Hike to Inti Punku: the Sun gate of Ollantaytambo

Time to rise early! At 04:30 in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco’s Historic Centre (at 3,400 m.a.s.l.) and take you to Ollantaytambo in a private vehicle.

The journey to the so-called “Living Inca Town” takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, following a paved road that links Cusco with the Sacred Valley. Try to stay awake — the Andean scenery along the way is well worth it.

If you’re staying outside the Historic Centre, we’ll arrange a convenient and safe meeting point just for you.

For more details about this tour, check out the Details & Notes tab.

In the 15th century, Pachacutec, the ninth Inca ruler, ordered the construction of an administrative and military centre in Ollantaytambo (2,792 m.a.s.l.). Why? Because it was a strategic spot on the route to the Antisuyo — the edge of the jungle.

Known as the “Living Inca Town”, Ollantaytambo, located in the province of Urubamba, is part of the famous Sacred Valley. With its archaeological legacy and breathtaking landscape, it’s one of Cusco’s must-see destinations.

Make the most of breakfast (around 06:15 h) to take in the archaeological site looming in the distance and the town’s charming streets, which still reflect the architecture of the “children of the Sun”.

The stone houses and water canals — still in use since Inca times — make Ollantaytambo a living museum and a window into the past that’s sure to amaze you.

Beyond its historical and monumental appeal, we recommend grabbing breakfast at the Central Market to try some local flavours. If you prefer to eat at a restaurant in the main square, simply let your guide know.

Once breakfast is over, head to the tourist vehicle. Departure for the Inca Bridge — the starting point of your hike to Inti Punku — is scheduled for 06:45 h.

At 7:00 in the morning, you’ll cross the hanging bridge that “flies” over the Vilcanota River — the sacred river of the Incas. These will be your first steps on the path to your destination, which you’ll reach after about four hours of walking.

Although the bridge is modern, it’s known as the Inca bridge because a pre-Hispanic bridge once stood at this very spot. The engineers of the Tawantinsuyo used to build or weave these crossings using plant fibre, meaning they had to be rebuilt regularly.

The hike to Inti Punku isn’t an easy one. Good physical condition and being acclimatised to the altitude are important before leaving Cusco. That way, you’ll avoid setbacks and uncomfortable moments.

The idea is to enjoy the journey — a journey that was once a route of reverence for Pachamama, the Sun, and the Moon. Along the way, you’ll come across chullpas (pre-Hispanic burial towers) and an ancient quarry about halfway through the trail.

At Cachiccata — the name of the quarry — you’ll see finely carved blocks of pink granite. This tough material was used in the construction of Ollantaytambo.

You’ll also reach several viewpoints overlooking the Sacred Valley and Mount Verónica (also known as Huacayhuilque). And that’s not all — if you keep your eyes open, you might spot various bird species, including the legendary Andean condor…

Mission accomplished! At around 11:00 in the morning, you’ll reach your destination: Inti Punku. From this 3-metre-high trapezoidal gate, you’ll see the Father Sun shining beside the snow-capped Veronica (5,800 m).

The Sun Gate – that’s the meaning of its name in Quechua – is an Inca legacy built with finely carved and polished stone held together with mud mortar. Its excellent state of preservation is due to the pink granite from the Cachiccata quarry.

Once you arrive, you might wonder: what was the purpose of this gate? Researchers believe it served as a lookout point for monitoring access routes to Machu Picchu from the Amazon rainforest.

It likely had a religious function too. It’s thought that ceremonies and rituals were held here in honour of Tayta Inti (Father Sun), Mama Killa (Mother Moon), and Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Before beginning the return journey, you’ll receive your box lunch to recharge your energy. Enjoy it while taking in the breathtaking Andean landscape. At around 12:00, you’ll set off towards the community of Cachiccata. The descent will take around two hours.

There, a tourist vehicle will be waiting to take you to Ollantaytambo. On the way back, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Mount Veronica and other majestic peaks rising in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

At around 14:30, you’ll return to the flavours and charm of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant of your choice—coordinated and recommended by your guide.

No need to rush your meal. The tourist vehicle will depart for Cusco at 16:00 (the journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes), so you’ve got plenty of time to eat and maybe even wander around the town a bit.

At approximately 18:00, the vehicle will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco’s Historic Centre. If you’re staying in another part of the city, we’ll agree on a suitable and safe drop-off point for you.