Cachicata Trek Full-Day Inca Quarry Tour from Cusco

We will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and travel through the Sacred Valley toward Ollantaytambo. The drive takes approximately two and a half hours and provides changing views of Andean farmland, mountains, and traditional communities.

Upon arrival, your guide will review the route, check that you have sufficient water, and provide the necessary safety recommendations before starting the hike.

The walk begins near the Inca Bridge area at approximately 2,792 meters (9,160 feet). After crossing the Urubamba River, we follow the opposite side of the valley and begin a steady ascent toward Cachicata. The first section provides elevated views of Ollantaytambo, its agricultural terraces, and the surrounding valley. The path becomes steeper as it climbs away from the river, with limited shade along several sections.

As we gain elevation, your guide will explain how the Incas moved enormous stone blocks from the mountain quarry toward Ollantaytambo. Along the route, you can observe old ramps, stone-working areas, and unfinished blocks known as “tired stones.” These stones were abandoned before reaching their intended destination and still indicate the route followed by Inca workers. This section provides important context for understanding the construction of Ollantaytambo before reaching the quarry itself.

After approximately two and a half to three hours of uphill walking, we reach the Cachicata Quarry sector. The site is situated at approximately 3,644 meters (11,955 feet), although elevations vary between its different work areas. During the guided visit, you will see:

• Areas where stone was extracted and shaped
• Partially worked and unfinished stone blocks
• Ramps used to move heavy construction material
• Small chullpas associated with pre-Hispanic burials
• Remains connected to the people who worked at the quarry
• Views toward Ollantaytambo and the Urubamba Valley

After visiting the quarry, we will stop for the included lunch. This is also an opportunity to rest, take photographs, and prepare for either the descent or the additional climb toward Intipunku. The guide will evaluate the remaining daylight, weather conditions, and the group’s physical condition before continuing.

Los viajeros que dispongan de energía suficiente pueden continuar durante aproximadamente una hora más hacia Intipunku, situado a unos 3.900 metros (12.795 pies).
El sendero asciende a través de una serie de zigzags de montaña antes de llegar a la puerta de piedra. Desde esta posición elevada, se puede ver el monte Verónica, la cordillera de Vilcanota, Ollantaytambo y partes del Valle Sagrado cuando las condiciones meteorológicas lo permiten.
Esta extensión aumenta la distancia, el desnivel y el tiempo total de caminata. Solo se realiza cuando las condiciones y el ritmo del grupo lo permiten.
Importante: Este Intipunku es la Puerta del Sol situada sobre Ollantaytambo. No es la Puerta del Sol de Machu Picchu.

We return along the mountain trail toward Ollantaytambo. Although the descent is faster than the climb, the steep and uneven terrain can place additional pressure on the knees. Trekking poles are recommended.
Along the way, you will have another opportunity to see the quarry route, unfinished stones, agricultural terraces, and the Sacred Valley from a different perspective.

Our transportation will be waiting near the trailhead for the drive back to Cusco. Arrival is expected during the evening, although the exact time will depend on the group’s pace, traffic, and whether the Intipunku extension is completed.

• Pickup time: Approximately 7:00 a.m.
• Tour duration: Full day
• Starting point: Inca Bridge near Ollantaytambo
• Starting altitude: Approximately 2,792 m (9,160 ft)
• Quarry altitude: Approximately 3,644 m (11,955 ft)
• Maximum altitude: Approximately 3,900 m (12,795 ft) with Intipunku
• Estimated hiking time: Approximately 5–7 hours
• Estimated distance: Up to 16 km (10 miles) with the complete extension
• Terrain: Mountain paths, sustained ascents, uneven surfaces, and steep descents
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Meal: Lunch included
• Finish: Return to Cusco on the same day

Times and distances may vary depending on the exact drop-off or pick-up point of the vehicle and whether the Intipunku extension is completed; therefore, they are presented as approximate values. Comparable routes place the complete hike at around 6–7 hours and up to 16 km.