Inti Punku Tour An Ancestral Hike to the Sun Gate
Embark on a unique experience walking along ancient Inca trails towards one of the most symbolic viewpoints of the empire: Inti Punku, the legendary Sun Gate. This full-day tour from Cusco connects you with the energy of the Andes through a hike that combines nature, history, and spirituality.
Inti Punku Tour
4,950m asl - Ollantaytambo District, Sacred ValleyEmbark on a unique experience walking along ancient Inca trails towards one of the most symbolic viewpoints of the empire: Inti Punku, the legendary Sun Gate.
This full-day tour from Cusco connects you with the energy of the Andes through a hike that combines nature, history, and spirituality. Along the way, you will discover breathtaking Andean landscapes, native flora and fauna, and little-known archaeological remains.
The path to Inti Punku is less traveled than others, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an authentic experience, away from the crowds and deeply connected to Inca history. Ideal for adventurers, trekking lovers, and spiritual travelers who want to experience an alternative route with impressive views and a real connection to the Inca legacy.
Complete Experience: This tour combines nature, culture, and spirituality in an accessible adventure of moderate difficulty. Walk the same path used by ancient pilgrims to reach Machu Picchu and connect with the sacred energy of the Andes. Live an unforgettable experience at the legendary Sun Gate!
General Summary
General Information
Service Type: Private (min 2 people)
Duration: Approximately 12 hours
Start: 5:00 a.m. - 5:30 a.m.
Maximum height: 4,950 m.a.s.l.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Guide Language: Spanish and English
Description
We start at dawn around 5:00 a.m. First, we will pick you up from the city of Cusco in our vehicle. Then we will go to the district of Ollantaytambo located at 2700 m.a.s.l. (approx. 2 hours). Then we will go to Cachiccata, approx. 20 min. away, this being the starting point of the hike. In this place, a brief explanation of the route will be given. A short physical warm-up will also be carried out.
We start the hike, which will last approx. 3 hours, we will observe the great biodiversity of flora and fauna. In addition to the visit to the Cachiccata quarry, the Cachiccata chullpas and the Choquetacarpo archaeological site. After a walk of approx. 20 min., we arrive at the wonderful Inti Punku (3900 m.a.s.l.). In this place our guide will tell us the history of this enigmatic place. We will also observe the imposing Veronica mountain (5800 m.a.s.l.) and the beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. At this point we can enjoy the snacks that each passenger brought, they can also take pictures and enjoy the landscape.
Continuing with the tour, we begin the descent that will last 2 hours. Where we delight in the landscape and if we are lucky we will observe the majestic Condor and other birds of the place. Almost at the end, in Cachiccata, our car will pick us up to go to the District of Ollantaytambo to enjoy a delicious lunch. After that we return to the city of Cusco at 5:00 p.m. approximately.
Conditions and seasons in the Inti Punku tour: The tour starts and ends in Cusco! But if you want to get off on the route, you must notify us in advance to coordinate with our drivers. We do the tour all year round, but the best season is between April and November since there is little rain. But it is worth noting that each season has its charm and beauty.
Featured Sites of the Tour Places and experiences
- Cusco – Imperial City
Starting point of the tour. From this historic Inca capital, the road trip to the Sacred Valley begins.
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
During the journey to Ollantaytambo, you will be able to observe crop fields, traditional towns and impressive Andean landscapes.
- Cachiccata Quarry
Ancient Inca quarry where the stones for the construction of monuments were extracted. An impressive archaeological site.
- Chullpas of Cachiccata
Pre-Inca funerary towers that are preserved in perfect condition, testimony to the ancestral cultures of the region.
- Choquetacarpo Archaeological Site
A little-explored archaeological complex, located in an elevated area, which shows enclosures for ceremonial use, terraces and remains of Inca structures.
- Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo (Sun Gate)
The highlight of the trek. This imposing Inca structure was strategically built as a control and observation post towards the Veronica mountain. From here you have a privileged view of the valley, the Urubamba river and the archaeological remains of Ollantaytambo.
Why choose this experience? Advantages and reasons
- Authentic connection with Inca history: You walk the same path that ancient pilgrims used to reach Machu Picchu. Every step connects you with the past.
- Unique views: It offers impressive views of the Urubamba Valley, the river, the snow-capped mountain and Ollantaytambo.
- Away from mass tourism: Unlike traditional routes, this walk offers you tranquility, space and a more personal experience with the environment.
