Tour Inti Punku and Cachicata Trek Full Day

FULL-DAY TOUR: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CACHICATA QUARRIES – INTI PUNKU

This extraordinary hike through the Sacred Valley of the Incas is ideal for travelers who wish to combine adventure, history, archaeology, and spectacular Andean landscapes. During the tour, we will explore the ancient Cachicata quarries, learn about the methods used by the Incas to transport enormous stone blocks, and visit the impressive Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku.

CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO

We will begin our adventure at approximately 6:00 a.m. with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We will board our private transportation and travel for approximately two hours toward the historic town of Ollantaytambo.

During the journey, we will enjoy beautiful views of the Sacred Valley, traditional Andean communities, agricultural fields, mountains, and small local villages.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we will stop to enjoy an energizing breakfast. Afterward, we will continue by private transportation to the starting point of the hike, located in the community of Cachicata.

HIKE TO THE CACHICATA QUARRIES

At approximately 9:00 a.m., we will begin an uphill hike of around two hours toward the ancient Cachicata quarries.

The route crosses impressive high-mountain landscapes and offers magnificent views of the Sacred Valley, the town of Ollantaytambo, cultivated fields, and the surrounding mountains. During the ascent, we will make several stops to rest, take photographs, and listen to explanations from our guide.

Upon reaching the Cachicata quarries, we will explore the area where many of the stones used to construct the temples, terraces, and ceremonial buildings of Ollantaytambo were extracted.

During the visit, we will observe partially carved stone blocks that were abandoned during transportation, as well as ancient ramps and paths used by the Incas to move enormous rocks across the valley.

We will also see the chullpas, or ancient funerary structures, located throughout the surrounding area. Our guide will explain their purpose, the techniques used to shape the stones, and the considerable human effort required to transport these materials to Ollantaytambo.

After the guided visit, we will have time to rest and enjoy our box lunch while admiring the spectacular Andean scenery.

CACHICATA QUARRIES – INTI PUNKU

After lunch, we will continue hiking for approximately one hour until we reach Inti Punku, whose Quechua name means “Sun Gate.”

This impressive viewpoint is located in a privileged position and offers extraordinary panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the town of Ollantaytambo, and the imposing snow-capped Verónica Mountain.

Inti Punku is considered a special place because of its location, orientation, and connection with the surrounding Andean landscape. We will have time to rest, take photographs, and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

On clear days, the view of Verónica Mountain and the surrounding peaks makes this one of the most memorable moments of the hike.

DESCENT TO CACHICATA – RETURN TO CUSCO

After enjoying the scenery, we will begin our descent toward the community of Cachicata. This section of the hike will take approximately two hours.

Upon arrival at the agreed meeting point, our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Ollantaytambo and then continue to Cusco.

Arrival in Cusco is expected in the late afternoon, depending on the group’s pace, trail conditions, and traffic. Finally, we will transfer you to your hotel, bringing this unforgettable experience through the Cachicata Inca quarries and Inti Punku to an end.

Approximate starting time: 6:00 a.m.
Cusco to Ollantaytambo transfer: Approximately 2 hours.
Total hiking duration: Between 5 and 6 hours, including breaks.
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging.
Type of route: Uphill and downhill hiking.
Meals included: Breakfast and box lunch.
Transportation included: Private transportation throughout the tour.
Main attractions: Ollantaytambo, Cachicata quarries, chullpas, Inca ramps, Inti Punku, and views of Verónica Mountain.