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Inti Punku and Cachicata Trek 1-Day

5.0 Based on 386 Reviews
Trip Length: 1 Day
From
USD 95
per person
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1 Day
Duration
Hiking
Usually 8-12 participants
Min 2 Persons
Maximum group size
16 - 99 years
Age range for participants
English
Guide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness.

Hike to the Inti Punku Sun Gate

Inti 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.

FROM
USD 95 per person
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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.
Overview

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.
At a glance

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.
Daily Schedule

Itinerary

DAY 1

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.

What's Included

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.

What Travelers Say About this Tour

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.

E
Eduardo R
01/05/2026
Excellent travel experience, the people of the agency provide impeccable service, definitely highly recommended 10/10
L
Laura T
04/04/2026
Excellent service, I loved the experience thanks to the Agency that made everything possible
R
Raul G
05/09/2025
Our Machu Picchu tour with Tania was absolutely incredible! From the very beginning, she was professional, knowledgeable, and so passionate about sharing the history and culture of this magical place. Her explanations brought the ancient ruins to life, weaving together fascinating stories and insights that made the whole experience unforgettable.Tania was also patient, kind, and attentive to everyone in the group, making sure we felt comfortable and had plenty of time to explore, take photos, and truly soak in the beauty of Machu Picchu. She went above and beyond to make the day special, and her positive energy made the journey even more enjoyable.I couldn’t have asked for a better guide—thank you, Tania, for an amazing experience that I will remember forever! If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu, I highly recommend booking a tour with her.
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Pricing Options

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.

OPTION 1

PRIVATE SERVICE

2 to 3 People
$ 95.00 USD
OPTION 2

PRIVATE SERVICE

4 to 5 People
$ 85.00 USD
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What Our Passengers Say About Machu Picchu Peru Travel

