From the Sacred Valley to the Inca quarries of Cachicata. During this cultural trek you will observe astonishing variety of scenery and ecological zones, snow-capped peaks, archaeological remains, the Inca quarries of Cachicata finishing in Ollantaytambo.
Itinerary
DAY 1 RACCA - SOCCMA – PIRUCHAYOC (L,D)
We drive to the bridge of Pomatale from where we will hike to visit the Inca temple of Chokekilla. It is located between two huge rocks over many terraces. Afterwards we continue our way to the community of Soccma. Here you will visit the local school for understanding more about the habitant’s daily life in this village. Following a picnic lunch you are expected by the 100m Piruchayoc waterfalls. Continuing the hike we will arrive at our first camp. While waiting for the sundown we prepare your camping place.
Camp altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Distance hike: 7 km uphill
Duration: 5-6 hours hiking
DAY 2 PIRUCHAYOC - CHANCACHUCU PASS (B,L,D)
After breakfast we start to walk following an Inka water channel. The trail ascends to the golden Ccorimarca Valley through ancient terraces where locals still grow corn. This path is a natural lookout point to admire the glacier of Veronica (5,682m/18,641ft), Ausangate (6,384m/20,945ft), Pachatusan (4,842m/15,885ft), Salcantay (6,271m/20,547ft) as well as the fields of Chincheros.
While doing a break at Maracocha Lake for lunch you may spot exotic birds like Andean goose, Cara Cara and Andean flicker. After the picnic we continue downhill to our next campsite with a spectacular view of the snow capped Huayanay (5,188m/17,021ft), located in the Vilcabamba range. Here we will have the opportunity to visit a local farmer family.
Camp Altitude: 4,200 m/13,780ft
Distance hike from camp 1 to the pass: 5 km
Duration: 4 hours hiking
DAY 3 CHANCACHUCO – CACHICATA (B,L,D)
Today we start trekking to the second Pass Apu Negra and have a wonderful view of the snow-capped Urubamba range and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We hike downhill to Intiwatana, a sleek polished stone, which was used by the Incas as a solar stone clock for identifying different seasons for farming.
From Intiwatana you have a beautiful view of the valley and the city of Ollantaytambo. Almost in every location we meet Inca ruins, ancient walls, tombs, terraces und water channels, which are hidden for the most tourist’s eyes.
We lunch watching a breathtaking mountain and valley panorama, near the well-preserved Inca complex of Choquetacarpo.
Our hiking finishes with a visit of the quarry Cachicata, from which the Incas obtained the stone for Ollantaytambo fortress. We spend the night at a campsite, built by the Cachicata community.
Camp Altitude: 2,750m/9,023ft
Distance hike: 8 km
Duration: 7 hours hiking
DAY 4 CACHICATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO (B)
Transfer to Ollanta train station (in the morning you can visit Cachicata on your own before you are transferred to the train station).
Grade: moderate
Average altitude: 4,283m/ 14,042ft
Starting point: Ollantaytambo – Sacred Valley
Season: throughout the year
Minimum: 2 // Maximum: 12
Many travelers who visit this area are surprised by the genuine warmth and kindness shown by many local people especially in out-of-the-way hiking trips. Second hand clothes, toys, books and school equipment are warmly welcomed and you can give those to the communities you will see on your way.
FIXED DEPARTURES 2009 From April to November every Monday and Wednesday
WHAT TO BRING
-
Backpack
-
Rain jacket or poncho
-
Trekking shoes
-
Warm clothes (jacket, fleece and sweaters)
-
Water bottle
-
Flashlight and batteries
-
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold
