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At about 5pm we finally arrived at our campsite at Wiñay Wayna which means Forever Young in English. After a snack we went to the ruins of the same name where the scenery was stunning as the clouds parted for the first time that day. We could even see the Veronica glacier which was amazing.
At this point in the trek I was feeling pretty tired and was sore in my calves, knees and ankles. I decided I needed to make a New Years resolution to do something about my weight and fitness!!
Written Apr 21, 2009
Just before we reached our campsite for the day we came across the ruins of Intipata which I was really impressed with. Intipata means "Sun Terraces" in english, however the day that we walked through there they were covered in cloud.
There were lots and lots of agriculture terraces which we walked right through. It is said that Intipata was likely to be an agriculture centre for Machu Picchu population.
Written Apr 21, 2009
After the Inca Tunnel it was mostly down lots and lots of stone steps to reach Phuyupatamarka. It was quite cloudy around this area, not surprising as Phuyupatamarka means Cloud-level town in English!
Phuyupatamarka ruins contain argicultural terraces as you can see in the picture.
Written Apr 21, 2009
After our lunch stop between Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca there is a tunnel that was built through solid rock by the Inca's. The trail just before and after is pleasant to walk along as you are surrounded by rain forest.
There are a lot of downward steps though which can be a little rough on the knees. This is when our sticks that we had bought in Ollantaytambo came in handy.
Written Apr 21, 2009
After seeing the ruins of Runkuraqay we continued on our trek to Sayaqmarca. These ruins are located at about 3,600 m above sea level. To get there we had to climb lots of stone steps (as you can see in the picture I took).
It was interesting walking around these ruins which has an aquaduct / canal where water was channeled from a nearby river. The ruins have a sun temple and an area that was presumed to have residential quarters. The name Sayaqmarca means "Inaccesible Town" in English.
Written Apr 21, 2009
This morning was an early start at 6am. It had rained all night but thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we woke up. The third day on the Inca Trail was the longest walking day.
At Runkuraqay we saw our first ruins of the day about an hour after setting off. It was located about half way up Runkuracay Pass. It is believed that these ruins are a post hut along the Inca messenger route. The ruins are an oval shape and this is how it got its name Runkuraqay which means egg hut in English
Written Apr 21, 2009
After the exhiliration of reaching the high point at Warmiwañusca we began our descent to Pacaymayu where we would be camping for the night.
This side of the mountain was different to the other. There was more vegetation and we even saw llamas. It was quite tough walking down because there were hundreds of stone steps we had to go down which are really tough on the knees. Fiona thought that going down was worse than going up. I still thought that going up was harder but agree that going down wasn't a piece of cake.
As we approached Pacaymayu we saw some waterfalls and a river and it also started to rain again about 5 mins away so we put our rain ponchos on again and arrived rather wet on the outside. The rain didn't let up until the next morning.
When everyone had arrived at camp we had lunch which was corn soup and a chicken & vege dish which tasted great. We then had all afternoon to relax (although due to the rain we just stayed in our tent and read books). Dinner was at 7pm in our little dinner tent as always. We had a spaghetti bolognaise which I didn't really like so much. Went to bed at 8pm but didn't sleep so well. We got up at 6am and thankfully the rain had stopped.
Written Apr 6, 2009
Address: Pacaymayu, Inca Trail
After our snacks we headed off up the mountain (I was going to call it a hill but it really is more like a mountain) to the area known as Warmiwañusca, which means Dead Women's Pass. Warmiwañusca is located at an altitude of 4215m above sea level and is the highest point of the Inca Trail. It was hard going climbing here and I tried to maintain a steady pace using my I-pod to keep my beat. I had to stop from time to time for a little rest and some water though.
At the top I felt quite exhilirated. We stopped briefly to take some photos.
Written Apr 6, 2009
Address: Warmiwañusca, Inca Trail
Our destination of the day was Pacaymayu but before we got there we had to get to the highest point of the Inca Trail which is at Warmiwañusca (4200 m above sea level). It was a big climb to get there so half way up, after the bush walking section, we all stopped for a well deserved break. There were stunning views down the valley from above the clouds at this spot also. I have to say I was glad to see that the porters also took a break at this point. It was unbelieveable the amount those guys carried and the speed at which they walked!
We had some snacks and refreshments before continuing the climb.
Updated Apr 6, 2009
Address: Inca Trail
Day two started at our camp in Wallabamba at 5am when our guide Rueben woke us up with some Coca Tea and warm water to wash our faces with brought to our tent door (talk about service!!). We had french toast and cereal for breakfast. Yum!
We set off at around 6:30am for what we were told was the hardest days hiking, 12kms in total. All I can say is thank goodness I had my I-pod to keep me going! That day we were to go to the highest point on the trail but first we had to get to the Wallabamba lookout and then through the bush area to our snack and rest spot.
During the bush walk it started to rain. We did our hike during December which is rainy season and cold at night. I had a rain poncho that was really really useful to put on over the top of my pack. I actually took off my trousers though (zipped them off) and just used shorts as it was warmer when walking in the rain.
Written Mar 20, 2009
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Write a ReviewDay two started at our camp in Wallabamba at 5am when our guide Rueben woke us up with some Coca Tea and warm water to wash our faces with brought to our tent...
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