Incaraqay or Paucarcancha

Slowly we were getting out of the high mountains and descended under the timberline with subtropical vegetation. Hundreds, maybe thousands of different botanical species as bromelias, orchids, begonias ferns, mosses and countless flowers spreading pleasant perfumes. Many herbs were never investigated or aren't known to biologists.

We were still following the Cusichaca River and arrived in the afternoon at an Inca ruin called Incaraqay or locally known as Paucarcancha. Surrounded by Inca terraces and constructed at the strategic point were two valleys come together, this ruin has served as a lodging for the chasquis. As said before, these runners were very important to the Inca empire for their administration and transporting goods. Storerooms kept the dried food save in case of disasters, war or shortage.

Unfortunately, earthquakes damaged the ruin severely. As seen on the pictures above, a lot of work has to be done to restore Paucarcancha. Resources come from tourism and little by little parts of the ruin are rebuild. The Temple of the Sun and the nearby rooms have been reconstructed. No entrance fee is asked. There are some houses in the valley but no shops. The wide terraces and the ruin itself can be used as campsites.

The Cusichaca River in the valley is the only source of water. Taking a bath in this stream is only possible to polar beers. The water comes mainly from glaciers. The valley is covered in subtropical rain forest and the Incas built along the river a kilometers long dike. This enormous works were executed to protect the terraces that are still in use by local farmers.

The horses and our guide Carlos left us and two chasquis joined the group, our vegetarian cook Zenon stayed (yammi). The next day we started the most popular 4-days Inca Trail were horses are not allowed. From now on, we had to carry all our stuff ourselves what means: eating twice as usual :=)

We arrived finally in a little piece of civilization...