Hiking to Inca Sun Gate 1 Day
Discover the enigmatic Sun Gate in the Sacred Valley and the Inca quarries of Ollantaytambo
This hike to the Inca Sun Gate and Cachiccata Quarry is located in the sacred valley district of the Incas, it is a 1-day hike, in which you can enjoy the colorful landscapes of the Vilcanota Valley and the snow-capped mountain of Veronica. The Incas highly respected the environment in which they carried out their daily activities, so many of their buildings were built in the mountains and high parts of the mountains. This point is strategically located, from where on the most important days of the festive calendar of the Incas, great ceremonies were held in return for the good harvests obtained.
On your return you will also be able to visit the old Inca quarries of Cachiccata, from where the ancient Inca architects obtained all the lithic material for their constructions of temples and houses at the site of Ollantaytambo, today it is still possible to see large blocks of pink porphyry ready to be transferred. As history tells us, this site was in the middle of the hauling process, but upon the arrival of the Spanish it was interrupted. It is a very important place if you are interested in learning about the construction techniques of the Incas.
Trip Highlights
- The history of pre-Hispanic people dates back to more than 4000 years before Christ, so the last stage of this great culture of the Andes is the powerful empire of the Incas. If you are interested in knowing curious and unique facts, This walking route is definitely for you, because during the journey you will be able to understand in situ the different phases of how the great Inca town of Ollantaytambo was built. You will be able to understand the main mysteries of Inca architecture, its tools and methods that the Andean wise men used to carry the large blocks of stones.
- Inti Punku or Gate of the Sun is a sacred space from where you can see the great sacred valley of the Incas in 360°, being there alone with the mountains and wildflowers is a privilege that few people will be able to enjoy. This route is recommended for hiking that does not involve large logistics equipment, just bring your backpack and a nutritious box lunch.
- Feel free and connect your senses with the madfe earth, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only few places in the world can offer you pure air and blue skies. Conquer new goals because this will make you feel like you are a champion and will revitalize your body. The walk to Sun Gate is moderate, but it is worth it because with every step you take you will discover places with beautiful contrasts. Your guide will give you a session of Andean music that will bring a lot of peace and love to your soul.
Inclusions of this tour
CUSCO - OLLANTAYTAMBO - INTI PUNKU - CACHICCATA - CUSCO
Early in the morning our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (5:00 am). Then we will head in our transportation to the beginning of the walk, which is located on the left side of the Vilcanota River. At 8:00 am we begin the ascent from the community of Cachiccata. From the beginning the level of difficulty is super demanding, so it is recommended to wear good hiking shoes.
After 1 hour we will arrive at the Rumik’asa site where we will make a short stop to refresh ourselves, and then there is only 1 more hour left to crown our ascent of the day, in front of your eyes a unique view of the majestic Inca Sun Gate with the background of the snowy Veronica will open. You will have enough time to take photos and videos.
Around noon we begin the descent, this time along the route that will take us to the Inca quarry of Cachiccata, where we will visit the stone carving workshops, we will also be able to see caves where there are burials of the Inca ancestors. At the end of the afternoon we will arrive at the Inca bridge, where our transportation will pick us up to return us to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm.
Best season to travel
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.
Tour to Inca Sun Gate and Inca Quarry 1 Day
Price $ USD 150 PP or Reserve now with $ USD 150 PPChoose your preferred departure date to proceed
A unique adventure in Hiking to Inca Sun Gate 1 Day
What to Bring for this tour
Warm jackets
Hydration bladder
Wool socks
Camera
Scarf
First aid kit
Hiking shoes
Dry bags
Trekking Poles
Sun cream
Snack
Sun hat
Bathing suite
Rain coat
Sandals
Insect repellent
Passport
Down Jackets
Toilet paper
Daypack
Wool cap
Head lamp
Gloves
Sun glasses
Cap
Extra cash
Trekking pants
Essential Trip Information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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