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Walk The Inca Trail

By Bonnie Hamre, About.com

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Gateway of the Sun

Doorway into the ruins of Machu Picchu

Doorway into the ruins of Machu Picchu

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From Puyopatamarca, you'll be able to see the terraces of Wiñay Huayna. also called Huinay Huayna, and the Urubamba river far below with the hydroelectric power station (seemingly out of place amidst all the splendid reminders of the Inca empire). At the bottom of the steps, you'll find the hostel to stay the night. Take the time to see the many varieties of orchids, explore the ruins here, and marvel at the terraces on the hill. The Incas used every bit of land for agricultural purposes which explains why so many cities and communities are perched on the sides of steep mountains.

From here, there is only one more pass to climb. You'll go through a 20 m. (66 feet) long tunnel that the Incas made through the rock. You'll find impressive evidence of Inca road construction with its six feet wide and carefully constructed stone-paved trails.

From Huinay Huayna it's an easy hike to the spectacular entrance to Machu Picchu, Intipunku, the Gateway of the Sun. Through this doorway, you'll get your first look at the Lost City of the Incas, situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters (some 8,000 ft.) above sea level.

If you can, plan to be here at dawn to see the sun rise with your first glimpse of the domed peak of Huayna Picchu.

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