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Showing posts with label inca quarry trek to machu picchu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inca quarry trek to machu picchu. Show all posts
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.
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.
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 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 solve any inconvenience that may exist, are responsible for transport, guide, 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.
Ollantaytambo is another of the many places where we can admire the archaeological wealth that the Incas left us. It is a population that is part of the province of Urubamba and the department of Cusco.
It is located at the convergence of two valleys crossed by the Vilcanota, which the Incas called Willcamayu (Sacred River) and the Patacancha. At an altitude of 2,790 m.a.s.l.
One of the routes I do frequently, is towards the Inca quarries of Cachiccata. The last ascents I have initiated from the Inca bridge that is at the entrance of Ollantaytambo coming from Urubamba. This bridge consists of two eyes over the Vilcanota River (or Urubamba River). Its bases, of Inca origin, are made up of large blocks of stone and, to protect the central pillar, they placed two huge rocks as a water-breaker in the course of the river. In its origin, this bridge must have been a suspension, and like so many others that the Incas did, it was made with the braiding of a plant called “ichu”, which is still used today on the roof of many Andean houses.
INFORMATION OF INCA QUARRY TREK
Once across the bridge, the ascent begins on the left bank. A sign shows us the route to follow, while we have a good view of the platforms that surround Ollantaytambo.
In front of the train station we will encounter a rocky ledge on which there are the ruins of a control or defensive fort known as Choquequillca. On the other side of the Vilcanota River (right bank) we found no fortification, perhaps because it was destroyed with the layout of the railway. Our goal is to visit the Cachiccata quarries and then continue the ascent to the top of the Arequipa Hill, where there is an Inca archaeological structure, known as INTI-PUNKU (Puerta del Sol). The distance between the Inca bridge of Ollantaytambo and the INTI-PUNKU is about 8 km with 300 m. following a pedestrian trail. This journey can be done in one day without trying to break records. It is convenient to get up early to avoid the intense midday sun.
The initial road runs parallel to the Vilcanota River, with terraces on the left side. In front, on the other side of the river, we can contemplate another architectural group of the Inca culture; It is called Raqaypata.
A second part of the road, much wider, takes us to the bottom of the Cachiccata quarry (in Quechua it means “salt slope”). It is a continuous ascent to save the 400 m. of unevenness between the starting point (2800 m altitude on the Ollantaytambo bridge) and this lower quarry located at 3210 m.a.s.l.
Along this second journey, which is one of the ramps through which the Incas slid the pink stone blocks, we found some of these large stones that did not reach their destination and are known as “ Tired Stones. "
Here are two copies: the first one is located in front of the church of San Santiago Apostol (Ollantaytambo) and the second one is found on the way up to the quarry.
It is not uncommon to find tour groups accompanied by a guide, and pack animals transporting the materials of a long journey. It is also common to find people picking aromatic or medicinal plants (muña, tara, ...) It is obligatory for me, when visiting these places, to visit Don Guillermo Qawa; an old man who lives alone at 3022 m altitude and with whom I share a “little time” of company and some food, every time I make this route.
Why not mention the children Francisco, Roqui, Yéssica, Lourdes and Lisbeth to whom on this last walk we offered the promised toys?
The Cachiccata quarries are located under the impressive Black Good Apu from which the Incas extracted the huge blocks of pink rhyolite. These stones were partially worked in the quarries and then down to the Vilcanota River in front of the Rumira sector.
Through an artificial channel parallel to the riverbed, they diverted the water alternately (in times of drought) and thus moved the blocks on either channel with an island in the middle. The blocks were dragged back to the fortress of Ollantaytambo.
The last section consisted of a steep ramp, which can be seen perfectly from the left bank of the river, as shown by the arrow in the photograph. We know, from the tools that the Incas abandoned in the quarry, that they used the same stone for the extraction of the blocks: granite and basalt strikers, obtained in the Vilcanota River. These quarries had to be abandoned when Manco Inca retired from Ollantaytambo.
The last section consisted of a steep ramp, which can be seen perfectly from the left bank of the river, as shown by the arrow in the photograph. We know, from the tools that the Incas abandoned in the quarry, that they used the same stone for the extraction of the blocks: granite and basalt strikers, obtained in the Vilcanota River. These quarries had to be abandoned when Manco Inca retired from Ollantaytambo.
As for the transfer of the immense stones, 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 construction experts; his numerous works that still endure so testify: Coricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Ollantaytambo, etc.
In the northern (lower) quarry of Cachiccata there are small constructions known as “CHULLPAS”. They are tiny towers of circular base, built with stones joined with mortar of red mud and straw. These are funerary constructions that abound in the Highlands of Peru and Bolivia, typical of the Qollas.
Those of Cachiccata, due to their small size, we deduce that they served as burial for a single person, in which they generally placed the deceased in fetal form along with some of their belongings. They have an opening or entrance in a rectangular shape and have the upper part or roof covered. Some are very damaged and others have completely disappeared; all have been looted by treasure hunters (Huaqueros).
At our feet is the small town that gives name to these quarries: CACHICCATA. A peasant community of about 80 families with approximately 320 people living on agriculture, especially corn and potatoes.
After replenishing forces, we continue the ascent to the west and south quarries. In both we find stones of greater size and better worked, as well as a limited enclosure in which the stones extracted from the quarry were stored and worked. From this place we can contemplate a spectacular landscape: · The wide valley crossed by the Vilcanota river with its diverse green tones, characteristic of the rainy months; and in the middle, the famous pyramid of Paccarectampu. Regarding this truncated pyramid of Ollantaytambo, certain writings relate it to the founding beginnings of the Inca Empire. What we can confirm is that during the winter solstice (June 21), with the sunrise, it is possible to observe different light effects through solar projections on this pyramid of Ollantaytambo.
· Al Al frete, the imposing peaks of the Vilcanota Range, among which the Apu (divinity) or Veronica Snow also known as Wakaywilque with its 5,682 m.a.s.l. struggling to peek her white hair between the clouds that surround her.
I was surprised to find in these quarries a stone wheel (like an old mill) apparently unfinished, because the central hole was completely unperforated.
Continuing our ascent, the next stop was at the archaeological remains of Choquetacarpo located at 3,495 m.s.n.m, of which we do not know the purpose they had, although it seems to have been the residence of those who managed the quarry.
The trip continues in its last stage of ascent until reaching 3,943 m.a.s.l. With your eyes fixed on the INTI-PUNKU (Puerta del Sol) and the desire to complete the feat of reaching that altitude, forces arise under the intense sun and dizziness from the height. MACHU PICCHU TOUR
They are the last meters, some steps and we access the Puerta del Sol. An impressive spectacle appears before our eyes. Mute and contemplate is the most appropriate. Praise be my Lord!
