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Get really off the beaten path with this Inca quarry trail. Ollantaytambo boasts some of the most amazing stonework in the whole Sacred Valley, and this trek takes you right to the source – the ancient Inca stone quarry!
We’ll follow much the same path as the Incas did, transporting stones from the quarry to the village. Some cut stones – known as “tired stones” – still remain in the quarry. Having never made it to town, these stones only add to the enigma of this fascinating Inca quarry trail!
There is also the option to hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) on this Inca quarry trail. You’ll enjoy stunning views of Mt Veronica as you hike to the Inca stone quarry and back.
Highest elevation reached: about 4000m
Total hiking time: 6-7 hours
High quality personalized experience
Unique, off-the-beaten track routes
Experienced staff
Verified sustainability practices
$20 of every trek donated to Threads of Peru
When calculating the cost of renting equipment, calculate using the length of the entire trip, not just the number of trekking days. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and unavailable for others to use.
Please be careful with rented equipment! You are responsible for the cost of replacement if something is damaged or broken.
Cusco can experience every season in a single day, so you should be prepared for sun and rain, cold and hot weather! We recommend a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sweater, rain gear or plastic poncho, winter hat or toque and gloves. In addition, you should bring:
You can also see What To Bring for our comprehensive recommendations on what to pack for a trek in the Andes. For more great suggestions, check out our blog about How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru.
Remember that scans of the student card (for students) or passports (for children) need to accompany the booking in order to be eligible for the discount.
Want to join a trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone!
Read More about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!
We leave Cusco at 8 am in our private transport and drive for about 1.5-2 hours through the picturesque Sacred Valley until we reach Ollantaytambo, the only “living Inca village”. After stocking up on refreshments we will start our Inca Quarry trail hike by crossing the bridge just outside Ollantaytambo, and following a path along the Urubamba river on the opposite site.
From here we climb out of the valley for a good 2.5 hours, rising from 2800m to 3900m. There are 2 main Inca stone quarry sites, a lower one and a higher one. We can picnic with our boxed lunch at this point. Depending on how the group feels, we then have the option to carry on a further hour to see the Inti Punku Sun Gate at the top of the hill, climbing about 450m on switch-backs.
From this highest point, we will return along the same Inca Quarry trail route, enjoying the spectacular scenery along the way. We will return to Cusco by car, arriving between 5pm and 6pm.
The Cachicata Inca Quarry trail had an excellent, very enjoyable route; our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and the Inti Punku sungate was the highlight of the trip!