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Hike to Inti Punku and Cachiccata Quarries – to Machu Picchu

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Since the Spanish arrived in the land of the Incas, the question of how the native peoples of the Andes managed to cut and transport the megalithic rocks that made up the Inca cities was a mystery and a source of incredible stories. The Cachicata Cusco walk takes you to the source of one of the ancient Inca quarries; a place where you will find the answers to those questions. Join us on this fabulous hike to Cantera Cachicata Ollantaytambo

Offering a fascinating look at the ingenuity of the Inca civilization, Inti Punku Cachicata is where the Incas formed rocks for some of their ambitious construction projects miles away, such as the Cantera Cachicata Ollantaytambo fortress. This exhilarating and scenic hike lasts 3-4 hours, crosses the Urubamba River on an ascending trail that offers panoramic views of the Ollantaytambo Valley, the Vilcanota mountain range, and Mount Veronica (18,745 ft) along the way. We will have lunch surrounded by magnificent views before returning to the Sacred Valley or Cusco.

INCA QUARRY TREK 3 DAYS

DAY 1: CUSCO – PACHAR – SOQMA – CHARCAHUAYLLA

We will come to pick you up at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco City, and we will drive along a road to the Pachar Valley close to Ollantaytambo. You will arrive at the starting point of your trek, Soqma village, after about 2 hours, where we will stop to have breakfast and meet our horseman. We will start our hike up a lush valley of scattered farmhouses and crop terraces. After 40 minutes of walking, we will see a tall waterfall where we can pause to refresh ourselves amidst the cool spray of the waterfall. After a picnic lunch, we will continue hiking for another hour and visit the little-known Inca ruin of Qorimarca, perched at mid-altitude on a shelf high above the SoQma valley. Qorimarca was probably built by the Incas to control the agricultural production of the surrounding valley. From here we will hike uphill for 3 hours until we reach our first campsite, in Charcahuaylla.

DAY 2: CHARCAHUAYLLA – INTI PUNKU – CHOQUETACARPO – INCA QUARRY OF CACHICATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast, we will continue with our trek for 1.5 hours across the high plateau to reach the to Yana Orco, where we will have spectacular views of the valley. We will encounter a stunning view of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley as we reach the imposing gateway of Intipunku, an Inca temple thought to be dedicated to worshiping the snowcapped Verónica Mountain. Then, we will arrive to Choquetacarpo (3600m/11880ft) and continue the descent to the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3420m/11286ft). Here, you can see the work of the Incas as this was used by the Incas for the construction of Ollantaytambo. You will see several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site.We will have lunch facing a breathtaking mountain and valley panorama. We will continue our hike for 3 and a half hours downhill to Ollantaytambo, where you will have some time to rest and explore the historic town. In Ollantaytambo, we will catch the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will have a dinner at a restaurant in the town and discuss with your guide what time you wish to wake up in the morning. Your hostel in Aguas Calientes can be upgraded to a hotel if you prefer.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we walk uphill to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. or take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Optional bus $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included

– Meals: Breakfast
– Tour: 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu 

INCA QUARRY TREK  CLASSIC 4 DAYS

DAY 1: CUSCO – SOQMA – RAYAN

We will come to pick you up at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco City, and we will drive along a road to the Pachar Valley close to Ollantaytambo. You will arrive at the starting point of your trek, Soqma village, after about 2 hours, where we will stop to have breakfast and meet our horseman. where we will stop to have breakfast and meet our horseman. We will start our hike up a lush valley of scattered farmhouses and crop terraces. After 40 minutes of walking, we will see a tall waterfall where we can pause to refresh ourselves amidst the cool spray of the waterfall. After a refueling lunch, we will ascend 45 minutes until our camp at Rayan (3,700 meters/12,136 ft).

