PERU TOUR OPERATOR

Epic Adventures | The Real Local Experiences | Specialist in Small Groups
trek to inca sun gate
Safe Travels Hike to the Inca Sun Gate 1 Day Secure Payment Hike to the Inca Sun Gate 1 Day

Hike to the Inca Sun Gate 1 Day

APR 2024 - DEC 2025 Price from $ 180 USD pp $ 220 USD
Trip Type Walking & Trekking
Difficulty Level Challenging/Tough
Group Size 2-8 people
BOOK NOW ONLINE Or call +51 981488207 Call us +51 981488207
Safe Travels Hike to the Inca Sun Gate 1 Day Secure Payment Hike to the Inca Sun Gate 1 Day Andean Great Treks Since 2007:
CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERU
Intipunku the Ancient Inca's  Gate in Ollantaytambo 1 Day

Trip Overview

Explore the Inca Sun Gate of Intipunku in the sacred valley of the Incas. To reach this Inca construction you must climb for approximately 3 hours. There you can get incredible photos. The Intipunku is a construction made of stones as a center for worship of the Inca gods: the mountains, the sun, the stars, the moon and the earth. During the mornings and especially during the summer solstices, the sun’s rays pass through this door, which is approximately 2.20 meters high and approximately 1 meter wide. In addition to the door there are niches where sacred objects were placed in sacred rituals.

In this sacred place the Incas carried out religious ceremonies of great importance. Through this door you have a spectacular view of the snowy Veronica, also called Wakay Willka: sacred tears. Today the Intipunku of Ollantaytambo is a tourist attraction rarely visited by tourists because it is not included in a traditional tour. Once at the top of Intipunku you can see beautiful Andean landscapes such as: the town of Ollantaytambo, the Vilcanota River, the platforms and crop fields of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and more.

INCLUDED

INCLUDED IN THE TREK TO INCA SUN GATE  1 DAY :

  • Box Lunch (Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available)
  • Private transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo round trip
  • English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

NOT INCLUDED

  • Trekking Poles
  • Tips for the travel staff
  • Travel Insurance

Trip Highlights

  • Inti Punku or Gate of the Sun is a sacred space from where you can see the great sacred valley of the Incas in 360°, being there alone with the mountains and wildflowers is a privilege that few people will be able to enjoy. This route is recommended for hiking that does not involve large logistics equipment, just bring your backpack and a nutritious box lunch.
  • Feel free and connect your senses with the mother earth, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only few places in the world can offer you pure air and blue skies. Conquer new goals because this will make you feel like you are a champion and will revitalize your body. The walk to Sun Gate is moderate, but it is worth it because with every step you take you will discover places with beautiful contrasts. Your guide will give you a session of Andean music that will bring a lot of peace and love to your soul.
  • Visit one of the most famous quarries where the Incas obtained their lithic materials of great proportions, it is still possible to see many stones already worked ready to be carried, is very little visited, if you are looking for walks outside the common ones, this is the indicated one, you will enjoy the solitude and the beautiful sunsets, surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks such as Veronica.

Activities

At the top of Intipunku the climate is cold temperate with temperatures varying from a maximum of 22ºC. (in the mornings and afternoons) to a minimum of 0ºC. (at night and early morning). Rains can happen every day of the year. However, the chance of rain is more frequent from November to March (especially in February). During your visit to Intipunku, bring comfortable and resistant shoes with you. Also comfortable and sports clothing as well as a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, poncho in case of rain, fruits, snacks, rehydrating drinks and everything in an appropriate backpack. Carry cash with you since the different tourist services do not accept credit or debit cards. Transportation services and restaurants only accept money in Peruvian soles, not dollars or euros.

Itinerary

Level Challenging/Tough
Max Elevation 3900 m
Hiking Distance 15 km
Approximate walking time 10 hrs

Early in the morning our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (5:00 am). Then we will head in our transportation to the beginning of the walk, which is located on the left side of the Vilcanota River. At 8:00 am we begin the ascent from the community of Cachiccata. From the beginning the level of difficulty is super demanding, so it is recommended to wear good hiking shoes.

After 1 hour we will arrive at the Rumik’asa site where we will make a short stop to refresh ourselves, and then there is only 1 more hour left to crown our ascent of the day, in front of your eyes a unique view of the majestic Inca Sun Gate with the background of the snowy Veronica will open. You will have enough time to take photos and videos.

Around noon we begin the descent, this time along the route that will take us to the Inca quarry of Cachiccata, where we will visit the stone carving workshops, we will also be able to see caves where there are burials of the Inca ancestors. At the end of the afternoon we will arrive at the Inca bridge, where our transportation will pick us up to return us to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm.

