cachicata trek or Inca quarry trek to Machu Picchu 5 days, is a new route we offer within the Cusco region. The trek will give us the opportunity to admire; impressive waterfalls, Inca ruins, and the beautiful countryside.
At the end of this point, we’ll visit the Inca site of Cachicata trek-Inca quarry trek to Machu Picchu for 5 days, which supplied the stones used in the construction of Ollantaytambo. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to view mummies, Chullpas (caves), and well-preserved Inca buildings, this is one of the most interesting sites in the Cusco region.
CAUTION: Please allow a minimum of two (02) days to acclimate before considering to begin your adventure package to Machu Picchu.
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Your Hotel in Cusco |
DEPARTURE TIME | Early in the morning. |
Trip Details of cachicata trek or Inca quarry trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
Cachicata trek-Inca quarry trek to machupicchu 5 days, this tour begins by taking you (by bus) towards the Anta Plateau, continuing our route to the “Camino Real Inca”. We will have a stop-off at the Incan sacred shrine known as “Quillarumiq” (Native Quechua Language), which means “Moonstone”. One of the best-carved stone “Huacas – Sacred Places” in the vicinity of Cuzco. We’ll continue our journey along the Huarocondo River, which drains from the Western edge of the plains. Continuing Northbound, hiking on a wide path, above the West Bank of the Huarocondo River.
After a 2 hour hike, we will reach Huatta. An important Pre-Incan fortress overshadowing the crest of a hill (3,855 m/12,645 ft). Stopping for lunch, we’ll redirect our way Westbound to our camp at (3,750 m) next to a rural school in the village of “Chiripahua”.
Details:
We will continue our gradual ascent through the cultivated fields and the countryside of Chachacomo, enjoying the landscape of pastures and small farm fields that cling to the steep slopes.
We will most likely find an Andean family residing in their adobe and straw homes. There is a scarcity of water in the area. Consequently, you’ll observe the importance of communal water sharing for their traditional crops. Traveling through Chachacoma, you’ll constantly be allured to the beautiful mountain ranges. As we continue our ascent to an elevation of 4,400 meters, we will break and enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch, we continue to escalate while enjoying breathtaking views of immense snow-capped peaks: from the “Huayanay” and to the North Urubamba Valley.
We will continue with a smooth descent to camp, at 4 350 meters, observing the broad Valley of Chancachuco, and the glaciers of the Cordillera de Huayanay.
Details:
We continue our trek Westbound, gradually descending through the valley, we will be able to appreciate some aqueducts built by the Incas that are now abandoned. These aqueducts once transported the water through a huge wall, off the cliff, and into the river Silque.
As we continue our descent, we will be immersed in waist-high flowers through the valley. Also, here we will get a glimpse of the original Incan stone constructions, the testimony of extraordinary engineering.
Lastly, we will visit the spectacular Inca sanctuary called “Huayrapunku” (“Wind Gate” – 3,940 m/12,923 ft.), with a stunning view of the snow-capped mountain named “Veronica” (5,682 m/18,642 ft.) directly across the valley. In this Incan spot, we can appreciate the unsurpassed views of the Incan terraces and value the citadel of Ollantaytambo, more than 4,000 feet below us. Ollantaytambo was built in the 15th century by Emperor Inca Pachacutec, the city was an important administrative and religious center. Continuing our descent, we’ll reach the quarry of Cachicata at a height of 3,525 m.
In the afternoon, discover the operations of the main Incan rock quarry, Cachicata, located 5 miles away from Ollantaytambo, it was a place where the ancient Incan stone-cutters carved and polished the rocks to build the Temple of the Sun in Ollantaytambo. Here we’ll explore the ramps and platforms in the vicinity. We’ll also admire the many flora and fauna that are abundant throughout the quarry.
Details:
After breakfast, we continue our descent along a wide Inca trail through the quarry area. We’ll arrive at an area where the Inca stones were carried to cross the river Vilcanota. On the other side, between the river and the Temple of the Sun, we can see several of these “tired stones”, which were abandoned halfway between the quarry and the temple.
Chroniclers state that the work on the temple stopped suddenly when the Colla Masons fled back to their homes near Lake Tiahuanaco, just before the arrival of the Spanish. We will continue our trek descending until we cross the river to finally reach the famous temple of the Sun in Ollantaytambo. You’ll have time to explore the temple and the traditional village, before getting on the afternoon train that will take you to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll be able to freshen up and rest at your hotel.
Details
Hiking Distance: 9 km/ 5 miles
After a scrumptious breakfast, we will board the bus transporting us to the Majestic Lost City of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. Your tour guide will impart the history of this mystical place. We will have the opportunity to visit the “Temple of the Sun”, the “Royal Palace”, the “Main Temple”, the “Temple of the Three Windows” and the “Sun Dial”. Here, we promise an unforgettable experience. After your guided tour, you’ll have free time to do your own exploring.
There are many more activities that you can do. These activities are optional (not included with the package) for example The “Puerta del Sol” (2 hour hike up and down), where you will appreciate the Inca city from a different viewpoint.
In the afternoon, we catch the train to reach the City of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival to Ollantaytambo, we will have transportation waiting to drive you to your hotel in Cusco.
Details
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.