DAY 2: RAYAN – INTI PUNKU – CHOQUETACARPO

After breakfast, we ascend 3 hours to the first pass of the trek, known as Puccaqasa (4,370 m/ 14,333 ft). where we will have spectacular views of the valley. We will encounter a stunning view of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley. We then head downhill for 25 minutes to our lunch location. After lunch, we hike 2 hours with alternating ascents and descents. The final 20 minutes of this segment will take us uphill to the highest pass of the trek, Kuychicassa (4,457 m/ 14,619 ft), From here we trek downhill for 2 hours to a site the Incas called Inti Punku, where there is a spectacular view of Mount Veronica (5,682 m/ 18,637 ft) and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our campsites is 30 minutes downhill from Inti Punku at Choquetacarpo (3,600m/ 11,808 ft).

DAY 3: CHOQUETACARPO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

After early breakfast and then we will walk one hour downhill to the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3420m/11286ft). Here, you can see the work of the Incas as this was used by the Incas for the construction of Ollantaytambo. You will see several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site.We will have lunch facing a breathtaking mountain and valley panorama. After We will continue our hike for 3 and a half hours downhill to Ollantaytambo, where you will have some time to rest and explore the historic town. In Ollantaytambo, we will catch the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will have a dinner at a restaurant in the town and discuss with your guide what time you wish to wake up in the morning. Your hostel in Aguas Calientes can be upgraded to a hotel if you prefer.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we walk uphill to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. or take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Optional bus $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included

– Meals: Breakfast
– Tour: 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu

 

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INFORMATION OF THE INCA QUARRY OF CACHICATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

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While in Ollantaytambo the first objective is to reach the Cachicata quarry located six km from Ollantaytambo and at an altitude of approximately 4,100 m. There, not only did the Incas extract the enormous stones, but they also partially carved them to be later lowered to the Vilcanota valley and from there, climbed them up a steep slope to the Ollantaytambo fortress. CACHICATA TREK INFORMATION

We know from the tools that the Incas abandoned in the quarry that they used the same stone for extraction: granite and basalt hammers, obtained in the Vilcanota river.
As for the transfer of the immense rocks, we do not stop questioning the time, the way and the enormous amount of people contributing their strength and ingenuity. There is no doubt that the Inca people were a construction expert. His numerous works that still endure in the Sacred Valley bear witness to this: the Coricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Ollantaytambo, Machupicchu, etc.
Next to the quarry there are small constructions known as “CHULLPAS”. The ones that we could see here are small towers with a circular base, built with stones joined with mortar of red clay and straw. These are funeral constructions that abound in the Altiplano of Peru and Bolivia. Those of Cachicata, due to their small size, served as a grave for a person, in which they generally placed the deceased in a fetal form along with some belongings. As we can see the illustrations present, they have a rectangular opening or entrance. And covered at the top.

From this place, the view is recreated with the scenic picture in front of it. At our feet the wide plain crossed by the Vilcanota river, with its various green tones characteristic of these rainy months; to the front, the imposing peaks of the Andes, among which Veronica stands out fighting against the clouds to show her white hair.
Our descent into the valley is made by the same ramp that the Incas used to slide the pink stone blocks. Along this journey, you can see how some of these stones did not reach their destination; they are known by the name of “Piedras Cansadas”.
Already entered in the municipality of Ollantaytambo, we had two important archaeological-logical centers to visit: the city and its Inca fortress.

MORE INFORMATION OF INCA QUARRY TREK

 

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Inca quarry of Cachicata Ollantaytambo – Cusco

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This place was dedicated to the extraction and carving of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding precincts. This place is located about 14 km from the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and has three groups of quarries: Molle Pucro, Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest of the three), shows the evidence of having been fully operational when the Spanish arrived in this area . And finally Cacchicata or Kantirayoq, where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced. Visitors can observe the great work done at the time of moving the giant stones to build Ollantaytambo enclosures. We can find the stones called “Tired Stones” that were on their way to Ollantaytambo and in some parts of the city.

