You can visit the architectural complex Choquequirao is situated in Vilcabamba at 3100 meters, considered the last Inka refuge and place of resistance from the invaders, when doing ....
Our Inca Jungle Trail classic To Machu Picchu combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, zip line, hot spring and trekking for 4 days until you reach Machu Picchu....
In the upper area close to the Skies, the Incas built one of their best-preserved cities, now recognized as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. Many travelers and adventurers come....
According to the research, the coloration of the rainbow mountain is due to the composition of minerals that it has: the pink color is for the red clay, fangolitas and arilitas. The whitish, for the quartzose ...
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.
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
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
Classic Salkantay trek 5 days is considered by most to be the best alternative route, This walk allows you to enjoy the options that there is in the salkantay route, you will go up to humantay lake, you will pass for the highets point of the salkantay route to be to see salkantay mountain up close, you hike through the santa teresa valley that is full of vegetation is the begining of the peruvian amazon, you have the chance to see, plantations of coffe, coca, avocados, bananas and much more, this valley is full of fresh wáter with many waterfalls and also if your choisce this hike, you will have enouth time do the relaxing hot springs of colcalmayo in santa teresa. and also you can do Llactapata hike on 4th day of the our advedventure, if you are an adventures person you got the chance to do the biggest and longest zipline of southamerica. choose this one and get a perfect adventures vacation to Machu Picchu. SALKANTAY TREK INFORMATION
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude - 3350 meters / 10990 feet . - Highest Altitude - 4600 meters / 15091 ft - Walking Distance - 12km / 7.45 miles - Campsite Elevation - 3920 meters / 12861 ft - Meals - 4 breakfast, 4 lunch, 4 dinner, 3 tea times, 3 wake up tea - Overall Difficulty - Moderate - Changing - STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel
DIA 1 : Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
We will leave Cusco approximately at 5:00 a.m. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 7:30 in the morning, where you will have the chance to enjoy a delicious andean breakfast. After an hour aprox in Mollepata. we continue in the same car to the Trail head in Challacancha. There we will meet with our support staff. There we will organize all the equipment, horses and mules. Around 9:30 a.m. we will start our trek to Soraypampa (3850 m.a.s.l) the first section of the path are paved rock trail there are the old water channel still supply to new habitants, the begin is 8 km in 3 hours to Soraypampa the lunch place as well base camp, after lunch and nap to continued hiking up to the Humantay lake (4200 masl) 3 km in 2 hours round trip, bottom the glacier the most spectacular views to the back ground valley and sunset, Soraypampa is located on the middle of the glaciers valleys at night clear appreciate the constellation on the sky.
DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass- Huayracmachay - Chaullay
The second day of the salkantay trek is considerat the hardest day. This is because the hiking distance is 22km/ 14 ft and also on this day you will get up to the highest point of the salkantay trail 4630 m / 15225 ft. in this day in order to make it on time to the second campsite. we're going wake up with coca tea at 5:00 to enjoy a dilisious breakfast after we get ready for the trek. Around 6:30 in the morning we start hiking to the highest point of the whole salkantay trail. After 4 hours hike you reach to the top to celebrate and enjoy a beautifull views of the salkantay mountain once at the top you have the chance to make a offering for the APUS (andean gods). From 4630 m / 15225 ml. We start hiking downhill to get 2900 m / 9510 ml in todo 15 km downhill hiking. we are going to do in two sections. The first section will be from the top to the lunch point which takes 2 hours approximately and then after lunch 3 hours more to the second camp call chawllay. on the way you are going apreciate diferent type of landscapes such glaciar mountains, lagoons, roccky mountains, grassy hill, by the time that you will be close to the camp you are going be in the jungle area. Once at the camp time to relaxing if you like you can enjoy cold beers while the cooks make the te time and the delicious dinner. ANOTHER SALKANTAY TREK ITINERARY
DAY 3: Chaullay - La Playa - Santa Teresa (2nd option camp in Lucmabamba)
You will hike through the jungle are of Santa Teresa. The valley is formed by the salkantay river that discures from the white mountain. In this valley you have the opportunity to see waterfalls, rivers, plantations like coca, coffee, avocado, passion fruit, bananas and much more is a tropical valley and the climate is quite warm. After of our breakfast we will start the trek to the town of sahuayco, after 5 hours of crossing through the dense vegetation we arrived at the lunch point and then we drove to Santa Teresa camp to visit the thermal hot springs of Santa Teresa. After a three days hiking is quite relaxing to spend some time at the pools couple of hours in the thermal baths then we return to the camp to take tea and the last camp dinner and spend the last nights in the tent.
Option: camp in Lucmabamba - Llactapata
After lunch at Sahuyaco (Playa), we will hike for approximately one hour to our base camp called Lucmabamba. We will explore the tropical forest for a little while and have a lovely visit at an organic coffee farm. Here you can taste the coffee prepared by the local people. We will also explore an orange and an avocado plantation.
DAY 4: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Llactapata - Aguas Calientes)
According the itinerary you will hike 3 hours from Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica but the hike is along the car road, some people do not like road hike. If you do not want to take this option you can choose the nexts ones. By car to hidroelectrica: You may take a car fron santa teresa to hidroelectrica for 45 minutes Zipline: you can do zipline with one of the companies that ofert this activity in one of the valeys of santa teresa. after zipline you go by car to hidroelectrica. Any option that you may take usually we start at 6:00 am with breakfast then around 8 am we start the activities. After lunch at Hidroelectrica we will hike 3 hours more to aguas calientes town on the flat trail. Then we take you to the hotel for showering and relaxing, in the evening around 7:00 pm we organised a dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes after dinner we go to sleep to climb Machu Picchu early on the next day.
