9 Machu Picchu Ruins You Can See While Hiking the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu not only offers breathtaking landscapes and an unforgettable trekking experience but also provides a unique opportunity to explore the Machu Picchu Ruins that dot the path. Along this legendary route, you will discover ancient settlements, ceremonial centers, and archaeological sites rich in history and mystery.
Here are the 9 most impressive ruins you can encounter while hiking the Inca Trail to the famous Machu Picchu.
1. Wilkarakay
Wilkarakay is one of the first ruins you will see during the first day of the Inca Trail. Situated on a hill overlooking the Urubamba Valley, this site likely served as a checkpoint and food storage. Its strategic location allowed the Incas to monitor the movement of people and goods along the trail.
Features of Wilkarakay:
- Function: Likely a tambo (resting and storage point).
- Views: Offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
This site is perfect to start your immersion into the rich Inca culture.
2. Patallacta
After a few hours of hiking, you will reach Patallacta, an Inca town whose ruins rise above the Kusichaka Valley. The name in Quechua means “town on high,” and it is believed to have been a stopping point for travelers heading to Machu Picchu.
Features of Patallacta:
- Dimensions: Thought to have housed about 100 dwellings.
- Function: Ceremonial center and possible fortress.
- History: Burned by the Incas during their retreat from the conquerors in 1536.
This site was rediscovered in 1912 by Hiram Bingham, and subsequent excavations have shed more light on its size and significance.
3. Runkurakay
On the second day of the Inca Trail, you will encounter the ruins of Runkurakay, located midway up the pass of the same name, at over 3,950 meters above sea level. This small settlement has a semicircular shape and is believed to have functioned as a tambo, a resting place for chasquis (Inca messengers) and other travelers.
Features of Runkurakay:
- Altitude: 3,950 meters above sea level.
- Function: Administrative and military point (tambo).
- Restoration: Restored in the 1990s.
From here, the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning, offering a first glimpse of the effort and reward of this trail.
4. Sayacmarca
The name Sayacmarca means “inaccessible town,” and it’s aptly named. This town is perched on a cliff, and the Incas had to overcome extreme topographical challenges to reach it. It is believed to have been an important ceremonial site and astronomical observation point.
Features of Sayacmarca:
- Location: On the edge of a cliff overlooking the Aobamba Valley.
- Function: Possible ceremonial site and astronomical observation point.
This site offers unparalleled panoramic views of the valleys and passes of the Inca Trail.
5. Phuyupatamarca
Phuyupatamarca, whose name means “city above the clouds,” is a site that seems to float over the landscape. Known for its impressive views of the mountains and the Urubamba Valley, this ruin features agricultural terraces and ceremonial baths that demonstrate the Incas’ architectural sophistication.
Features of Phuyupatamarca:
- Altitude: 3,600 meters above sea level.
- Views: Panoramic views of the Urubamba and the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and La Verónica.
- Function: Ceremonial center with ritual baths.
This site is ideal for those seeking a spiritual connection with nature and history.
6. Intipata
The ruins of Intipata are notable for their extensive agricultural terraces, which seem to cling to the mountain slopes. It is believed that the Incas cultivated these fields to supply the nearby city of Machu Picchu.
Features of Intipata:
- Function: Food cultivation.
- Views: Spectacular views of the Urubamba River and valley.
Walking among the terraces of Intipata is a unique experience that allows you to imagine the daily life of the Incas in this remote place.
7. Wiñay Wayna
Wiñay Wayna, meaning “forever young” in Quechua, is one of the largest and best-preserved sites on the Inca Trail. Its intricate design and agricultural terraces demonstrate the high level of Inca engineering. It may have been a resting place before reaching Machu Picchu.
Features of Wiñay Wayna:
- Function: Resting place for Inca travelers.
- Architecture: Steep terraces and ceremonial buildings.
This site is one of the most spiritual along the trail, and its name reflects the eternal energy that seems to emanate from its structures.
8. Inti Punku (The Sun Gate)
Inti Punku, or “The Sun Gate,” is one of the highlights of the Inca Trail. From here, travelers have their first view of Machu Picchu at sunrise, a moment many consider magical. Inti Punku served as a checkpoint and ceremonial entry point to the citadel.
Features of Inti Punku:
- Function: Ceremonial entry to Machu Picchu.
- Views: The first view of Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail.
This place is especially significant for those completing the classic route, as it marks the culmination of their journey.
9. Machu Picchu
Finally, after several days of challenging hiking, you will arrive at the famous Machu Picchu, also known as the “Lost City of the Incas.” These Machu Picchu Ruins are the final destination of the Inca Trail and are considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Features of Machu Picchu:
- History: Discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
- Function: Believed to be a religious, political, and administrative center.
Exploring the Machu Picchu Ruins is the perfect ending to this unforgettable journey through Inca history and culture.
Table of Importance of Inca Trail Ruins
Below is a table that ranks the 9 ruins of the Inca Trail based on their historical significance and relevance to travelers, as well as some key facts about each site:
Ruins | Level of Importance | Altitude (m.a.s.l.) | Main Function | Key Facts |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wilkarakay | Moderate | 2,750 | Tambo and storage | Offers panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley and is believed to have served as a checkpoint. |
Patallacta | High | 2,800 | Ceremonial center and strategic stop | An important town for travelers heading to Machu Picchu, with over 100 dwellings. It was burned during the Incas’ retreat in 1536. |
Runkurakay | Moderate | 3,950 | Tambo and administrative point | Located halfway through the second day of the hike. Its semicircular shape is typical of tambo structures. |
Sayacmarca | High | 3,600 | Ceremonial center and observatory | Perched on a cliff, its name means “inaccessible town.” It was likely an astronomical site. |
Phuyupatamarca | High | 3,600 | Ceremonial and agricultural center | Known as the “city above the clouds,” it has ceremonial baths and offers views of the Urubamba and surrounding mountains. |
Intipata | Moderate | 2,850 | Agricultural terraces | The steep terraces of this site were likely used for food cultivation to supply Machu Picchu. |
Wiñay Wayna | High | 2,700 | Ceremonial and resting place | Means “forever young” in Quechua and is known for its agricultural terraces and ceremonial complexes. |
Inti Punku | High | 2,745 | Ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu | Also called “The Sun Gate,” it offers the first view of Machu Picchu and served as a ceremonial checkpoint for the Incas. |
Machu Picchu | Very High | 2,430 | Religious, political, and cultural center | The most famous Inca citadel, considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. |
Peru by Locals invites you to discover these impressive Machu Picchu Ruins on the Inca Trail. Our tours are designed to provide you with an authentic and enriching experience, guided by local experts. Live the adventure of a lifetime with us!