INCA QUARRY TREK INFORMATION

Cachicata or Inca quarry is one of the old quarries used by the pre Inca and Inca civilizations to build the vast complexes of Ollantaytambo. It was a source of large amounts of pink granite. Cachicata quarries are 14 km from Ollantaytambo. The view of Ollantaytambo from the quarries is spectacular and during the walk you can see many large stones that remained in the middle of their long trip to the village. It was also a commercial route for the Incas. Cachicata is a small and remote town that can benefit from the occasional visit of tourists.

The Hike to Cachicata is a great alternative to the famous Inca Trail hike. This road was built by the Incas and used for hundreds of years to access local communities and transport goods. This trail is not as well known as the Classic Inca Trail, so much less crowds and a more serene trekking experience in Peru are expected. This hiking adventure not only visits Peru’s cultural past, but also explores modern Inca communities and customs. The trail takes us through isolated waterfalls, ancient terraces and exotic wildlife, while offering fantastic views of the Sacred Valley and its snowy mountains. Visit with local families and explore an active quarry. Each step brings a new look to the Inca culture.

How long is Ollantaytambo?

The trip from the city of Cusco to the Inca city of Ollantaytambo is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in private mobility but if you wish to travel in the public transport units the approximate time is 2 hours.

Can you climb to the Inca quarry of Cachicata without a guide?

The Walk to the Inca quarry of Cachicata being part of the Inca road circuit that runs through the country of Peru, and the circuit of Qhapap Ñan, it is recommended that it be carried out with the supervision of an authorized agency that provides the professional guide service so that you can enjoy the best way to hike and take a nice memory to your country.

How high is Inti Punku “Puerta del Sol”?

Inti Punku or «Puerta de Sol» is the highest point on the hike to the Inca quarry being at a height of approximately 3886 meters from that point you can see an impressive view of the Sacred Valley and the Snowfall that are around as are the snow Veronica.

What should I take to make the walk to the Inca quarry of Cachicata?

To make the walk without any inconvenience we recommend the following:

  • A lightweight backpack to carry your stuff.
  • Water bottle.
  • Money for snacks, souvenirs and tips if you want to tip.
  • Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Jumper (sweater)
  • Protection against rain (or plastic poncho) the Cusco region can experience “all seasons in one day”, therefore, it is advisable to wear a hat and gloves, as well as a sun hat, when you go out tomorrow, in order to be prepared for all eventualities.

Is a tourist ticket needed for the Inca Quarry of Cachicata?

At the moment no income is being collected, which will allow you to discover more freely the path of the Incas to the Inca quarries of Cachicata.

 

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Information of the Inca Quarries in Cusco

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The quarry of Cachicata was the place of extraction of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding areas. This place is 9 kilometers from the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and has three groups of quarries: Molle Pucro, Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest), shows evidence of having been in full operation when the Spaniards entered this area. And finally Kantirayoq or Cacchicata, where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced.

MORE INFORMATION OF INCA QUARRY TREK

Useful Information

– Starting Altitude – 3350 meters / 10990 feet .
– Highest Altitude – 4500m / 14,764ft
– Walking Distance – 25 km / 15.5 miles
– Meals – 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner, 2 tea times, 2 wake up tea
– Overall Difficulty – Moderate
– STARTING POINT: – Cusco at your hotel

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • The Community of Cachiccata consists of 80 families and a total of approximately 300 people.
  • The quarries of Cachiccata is one of the most important attractions, these quarries were widely exploited in the Inca period. From this mine they selected and transported the stones from the archaeological remains of Ollantaytambo. By means of own bearing and thrust techniques, the stones were transferred to this old center. On the way we can see giant semilabrated stones that were being transported. Near the quarries we can also visit some pre-Hispanic chullpas (ancient funerary tower).
  • Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
  • Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
  • Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460
  • After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.

Brief Itinerary

– DAY 1: CUSCO – PACHAR – SOQMA – CHARCAHUAYLLA
– DAY 2: CHARCAHUAYLLA – INTI PUNKU – CACHICATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
– DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO