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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.
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.
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.
- 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
This place was dedicated to the carving and extraction of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding precincts. 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 Spanish entered this area. And finally Kantirayoq or Cacchicata, where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced. The visitor will be able to observe the great work done when moving the gigantic stones to build the Ollantaytambo enclosures. We can find the so-called "Tired Stones" that stayed during the trip to Ollantaytambo and in some parts of the town.
DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA (BIKING)
we will pick you up between 6:00 to 6.30 am, then we will leave the city seeing beautiful natural surroundings of Sacred Valley at about 2700 m.a.s.l. Arriving at the town of ollantaytambo we start the 46 km. uphill to the abra malaga (Mountain Pass at 4350 m.a.s.l.) approx. Here, we will change the biking kit provided (gloves and helmet) and receive a 20-minute briefing by our tour guide. After, start our descent by bicycle, passing by little rustic villages, fruit groves and streams arriving at the small village of Santa Maria, we’ll traverse the pass by bike toward wamanmarca (3 hours. After the bike ride, we’ll take a mini-bus to of Santa Maria – Santa Teresa. In Santa Teresa, you can enjoy the hot springs (Lunch, Dinner, Hostal).
DAY 2: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES (TREKKING)
After breakfast we will continue our Adventure to the Hydroelectric (power plant), This part of the trek is called the waterfall day where we’ll pass many cascades. In Hydroelectric we will enjoy of a great lunch. And after a break we will continue walking along this great inca jungle tour for 3 hrs., enjoying beautiful waterfalls, going through coca and coffee farms along the railway until arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes around4 pm. Here the group will spend the night in a hostel. Optional activity: ZipLine before you get to the Hydroelectric US $ 30 extra dollars.
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.
Without a doubt the Ausangate trek offers some of the most wonderful landscapes of Cusco, with many glaciers and high Andean lakes accompanied by wildlife. This trek is one of the most difficult in the region of Cusco, as we get closer to the Ausangate peak, it will surprise us and we will understand why the ancient Incas respected this spectacular mountain so much. Throughout the circuit we pass through villages where people still retain their ancient customs and traditions.
