Intipata |
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| While Intipata looks impressive (especially from a distance), there are very few structures here and it is
mostly terrace upon terrace. This, plus it's proximity to Machu Picchu, would make it
clear that this was strictly an agricultural settlement. However, although there is not that much to explore by way of ruins, the view here are impressive. This in fact might have something to do with the location as well since these ruins are in line-of-sight with both Cerro Machu Picchu (a lookout over Machu Picchu) and Choquesuysuy (another set of ruins down the valley near the river). This implies that this location may have served as a communications link as well as a source of food. |
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Learn more about Inca architecture and customs... Click Here.
JB in front of one of the few houses at Intipata. More Wildflowers...This portion of the trail was particularly rich in the number and quantity of wildflowers. I'm not sure what the flowers on the left are (a begonia of some kind perhaps?) but I do know that the flower on the right (which Percy is holding up) is an endangered specie of orchid called Huinay Huayna (the same as the ruins). In fact I have read that because this is the habitat for this and other species of orchids, the area which includes Intipata will be allowed to be recovered by the forest and no additional excavations or maintenance will be allowed at the site. |
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| From Intipata it is a short walk down to the Trekker's Hotel, where we would camp for the last night before the hike down to Machu Picchu. But before that, we were fortunate to spend a good bit of the afternoon exploring Huinay Huayna... | |
The view down from Intipata to the Trekker's Hotel (the white structures).
- Inca Trail
Day Three