Sun Gate, Inca Trail

Surfacing from the cloud forest of the Runkuraqay Pass, the trail commences its descent towards the ruins of Sayacmarca with sweeping views of the Pumahuanca Mountain.

Continue to Phuyupatamarca, one of the most intact Inca ruins, and stop to enjoy the snow-capped view of Mt Salcantay. At 6,200m, Mt Salcantay is the tallest mountain in the region. Its Quechua name translates as 'wild, uncivilised, savage' and, as such, is often referred to as 'Savage Mountain'. The summit of Mt Salcantay was first conquered in 1952 by a French-American expedition. No easy feat since the climb involved 5,906ft (1,800m) of vertical gain, on glacier, snow, ice, and rock.

Trek onwards to Intipata and Winay Wayna, both known for their agricultural terraces and their convex shape of the terrain, to finally reach the Sun Gate for a breathtaking aerial view of Machu Picchu. Once a fortress, the Sun Gate was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and was most likely guarded by imperial guards. Given the strict controls over entries, it is believed that only royalty and select guests were permitted to visit.