Hiram Bingham discovered the site, but left
most of it covered with vegetation. The
Fejos team named the site, and uncovered the
remainder. Design of the site closely
follows the natural contours, and includes
five fountains and an altar, which was
probably used for llama sacrifice.
The trail then descends approximately 1,000
meters including an irregular staircase of
from 1,300 to 1,500 steps, some of which
were carved into solid granite. Vegetation
becomes more dense, lush, and "jungle" like
with an accompanying increase in butterflies
and birds. A second Incan tunnel is along
this section of trail.[8]
Even before passing through the tunnel there
are views down to the Urubamba River, the
first since leaving the river at Patallacta.
The number of these views increases. After
the tunnel the town of Aguas Calientes can
be seen, and trains running along the river
can be heard. As the trail nears Intipata,
it affords views of the "Two Day" Inca Trail
(aka "Camino Real de los Inkas" or "One Day
Inca Trail").[9] A small spur of the trail
leads directly to Wiñay Wayna, while the
main route continues to Intipata.
