Inca Trail Dreams: Machu Picchu 4D/2N + 1N HTL Aguas Calientes

WiñayWayna

The hike to the ruins of WiñayWayna is like a hike through time itself. Something about it just feels eternal.  The ruins date to the mid-15th century, constructed during the days of the powerful Inca Empire. They are one of the stops along the Inca Trail, and the exact purpose of the site is tough to say. It may have been a spiritual or religious destination, or just a place for resting before arriving at the end of the 26-mile journey to Machu Picchu. The ruins consist of upper and lower collections of Inca architecture, connected by stone steps that are laid out in graceful curves. The upper structures have a unique, circular building, while below there is a collection of linear parapets with sharp peaks, jagged walls, and massive stone slabs with little space between them. The precarious staircase between the two levels hugs a long line of ancient fountains, often referred to as baths. What is remarkable about the site is how limited the Inca were in terms of the available construction tools. With nothing more than implements made from bronze or stone, the amount of human labor required for such a massive production is almost impossible to imagine.

Machu Picchu

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. Machupicchu’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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Traveling to Cusco should not be underestimated remember that the Inca Empire is 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), therefore, we recommend consulting your doctor about altitude pills and 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.