The second hiking option begins at km. 82. After registering, we arrive at a bridge crossing the Vilcanota River (Urubamba River).
The town is organized into three levels or areas. This road quickly leads us to the Wayllabamba settlement.
This town comprises scattered houses. Wayllabamba, or “place of the Walla Walla,” takes its name from a bird in the area. Many platforms harmoniously blend with the topography of the land. Together, they form the Cusichaca River. This place was responsible for controlling the roads that led to the Salkantay and Machu Picchu mountains.
A forest of Unca trees (Myrciantes orophyla) with curious contortions gives the road an atmosphere of dimness and solitude.
After ascending for two or three hours, we arrive at the Llullucha Pampa. We will experience a fascinating sky full of stars if we camp around here. The road toward the Abra of Warmiwañusca begins here.
This Abra presents a landscape dominated by the strong grass and vegetation of the high steppe or Puna. It is the territory of deer and Andean bears.
There are designated spaces to install camps.
The enclosures of Runkuracay are in the middle of the ascent route toward the Abra of the same name. A unique main square gives entrance to a corridor that leads toward a central court. Around this, two rustic squares reconnect with two significant and small areas in semicircular form. A third part is a balcony looking toward the valley.
Sayacmarca is a small Inca town that means “place to stop and contemplate in the Quechua language.” From here, the Salkantay chain can indicate seen. In some parts of our hike, the remains of Inca platforms will appear.
The architecture of Sayacmarca shows buildings constructed in different formations, including many rectangular buildings, courts, streets, ceremonial areas, and platforms, which all form a kind of functional labyrinth.
Continuing our hike, we find a building and several platforms designated by the Concha Marca Inca site. It shows originality and Inka design, harmonizing with nature (Pachamama).
From afar, the mountains contemplate us as jealous guardians. It took thousands of hours of work to conquer a great abyss and make walking easier.
Dr. Paul Fejos discovered Phuyupatamarca. Its silhouette resembles a truncated pyramid. The platforms incorporate the architecture into the hill and create agricultural areas.
Our Kondor Path teams are among the best and most experienced guides.
A cook accompanies every group on the Inca Trail and alternative trails in Cusco. Almost invariably, hikers comment on the delicious Andean menu. Meals are a mix of local specialties and international favorites. We promote organic and healthy food.
We will supply you with boiled water for the remainder of the trek. To limit plastic waste on the hike, we recommend that hikers bring refillable bottles; they can be filled in the morning and used for every meal.
Campsites can change depending on the crowds and the season. Our popular campsite choices are Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo, Wiñaywayna, and Phuyupatamarca.
Porters will carry all your other supplies, including camping equipment, clothes, sleeping bags, etc. We ask all travelers to limit their belongings to 7 km/15 lbs.
Guides carry a first aid kit for fundamental medical problems (hiker’s diarrhea, cuts/scrapes, etc.). They receive Red Cross First Aid and emergency training every year. Guides and porters have pre-established evacuation strategies in place should this need occur.
We recommend drinking plenty of water, drinking traditional Coca tea, and chewing coca leaves. These will help immensely with the effects of the altitude.
How can I be sure that the porters are well cared for?
Kondor Path Tours ensures proper staffing, weight limits for individual porters, and fair wages for each. We have a long and successful relationship with their community.
The Peruvian government has created the Laws of the Porter:
Watch and see how our porters work!
Talk to your porters and learn about their traditions and families. Share coca leaves with them; even encourage them to sing local songs.