Located just five miles from the infamous ruins of Machu Picchu, travelers making their way along the Inca Trail may want to make a pit stop at this breathtaking site.
Often overlooked by hikers more keen on reaching Machu Picchu, the ruins of Winay Wayna, when seen from below, appear like an ancient stone castle atop a huge terraced garden. Low stone walls surround triangular inner walls, all of which create a maze of intriguing structures atop an ancient, tiered mountainside.
Named after an orchid that grows nearby, Winay Wayna, whose name means "eternally young," teems with unique natural offerings. Hikers can keep their eyes peeled for the elegant pink orchid of the same name, a delicate mass of blooms found along the trailside. Before arriving at the ruins, many travelers will pass by the Winay Wayna waterfall, a delightful rush of water cascading down a series of naturally cleaved dark rocks.
Forever young in Winay Wayna
Posted on Friday, April 6th, 2012
