Inca Trail Day Three: Phuyupatamarka

The Phuyupatamarka ruins are visible from the our lunch stop atop pass 3, and were very impressive. Almost heart-shaped from above, with an irrigation channel and set of stairs bisecting the heart and plunging down the mountain, and a series of irrigation channels and pools (or bathrooms as Ted called them) that run alongside the ruin and on downwards. Machu Pichu mountain is visible in the distance, but primarily it sits above the jungle cloud forest, which will compose most of the hike between Phuyupatamarka and Machu Pichu. Incredible terraces here. Some teams spend some good time here, but most are too too tired from the long day of hiking to spend much time here, or absorb much of what are fine guide tells us of Inca history here!

Looking down on the Phuyupatamarka ruins

the view towards MachuPichu mountain; ted checks out one of the 'bathrooms'

crossing the bridge, terrace staircase

Ted crossing a bridge at the Phuyupatamarka ruins; looking down a gringo killer section of stairs

on the trail to winaywinay, getting late!