Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey takes us from Concha Marca maintaining altitude passing through one of the two Inca Tunnels before reaching the top of the third pass of the trek. From there we have a long descent passing several ruins of villages perched on spurs. We eventually reach the clifftop camping ground of Winayhuayna where we stop the night and explore the nearby ruins.
Today's Journey
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An early start with the clouds lingering over the mountaintops as we have breakfast at Sayamarca Camp. |
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Following the roughly level track around the mountains high above the Aobamba River under cool overcast skies. In the distance the mountains become smaller as they peter out into the Amazon Basin. |
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Posing with the group at the 3900 metre high Phyupatamarka Pass. It's all downhill from here with a 1500 metre descent to Machu Picchu. |
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Descending from the pass to the Incan baths at the ruins of Phyupatamarka. |
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Descending the steep village of Phyupatamarka with Machu Picchu Mountain now visible way below us. The ruins of Machu Picchu is on the other side of the summit. |
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Starting the long descent down the mountain. |
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Crossing the terraced fields of Intipata once used as a farm to supply the remote Incan villages. |
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Descending a steep stairway through the fields towards our camping ground at Winay Wayna Camp. |
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Visiting the nearby Winay Wayna ruins after setting up camp. This ruin has a fountain and temple at the top, and terraced fields separating it from the village below. |
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Exploring the village at Winay Wayna with a view down the Urubamba River towards Machu Picchu hidden behind the hill. |
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