WIÑAYWAYNA - INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has a significant number of Archaeological Sites, distributed along the route.

• Llactapata
• Qoriwayrachina
• Paucarcancha
• Warmiwañuska
• Runkurakay
• Sayaqmarka
• Phuyupatamarka
• Wiñaywayna
• Intipata
• Intipunku
• Inca bridges on the Inca Trail

An important site on the route is Wiñaywayna - "Eternamente Joven", it is an archaeological site belonging to the Inca period, built by the Inca Pachacutec, the maximum representative of the Inca Culture, known as the architect of the Inca period. The name corresponds to an orchid that abounds in the place. Wiñaywayna is 2,650 m away. / 8,694 ft. 5 km southeast of the main Llaqta of Machu Picchu.
This architectural complex of Wiñaywayna, corresponds to the plan of a small town, are a group of houses grouped together, in a single courtyard, in the manner of the current condominiums. The possible dwelling areas have trapezoidal-style niches and door openings with a single jamb.
The monument is surrounded by platforms of different sizes, which responded to the function, either for agriculture or containment to prevent soil erosion. You can notice the structures, the gables for the thatched roofs that were fastened with rings.
Likewise, the set of liturgical sources stand out, on a strongly sloped surface, the entire small city is made of granite rock and seen from a high part, clearly, we can notice that it has the same architectural distribution as Machu Picchu.
From this place the Inca Trail, is shown almost horizontal, the path gets smoother, they rise up by long stairs that bring us closer to Inti Punku, the entrance door to Machu Picchu.
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU INFORMATION

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Humantay Lagoon: Four reasons to know this wonder in Cusco

Humantay Lagoon is located in the community of Soraypampa, in the district of Mollepata, Cusco. To get to Cusco, you can take different bus companies such as Civa and Palomino. These companies have a ticket price of 40 soles and 100 soles departing from Arequipa and Lima, respectively.
Arriving in Cusco you have to take a mobility to Mollepata. In the Arcopata bus terminal you can find a large number of companies that will take you to Mollepata for approximately 15 soles. When you arrive in Mollepata you have to take a taxi to Soraypampa. This trip, because it lasts longer, has an approximate cost of 70 soles. When you arrive in Soraypampa you have to walk for an hour and a half to Humantay Lagoon or rent a horse. The entrance cost for the lagoon is approximately 10 soles.
To return, we recommend that you agree with the taxi driver who took you to wait for you or pick you up. This is because, as the destination is very far from the nearest town, you may not find return mobility.
HUMANTAY LAKE INFORMACION:

1. Take a walk in the snow

To get to the lagoon you have to travel a path that crosses the mountain and snowy Humantay. This is a unique and beautiful experience for all those who like trekking or hiking on nature trails.
The hike is a stretch of 3.5 km for an hour and a half, so we recommend that you assume this adventure if you have any previous experience in doing this activity at 4200 m.a.s.l.

2. Observe the rituals

In the Humantay lagoon an ancient ritual is performed in honor of Mother Earth, Pachamama. Arriving at the lagoon, you can be part of this ceremony by placing stones for gratitude for having successfully reached the lagoon.
According to the residents of the nearby town, the Humantay is the youngest son of the Apu Salkantay. These are responsible for distributing the water that falls through the snow.

3. Taste the typical local dishes

As in every corner of Peru, gastronomy is the essential element in each destination that is visited.
In Soraypampa, you can taste very traditional dishes of the town, such as tamales with potatoes and guinea pig, the slipped wheat with pellejón, pataca with dry giblets, scrambled chochos, stew of chumos, cream of huaynas and more.
The traditional drinks that you can not miss is the already famous chicha de jora, the hot and the mixed.

4. Marvel at the scenario of the Peruvian highlands

The Humantay Lagoon is surrounded by a lot of vegetation typical of the scenarios of the Peruvian highlands. Also, from there you can see the snowy Humantay and the rest of the Vilcanota Range.
Take advantage of this unique view to get in touch with nature and let yourself be enveloped by its tranquility and mysticism.
The Humantay Lagoon is a natural attraction that is not always part of the tourist tours of Cusco. However, it is one of the most impressive and beautiful natural scenarios that this department has, so we recommend you visit it.

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