PACKING LIST

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING TO  THE INCA SUN GATE ADVENTURE

HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY warm jackets
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY Hydration bladder
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY wool socks
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY camera
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY scarf
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY first aid kit
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY hiking shoes
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY Dry bags
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY Trekking Poles
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY sun cream
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY Snack
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY sun hat
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY bathing suite
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY rain coat
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY Sandals
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY insect repellent
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY Passport
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY Down Jackets
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY toilet paper
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY daypack
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY Wool cap
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY head lamp
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY gloves
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY sun glasses
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY cap
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY extra cash
HIKE TO INCA SUN GATE 1 DAY Trekking pants

ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

BEST SEASON TO TRAVEL

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.

JANUARY
Warm - Heavy Rain 20 °C / 7 °C
FEBUARY
Warm - Heavy Rain 20 °C / 6 °C
MARCH
Warm - Light Rain 20 °C / 5 °C
APRIL
Hot - Warm 21 °C / 4 °C
MAY
Hot 21 °C / 0 °C
JUNE
Hot 20 °C / -5 °C
JULY
Hot 21 °C / -3 °C
AUGUST
Hot 21 °C / -1 °C
SEPTEMBER
Hot 21 °C / 3 °C
OCTOBER
Hot - Warm 22 °C / 5 °C
NOVEMBER
Hot - Warm 23 °C / 6 °C
DECEMBER
Warm - Light Rain 21 °C / 7 °C

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

APR 2024 - DEC 2025 Price from
$ 180 USD Per Person $ 220 USD
Note

To book this tour, a minimum of $ 180 USD per person is required, the remaining balance will be paid upon arrival in Peru, at the Cusco office.

Any other additional information, please coordinate with your travel agent.

Choose your preferred departure date to proceed.
Select passengers Amount
2 Quantity Limit!
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What to expect from our

Cusco Tours

Nothing gets you closer to a country than walking through it, and we’ve got trips to suit walkers of all levels and interests.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

 Andean Great Treks

All our Walking trips are graded from ‘Easy’ through to ‘Challenging to Tough’. On our online trip itineraries you’ll find a chart showing the daily walk distances, timings and information on the route including the terrain, altitude. Generally, no specific training is needed but you might feel more comfortable if you’ve got out walking a few times in the lead-up to your trip.

WHAT WILL THE GROUP BE LIKE?

 Andean Great Treks

As with all our trips, every group is different but the ‘average’ group consists of roughly half couples and half solo travellers – all sharing a passion for exploring the world on foot. You’ll always have someone to keep you company along the route, but you don’t always have to walk together. Wherever possible your Andean Great Treks leader will allow everyone to walk at their own pace, regrouping regularly along the route.

IS PERU SAFE TO TRAVEL

 Andean Great Treks

Like many other countries in developing destinations, the region’s beauty and uniqueness are countered by inequality and lack of investment. This has led to crime rates (mainly theft and scams) not being uncommon in the larger cities. We know this doesn’t sound very attractive, but it’s important to mention it regardless. Most experienced and well-traveled visitors will understand this well and not be too concerned. However, having said this, it is our duty to take care of you during your visit. That’s why we present you here with a few recommendations to be extra safe. Avoid walking alone at night on empty streets. Don’t flaunt valuables! If going for a walk or going on public transport, be sensible and avoid showing off expensive items such as expensive watches and jewelry. Be careful of pickpockets! Don’t leave your bags anywhere that doesn’t look safe, and make sure to take them with you.

MAY I SUFFER THE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS IN CUSCO?

 Andean Great Treks

Soroche, or mountain sickness, is a reality for most people arriving in Cusco by plane from sea level and needs to be treated with respect. It’s vital to take it easy, not eating or drinking much on arrival, even sleeping a whole day just to assist acclimatization (coca tea is a good local remedy). After three days at this height most people have adjusted sufficiently to tackle moderate hikes at similar or lesser altitudes. Anyone considering hiking the major mountains around Cusco will need time to adjust again to their higher base camps.

If you do encounter altitude-related health problems, many hotels and restaurants have oxygen cylinders to help; alternatively, for serious cases, try call any of the clinics that are in Cusco, most of them have staff that speak English, for a greater facility in your attention it is recommended to have a travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

CUSCO DAY TOURS FAQs

HOW TO GET TO CUSCO?

