The world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu includes so many wonderful experiences! Hiking across the beautiful and defying Andean wilderness, visiting ancient ruins, camping nights up high on the range elevations and more. And of course, the final arrival and tour of the amazing citadel which was the luxury resort of Inca nobility and also a mystical place for religious ceremonies.
The Winaywayna site is simply fabulous and you can be there doing some of our Inca Trails! Specifically, the Classic 4-Day and the Short 2-Day. It was built by the Inca empire and is the last stop before heading to the Machu Picchu area; on the Classic 4-Day version, you will camp there on night 3, the day before arriving at wonderful Machu Picchu.
In this post, we will share with you all you need to know about the spectacular Winaywayna archaeological site:
- Winaywayna stands at an elevation of 2,650 meters above sea level (about 8,694 feet), so it is lower than Cusco City, you’ll have more oxygen in the air and be able to walk more time, climb hills in an easier way, with less physical strain
- This fabulous archaeological remain included on the Inca Trail is just 5.1 kilometers (32.69 miles) from the Machu Picchu area
- The flora at the Winaywayna site is abundant, lush. Actually, it is named after an orchid found there that dominates the landscape, which means “always young”.
- Basically, it was an agricultural hub; the more than 40 large farming terraces which were set top to bottom on the hillside make a quite stunning view! Only this sight is worth the ticket price! It is really a monumental Inca work.
- But there is much more! According to standard design, the Winaywayna site also includes: lodging areas for both Inca royalty and farming supervisors; many water streams which were used for purification before religious rituals; a wonderful turret used for the priests to worship the Sun God, which was their main deity; barns to store massive harvests of potato, corn, quinoa, coca leaves and others
- The architectural style is typical of the imperial stage; actually, Winaywayna looks very similar to Machu Picchu itself: finely worked granitical stones
- It is a marvelous Inca Trail stop, embedded in a massive mountainous landscape. Actually, you can see the Machu Picchu citadel from Winaywayna heights!
- By all accounts, Winaywayna is a place where you can find absolute quietude, reviving flow of natural energy, a mystical feeling which is widely found in Cusco’s Andes
- Machu Picchu and Winaywayna are directly connected by a section of the Qapac Nan, the large network of roads that covered the entire Inca empire, also called Tahuantinsuyu. You can also see the Qapac Nan there.
- Getting to Winaywayna is only possible doing the Inca Trail, with a licensed travel agency; independent tours are not allowed
- Since this Inca Trail stop is on the edge of Peruvian Amazonian jungle, weather is mostly sunny and warm. You should dress in layers, with spring clothing underneath
- Don’t forget to bring: sun hat or cap, sunglasses, insect repellent, sunblock. Also a reusable bottle of water, some snacks for replenishing energy
- The place is perfect for great pictures and/or videos! Also for camping at night!
- The Winaywayna farming hub was built under the rule of Pachacutec, the first Inca emperor, same one who commanded construction of the Machu Picchu citadel, both in the 15th century a.D.
Now that we have shared the wonders of Winaywayna, if you’re thinking of doing the Inca Trail, know you will be there too! Another majestic sample of Inca organization and architecture, plus the amazing natural, spiritual energy of the Andean heights. The Inca Trail surely is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Don’t forget you must book the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail with some 6 months in advance! The Short 2-Day Inca Trail can be booked some 4 weeks in advance. Contact our travel professionals for an unforgettable time in Cusco!