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LIU R
20/03/2026
Excellent experience
We had an outstanding experience with Taina at Machu Picchu. He was extremely professional, passionate and knowledgeable about Inca history, culture and the site itself. she adjusted the pace perfectly for our group, answered all our questions patiently, and made the whole tour fascinating and memorable. We couldn’t ask for a better guide and highly recommend him to everyone traveling to Machu Picchu.
Laura T
04/04/2026
Excellent service, I loved the experience thanks to the Agency that made everything possible
lafouk
10/04/2026
Wow, what great service! I’ve been on many tours and few have had the clarity and communication skills that Tania and her team had. From the moment I reached out in interest to the end of the Machu Picchu excursion, Tania was exceptionally clear and helpful, making every step very easy to follow. Planning Machu Picchu on your own is *technically* possible, but it takes a tremendous amount of work to plan with a lot of unknown variables. Booking a tour with Machu Picchu Peru Travel makes it easy for not much more cost, and eases the anxiety of all the unknowns with the complex journey. It is truly a great value for travelers.Now if only I could have Tania organize the rest of life…! :)
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Dario M
13/04/2026
These days in Lima and Cusco were above and beyond excellence, it was amazing! What I found most interesting was its people! Peruvians are extremely helpful, charming and kind and of course hard workers! I felt save walking around even late at night. It was simply magical Regarding tours and attention they were very puntual, organized and everything was on time! I send a huge shout out to the agency and every single guide that help us through our journey!
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Nirvana H
16/04/2026
Machu Picchu Peru Travel – Super Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2D/1N TourI highly recommend booking with Machu Picchu Peru Travel for any of their tours. We did the Super Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu 2D/1N, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish.From the very beginning, their level of communication was top tier. Tania was fantastic, clear, quick, and informative even before we booked. She was patient, guided us through the process, and ensured we got the exact circuit we wanted 2B, making everything completely stress-free and well organised. When we arrived in Cusco, she personally met us at our hotel for a detailed briefing, which showed how much she genuinely cared about our experience and ensuring everything went smoothly.Pickup was always on time, and every effort was made to keep the tour running seamlessly. The Sacred Valley tour itself was very enjoyable, with a fluent English-speaking guide who made everything easy to understand and engaging. Later that evening, we boarded the train to Aguas Calientes, where we were met and guided to our hotel.That evening, our guide Ruth visited us for a briefing, she was humble, warm, and very professional. The next day, she accompanied us from the hotel to the bus and then up to Machu Picchu. Being a private tour made the experience feel very personal and insightful. Ruth shared a wealth of knowledge, took her time explaining everything, and even helped us capture some amazing photos.Overall, this tour was 100% worth it-excellent organisation, outstanding guides, and a truly stress-free way to experience Machu Picchu.
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Nirvan S
16/04/2026
We recently completed the 2-Day Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco with Machu Picchu Peru Travel, and it was one of the best-organized and most enjoyable tours we have ever experienced in Peru. From the very first contact to the final goodbye at our hotel, everything was handled with professionalism, warmth, and genuine care for our experience. Communication was exceptional right from the start. The team was incredibly responsive on WhatsApp, answering all our questions promptly and patiently, even when we had last-minute requests and changes. Their quick replies gave us complete peace of mind as we planned our trip to Peru. The day before our tour, we received a detailed briefing (via WhatsApp and in person) that clearly explained the entire itinerary, what to expect, what to bring, and all the important timings. It was thorough and reassuring, which helped us feel fully prepared and relaxed. What impressed us most was how flexible and accommodating the team was. We had booked different panoramic train rides and specific circuits for Machu Picchu, and they seamlessly adjusted everything to match our preferences without any hassle. Their ability to handle these details smoothly showed just how experienced and client-focused they are. Our English-speaking tour guides were simply fantastic! They were not only extremely knowledgeable about the history, culture, and significance of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, but they were also genuinely friendly, patient, and enthusiastic. They went above and beyond by acting as personal photographers for our group—taking beautiful photos from all the best angles and even suggesting creative shots we would never have thought of. Thanks to them, we now have stunning memories captured perfectly. The entire tour ran like clockwork. The transportation was comfortable and safe, the pacing was ideal (never rushed, but never boring), and the contingency plans they had in place for weather, altitude, or any unexpected situations made us feel truly well taken care of. Everything was thought through so we could simply relax and enjoy the magic of the Sacred Valley and the wonder of Machu Picchu. If you’re planning a trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, I cannot recommend Machu Picchu Peru Travel highly enough. Their attention to detail, excellent communication, flexible approach, and warm, professional guides made our 2-day Sacred Valley tour an unforgettable highlight of our Peru adventure. Thank you to the entire team—you made our dream trip even more special! We will definitely be booking with you again on our next visit to Peru. Highly recommended – 10/10!
E
Eduardo R
02/05/2026
Excelente experiencia de viaje, las personas de la agencia brindan un servicio impecable, sin duda muy recomendable 10/10
S
Saga A
06/05/2026
Tania was an amazing person to book this with! She was always attentive, I even called her at 2am because our shuttle hadn’t arrived and she pick up the phone, and shortly after the shuttle was there. I really enjoyed my experience in Machu Pichu and Tania made it better!
N
NILTON JESUS B
13/05/2026
¡Experiencia increíble con Machu Picchu Peru Travel! Organizaron nuestro viaje de 7 días por Perú de manera impecable: todo perfectamente coordinado, desde los traslados hasta los tours. Gracias a su apoyo y dedicación, pudimos disfrutar al máximo cada destino sin preocuparnos por nada. 100% recomendados para quienes quieran descubrir Perú sin problemas
Gloria V
21/05/2026
We had the best experience, perfect organisation and communication throughout the whole trip. Willie was the best guide! Highly recommend!
S
Silviya S
21/05/2026
Outstanding experience with our Guide Willy! Everything was so organized, easy to understand and navigate. Highly recommend for private tours of two, which we did! It makes exploring Peru so much easier and enjoyable!
L
Louissa M
24/05/2026
They are the best operators to book with! Tania the owner is amazing she cares so much and makes the experience so personal and unique! She even gave us small alpaca souvenirs. Throughout the trip she made sure we were always okay and ensured every detailed. We met the night before the tour in cusco and she gave us a briefing which was soo useful!! Recommend 100%!
Diego M
25/05/2026
We have rarely encountered such a professional agency, concerned with the smallest details, making our stay in Cusco extraordinary.Tania made our trip a dream.
R
Road60708355780
03/06/2026
We had an excellent experience on our Machu Picchu day tour and would highly recommend this company.A special thank you to Tania, who was absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process. She was incredibly friendly, responsive, and helpful from the moment we started planning our trip. We had a few changes and requests along the way, and Tania was always accommodating, making sure everything was organised perfectly and that our itinerary would work smoothly. Her communication was excellent, and she gave us confidence that everything was under control. All of our transportation, train tickets, and logistics were arranged flawlessly, allowing us to enjoy the experience without any stress.Our guide at Machu Picchu was also wonderful. She was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the history of the site.Thank you to Tania and the entire team for making our Machu Picchu experience so memorable!
l
lucecita F
09/06/2026
Super friendly, excellent service, reliable staff, attentive to detail, punctual. They never left me alone, and there was always good communication. I traveled alone but was always accompanied by the guidance of each process of the tour. I loved it, and especially the very good prices 🩷🙏🏽 excellent packages.
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