Day 3’s high saddle — lower than Dead Woman's Pass, still a thin-air climb that unlocks Sayacmarca and the ruins ahead.
Runkurakay Pass
Runkurakay Pass is the second major pass of the classic Inca Trail, crossed on Day 3 after the Runkurakay ruins. Our elevation mark is about 12,936 ft (3,942 m) — lower than Dead Woman's Pass, still a serious alpine effort the day after your hardest climb.
How it compares to Dead Woman's Pass
- Less total vertical than Day 2’s monster ascent for most itineraries
- Still thin air, wind, and a grind if recovery was poor
- Opens the door to Sayacmarca and the “ruins parade” of Day 3
Many hikers call Day 3 their favorite precisely because two passes pair with extraordinary archaeological sites rather than pure suffering.
GPS note. Waypoint
RUNKURAKAY PASS · hash #runkurakay-pass.
Practical tips
- Start warmer than you think; strip layers as you climb.
- Poles help on both sides of the pass.
- Celebrate briefly — Sayacmarca stairs come next.