Day 3 - 24 April 06 (Pacaymayu to Winay Wayna)

From Pacamayo, we started to ascend to Runkuracay (3,800m) where we saw small circular ruins occupying a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley.

About an hour's trek from Runkuracay we reached the second pass at nearly 4,000m. Another hour of trek from the second pass took us to the ruin of Sayacmarca. This fort-like ruin was located to the left of the trail and could be reached by way of a superbly designed stone staircase of 98 steep steps. This fort was built on a mountain spur and commands fine views.

Runkuracay Ruin	Sayacmarca Ruin

From Sayacmarca, we descended into a magnificent Inca Trail crossing high stone embankments, skirting deep precipices and passing through an Inca tunnel carved into the rock.

We then reached the 3rd pass at 3,700m, which offered excellent views of several snow-capped peaks. A short distance from here we reached Phuyupatamarca, a very impressive Inca ruin.

Phuyupatamarca Ruin	View of 3rd Pass

Leaving Phuyupatamarca, we descended the Inca Trail along an unbelievably long series of winding steps cut into rocks. Surprisingly, this section of the trail was only discovered not long ago and was opened to trekkers in 1985. Before then trekkers had to follow a non Inca trail between Phuyupatamarca and Winay Wayna.

After hiking down the stony steps for two-and-a-half hours we took a side trail down to Winay Wayna (2,700m), the last campsite before Machu Picchu.

Winding stony steps	Camp at Winay Wanay

The campsite here had a trekker hotel, which offered hot shower, meals and drinks. In the restaurant we were pleased to be able to purchase our well-deserved beer!

Tonight all porters and us gathered in the dinning tent and we paid tribute and distributed some tips to them for the job well done.

In our three days of trekking, the trail from Runkuraqay to Phuyupatamarca was the most enjoyable one and was particularly beautiful. Above all, it featured some of the most interesting and exotic flora seen along the trek.

Exotic vegetation along the trail

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