A spiritual journey: Ritual walk to Inti Punku and Machu Picchu

A spiritual journey: Ritual walk to Inti Punku and Machu Picchu

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CategoryAdventure

Difficulty star

RequirementsHiking experience

Type of serviceShared & private

A sacred trek among the Apus to the Inca citadel.

The hike to Inti Punku, also known as the "Sun Gate," is an experience that transcends mere scenic beauty, becoming a spiritual journey through the heart of the Andes, facing the imposing snow-capped peak of Wakay Willka (also called Veronica), considered a sacred Apu (mountain spirit) by local communities. This journey offers the opportunity to reconnect with ancestral wisdom, the vibrant nature, and the energy that still lingers in these mountains.

The trail, which begins in Ollantaytambo, ascends along ancient Inca roads that traverse agricultural terraces, Andean forests, and archaeological sites, such as the Cachicata quarry, where the Incas carved and transported massive stone blocks. Along the way, hikers have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its winding rivers, majestic mountains, and a silence that invites introspection.

For the Inca civilization, mountains represented a spiritual entity of great importance, as they were considered the Apus, guardians who watched over the integrity of the earthly world (kay pacha), the upper world (hanan pacha), and the inner world (uku pacha). Indeed, the journey to Inti Punku represents a journey of introspection, respect, and dialogue with the divine.
Upon reaching the Inti Punku viewpoint, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley, an ideal place to express gratitude, meditate, or simply contemplate the landscape. Afterward, you will continue to Aguas Calientes for the night and prepare for the final leg of your trip.

The second day is dedicated to a guided tour of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, where Inca architecture reveals its intimate relationship with astronomy, nature, and spirituality. Its temples, platforms, and sacred precincts are not merely archaeological remains, but living manifestations of a worldview that pays homage to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Inti (Sun).

This three-day, one-night experience is ideal for those seeking more than a conventional vacation destination: a spiritual trek through sacred landscapes and places steeped in history and tradition in the majestic Andes Mountains. Its purpose is to establish a profound connection with the Inca legacy and with oneself.

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

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.