Wiñaywayna is a Quechua name that means forever young or eternally young. It is an Inka citadel built by the ruler Pachacutec in the 15th century, with an important religious and agricultural function. It is located within the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu, just a 5K hike from one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
Due to its location high on a mountain, only tourists who take the Inka Trail route can reach it. On the third or fourth day of the hike (34K from the starting point), visitors can get to this architectural monument, appreciate its beautiful landscapes, and learn about its history.
Construction
The architecture design used for the construction of this Inka complex is the same as in Machupicchu, where huge polished stone blocks, astonishingly fitted together and magically joined without mortar, are the main element.
These are the Wiñaywayna constructions most admired by visitors:
● The House of the Inka.- Made up of courtyards, water channels, doors, windows, niches, and enclosures for various functions.
● The Tower.- A semicircular construction with seven windows with marvelous views. It is located at the highest part of Wiñaywayna and can only be accessed by stone stairs. It is believed that it had the purpose of protecting the citadel, and that it was used as a temple to worship the Sun and the mountains.
● The water fountains.- There are ten water fountains next to the tower. It is believed that they had a purification purpose.
● The terraces.- They are the most impressive ones during the Inka Trail, with more than 40 terraces, each measuring over 2m in height. The Inkas grew potatoes, corn, quinoa, and even coca leaves on these terraces.
Flora
The most abundant species in the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu is the orchid. Around 300 varieties of them have been recorded, including a vibrant purple one also called wiñaywayna, which is precisely the plant from which this archaeological site takes its name.
Like Machupicchu, Wiñaywayna was discovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. To reach it, you must take the famous hiking route of the Inka Trail, either the 4-day or the 2-day journey.
