Ritual Trek to Inti Punku & Machupicchu

Ritual Trek to Inti Punku & Machupicchu

$0.00 / from

A sacred trek among the Apus to the Inca citadel.

The hike to Inti Punku, the "Gateway to the Sun," is much more than a scenic route. It is a spiritual journey through the heart of the Andes. Along the way, you will face the imposing, snow-capped Wakay Willka (or Veronica) mountain, which is considered sacred by the local communities. This trip invites you to reconnect with ancestral wisdom, living nature, and the energy that still inhabits these mountains.

Starting in Ollantaytambo, the trail ascends along ancient Inca trails crossing agricultural terraces, Andean forests, and archaeological sites, such as the Cachicata quarry where the Incas carved and moved enormous stone blocks. Along the way, you will take in the breathtaking scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its meandering rivers, protective mountains, and silence that envelops you in introspection.

To the Incas, mountains, or Apus, were not just geographical features but also protective spirits that mediated between the earthly world (Kay Pacha), the world above (Hanan Pacha), and the inner world (Uku Pacha). Walking toward Inti Punku is a symbolic path of initiation, respect, and dialogue with the sacred.

Upon arriving at the Inti Punku viewpoint, we are greeted by a breathtaking view of the valley. It is the perfect place to give thanks, meditate, or simply take in the scenery. From there, we continue to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night and prepare for the culmination of the trip.

On the second day, we will take a guided tour of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, where Inca architecture reveals its intimate relationship with astronomy, nature, and spirituality. The temples, terraces, and sacred precincts are not just archaeological remains; they are living expressions of a worldview that honored Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Inti (the Sun).

This three-day, one-night experience is ideal for those looking for more than just a destination—a journey for the soul through sacred landscapes and among memories that still live in the stones of the Andes. It fosters a deep connection with the Inca legacy and with oneself.

	Category	Adventure
	Difficulty	Medium
	Requirements	Adequate physical condition
	Type of service	Private

Overview

Day 1: Cusco – Intipunku – Ollantaytambo
Day 2: Machu Picchu, Wonder of the World — Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Take the train back to Cusco

Included & Excluded

You will find detailed information about the services included in our tours and hikes below. Please read the list of inclusions and exclusions carefully.

One night's hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo
One night's hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Two breakfasts
One box lunch
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (private)
Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (private)
Train tickets to Aguas Calientes (Expedition Service)
Bus tickets for the round-trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Professional guide (English or Spanish, private)
Taxes
Commissions: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS, and PAYPAL

Additional expenses
Beverages (cocas, beers, etc)
Alimentation not mentioned
FLIGHTS TICKETS

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Intipunku – Ollantaytambo

Hotel night

We will pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. and travel by private transport to the town of Ollantaytambo, located at the height of the ancient Inca bridge. There, we will start the hike.

This route combines a gentle, panoramic hike with an immersion in Inca history and engineering. The moderately steep and accessible path to Inti Punku, or "Gate of the Sun," offers majestic views of the Sacred Valley, including the snow-capped Wakay Willke (Veronica), the Vilcanota River, and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo.

During the tour, we will visit the Cachicata quarry complex, where the Incas extracted large blocks of pink granite that were carefully carved to build monuments, such as the Temple of the Sun in Ollantaytambo. You can still see abandoned blocks, ramps, work platforms, and traces of the extraordinary human and technical effort involved in transferring them from the mountain to the valley.

We will hike for about three hours and eight kilometers to reach the Puerta del Sol, or Inti Punku, from where we can appreciate the majesty of the snow-capped Wakay Willke (Veronica). We will arrive at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level.

After taking photos and performing a small ritual offering to the Apu del Nevado, we will begin our descent to reach the starting point of the hike. Then, we will head to Ollantaytambo to rest and spend the night in a local hotel.

This hike offers a deep connection not only with Andean nature but also with the architectural and spiritual grandeur of the Inca world.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Day 2: Machu Picchu, Wonder of the World — Overnight in Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we will head to the train station and take the train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu offers unforgettable views. As we travel, the landscape changes from the fertile fields of the Sacred Valley to the lush, high jungle. Along the way, we will see imposing snow-capped peaks, the mighty Vilcanota River, which accompanies us on our entire journey, and ancient Inca archaeological sites embedded in the hillsides. The temperate and humid climate signals the entrance to the cloud forest, and the surroundings become increasingly lush and vibrant. This is the perfect prelude to reaching the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the guide will meet us at the hotel to drop off our belongings. Then, we will head to the bus station to board the bus that will take us to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a 30-minute trip.

After following the entrance protocols at the control gate, you will finally enter the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Visiting Machu Picchu is like entering one of the wonders of the world. Nestled between mountains and clouds, this Inca citadel captivates visitors with its architecture, history, and connection with nature. Exploring its temples, terraces, and pathways is an unforgettable experience filled with mystery and beauty.

At the end of the tour, you will take the bus back to the village for lunch, which is not included.

You will then have the afternoon free to enjoy the hot springs of Machu Picchu.

You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes.