Attractions along the Inca Trail
There are many ruins, great vantage points, and beautiful landscapes along the Classic Inca Trail. The following are a view attractions along the way, many being ruins left behind by the Incas.
Ollantaytambo: Ollantaytambo is a small town close to Cusco and an archealogogical site left behind by the Incas. During the time of the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was a royal estate and when the Spanish were on their conquest of what is now Peru, it was a stronghold of the Inca resistance. There is a train station where you can get on to go to Aguas Calientes and from there to Machu Picchu.
Canabamba: was a small administrative control point left behind by the Incas.
Patallaqta/Patallacta: misidentified as Llaqtapata, means High Place and was a small Inca town and now one of the popular Inca ruins along the Inca Trail.
Willka Raqay: is an Inca ruin above Patallacta which was used as a control point.
Wayllabamba: was also a 'llacta' or administrative center by the Incas as well as being a small town with the same name in the area.
Yuncachimpa: Yuncachimpa is a small rest area with bathrooms and a place where you can buy supplies along the Inca Trail.
Llulluchapampa: Llulluchapampa is the last place along the Inca Trail where you can buy supplies until you reach Machu Picchu.
Dead Woman's Pass: Dead Woman's Pass, also known as Warmiwañusqa, is called so because the mountain looks like the profile of a woman looking up at the sky.
Pakaymayu: Pakaymayu is one of the camps along the Inca Trail at 3500 meters and this is also the name of the Pakaymayu Valley.
Runkuraqay: Runkuraqay is an archeological ruin believed to be an administrative point left behind by the Incas.
Runkuraqhay Pass: Runkuraqhay Pass, named for the mountain and ruins of the same name. From this height you will be able to see the valley you just left and the one in front of you along the Inca Trail. This is a great viewpoint and place to take pictures. It's northeast of the Sayacmarka ruins.
Sayacmarka: Sayacmarka is an Inca ruin that is believed to be a village as well as a sacred area, dedicated to the mountains. Sayacmarka means 'place you can't enter/inaccessible.
Chakiccocha: Chakiccocha means 'dry lake' and is one of the campsites along the Inca Trail.
Phuyupatamarka: Phuyupatamarka is a view point and an archeological center. It is believed to be a Llacta or administrative center for the Incas.
Inti Pata: Inti Pata was believed to be used as an agricultural center by the Incas.
Wiñayhuayna: Wiñayhuayna means 'forever young' and is considered to be a sacred place along the Inca Trail before coming to Machu Picchu.
Intipunku: Intipunku is also called the 'Sun Gate' and leads to Machu Picchu. This is a great vantage point where you'll get your first view of Machu Picchu. It was used by the Incas during their ceremonies for the summer solstice in December.
Chachabamba: Chachabamba is an archeological site left behind by the Incas believed to be dedicated to water.
Choquesuysuy: Choquesuysuy is an Inca archaeological site thought to be dedicated to agriculture.
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