- A.h. Arahuay LL - 1, Cusco, Perú.
- machupicchuperutravel@hotmail.com
(886)
1 DayInti Punku also known as the Sun Gate is an Inca structure located high in the mountains above Ollantaytambo town (2792 m / 9160 ft) in the Sacred Valley region.
This one-day tour starting from Cusco (3399 m / 11152 ft) follows the Cachicata Trail an area significant to Inca history. The route leads to the granite quarry which supplied materials for constructing Ollantaytambo.
The approximately three-hour uphill hike concludes at the Sun Gate. This site likely functioned as an observation point related to Inca cosmology focusing on mountains sun stars moon and earth. The location offers wide views of the snow-covered Mount Verónica peak (approx 5893 m / 19334 ft) and the Vilcanota Mountain range surrounding it. The precise historical use involves interpretation acknowledging some complexity in understanding past practices.
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.
At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we offer personalized Inti Punku and Cachicata Trek 1-Day, designed to match your interests and preferences. With expert local guides and customized itineraries, explore the beauty of the Andes. Check out our pricing options for a memorable adventure.
$ 95.00 USD
$ 85.00 USD
Our clients trust us, and their glowing reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves. Discover why so many travelers choose us for unforgettable experiences in Cusco.
“MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.
Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.
We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.
At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.
To offer a more personalized service at “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.
We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.
We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!
Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:
At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.
We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.
Yes bringing your original passport is required Officials may perform checks along routes Ensure its validity extends at least seven months past your trip date.
Hiking shoes or light hiking boots offering good tread and ankle support are strongly advised The terrain includes rocky uneven paths Trainers typically lack the necessary grip support increasing risk Broken-in footwear is crucial to avoid blisters.
Carry a minimum of 1 to 1.5 liters per person in a reusable bottle High altitude increases dehydration risk Opportunities to refill water reliably on this specific trail are very limited Start with your full needed supply.
Mountain weather shifts rapidly expect sun wind cold potentially rain Use layers a base layer insulating mid-layer like fleece and a waterproof outer shell This allows easy adjustment Long hiking pants provide better protection movement than jeans.
Yes UV intensity is significantly higher at altitude even with cloud cover Apply high SPF sunscreen consistently Wear sunglasses use a wide-brimmed hat covering face neck ears.
Insect presence varies particularly lower down or near water Use insect repellent containing DEET recommended as a precaution against bites.
The trek reaches 3900 m (12795 ft) Proper acclimatization in Cusco beforehand is important Maintain steady pace hydrate well Carry any personal prescription medications plus basic first aid items Inform your guide of pre-existing conditions While guides carry first aid oxygen they cannot administer personal medicine Altitude effects vary consult medical advice if concerned.
A small daypack around 20-30 liter capacity is adequate Pack only essentials water extra clothing layers snacks sunscreen hat camera passport cash personal items Keep the weight manageable for comfort.
Bring a modest amount of cash in Peruvian Soles small denominations best Useful for minor purchases potential tips or unexpected needs Relying solely on cards or US dollars is not practical for small trail-side transactions.
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all thats left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, well be with you every step of the way. At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.
Machu Picchu Peru Travel it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.
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