Inca Quarry - Cachicata

This place was dedicated to the carving and extraction of stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding areas. 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 Spaniards 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 giant stones to build the Ollantaytambo enclosures. We can find the "Tired Stones" that were left during the trip to Ollantaytambo and in some parts of the town.

Cachicata trek to Machu Picchu

The Cachicata hike is one of the newest hiking trails offered in the Cusco region. Based in the area around Ollantaytambo, the Cachicata hike takes you through high waterfalls, Inca ruins and beautiful landscapes. The Cachicata hike is relatively easy compared to some of the others, making it a great option for less experienced hikers. Another great thing about the walk is that almost nobody does it so, if you are looking to get away from the crowds, then this is the walk for you.

Useful information:

Start altitude - 3300m / 10.827ft.
Highest altitude - 4500m / 14,764 feet
Walking distance - 25 km / 15.5 miles
Longest day - Day 2, approximately 12 km / 7.5 miles
General difficulty: Moderate
Difficult (depends on your level of physical condition).
Acclimatization is recommended

Description of the Cachicata trek

Day 1:Cusco - Huarocondo - Socma - Perolniyoc

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and on our private bus we will go to the community of Huarocondo. There we will visit the beautiful colonial church of the town. Then we will descend to the community of Socma, where we will start our trek to the archaeological site of Perolniyoc. Perolniyoc is located on top of a beautiful waterfall, from where we will start a climb path to the community of the same name where we will camp.

Day 2: Perolniyoc - Inca canyon

In the morning we will ascend to the first pass at 4,500 meters / 14,764 feet above sea level. From that point we will descend towards the Mama Cona lagoon. We will walk through the pass of another beautiful mountain where there is an Inca canal that still carries water to the Cachicata quarry. The channel measures 17 km / 10.5 miles long and is considered one of the most important achievements in the region. We will have the opportunity to appreciate the wonderful mountain ranges of Urubamba and Vilcabamba.

Day 3: Inca canyon - Cachicata

We will begin the day with a hike following a small stream which will take us to the Inca Canyon. Then we will arrive at the archaeological site of Intiwatana, where an altar facing Veronica Mountain was built. From this place we will enjoy a spectacular view of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. Continuing our walk, we will go to the Inca quarry of Cachicata. There, we will see how the Incas worked and transported the immense stones that were used to build the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Descending to the Sacred Valley we will see the Inca cemetery and what was the village of the Inca workers of the quarry. We will camp in the town of Cachicata.

Day 4: Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Early in the morning, we will go to the train station in Ollantaytambo, there we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, a town located in the foothills of Machupicchu. Then we will go by bus to Machupicchu. Arriving at the Inca citadel we will enjoy a guided tour and then have a free time. In the afternoon we will board the train back to Cusco.

What to pack:

Clothing necessary for the 4 days of walking, preferably shorts, light polo shirts, warm clothes.
Jacket or poncho for the rain • Ideal shoes for trekking
Hats to protect from the sun, rain and cold
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Cookies, chocolates and candies
Mineral water and purifying tablets (Micropur)
Small towel
Bath linen (in case of going to the thermal baths)
Original Passport

Optional:

Walking sticks (covered with rubber)
Personal belongings (clothes, sandals, shoes, camera and others)

Blog

Paracas National Reserve: visit and enjoy its wonderful natural attractions

03 December 2021

The Paracas National Reserve is the second protected natural area in the Ica region, together with Punta San Juan of the National Reserve of Islands, Islets and Puntas Guaneras, and is part of the 25 that, so far, are suitable to receive visitors with all biosafety protocols. The Paracas National Reserve is one of the categorized Natural Protected Areas, which protects representative samples of our marine-coastal ecosystems. Its importance lies ...
« read more »

Urubamba: what to do and know in one of the most beautiful cities of Cusco

30 November 2021

The city of Urubamba is located in the province of the same name in Cusco. This city is the capital of the province in which it is located and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Cusco. This city is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, therefore, wherever it is observed, it will always present a wonderful view for the visitor. Among the tourist attractions that ...
« read more »

Inca Trail Tour Companies

24 August 2021

100% Local Tour Operators The following Inca Trail tour operators are listed by price (not comparative by quality), it means the least expensive to the most luxurious option. The below rates are given for a 4 day Inca Trail trek (a group service) or a 2 day Inca Trail with camping or a hotel (unless stated otherwise). These prices may change quickly, particularly; in the beginning of a year. Nevertheless, we are ...
« read more »

Inca Trail & Machu Picchu closing

01 July 2021

Is Machu Picchu closing? Machu Picchu is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization and it is most important tourist attraction of Cusco and Peru. Every year, there are 3000 travelers visiting the lost city of the Incas, either by foot, by train or by car. While most visitors focus on the ruins of Machu Picchu, the landscapes enveloping it prove just as stunning as the stone ruins themselves. if ...
« read more »

Machu Picchu Animals

28 June 2021

The Inca Trail road in the sanctuary area is over 300 kilometers long, with the Route No. 01 or Km 82 of Inca Trail with 46 km (approx.) one of the most famous and well known in the world, it showing construction features such as bridges, systems of terraces and drainage, articulated archaeological multifunctional complexes built with stone founding in the area. The Machu Picchu citadel is a sacred space, ...
« read more »