Inca Trail Day 3 Descending to Winay Wayna

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Day 3

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Photos

View from Runkurakay
This large circular building was half way up the climb to the second pass. It was in remarkable condition despite the meaning of its name - pile of ruins. It is thought to have been a post house for couriers on their way to Machu Picchu

Inside Runkurakay
The holes in the walls were for the occupants to store their goods.

Second pass
After Runkuracay, we climbed to the second pass, the Abra de Runkuracay, around 3500m.

Climbing up to Sayaqmarka
Steep stairs up to fortified settlement along the route of the third day.

Looking down on Qonchamarka
View down across the valley from Sayaqmarka to unfinished settlement of Qonchamarka, which was still in construction when abandoned.

John and Martin in Sayaqmarka
Standing at the high point one end of fortified settlement of Sayaqmarka.

Door hinge in Sayaqmarka
Several doorways had a stone each side about halfway up with a hole through, for fastening a door.

View down to Phuyupatamarka
Looking down from the third pass to Phuyupatamarka settlement, with six ceremonial fountains or baths along the path.

Vegetable soup
Soup course at lunch on the third day at the top of the third pass.

Ají de Gallina
Main course at lunch on third day, a mild kind of chicken curry, with asparagus highlight.

Llama hanging out at 3800m
Llama casually walking around at the top of the third pass while everyone has lunch. Has an ear tag for monitoring by the rangers.

Steep descent to Phuyupatamarka
All the water used for cooking at the top of the pass had to be carried up from a fountain the bottom of these steps.