3 October 2025 : Inca Trail day 3
3 October 2025 : Inca Trail day 3
On the third day on the trail we didn't have as long a walk and it would be mostly downhill so we were able to start a little later although still early. Again we started the day with a cup of hot coca tea and a bowl of hot water for washing before packing our things away and then breakfast in the dining tent.
We broke camp
And set off on the trail. The porters giving us a round of applause as we left the campsite. (We would return the compliment by clapping when they passed us on the trail).
The area we're in now is known as the Cloud Forest. This is a semi-tropical forest persistently wreathed in ground-level clouds. Rain showers are common.
Our first stop along the way was at Phuyupatamarka ("City in the Clouds") which stands at 3,600 metres above sea level.
At the base are five square structures which are stone baths each still kept filled by fresh running water.
Then we descended through the forest.
Bringing us to Intipata ("the Terraces of the Sun")
And on to our campsite for the night.
Inca Trail Day 3
In sight of a magnificent rainbow.
Near our campsite are the spectacular Incan ruins of Wiñaywayna ("Forever Young") consisting of an upper and lower town and agricultural terraces.
A couple in the group hadn't mentioned it previously but now told us this trip was their honeymoon. After dinner the chef produced a honeymoon cake for them.
This campsite also featured the ultimate luxury of shower rooms, albeit with unheated water.