Full Day – Trek to the Cachicata Quarries
Easy
These activities are a walk in the park! You will be able to enjoy the scenery, history, and time with loved ones without exhausting yourself. You do not need any special training, gear, or acclimatization for an “Easy” trek or tour. Terrain will be generally flat and comfortable, highly traveled.
Mild
A step up from “Easy,” these tours require a little more physical effort but are still 100% manageable to anyone with or without adventure experience. Again, you do not need special training, gear, or acclimatization for a “Mild” trek or tour. Terrain is generally flat but with possible gentle up- and downhills.
Moderate
Before embarking on a “Moderate” trek or tour, you should be at least partly acclimatized to the high altitude of the Andes as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. These tours are still very manageable without special training as long as you have spent a day or two at high altitude. Terrain often includes moderate up- and downhill walking with possible rough patches or infrequently-traveled sections.
Challenging
“Challenging” treks or tours require that you are acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 2-3 days or more at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. You will need to be in good physical shape, and it’s recommended that you train at least some beforehand, possibly with running, biking, or strenuous workout videos. Terrain is often rough, sometimes with steep up- and downhills and often not highly traveled. Generally, these last several hours.
Formidable
These “Formidable” treks are our most difficult treks and require serious effort but are also the most rewarding. It is necessary to be in pristine physical condition. Again, you must be acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 4-5 days or more if possible at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. It is important to train physically before these treks so that your body is prepared for the strenuous nature of the trip. Generally, these last at least an entire day in infrequently-traveled areas with rough paths.
Highlights
Full-Day – Trek to the Cachicata Quarries
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 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 are 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, which 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.
WE OFFER DAILY DEPARTURES.
Itinerary
We will start the day picking you up from your hotel for our trip of approximately 1 hour and a half to reach the city of Ollantaytambo, where we begin our walk. The trail will take us upwards approximately 4 to 5 hours round trip, depending on the pace of walking. As we ascend, the panoramas of the Sacred Valley and massive mountains beyond open up into an amazing birds-eye view. We will observe the paths where the stones were moved and the many blocks that remained unfinished.
We will also observe the “Chullpas,” or small tomb constructions that were built for housing mummies, considered to be guardian spirits for the people living and working in the area. About midday We will rest and enjoy our pack lunch. After taking in the views and as many photographs as possible, we will begin the descent to Ollantaytambo. Our transport will be waiting for us to take us back to the imperial city of Cusco, or to lodge in Ollantaytambo if you prefer.
Maximum Altitude: 2,792 masl / 9,160 feet.
What's Included
INCLUDED:
- Private transportation (tourist bus)
- English-speaking Tour Guide
- Box Lunch
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips
- Water
- Walking Sticks
Prices
THIS TOUR RUNS ONLY AS A PRIVATE SERVICE.
****Daily Departure with at least two people****
| NUMBER OF PAX | PRICE PER PERSON | ACTION |
| *02 people | $ 120.00 |
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| *03 people | $ 100.00 |
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| *04 people | $ 90.00 |
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| *05 people | $ 80.00 |
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| *06 people | $ 70.00 |
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| *07 + people | $ 60.00 |
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Things To Bring
- Tourist ticket (not included in price).
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 35 or higher.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Water.
- Cameras and films.
Start/End Time
- We pick you at 7 AM from your hotel lobby and drop off will be around 6 PM.
- PLEASE NOTE: Your hotel must be located in Cusco downtown. If not, please inform us at the booking time.