International flights to the capital city of Lima are plentiful but once there, you need to find a way to Cusco which is about 1100 km (684 miles) away. The quickest way to get to Cusco from Lima is to fly – it takes about 55 minutes. I don’t recommend traveling by bus because it takes about 24 hours – only do it if you intend to break the journey along the way, to visit other places.

Renting a car to travel from Lima to Cusco is not recommended. The roads are rough, and you could find yourself lost or face to face with one of the other dangers that come with traveling in unfamiliar territory.

HOW CAN I VISIT THE SACRED VALLEY FROM CUSCO?

The easiest way to explore the Sacred Valley from Cusco is on a guided full day tour that picks you up and drops you off from your hotel. The market in Pisac and Inca ruins in Ollantaytambo are the principal stops, though travelers with more time on their hands will find plenty more to see and do. It’s also possible to take a local bus or taxi into the Sacred Valley and do independent exploration.

HOW CAN I VISIT RAINBOW MOUNTAIN FROM CUSCO?

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca as it’s known by locals, has become a popular hike in the Cusco region. It’s possible to visit Rainbow Mountain in one (very long) day from Cusco or you can divide the trip into a two-day itinerary. While the hike isn’t very difficult and doesn’t have many steep inclines, Vinicunca is in a high elevation region (the highest part of the trail is 17,060 ft or 5,200 m) and you should spend time acclimating before starting the hike.

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I VISIT CUSCO?

We are not afraid to say that Cusco is a place where every traveler ends up at least once during the trip around Peru, and it is hard to tell what is the right length of stay.
If your primary reason why to visit Cusco is to get to Machu Picchu, you still should spend here at least two days to acclimatize (despite the fact Machu Picchu is at a lower elevation than Cusco, some people still suffer from altitude sickness), and during this time you can explore the city and Sacred Valley.
From our personal experience, we think that the longer you can stay in Cusco it is better. Some travelers with limited time even revolve their entire itinerary around Cusco – this only proves how rich the city is in terms of sightseeing, architecture, and activities.
Cusco has so many things to see and do, not only within the city limits but mostly outside, that it is not a problem to spend here weeks. If you are flexible, sit down, and write down all one-day and multi-day treks you would like to do from Cusco, and you should get the optimal number of days for you.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO

There are so many things to see and do in Cusco and its surroundings that the city certainly deserves more than one day of your time.

To enjoy your days in Cusco the most, it is essential to choose the right accommodation. The good news is that Cusco has a great network of hotels for every type of traveler, from cheap hostels to luxurious mansions. That’s why your only job is to find a hotel in a location that suits you the best.

We recommend staying close to Centro Historico unless you want to stay away from crowds. We’ve selected the three best hotels in Cusco, so feel free to get inspired.

  • Budget | Cusco Bed and Breakfast – Spacious and clean rooms, comfortable beds, very quiet at night, excellent location.
  • Mid-range | Tierra Viva Cusco Centro – Providing a tranquil environment, beautiful rooms and also has one of the top-rated locations in Cusco.
  • Luxury | JW Marriott El Convento Cusco – The hotel features impressive interiors, has a charming colonial courtyard, luxury rooms, and Cusco’s cathedral or main square are only three blocks away.

WHAT TO EAT IN CUSCO

In recent years, Peruvian cuisine has gained popularity in the world’s culinary landscape, but for the freshest (and most authentic) specialty dishes, Cusco will not disappoint. Most Peruvian dishes carry big flavor not seen in other Latin and South American fare. You may have already tried popular dishes like ceviche (a cold dish of fresh raw fish with spicy citrus flavors) or lomo saltado (stir fried beef with fries). If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try Cuy (roasted guinea pig – yes, the American household pet) or charbroiled alpaca (also known as llama). Other delicious traditional dishes include adobo (a pork stew with corn beer), tamales, choclo con queso (boiled corn with local cheese) and the vegetarian stew capchi de setas. As far as vegetables go, Peru produces more than 4,000 varieties of potato, so you’ll find many dishes centered on them like papas a la huancaina (boiled potatoes with a spicy cheese sauce) and causa (a potato casserole with a variety of meat). Other staple veggies include corn and avocados. If your mouth isn’t watering yet, check your pulse.

For a taste of traditional dishes, head to PACHAPAPA or the award-winning CHICHA (visitors and locals recommend getting reservations well in advance). Peruvian cuisine often mingles with Asian influences, inspired by the culture brought by indentured servants and immigrants who came to Peru dating back to the original Spanish rule in the country. For a sampling of the Asian/Peruvian fusion cuisine, visit LIMO.  If you’re really looking to splurge on a fine dining experience, try MAP Cafe. Located in the courtyard of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum in a glass shipping container, the fare is more contemporary Peruvian cuisine. You can also kick-start your day with coffee and breakfast at Jack’s Cafe, which serves breakfast all day. Many of the most popular restaurants are centrally located near Plaza de Armas.

