Today is one of the most demanding days of the trip as we gain altitude. Warmiwa usca also provides a vantage point to see Rio Pacamayo, or Sunrise River, far below as well as the ruin of Runturacay. Each new day that we trek, we observe the hundreds of varieties of plants that grow in the regions surrounding the Sacred Valley. The number of ecological zones in the region multiplies the possibilities. The zones are determined in part by altitude.
Plants adapt to the climates and soils of each mountain ecosystem, from grassland to cloudforest.
Further, the species of wildlife differ from one location to another, interdependent on plant life and other conditions. We then descend to camp at Pacaymayu. The Inca trail in this section is white granite roadway, traversing a thickly forested mountainside. Phuyupatamarka is a well restored site where we'll observe water running through a series of ceremonial baths. Orchids and hummingbirds are common along this spectacular section of the trail, high above the river.