Highlights
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate): A stunning Inca stone gateway framing panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped Apu Verónica (5,893m / 19,334ft).
- Cachicata Quarry: Walk among massive abandoned granite stones that were meant for Ollantaytambo’s construction.
- Sacred Valley Vista: Unmatched 360° views of the Urubamba River, Inca terraces, and Andean peaks.
- Ancient Astronomical Site: Inti Punku likely served as a ceremonial and solar observatory for the Incas.
- Inca Engineering Marvel: Explore the pink granite quarries that supplied stone for Ollantaytambo’s temples.
- Living History: See unfinished stone blocks left behind by Inca builders.
- Scenic Hike: A moderate 3-hour ascent through waterfalls, terraces, and Andean flora/fauna.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Less crowded than Machu Picchu hikes—authentic Andean wilderness.
- High-Altitude Thrill: Reach 3,900m (12,795ft) at Inti Punku for a rewarding sense of achievement.
- Sun Gate Framing Apu Verónica – A must-have shot!
- Sacred Valley Panorama – Best views without the crowds.
- Full-Day Trip from Cusco – No need for multi-day trekking.
- All Essentials Included – Breakfast, lunch, transport, guide, and poles.
- Early Return – Back in Cusco by 5:30 PM for dinner & relaxation.
Trip Details
Essential Tour Info:
- Duration: 1 day (departure 6:00 AM – return ~5:30 PM).
- Elevations:
- Cusco: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)
- Ollantaytambo: 2,792 m (9,160 ft)
- Cachicata Quarry: 3,600 m (11,808 ft)
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate): 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate (~3-hour uphill hike).
- Weather: Variable (sunny mornings, cold/windy at high altitudes).
- Documents: Original passport (valid for at least 7 more months).
- Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent.
- Hydration: Water bottle (1-2L), energy snacks.
- Extras: Small backpack, camera/phone, cash (small bills for tips/souvenirs).
- Inti Punku: Inca ceremonial gate with solar alignment (sunrise/sunset views).
- Cachicata Quarry: Source of pink granite for Ollantaytambo (abandoned stones along the trail).
- Acclimate 1-2 days in Cusco/Sacred Valley before the trek.
- Carry small change (public restrooms cost ~S/1-2).
- Use trekking poles (included, helpful for descent).
- Apu Verónica: Sacred mountain (5,893 m / 19,334 ft) visible from Inti Punku.
- Oxygen: Emergency oxygen bottle included.
Trip Summary
Brief 1-day Cachicata Trek Inti Punku:
- 6:00 AM: Hotel pickup (Cusco).
- 8:00 AM: Arrival in Ollantaytambo (breakfast included).
- 9:00 AM: Start hike via Cachicata Trail (waterfalls, Inca terraces, wildlife).
- 11:00 AM: Reach Cachicata Quarry (views of Ollantaytambo & Urubamba River).
- 12:30 PM: Box lunch on the trail.
- 1:30 PM: Ascent to Inti Punku (Inca astronomical site, views of Apu Verónica).
- 3:00 PM: Descent to Ollantaytambo.
- 5:30 PM: Return to Cusco.
Itinerary
CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CACHICATA – INTI PUNKU – CUSCO
Morning: Departure and Hike to Cachicata Quarry The Inti Punku and Cachicata Full Day Trek starts with a 6:00 AM pick up from your hotel in Cusco. Private transport drives for approximately two hours through the Sacred Valley of the Incas arriving at Ollantaytambo town. Breakfast is provided here before starting the hike. At 9:00 AM the guided hike begins on the Cachicata Trail. This section takes about two hours passing waterfalls old terraces and local wildlife to reach the Cachicata Quarry (3600 m / 11808 ft). This quarry was the main source of pink granite used by Pre-Inca and Inca peoples for building Ollantaytambo’s structures. The viewpoint here offers a high perspective over Ollantaytambo and the Urubamba River.
Midday: Quarry Exploration and Hike to Inti Punku After exploring the quarry and taking photos a box lunch is provided near the site with the Sacred Valley hills as a backdrop. Following lunch the ascent continues for one more hour up the trail reaching the Inti Punku Sun Gate (3900 m / 12795 ft). This stone structure served as a key location possibly for astronomical observation or ceremonies related to mountains and celestial bodies according to Inca beliefs. The gate frames a clear view towards Apu Verónica’s peak and the Vilcanota range.
Afternoon: Descent and Return to Cusco The return journey follows the same Cachicata Trail back down. Along the path numerous large worked stones are visible remnants that did not reach Ollantaytambo. The descent takes about two hours arriving back in Ollantaytambo town. Private transportation will then drive back to Cusco city. Estimated arrival time at your hotel is 5:30 PM.
Inclusions
- Hotel pick up Cusco: Collection from designated hotels within Cusco’s central area coordination needed for locations outside this zone.
- Professional English/Spanish guide: A certified guide with knowledge of the route Inca history and local environment leads the group.
- Private transport Ollantaytambo round trip: Vehicle transportation exclusively for your group between Cusco and the trailhead near Ollantaytambo.
- Food 1 Breakfast 1 Lunch: A basic local-style breakfast in Ollantaytambo and a portable box lunch provided midday. Advise dietary restrictions well in advance for possible accommodation.
- Entrance Inti Punku Sun Gate: Covers the required fee for accessing the trail and site.
- Trekking poles 2 per person: Provided to aid balance and reduce joint impact on uneven and steep terrain.
- First aid kit oxygen bottle: Carried by the guide for managing minor injuries or altitude-related symptoms standard procedure in these environments.
- Dinner snacks drinks: Any meals beverages or snacks beyond the included breakfast and lunch must be purchased separately.
- Emergency horses: These are not standard If a horse is needed for assistance due to inability to hike arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the individual hiker.
- Tips guide driver: Gratuities for the guide and driver are not included in the price customary amounts depend on service satisfaction and are discretionary.
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