BT – Inca Trail Day 3 (to Wiñay Wayna)

Some time after noon we arrived at the impressive ruins of Intipata (S 13°11.2′ W72°32.5′), with terraces upon terraces tumbling down the very steep hill.

After some photos we made our way down a bit further to Wiñay Wayna campsite (S 13°11.4′ W 72°32.25′), which will be our launch point for Machu Picchu early (very early) tomorrow morning. We had a good lunch, with the cook having excelled himself with decorative vegetables, including the parrot and turtle shown here.

We’ve had a relaxing afternoon and then, shortly before 5pm with the rain easing, we headed across to the nearby ruins of Wiñay Wayna (S 13°11.6′ W 72°32.2′), which were very spectacular. These were discovered only relatively recently (around the 1940s, compared to 1910s for Machu Picchu).

It was starting to get quite dark as we finished exploring, making photography a little difficult, but it was well worth the visit.

At tea the cook surprised us with a yummy cake, and yet another big meal. The champagne bottle that had refused to open earlier despite everyone’s efforts and amusement, was finally opened and there was a celebration with the porters and cook, where thanks were offered and our tips well-received.

Our wake up call for tomorrow is going to be at 3:00am: the next stop is Machu Picchu!