Option: Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Aguas Calientes
After our breakfast, we will make our trek uphill to the Inca ruins of Lacctapata, after visiting this wonderful place, we will make the trek downhill to Hidroelectrica where we will have our lunch. From Hidroelectrica we will go to the town of Aguas Calientes.
DAY 5: 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 $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel. OTHER ACTIVITIES: Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included
- Meals: Breakfast - Tour: 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
WHAT TO BRING
A backpack
A beanie hat or ear warmer
Sun hat
Scarf
Gloves
A mid weight sweater
A longsleeve t-shirt
1 – 2 t-shirts
A lightweight suater or vest
A pair of long pants
Hiking shoes
An extra pair of shoe
2 – 3 pairs wool socks
A jacket
A small towel
Rain gear
1 – 2 pair shorts
Sunglasses
A small headlamp
Waterbottle
A toothbrust and other personal toiletries
Toilet paiper
Sun cream
Insect repelent
Camera and film
Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
Extra money for drinks.
Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
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. CACHICATA TREK INFORMATION
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude - 3350 meters / 10990 feet . - Highest Altitude - 4500m / 14,764ft - Walking Distance - 25 km / 15.5 miles - Meals - 4 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner, 3 tea times, 3 wake up tea - Overall Difficulty - Moderate - STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel
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. MORE INFORMATION OF CACHICATA TREK 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
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
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. 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.
INFORMATION OF CACHICATA TREK
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.
The Walk towards the enigmatic Cachiccata Quarries will take you to know one of the little known places where the stones were extracted for the construction of the cultivation terraces, temples and the entire archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo.
The adventure will take you to one of the most spectacular routes, full of beautiful and spectacular views of the sacred valley and the mystical city of Ollantaytambo, this is one of the beauties that hides the tour to the Sacred Valley in all its splendor. This place was dedicated to the carving and extraction of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding precincts.
Location:
It is located 9 km from the Ollantaytambo district, "The Living Inca City" in the province of Urubamba, Cusco region.
How to get?
On your own: The first thing is to go from the city of Cusco in a car or bus to Ollantaytambo (approximately 2 hours), once in the square of Ollantaytambo we will begin the walk: from the Plaza de Armas de Ollantaytambo take the Main Street towards Cusco, until arriving to the track, there instead of turning left where the stone street ends, continue straight on the path until you reach the Inca bridge. Cross it and walk to the right. After a 15-20 minute walk uphill, take a slope to the left at the fork, marked by a rock painted with "Las Canteras". In 20 minutes, agricultural platforms and foundations of old buildings will come into view. Follow the right trail and ignore other paths that cross. The trail will merge with a larger path. Continue through the mountain slope on this main road to the Lowe quarry, which is indicated by small stone foundations above boulders. (Minutes before reaching the quarry, the path passes through an irrigation canal, the last chance to cool off).
The first quarry is 2 hours after leaving the Plaza de Armas. Just after passing this quarry, continue on a smaller path to the left. Follow a series of zigzags to the hillside, for 45 minutes or an hour. Shortly after, the second much larger quarry will be visible on the left. The small fields on the right are a great place to camp. As a reference, a rock in the middle of the quarry painted with "National Institute of Culture".
Hiring a tour with a tour operator:
Definitely the safest and recommended option would be this, because they deal with the transfer to this archeological area better and resolve any inconvenience that may exist, are responsible for transportation, guidance, refreshment, etc.
What attractions do you have?
It has three groups of quarries:
Molle Pucro, the most accessible and popular quarry.
Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest of the three), shows evidence of having been in full operation when the Spaniards entered this area.
Kantirayoq or Cacchicata, where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced.
We will also visit the slopes of Cachiccata, the pyramid of Paqariqtampu and the imposing surrounding snow-capped mountains.
We can find the so-called "Tired Stones" that stayed during the trip to Ollantaytambo and in some parts of the town.
In the same way we can observe the great work they did at the time of moving the gigantic stones to build the Ollantaytambo enclosures.
This place is also known by the Intipunku (cover of the Sun), considered as a Sacred place of Spiritual retreat since ancient times, where you can feel the energy of the Apus (mountain spirits) and recharge positive energies on the heights of the Sacred Valley.
Recommendations:
Be sure to eat and be well fed; You can bring snacks such as energy bars, nuts, chocolatillos.
Drink water: Stay hydrated during the walk is very important.
Take Coca Mate or chew Coca Leaves will help reduce and prevent altitude sickness.
Sunscreen: Be sure to apply a minimum sunscreen every 02 hours and wear sunglasses accompanied by a hat or hat.
Rain protection: There is always a chance of rain so be sure to wear rain clothes.
Wear warm and waterproof jackets and light clothes for the sun.
Inca quarry "Cachicata"
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.
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. The 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 to be part of the circuit of Inca roads 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 going 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 him to discover with greater freedom the path of the Incas to the Inca quarries of Cachicata.
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
This place was dedicated to the extraction of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo. This place is nine kilometers from the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and has three groups of quarries: Molle Pucro, Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest of the three), shows evidence of having been in full operation when the Spaniards entered this area. And finally Kantirayoq or Cacchicata, CACHICATA TREK
where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced. The visitor can observe the great work done when moving the giant stones to build the Ollantaytambo enclosures. We can find the "Tired Stones" that were left during the trip to Ollantaytambo and in some parts of the town.
