Inca Trail Ruins

The trail consists of 43km/27 miles of ancient footpaths, another great architectural achievement of the Incas. Over 70,000 people trod on this trail every year, making it the most popular trail in South America and the world. Because of this increased popularity, new regulations have been set up in order to preserve the trail and improve the quality of the trek. Since 2002 prices have slightly increased as well as the amount of people allowed on the trail per day.

There are actually three routes that lead to Machu Picchu: the Classic 4 Day, the shorter 2 Day, and the 4 Day Salkantay Trek. The 4 Day trek is the most popular, with moderate hiking up to 4200km and several stops at ruins along the way. The 2 Day trek is also a great alternative if travelers are wanting a less strenuous hike or if the 4 day trail has reached its limit. Those wanting to see beautiful mountain scenery on a more remote trail, the shortened 4 Day version of the Salkantay route is also an option worth considering.

Llactapata Ruins: Located on the Cusichaca River near the entrance of the Vilcabamba jungle, Llactapata is an ancient Incan village that has many hillside farming terraces. Scientists believe that this site may have also served as an administrative and ceremonial support center to nearby Machu Picchu. It was recently discovered that the site had an important astronomical function during ceremonies, due to its design.

Sayacmarca Ruins: Situated 3600m on a small summit, Sayacmarca was actually built by the Colla who were fierce enemies of the Incas. Later on it was taken over by the Incas but since there was no room for agriculture the small ruin next to it was used as a farm to feed the 200 or so inhabitants. There are two parts to the ruin: the Temple of the Sun, which served as the solar observation post and the residential half. The Incas also built a canal system that brought water to houses and ceremonial baths.

Phuyupatamarca Ruins: Just beyond the Salkantay and Veronica Mountains and the Sayacmarca ruins is Phuyupatamarca, which means "town in the clouds" in Quechan. This impressive ruin has a challenging set of stairs to walk down, but it is worth the effort. The aqueduct system still provides water to the ceremonial baths and the circular walls were constructed with amazing intricacy.

Winay Wayna Ruins: A few hours walking distance from Phuyupatamarca is Winay Wayna (Eternal Youth), which is considered by many to be one of the most amazing examples of the mastery of Inca stonework. The site overlooks the Urubamba River and consists of upper and lower house clusters that are connected by a long, steep staircase. To the north are agricultural terraces and ceremonial baths or fountains.

Chachabamba Ruins: This small ruin near the Vilcanota River is made up of a cluster of buildings centered around a ceremonial plaza. A waterfall and cloud forest is nearby, with Winay Wayna further on the trail.

Intipunku: The Sun Gate The gateway to Machu Picchu, also known as the Sun Gate, is situated southeast above the ruins. If timed right you can actually see the sun rise through the gate at the crack of dawn. The trail from this site served as the main Inca highway from Huinay Huayna to other sites in the south. The climb is fairly easy and takes about an hour there and back, and with amazing views of nearby Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu This great citadel, the largest and most elaborate of all the ruins, is the endpoint of the Inca Trail. Its name means Ancient Peak, and nestled in the mountains, this amazing site deserves a whole day of exploration.