Machu Picchu Dreams – Inca Trek: WiñayWayna Trek 4D/2N+1N HTL Aguas Calientes

WiñayWayna

The walk to the ruins of WiñayWayna is like a walk through time. Some of that feels eternal. The name means “always young” in the native Andean language of Quechua, a perfectly suitable name for such an ancient site. The ruins date from the mid-fifteenth century, built during the days of the mighty Inca Empire. They are one of the stops along the Inca Trail, and it is difficult to say the exact purpose of the site. It may have been a spiritual or religious destination, or simply a place to rest before reaching the end of the 26-mile trip to Machu Picchu. The ruins consist of upper and lower collections of Inca architecture, connected by stone steps that are arranged in elegant curves.

The upper structures have a unique circular building, while below there is a collection of linear parapets with sharp peaks, irregular walls and huge stone plates with little space between them. The precarious staircase between the two levels embraces a long line of ancient fountains, often referred to as bathrooms. What is surprising about the site is how limited the Incas were in terms of the construction tools available. With nothing more than implements made of bronze or stone, the amount of human labor required for such a massive production is almost impossible to imagine.

Machu Picchu citadel

Machu Picchu took some 30 years to construct. Built during the reign of Inca Pachacutec (1438 – 1471), Due to limited historical information the true and original name of this epic Inca citadel is unknown. Machu Picchu’s name derives from the mountain that lies to the south-west of the citadel, meaning “Old Mountain.”

Machu Picchu citadel covers a vast area of approximately 9 hectares (22.3 acres), and is constructed on a mountain ridge high above the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu is split into two main sectors: the Agricultural Sector in the south and the Urban Sector in the north, of which both are roughly equal in size. Granite stone was the main building material used in the construction of Machu Picchu, which was obtained from onsite quarries and others within close proximity. The finest Inca construction techniques were reserved for the Royal Quarter; the best examples are found at the Sacred Square, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. This magic and epic Inca citadel is one of South America’s greatest archaeological sites. In 1981, Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and later in 1983, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Travelling to Cusco shouldn’t be underestimated remember the Inca empire is located at 3,400 meters (11,200ft), therefore we strongly recommend to consult your doctor about altitude pills and the vaccines you may need.

You can expect a really nice adventure which you absolutely will remember for a very long time. Machu Picchu is about 2500 meters (8200 feet) above sea level and the hike to there is just very unique and special. You will see several old Inca ruins on the way to there and eventually reach Macchu Picchu. Experience the hikes the Incas did at the time.

• Machu Micchu visit
• Chachabamba by bus until 104 KM
• Arrival at Aguas Calientes town