About This Route
Near the Inca Trail's Phuyupatamarca ruins at 3,700 meters, this 8 km loop explores high-alpine snowfields and Inca terraces overlooking the Urubamba River. Accessible after Dead Woman's Pass, it branches to Intipata and back, rewarding with panoramic Machu Picchu vistas under snow-laden skies. Suited for fit snowshoers, the loop features undulating terrain with minimal elevation change post-pass. Secure permits early; join guided tours from Llama Path for snow-adapted itineraries honoring sacred sites.
Safety Considerations
Cloud immersion reduces visibility to zero; carry compass and GPS (Gaia GPS app with offline Inca Trail maps). Icy terraces slip easily; practice self-arrest techniques. Gastrointestinal illness from contaminated snowmelt is common; purify all water with SteriPEN. Adhere to Peruvian park rules: no fires, group size under 16. REI's avalanche awareness courses recommended, as cornices form on overlooks. Pace conservatively; signs of pulmonary edema include shortness of breath at rest.
Essential Gear
MSR Revo Explore snowshoes for flotation; Kahtoola microspikes for ruins. Fleece midlayer (Patagonia R1), balaclava, UV goggles (Julbo Explorer). First-aid with blister kits, ibuprofen for headaches, and hyperbaric bag for AMS.