Inca Trail Ruins: 7 Amazing Sites You’ll See Along the Way

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful hikes you will ever experience anywhere in the world. Approximately 63 KM in distance and crossing the splendor of the Andean mountains. The Inca Trail passes some of the most impressive Inca archaeological sites located in areas otherwise inaccessible.

The Inca Trail hike begins in the Sacred Valley at the trailhead of Piskakucho – KM 82. Hikers are welcomed into the trail by the friendly local inhabitants, most of who sell last-minute items such as coca leaves and snacks for the happy trekkers ready to take on the trail. From Piskakucho – KM 82 onwards, no cars or cargo animals are allowed. From this point onward, only hikers, porters, and guides proceed to hike along the Inca stone paths leading to Machu Picchu citadel.

The trail not only takes hikers along valleys and through mountain passes, but hikers access the archaeological sites of Patallacta/Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Inti Pata, Winay Wayna, and Intipunku. The Inca Trail leads directly to Machu Picchu where your guide will provide a tour of the ancient Inca city.

Patallacta/Llactapata

Patallacta is the first archaeological complex along the classic Inca Trail. Located at 2,840 m.a.s.l., this site is thought to have been an agricultural and administrative support site to Machu Picchu. The most impressive features of this archaeological site is its complex system of terraces dedicated to the cultivation of crops.

As the first stop along the Inca Trail, the Patallacta site serves as a welcome to visitors and sets the stage for even more impressive views of the surrounding landscapes and imposing Inca constructions.

Runkurakay

The archaeological site of Runkurakay is known for its semicircular construction seemingly perched above the clouds. Thick vegetation and the towering mountain ranges serve as the perfect backdrop to the interesting Inca ruin. Based on its location at 3,760 m.a.s.l.. The site is said to have served either as a resting place, or a control post. It is a perfect stop along the Inca Trail hike where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Inca trail and explore the exquisite variety of flora and fauna.

From Runkurakay enjoy spectacular views to Dead Womans Pass. The pass is the highest on the trail at 4200 mtrs. Apart from the altitude, the pass offers the best views of the Andes on the trail, the hikeup to the pass can be challenging but the rewards are many.

Sayacmarca

Resting on top of a mountain at 3600 mtrs the archaeological site of Sayacmarca has magnificent views of the Aobamba valley below. The structure is maze like paths and organized enclosures. Built on the edge of the cliff experts believe that it was dedicated to ceremonial and astrological use for the Inca.

Phuyupatamarca

The Inca philosophy of the perfect balance between humans and nature is represented here at Phuyupatamarca. The site also known as a Place in the clouds is composed of terraces carved into the mountains, featuring enclosures and ritual baths, that is supplied by an underground river. The impressive hydraulic system which still supplies the complex today. Phuyupatamarca is at 3670 mtrs has excellent views of Intipata and Winay Wayna.

Intipata

A site not to miss is Intipata, there are suggestions that there is a tunnel that was used as a shortcut to Machu Picchu. Experts believe that Intipata was used for agricultural purposes. Today we can still see the canal among the terraces. A hidden gem and not to be missed on the Inca Trail, especially the sunrise where the sunlight bathes the terraces of the site.

Winay Wayna

One of the most impressive sites on the trail Winay Wayna is the last stop before Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. Like the previous ruins the sites is skillfully carved into the mountainside. The many terraces and enclosures suggest that the site was used for farming and administration. Marvel at the waterfall and the views of the Urubamba river and Mount Veronica. Located at 3800mtrs Winay Wayna is only 4kms from Machu Picchu.

Inti Punku

Inti Punku is directly translated into ¨Sun Gate¨ or ¨Sun Door.¨ It serves as the entry point to Machu Picchu citadel when hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experts agree that during the Inca empire, Inti Punku served as an entry and checkpoint for pilgrims entering Machu Picchu. It was also used for ceremonial purposes in the worship of Inti (Sun God) during the winter solstice.

Today only those who do the trek can enjoy the spectacular and unmatched views Inti Punku offers of the Machu Picchu. Travelers along the Inca Trail are rewarded with such views upon completion of the Machu Picchu hike.

Machu Picchu

The enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu is world-renowned and recognized for its architecture and historical importance. Machu Picchu is without a doubt, a prime example of ancient ingenuity and balance between nature and humans. The complex of Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 m.a.s.l., in the high Andes and a cloud forest but also part of the tropical rainforest. It is rich not only in history but also in flora and fauna native to the region.

To date, the exact purpose of the complex is still a mystery. Its temples, terraces, walls, palaces, and enclosures leave visitors and experts with immense doubt. Visitors are without sufficient words to describe the intricate constructions and precise rock shapes.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most prodigious travel experiences in the modern world. In contrast to any other hike in the region, the Inca Trail does not finish in the town of Aguas Calientes. In fact, the Inca Trail is the only trail that leads directly into Machu Picchu via the imposing Inti Punku or Sun Gate. As a result, the Inca Trail offers direct access to the mysteries of the Inca empire and some of the most exquisite views and landscapes of the region.

Hiking to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail should be on every traveler´s bucketlist. This hike is an example of the type of adventure that cannot be described just by words. The Inca Trail hike along with all the archaeological sites found along the way have to be experienced in person to be fully understood.