August 25, 2025
Arriving at the Intipata historic agricultural terraced site on day 3 (Tyler Nachand)
Yesterday the team crossed over the famous “Dead Woman’s Pass” at 13,780′ (the Abra de Huarmihuanusca) and dropped down to their second camp at Pacaymayu (11,808′). Today is more rugged trekking on countless stone steps, literally following the footsteps of the Incas.
Rugged hiking on the Inca Trail (Eric Simonson)
The trail goes up and down along the ridge, in places quite steep. It is really fun trekking for people who enjoy the challenge of something more than a flat trail!
Today the route winds through several ecosystems and hits archeological sites at Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca before reaching the third camp at Winayhuayna (11,930′).
The ruins at Sayacmarca (Eric Simonson)
Approaching the Phuyupatamarca site along the Inca Trail (Tyler Nachand)
Tomorrow the team will get going before dawn, to arrive at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate at sunrise!