Perched on a site overlooking the Urubamba River, Winay Wayna is located on the Inca Trail on the way to glorious Machu Picchu. The site is quite interesting in and of itself and certainly worth a visit. It consists of clusters of houses (some high, others lower) that are connected by a steep stone staircase. Near the houses are fountain-like structures that are believed to have been baths.

Winay Wayna conforms to the landscape, typical of Andean architecture, which is why the complex is so steep. Most of the stonework is of very good quality. The location of Winay Wayna, high above the river, is thought to indicate its probable importance to the Incan Empire.