Sun Gate & Inca Quarry

This Full Day trek to the Cachicata Quarries resides in an area of the Sacred Valley in the district of Ollantaytambo, also known as the “living Inca city.” This beautiful walk visits some of the lesser-known places outside of busy Ollantaytambo, starting with the outer-laying terraces of the main construction that is the entire village itself. To reach the quarry we will first cross the Urubamba River on the Inka-bridge, and observe how ancient foundations still serve to this day for a modern structure to be laid across. Following the river, we will ascend to the first natural spring, with its terraces and Inka “swimming” pools, which were actually used for irrigation. After about an hour we will start to see “tired stones,” or the stones that never made it to their final destination. After passing the second natural spring, we will enter the main area of the quarry where stones were extracted for the construction of the temples in the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo. The views here of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley beyond are phenomenal.

From here it is possible to appreciate some vantage points that reveal some of the secrets held by Ollantaytambo that can only be seen from above, such as the pyramid of Paqariqtampu and the imposing snow-capped mountains. Those who decide to undertake this cultural journey will experience the ancestral spirit of the Incas and with the energy of the Andes in their hearts.

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