- Nature, culture and spirituality: It combines Andean landscapes, archaeological remains and a sacred atmosphere that invites reflection and wonder.
- Accessible adventure: It is a moderate difficulty walk, ideal for those who want to live an unforgettable experience without needing to be trekking experts.
Why travel with us? Quality Guarantee
- We are tour operators in the city of Cusco
- We work professionally
- We offer 100% tourist vehicles
- We care about the safety of our visitors
- We make your trip the best experience
- We are 100% responsible
- We take care of the environment
- We are committed to quality service
- We have our own tourist restaurant
🚌 Departure from Cusco - 5:00 AM Start
Pickup from the city of Cusco in our vehicle. We will head to the district of Ollantaytambo located at 2700 m.a.s.l., (approx. 2 hours).
🏔️ Transfer to Cachiccata Sacred Valley
We arrive at Ollantaytambo and then head to Cachiccata, approx. 20 min. away, this being the starting point of the hike. A brief explanation of the route will be given and a short physical warm-up will be carried out.
🥾 Start of the Hike 3 hours
We start the hike which will last approx. 3 hours, we will observe the great biodiversity of flora and fauna. We will visit the Cachiccata quarry, the Cachiccata chullpas and the Choquetacarpo archaeological site.
☀️ Arrival at Inti Punku (approx. 20 min.) Sun Gate
We arrive at the wonderful Inti Punku (3900 m.a.s.l.). Our guide will tell us the history of this enigmatic place. We will observe the imposing Veronica mountain (5800 m.a.s.l.) and the beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
🍽️ Snacks and Photographs Free time
At this point we can enjoy the snacks that each passenger brought, they can also take pictures and enjoy the impressive landscape of the Andes.
⬇️ Start of the Descent (2 hours) Return
We begin the descent which will last 2 hours. We delight in the landscape and if we are lucky we will observe the majestic Condor and other birds of the place.
🍽️ Lunch in Ollantaytambo Gastronomy
Almost at the end, in Cachiccata, our car will pick us up to go to the District of Ollantaytambo to enjoy a delicious lunch.
🚐 Return to Cusco (5:00 p.m.) End
After that we return to the city of Cusco at 5:00 p.m. approximately, thus concluding this unforgettable experience in Inti Punku.
✅ Inti Punku Tour Includes
Specialized professional guide
A tourism expert with deep knowledge of local history, culture, and nature
Tourist transportation
Comfortable vehicle for safe transfers from Cusco to the tour's start and end points
Box lunch
Prepared lunch, with nutritious and energetic foods
Permanent assistance
Continuous attention and support to resolve any eventuality
Trekking poles
Provision of specialized poles that facilitate ascent and descent
Portable oxygen
Oxygen equipment available throughout the tour to assist with any altitude-related discomfort
Safety equipment
Necessary implements for a safe hike
❌ Not Included
Dinner
Dinner is not included in the package, so you can freely choose where and how to enjoy it
Extra drinks and additional expenses
Personal expenses, additional drinks during meals, or any other extra consumption
Accommodation
The tour does not include lodging
National and international flights
Flights are not included in the tour package
🌟 XTravel Recommendation
Bring personal snacks, a camera, and appropriate clothing for high-altitude trekking. Discover the legendary Sun Gate! ☀️
What to Bring - Inti Punku Tour
- Appropriate clothing Bring light and warm clothing to adapt to climate changes during the trek.
- Cap or hat Essential head protection during the walk under the Andean sun.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses To protect us from ultraviolet rays during the high-altitude walk.
- Rain ponchos In case it rains during the journey to Inti Punku.
- Light backpack (10kg) With snacks as well as water for the walk to Inti Punku.
- Personal documents DNI for nationals and Passport for internationals, mandatory for registration.
- Extra money In soles for additional expenses such as tips, purchase of souvenirs, and others.
- Photographic camera To immortalize the scenic beauty of the place.
- Additional batteries To keep your electronic devices charged.
Sitios destacados del sitio
Available Service Options
Prices in US dollars (USD) per person
Shared Service
Share the adventure with other travelers
Small Group (2-3 people)
More personal and exclusive experience
Medium Group (4-7 people)
Perfect balance between price and privacy
Large Group (8+ people)
Ideal for large families and groups of friends
Check your availability and secure your spot today.
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January 31, 2025
Thanks Eco Tour Cusco
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January 24, 2025
One of the best tours you can do
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January 18, 2025
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