 ANDEAN GREAT TREKS TOURS DIFFERENCE

ANDEAN GREAT TREKS TOURS DIFFERENCE

UNRIVALLED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Every Andean Great Treks  holiday has been thoughtfully planned and crafted by our specialists. They draw on their own extensive travel experience and the guidance and expertise of our local partners to create superb holidays. Our specialists are committed to making every aspect smooth and enjoyable; they genuinely want to ensure that the holidays they create leave you with wonderful lasting memories.

AMAZING TOURS & AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Every Andean Great Treks traveller is accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you will be immersed in Historic cities, ancient ruins and unfamiliar landscapes are all brought to life by our carefully selected local guides. They want to share their expertise and help you make your own discoveries too; their sole mission is to ensure you enjoy every moment.

FLEXIBILITY & CHOICE

Giving you the freedom to make your holiday even more memorable. We know how much our customers look forward to their holiday and we pride ourselves on the choice and flexibility that we offer to enhance every aspect of your experience. Whether it’s getting to the airport, upgrading your room or booking an additional excursion, we can help.

GUIDED BY THE LOCAL GUIDES, TRUE EXPERTS!

GUIDED BY THE LOCAL GUIDES, TRUE EXPERTS!

Our guides are the stars of the show; it is their unrivalled knowledge, passion and expertise that will transform your tour experience from good to truly extraordinary!

Because the have grown up in the area and know it like the back of their hand, so they can help you experience whichever aspects most interest you. They’re passionate about sharing their corner of the world with you, and as you explore together, they’ll open your eyes to the intricate details, provide background to enhance your understanding of what you’re seeing, and share stories that will bring everything to life.

ALL OF OUR NATIONAL TOUR GUIDES…

  • Have at least five years guiding experience
  • Are fluent in English
  • Are born and raised in Cusco, Lima, Manu Jungle, Puno
  • Go through rigorous and ongoing training programmes
  • Are at your service 24 hours a day

OUR TRAVELS SHAPE YOURS

OUR TRAVELS SHAPE YOURS

“Your inspiration for a trip can be a single word or a highly evolved outline, but it’s the conversations we have that help us understand the experience you’re looking for. Meanwhile, I’m looking back on the time I spent at the destination.

‘The great thing about working with a specialist at Andean Great Treks is how they take your  complete jumble of ideas and turn them into  something absolutely spectacular.’

As you begin to share your ideas with your specialist, it will connect them immediately back to a time in their own travels. Conjuring a picture of the ­rest time they made that same discovery, reminding them how it felt.

Your specialist understands that, when the journey is right, it has the power to excite your emotions in the most profound ways after all, that was the effect on them.

They carry a treasure box of moments, captured over many  journeys, into every suggestion they’ll share with you, as  they ask you how you want to feel on your trip.

MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES, REAL CONNECTIONS

MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES,  REAL CONNECTIONS

EXPERIENCES THAT CALL TO YOU

It’s what you do in a destination that helps bring it to life. It’s why we strive to choose experiences that help you connect to a place, absorbing a little of its complex character. Wherever your passions lie, we’ll recommend experiences that speak to you, and we’ll recommend the guide or local expert who’s most qualifi­ed to help you explore. Packing your holiday full of special experiences means some early starts and long days, but you can be sure that you’ll return home with many incredible memories! Read our Tours and check the Physical Ratings to see if the pace and activity levels are right for you.

STAYS WITH DIFFERENCE

We know that where you stay is a cherished part of your travels. So, we go to great lengths to ­find places to stay that exceed expectations, or go above and beyond the ordinary, whether in their character, hospitality, or location. Over the years, we’ve discovered the very best properties, trying and testing them, so we can choose the right one for you. We’ve nourished long-standing relationships with these establishments and the people who founded them, and we’ve stayed there many times often, we’ll even know which rooms have the best views (and reserve them for you).

TRAVELLING THE RIGHT WAY

TRAVELLING THE RIGHT WAY

Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.

Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.

The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.

Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.

Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.

The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.

WE EXPLORE WITHOUT AFFECTING THE ECOSYSTEM

WE EXPLORE WITHOUT AFFECTING THE ECOSYSTEM

We want travel to change us, and not the World

‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.

We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.

We want travel to change us, and not the World

‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.

We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.

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