When you book a trip to Peru, you will probably be intending to hike on the Inca Trail to reach the amazing Machu Picchu.
While this famous ancient city is well worth exploring, make sure you choose a tour that gives you time to discover the other ruins en route too.
The Inca Trail is best-known for leading to Machu Picchu high in the Andes, but there are some interesting sights to visit as you walk along the path through the mountains.
Here are just a few of the Inca Trail’s lesser-known ruins you should take the time to see in detail.
1. Patallacta
One of the first ruins you’ll come to on your trek will be Patallacta, and it’s here that you’ll make your first camp. The town comprises around 100 houses – which are now in ruins – as well as agricultural terraces carved into the side of the mountain and a fort guarding the settlement further up the hill. As you’ll be spending your first night close to the ruins, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore them.
2. Sayacmarca
Sayacmarca is one of the most impressive ruins on the Inca Trail (aside from Machu Picchu). The name translates as “inaccessible town”, which aptly describes its position on a promontory sticking out over a steep drop.
The only way to reach the ruins is along a precarious-looking staircase with a sheer cliff to one side. There are the remains of a small temple dedicated to the sun, which also acts as an observation post.
3. Runkuraqay
The ruins at Runkuraqay are only small, with just the remains of a small tambo visible. Tambos were common structures along many Inca routes, as they provided somewhere for officials to stay during long journeys and usually held supplies as well.
You’ll reach this tambo as you climb out of the valley of Pacamayo towards the Runkuraqay pass, with the remnants of the stone building standing out due to its solitary position partway up the hillside.
4. Phuyupatamarca
You should make sure your trip allows you time to explore Phuyupatamarca, as there is a lot to see in this enclave. The staircase that affords you access to this small town passes several baths that are believed to have been used for ritual purposes. These baths were filled by a spring higher up the hillside.
At the highest point of the settlement is an open-air temple dedicated to the sun and there are numerous terraces below this where people would have lived and farmed the land.
5. Winay Wayna
Winay Wayna is one of the last ruins you’ll pass before you arrive at Machu Picchu. The name of the town translates as “forever young” and is so-called thanks to a pink orchid that grows in and around the area.
It comprises many agricultural terraces, as well as the remains of a host of houses and several ritual baths. One of the most striking things about Winay Wayna is the stunning views across the Urubamba River, which flows below the settlement. This really is one of the most impressive places to see in Peru.
As you can probably tell, the numerous ruins you’ll pass on an Inca Trail trip make it a fascinating and memorable experience for any trip and, to top it all off, you’ll have the chance to explore the famous Machu Picchu after several days of challenging, but rewarding, trekking. Be sure to also check important things to know before going to Machu Picchu.
