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Cachicata Trek Peru | Inca Quarry Trail

Cachicata Trek Peru | Inca Quarry Trail

CACHICATA or INCA QUARRY TRAIL

Cachicata or Inca Quarry is one of the ancient quarries used by Pre-Inca and Inca civilizations to build the vast complex of Ollantaytambo. It was a source of large quantities of pink granite. Cachiccata's relics of stonemasons are located 12kms from Ollantaytambo. The view of Ollantaytambo from the quarries is spectacular and during the trek one can see many large stones that never made the long journey down to the village. It was also a trade route for the Incas. Cachiccata is a tiny, remote village that can benefit from the occasional visitor in the most simple ways.

 

The Cachicata Trek or Inca Quarry Trail is a great alternative to the famed Inca Trail hike. The Cachiccata Trail was built by the Incas and used for hundreds of years to access local communities and transport goods. This trail is not as well known as the Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, so expect far fewer crowds and a more serene Peru trekking experience. This hiking adventure not only visits Peru's cultural past, but also explores modern Incan communities and customs. The trail takes us through secluded waterfalls, ancient terraces and exotic wildlife, all the while delivering fantastic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Peru's commanding snow-capped mountains. Visit with local families and explore an active quarry. Every step brings a new look into Inca culture.

 

What is cachicata?

Cachicata is a small remote town that has a mountain known as the Inca Quarry, where the Incas had supplied themselves with blocks of Red Granite for the construction of their temples or palaces located in Cusco.

 

Structures such as the Ollantaytambo complex saw the light thanks to the granite that is abundant in the area and where the Incas produced the blocks that were taken to different points of their empire.

 

In Cachicata we find a community that is gradually getting used to the presence of travelers, because it is a new tourist attraction for the public.

 

The Cachicata quarry was also used by pre-Inca civilizations, ending its history as a source of granite at the time the Spanish came to conquer the Inca empire.

 

The location of Cachicata in Cusco

The Cachicata quarries are located 14 km from Ollantaytambo, at about 4100 m. s. n. m. in progress.

 

To get to Cachicata we leave Ollantaytambo and walk for approximately 4 hours upwards to discover a new tourist destination.

 

The best season to go to Cachicata

As in almost all of Cusco, the most recommended season to visit its tourist destinations is during the dry season, where the rain is very occasional and we enjoy the sun more.

 

Between the months of March and October we have the ideal seasons to visit Cusco if we do not want rain; however, the tour is open to the public all year round.

 

What attractions does the Cachiccata Quarry have?

It has three groups of quarries:

 

Molle Pucro, the most accessible and popular quarry.

Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest of the three), shows evidence of having been in full operation when the Spanish entered this area.

 

Kantirayoq or Cacchicata

Where another type of mineral and precious stone extraction was practiced.

 

We will also visit the slopes of Cachiccata, the Paqariqtampu pyramid and the imposing nearby snow-capped mountains.

 

We can find the so-called "Tired Stones" that remained during the journey to Ollantaytambo and in some parts of the town.

 

In the same way, we can see the great work they did when moving the gigantic stones to build the

 

Ollantaytambo enclosures.

This place is also known for the Intipunku (cover of the Sun), considered as a Sacred place of Spiritual retreat since ancient times, where you can feel the energy of the Apus (spirits of the mountains) and recharge with positive energies in the heights of the Sacred Valley.

 

Everything we will enjoy in Cachicata

If we are still with doubts to decide to visit Cachicata this 2021 that has all of Cusco ready for the traveling public, here we give you everything you will know if you take the tour to Cachicata.

 

Discover the mysterious "Puerta del Sol", the Inti Punku

A “new” and different Puerta del Sol awaits us in Cachicata, located at the top of the mountain.

It is one of the few that exist in Cusco, it has a special meaning because it is not yet known what its use was since it does not have the irregular orientation compared to other gates of the Sun in the world.

 

Spectacular view of Ollantaytambo

A spectacular view of Ollantaytambo awaits us in 2021 if we decide to travel to Cachicata, the best and unique photographs in all the social networks of Cusco.

 

The landscape that Ollantaytambo has prepared for us is impressive, where we can also see the stone blocks that were left on the way at the time of the Spanish invasion.

 

A new route with many surprises in Cachicata

As part of the Inca Trail, the Cachicata route is ideal to get to know a new site that has many tourist attractions throughout the journey.

 

Because it was also used as a trade route in pre Inca and Inca times through waterfalls, ruins and beautiful landscapes.

 

How to get to the quarries of Cachiccata?

 

On your own:

The first thing is to go from the city of Cusco by car or bus to Ollantaytambo (approximately 2 hours), once in the Plaza de Ollantaytambo we will start the walk: from the Plaza de Armas de Ollantaytambo take the Main Street towards Cusco, until arriving to the track, there instead of turning to the left where the stone street ends, continue straight ahead along the path until you reach the Inca bridge. Cross it and walk to the right. After a 15 - 20 minute uphill walk, take a slope to the left at the fork, signposted by a rock painted with "Las Canteras". In 20 minutes, agricultural platforms and foundations of old buildings will come into view. Follow the right trail and ignore other intersecting roads. The trail will merge with a larger trail. Continue across the mountainside on this main path to the Lowe Quarry, which is indicated by small stone foundations atop boulders. (Minutes before reaching the quarry, the path passes through an irrigation canal, the last chance to cool off).


The first quarry is located 2 hours after leaving the Plaza de Armas. Just after passing this quarry, continue on a smaller path to the left. Follow a series of zigzags up the slope, for 45 minutes to an hour. Soon after, the second much larger quarry will be visible on the left. The little fields to the right are a great place to camp. For reference, a rock in the middle of the quarry painted with "National Institute of Culture."

 

Hiring a tour with a tour operator:

Definitely the safest and most recommended option would be this, because they take care of the transfer to this archaeological zone in the best way and solve any inconvenience that may exist, they take care of transportation, guide, refreshments, etc.

 

A new adventure awaits you in Cusco

Cachicata is an excellent opportunity to live a new experience in Cusco, the route is unique and historical, everything we find in it will make our trip happy.

 

This walk to Cachiccata will be an unforgettable experience with the best service provided by our quality professionals, you will be enchanted with so much beauty that nature offers us, after undertaking this cultural journey, you will return full of the ancestral spirit of the Incas and with a little piece of the Andes in your heart.

 

And if you want to enjoy it, you can count on Tierras Vivas so that the entire experience is professional and responsible.

 

Hiking to Inca Quarry trek or Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu

Tierras Vivas offer the new best hikes to Inca Quarry trail.

Recommendations:

  • Make sure you are well fed; You can bring snacks such as energy bars, nuts, chocolates.
  • Drink water: Staying hydrated during the walk is very important.
  • Drink Coca Tea or chew Coca Leaves will help you reduce and prevent altitude sickness.
  • Sunblock: Make sure to apply sunscreen at least every 02 hours and wear sunglasses accompanied by a cap or hat.
  • Rain protection: There is always a chance of rain so be sure to bring rain gear.
  • Bring warm and waterproof jackets and light clothing for the sun.
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