Inca Quarry Day Walk from Ollantaytambo
Kathy was out in Peru this April checking out the new Lima airport, hotel options, and taking time to trek some of the routes she hadn’t been on for a few years.
Warming Up for the High Andes
“Early in the trip I headed over to Ollantaytambo to accompany some fellow travellers, one who was going on to Machu Picchu while the others were to spend the morning exploring the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo. This was my opportunity to check out the Inca Quarry walk, which had been on my list for many years.
I’d get to explore a new walk, and it would be a good warm up for my legs before heading off on the 4-day Lares trek then the 5-day Ausangate circuit trek we were off to do after a bit of acclimatisation.”
Following Ancient Inca Trails
“The walk starts with a wander through Ollantaytambo, along ancient Inca terraces winding my way down towards the river. The official start point of the walk is the Inca Bridge, and there is a map there.
From there the path climbs steadily, looking ahead you’ll see where the quarry is. I was loving walking in April, my favourite month in the high Andes of Peru. I’s the end of the rainy season in Peru and the highland landscapes are at their greenest, with the bonus that you don’t get the same intense heat as later in the year.
It is also one of the best months for freshly harvested giant corn on the cob. The Sacred Valley is world renowned for this giant corn, it’s delicious. It’s sold on most street corners, boiled, with a lump of salty white cheese for a few soles.”
The Quarry of Cachiccata
“The trail takes you ever upwards passing small plots of maize and the occasional farmhouse.
I reached the quarry of Cachiccata after about an hour and a half. Huge chunks of stone lie scattered across the hillside, some finely shaped, others apparently mid-process. Below a serious of round stone buildings, classic Inca chullpas (funerary towers), long ago looted of all their contents.”
A View Worth the Climb
“Looking up I could see the ridge, not so far ahead. The heat eased off as the breeze picked up, the hillside was alive with bird song and wildflowers in full bloom. From time to time a hummingbird would flash past. The path levelled out a little before the top, the views got better, with the crowning glory of Veronica in full sight from the top. It took me 4 hours to reach here from Ollantaytambo. I hadn’t seen a soul. A snack at the top and then I began the descent, the same way down, twice the speed. By now there were others out on the trek, toiling upwards.”
Finding Space in the Sacred Valley
“What I loved most about this walk was not just the archaeology or the views, both of which are excellent, but the immense sense of calm and space. For a route so close to Ollantaytambo, it feels surprisingly removed from the tourist hubbub. This was a wonderful chance to reconnect with the rhythm of the Andes.”
FAQs
1.What is the Inca Quarry trek in Ollantaytambo?
It is a fabulous scenic day walk above Ollantaytambo in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Highlight of the walk is the Cachiccata quarry, where the Incas carved and transported huge stones for the temples and terraces of Ollantaytambo.
2.Is the Inca Quarry walk worth doing in the Sacred Valley?
Yes, it is a beautiful day walk. You can extend it into a multi-day trek too. The walk is not hugely popular so you can escape the crowds, see spectacular mountain scenery, Inca carved blocks of stone and the Sun gate if you walk as far as the ridge top.
3.How difficult is the Inca Quarry hike from Ollantaytambo?
The hike is tough if you go up to the ridge and back in one day (18km). The trail climbs steadily with some steeper sections higher up. Most reasonably fit walkers can complete this walk and as it out and back you can turn round at any point. Start early to avoid the heat of the day.
4.What should I bring on the walk?
Take plenty of water and some snacks, wear a hat and use sunblock.
5. How long does the Inca Quarry trek take?
I would allow around 4–6 hours for the full walk. It takes approximately 90 minutes to reach the quarry itself and another two hours to reach the Sun Gate on the ridge above the Sacred Valley.
6.Can the Inca Quarry trek be used for acclimatisation?
Yes. The Inca Quarry walk is a good acclimatisation hike, and a good day to test your walking legs.
7.What can you see on the Inca Quarry trail?
Highlights include the ancient Inca quarry at Cachiccata, carved stones abandoned on the hillside, traditional corn fields, chullpas (funerary towers), dramatic cliffs, panoramic views over Ollantaytambo, hummingbirds, Andean flowers, and a beautiful view over the Sacred Valley.
8.Is the Inca Quarry hike crowded?
You may encounter a few other people on the trail.
9.When is the best time to walk the Inca Quarry trail?
My favourite month is April as the Sacred Valley is beautifully green then. You will be more likely to get good views of the mountain tops from May to September with the clearest skies but hotter day time temperatures. I recommend setting off early morning, particularly because the lower section of the trail will be hot under the sun later in the day.
10.What is the altitude of the Inca Quarry Trek?
The Inca Quarry Trek starts in Ollantaytambo at approximately 2,800m (9,186ft) above sea level. The Cachiccata Quarry is around 3,600m (11,800ft), while the Sun Gate on the ridge above reaches approximately 4,400m (14,435ft). Although the trail is not technically difficult, the altitude can make the climb feel more demanding, particularly if you have only recently arrived in Peru.
11. Can you do the Inca Quarry Trek without a guide?
Yes. The Inca Quarry Trek can be done independently and the route is generally straightforward to follow. The trail begins near the Inca Bridge on the edge of Ollantaytambo and follows a clear path up to the quarry and beyond to the Sun Gate. However, carrying a map or GPS track is recommended, especially if you plan to continue beyond the quarry.
Hiring a guide can add insight into the history of the quarry, the abandoned stone blocks and the surrounding Inca sites, but it is not essential for most walkers.
