The most rewarding day — five archaeological sites and the most varied terrain of the trek.
Runkurakay (3,760m) — "egg-shaped ruin" or "basket-shaped house." A circular watchtower positioned to overlook both the ascending trail from Pacaymayo and the descent to Sayacmarca. The curved walls are unusual in Inca architecture. The site functioned as a tambo — a resting and supply station on the royal road network.
Second pass — 3,998m. The trail crests a second (easier) pass with views across the Vilcabamba range to the south.
Sayacmarca (3,624m) — "inaccessible town." This is the most dramatically positioned site on the entire trail: a complex of buildings perched on a narrow rocky promontory, accessible only via a steep stone staircase cut into the cliff. The site was both a religious center and a waystation, positioned to control access along the corridor.
Phuyupatamarca (3,600m) — "town above the clouds." This site has the best-preserved Inca fountain system on the entire trail — five cascading stone fountains that still carry water, used in ritual cleansing ceremonies during pilgrimages. On mornings when cloud fills the valley below, the site genuinely appears to be above the clouds.
Intipata (3,100m) — "sun terrace." Dramatic agricultural terraces constructed on an almost vertical slope, oriented to maximize sun exposure. The engineering required to build level terraces on a 45-degree hillside is striking.
Wiñay Wayna (2,700m) — "Forever Young." The largest and most complex archaeological site on the trail after Machu Picchu itself — a ceremonial complex with terraced agriculture, residential quarters, ritual fountains, and temple structures overlooking the Urubamba valley. The name refers either to the orchid species that grows here (Epidendrum secundum, called Wiñay Wayna) or to the idea of eternal youth connected to the spring water. Camp here for the third and final night. (~16 km, ~7-8 hours)
