Inca Trail Day 3: Cloud Forest to the Sun Gate

Quick stats: ~7.3 mi · +680 ft net (mostly downhill) · high point Runkurakay Pass (13,023 ft) · ends at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate · moving ~7 hrs · effort: moderate — longest day by distance, far less climbing than Day 2

Key waypoints

• Runkurakay — circular Inca ruin and the second pass of the trail, 13,023 ft. Classic viewpoint for the “reclining woman” mountain silhouette that gives Dead Woman’s Pass its name.

• Phuyupatamarka — 11,814 ft, ruins dedicated to water worship in Inca times; look for the stone water channels still running through the terraces

• Intipata — 9,383 ft, dramatic agricultural terraces with a steep staircase descent

• Intipunku (Sun Gate) — the trail’s final gateway, first view of Machu Picchu from above

What to expect

A day of contrasts: a second, smaller pass early on, a long stretch of flat, muddy cloud-forest trail through the middle (no views, just mud — mentally the most tedious part of the whole trek), then a steep terraced descent at Intipata before the trail delivers its payoff at the Sun Gate. Some itineraries split this into two days, camping at Wiñay Wayna and finishing at the Sun Gate the next morning — depending on pace, it’s possible to do it all in one long day and reach Machu Picchu itself by early afternoon.

Facts & logistics

• Bring a rain layer — this section moves through genuine cloud forest and stays damp

• The muddy middle stretch is unavoidable regardless of season

• If your itinerary ends the day at Machu Picchu rather than Wiñay Wayna, expect a long day — budget 7+ hours moving time

FAQ

Is Day 3 easier than Day 2?

In terms of climbing, yes — Day 3 is mostly downhill with just one smaller pass. But it’s the longest day by distance, and the muddy cloud-forest stretch in the middle makes it feel long even without much elevation gain.

Does Day 3 end at Machu Picchu?

It can — some itineraries split the day, camping at Wiñay Wayna and finishing through the Sun Gate the next morning. Ours covered the full distance in one day, reaching Machu Picchu by early afternoon.

Read the story: Day 3 — Cloud Forest to the Sun Gate (journal)

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