Winaywayna

Wiñaywayna is the last massive Inca site on the Inca Trail before Machu Picchu. The rows and rows of terraces were used to harvest crops, and the house-like structures you see in the middle were where about 50 people lived, and also where people traveling to Machu Picchu would stop to rest. A very interesting feature of Wiñaywayna are these small square stone baths that to this day still trickle fresh water out of a stone spout, which are said to have been used for “cleansing”, likely before continuing the sacred journey to Machu Picchu. Considering the small amount of homes and large amount of terraces, Wiñaywayna was also thought to be used to grow additional food for Machu Picchu, but it’s association with water makes it also thought to be a religious center.