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)
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