7-09-2011
Pacaymayo to Winay Wayna.
With the hard day behind us, we are ready for our longest day of walking. 16 kms, started with an uphill to get to a pass at 3900meters, passed a pretty lake.
We visited a few ruins along the way, Runkurakay, Sayaqmarca and PhuyuPatamarca. One was a stop for the messengers and change of runners, these were specially trained boys between the ages of 16-22. The messages were carried on a stick with ropes with various knots, there is no known written language at the time of the Incas. The ruins are quite well preserved, there are water fountains and aqueducts channeling water from the springs above. There are stones with well carved out holes on both sides so that rope could be passed through and hold things in place.
Our guide also explained about the chakana, the Peruvian cross ( we were each given one as a necklace in our homestay). It has twelve corners in a three (an important number for the Incas) tier system. The first three being- the upper, middle and lower worlds. The next three- the animals that represented these worlds- the condor, the puma and the serpent- representing the sky/heaven, the earth and the underworld. The next three being - the Incan principles- work, knowledge and love. The last three- the Incan laws- Don't steal, don't lie, don't be lazy.
We crossed rain forests, could forests and then finally a jungle. Smithy is quite knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, keeping us entertained along the way.
After lunch, I carried a heavy bag to see how it felt and also to help a girl who had not hired a porter. We were lucky that way, our trip was booked through Intrepid/ Dragoman and porters were automatically included. Two others joined the seven of us who had opted for the Classic Inca trail. This couple had not hired porters and I don't think the walk was a whole lot of fun for them. There was so much drama at their end that it became easier for the seven of us to stay among ourselves.
From the third pass Machu Picchu mountain is visible as is Aguascalientes. The rail tracks run along side the river and we could hear and see the train at timed. There is also a massive hydroelectric plant at this place.
There was 1000meters downhill that we had to do after our third pass, to me that was the worst part of the trail. I don't enjoy downhill and this one had steep narrow steps. We even went through tunnels carved out by the Incas, they really did work hard. Stopped at some terraces built by the Incas, it was nice to sit and just let our legs dangle off the mountainside. Of the two guides,Smithy and Paul, Jeevan and I have spent most of our time with Smithy as tends to lead most often while Paul stays at the end. Smithy has made this trip so much fun, he laughs easily and his laughter is infectious.
Went and saw our last ruin, past the campsite, Winay Wayna. Most well preserved ruin we have seen so far, supposed to be an appetiser for Machu Picchu. Another cold shower, not as bad as the previous day, prior to dinner and then to sleep. The only thing I have not liked in this trail have been the toilets, filthy. It is a National park and we have to buy permits, only a limited number of people are allowed through per day so why can't they maintain the toilets!
Rained when we were asleep, luckily our tents held up so no water inside. I am glad we didn't have to walk in the rain.
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