñay Wayna

Wiñay Wayna, or ‘Forever Young’ was a name given due to the special kind of Pink Orchid that grows in the area. Similar to Intipata the structure was built upon a steep hill side and gives an advantageous view of the vulnerable access point along the Urubamba River. The main difference is that Wiñay Wayna consists of more, good quality structures, such as finely carved stone buildings and a complex fountain and bath system; this implies that it may have been a final cleansing post before the arrival to Machu Picchu. Close to Wiñay Wayna you can find an extraordinary museum and garden which displays flora and fauna from this particular section of the Inca Trail, rivaling the best selection of orchids anywhere in the world.

Inti Punku

As you can probably guess, Sun Gate has something to do with the sun, and a gate. The sun comes through the site’s gates. The gate part, is because it looks like it was a massive control gate for people entering or leaving the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu

Seeing Machu Picchu for the first time from afar is amazing more than postcard or Google image you’ve ever seen. What is most bazaar about it is that it’s built in the middle of the mountains, where it was very well hidden. It makes the most mind-blowing site of all, the entire Inca Trail.

Are you convinced? You can book this tour here.