Duration 1 day (pickup 6:00 a.m.)
Difficulty moderate
Max altitude about 3,900 m a.s.l. (Cachiccata mountain)
Distance 11–15 km round trip (3–4 h up, 2–3 h down)
Best time to go all year round
The name Intipunku comes from a Quechua word meaning "gate of the sun": in the mornings, and especially at the summer solstice, the sun's rays pass through this gate, which measures approximately 2.20 m high and 1 m wide. In Inca times, it was used as an astronomical, spiritual and interdimensional observatory, and it also served as a portal between the earthly world and the sky. Through this gate, you get a spectacular view of La Verónica snow-capped peak, the town of Ollantaytambo and the Vilcanota River.
The climate varies, as you pass through the tropical climate of the Sacred Valley and then into a highland climate. Along the way, you can see chullpas, ancient funerary towers built for upper-class members of Inca society. Intipunku sits at the top of Cachiccata Mountain, in the Sacred Valley, at 3900 m a.s.l.; it's a stone structure that served as a center of worship of the Inca gods: the mountains, the sun, the stars, the moon and the earth.
The tour starts at 6:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco in private transport. You'll travel through the stunning Sacred Valley to the community of Pachar, where you'll enjoy an American breakfast. Then you'll continue to Ollantaytambo, the starting point of your hike.
On the way up, you'll pass through the ancient Inca quarries used to build the temples and walls of Ollantaytambo. After approximately 2 to 3 hours of hiking, you'll reach Intipunku, an Inca ceremonial gate with a spectacular view of the valley. Here you'll have plenty of time to rest, take photos and listen to the explanations of your specialist trekking guide. During the hike, you'll receive a box lunch with energizing food to keep you going strong.
On the way back, you'll stop again in the community of Pachar, where you'll have the option of tasting a local craft beer at one of the best-known breweries in the Sacred Valley. Finally, you'll return comfortably to your accommodation in Cusco's historic center.
The climb from Ollantaytambo, through the ancient Inca quarries, takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.
The difficulty is moderate. Remember to bring comfortable shoes.
An American breakfast in the community of Pachar and a box lunch with energizing food during the hike. Water and personal snacks are not included.
The tour runs all year round, from January 1 to December 31. From December to April, we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
It sits at the top of Cachiccata Mountain, in the Sacred Valley, at 3900 m a.s.l.
