Cachicata Hiking Trail
If you are inquisitive to learn more about the history of Inca civilization then Cachicata Trek, popularly known as Inca Quarry Trek is an unmissable experience. This off the beaten track experience, takes you to the lesser known yet a prominent Inca ruin.
Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cachicata Stone Quarry played a major role in the development of Ollantaytambo.
Ollantaytambo is sandwiched between two Inca ruins. It was an administrative capital of Incas. Now, it is popular for boarding a train to Aguas Calientes. Ollantaytambo is also the gateway to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
About Cachicata Stone Quarry:
Just as many other sites in the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo too saw rapid development during the rule of Pachacutec. He built many notable sites including Machu Picchu and Choquequirao. Ollantaytambo is often considered as the living example of Incas modern town planning.
The Incas planned a massive construction project in Ollantaytambo. They carried out the stone work in Cachicata. However, due to the Spanish conquest, they had to abandon the project. Even today you will be able to see remains of finely cut pink stones scattered in dismay.
On this full day trek from Cusco, you will get a deeper insight to Inca civilization. You will also get to meet locals who live in this remote region and continue to maintain their age old traditions and customs.
You will be retracing the footsteps of Incas on the route through which they transported stones from Cachicata to Ollantaytambo. We will be giving you a guided tour of the stone quarry and the remains of the residence of the architects who worked in Cachicata.
Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu popularly known as Inca Quarry Trail is a popular alternative to Short Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek.
After exploring the site of Cachicata, you can hike further up to a high plateau which houses the Sun Gate. This is a prominent landmark as Incas worshipped Inti (Sun God) from here. You will get a panoramic view of the snow capped peak of Mt. Veronica.
Please note that this is a high altitude experience. We highly recommend you to spend a few days in Cusco before this full day hike.
Hiking itinerary to Cachicata
Cachicata Trek – Inca Quarry Trek: Full day
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 0700 AM. Then we will embark on a 2.5 hours drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo. This is the starting point of Cachicata Trek.
We will then cross a small bridge that connects the villages on both sides of Urubamba river. We will begin hiking from Ollantaytambo (200 metres above sea level) to Cachicata Stone Quarry (3900 metres above sea level). It normally takes around two and half hours.
The tour guide will be giving you a guided tour of Cachicata Stone Quarry. You will then have some free time to explore the archaeological site. If desired, you can opt to hike 450 metres further up to the Intipunku or the Sungate.
Once you have had your fill of this complex, we will begin the hike back down to Ollantaytambo. We will be meeting the transport here for the drive back to Cusco City.
Inclusions
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
7:00 a.m.
Price Includes
- Professional English speaking tour leader
- Round Trip Transport
- Entrance Fees
- Lunch
Price Excludes
- Hiking Sticks (Optional)
- Water
- Any Private Expenses
Pricing
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience) :
2 -3 People – 165US$ Per person
4+ People – 155US$ Per person
Children/students 145US$ Per person
Exclusive Private Tour:
2 -3 People – 215US$ Per person
4+ People – 195US$ Per person
Children/students 180US$ Per person
Frequently Asked Questions about tour the Cachicata Trek – Inca Quarry Trail
It is an alternative 4-day, 3-night route to Machu Picchu that passes through the ancient Inca quarry of Cachicata in the Sacred Valley. It is less crowded than the Classic Inca Trail, offering a more peaceful and authentic experience.
The trek starts near Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, at about 3,644 m above sea level, reaching its highest point at mountain passes between 4,400 and 4,450 m.
The trek lasts 4 days and 3 nights. It is considered moderate to challenging due to the altitude and the uphill sections on varied terrain.
We recommend layered comfortable clothing, trekking shoes, hiking poles, sunscreen, water, warm clothes for the night, and spending a few days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize.
