Hike the Stunning Inca Quarry Trail to the Sun Gate

This is a map and basic overview on how to hike along the stunning Inca Quarry trail to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo. The following itinerary makes for a strenuous day hike from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley in Peru. Adventure hikers may wish to camp out just below the Sun Gate to savor those incredible views of the surrounding mountains and wake up above the clouds.

As the Inca Quarry Trail to the Sun Gate becomes more popular, there are organized day tour options that depart from Cusco. Alternatively, there are many Sacred Valley tour companies including one that offers a horseback riding option. However, the trail is decently marked and seeing more foot traffic than in the past and is easy to do independently without mules or horses.

Here's how to hike the worthwhile Inca Quarry Trail to the Ollantaytambo Sun Gate of Inti Punku.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

Inca Quarry Trail to Inti Punku | Day Hike

• Out & Back Trail

  • This trail begins from the Ollantaytambo Inca Bridge

• Total Mileage: 10.5 Miles
• One-Way Mileage: 5.25 Miles
• Difficulty:Moderately Challenging to Hard

  • Due to a tough, but steady ascent

• Excursion Duration: Round-trip this full day hike will take 7 - 9 hours, depending on fitness level
• Trail Marker: There is no official signage, but the trail is fairly well trekked with random sign posts scattered along the way. On a clear day, it's possible to see the outline of Inti Punku on the mountain top.
• This trail has little to no shade coverage. It's best to tackle this hike early in the morning to avoid the intense afternoon sun.
• Inca Quarry Trail Day Hike Packing Essentials:

  • Enough water, a water filter to fill-up water bottles, snacks
  • Stocked-up first-aid kit
  • Good hiking shoes with ankle support
  • Hiking poles if you love them
  • Offline Inca Quarry Trail map, chargers, battery packs, etc.
  • Long sleeves and layers to protect from the sun and the changing temperatures when reaching Inti Punku

Personal Tip | Plan on this trek to take around 7-9 hours.  This includes an hour at the Sun Gate and a few breaks along the scenic trail. Day trip hikers who are fit and are carrying only a light day pack may reach the top in only 3 hours.  If planning to camp at the top, add an extra hour or two for the weight of your pack since there is no place to refill water at the campsite.

What's the Difference Between the Inca Quarry Trail vs. Inca Trail?

There is oftentimes confusion with the Inca Quarry hike vs. the Inca Trail. There are many places throughout Peru that the Incas quarried stone for famous sites, but the path near Ollantaytambo can be visibly seen while hiking the mountainside. Inti Punku means "Sun Gate" when translated from Quechua. Find a Sun Gate at both the village of Ollantaytambo and at the Lost City of Machu Picchu.

The Inca Quarry Trail leads to the Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo and has incredible views of the Sacred Valley, Apu Veronica, and beyond. In fact, this is one of the best things to do in Ollantaytambo.

The Inca Trail also leads to a Sun Gate, but this is the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu which is completely different. Inti Punku Machu Picchu is the main entrance for those who are hiking the Classic Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail.

So while you will hear or see Inti Punku Machu Picchu and Inti Punku Ollantaytambo, the hiking routes are two totally different treks.

Inti Punku Ollantaytambo is oftentimes being offered as an alternative trek to Machu Picchu. Hike the mountainside, but you'll still have to hop on a train in Ollantaytambo that drops at Aguas Calientes, the gateway village to Peru's World Wonder of Machu Picchu.

More Alternative Machu Picchu Treks | Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek | Lares Trek Here's a One Day Lares Valley Hiking Route

When to Hike the Inca Quarry Trail to Inti Punku

This hiking adventure can be completed any time of the year. During rainy season, expect muddy paths and be mindful of rock slides. In the dry season, be conscious of your water supply. It's important to note that the last water fill up is marked on this Inca Quarry Trail map and is early into the hike. Make sure to have plenty of water and account for the extra water weight.

During dry season this is essential. If planning to camp, make sure to fill up all water containers.

Overview of Inca Quarry Trail Day Hike

First, to reach the trailhead, leave the adorable village of Ollantaytambo and head towards the Inca Bridge.  The orange and green bridge is a landmark and is located right before the village. Next, cross the bridge and take a right. There is a general map to reference.

Begin on the trail. Soon after, reach the Mirador Descanso. Here, find a bench with a shelter. Next, pass by the impressive Inca Quarries. These interesting remains is where the Inca Quarry Trail got its name from.

Continue past the quarries and veer to the trail to the left. There will be a simple sign post, so head towards the Canteras. Next, come to a beautiful trail outlined with rocks.  In this area, find the large rock of Llactallactayoc. This makes an excellent place to break.

After a break, pass by the large landmark rock and keep towards the left of it. Continue to follow the trail uphill to two sets of Inca ruins. After these lovely ruins, continue to the right to meet up with last stretch of trail.

Finally, continue uphill to the incredible Inti Punku, the Sun Gate above Ollantaytambo. Savor in those incredible views of Mount Veronica and the other breathtaking glacial peaked mountains.

For now, the Ollantaytambo Sun Gate is free to enjoy and there is no entrance fee.

If doing the Inca Quarry Trail as a day hike, head back down the same way you came up. Coming down is quicker. Plan on around 2-3 hours, depending on gear and fitness ability. Otherwise, set up a tent and savor in this untouched and special place in the Sacred Valley.

Psst... need a place to stay in Ollantaytambo? Casa Quecha Hostel has simple rooms, a warm family, a lovely garden, and plenty of places to pitch a tent!

Inca Quarry Trail 2 Day Trek | Add-On Hike

Adventure hikers may wish to continue over the steep mule pass from Inti Punku. This more advanced route will eventually meet the Raqaypata Archaeological Site. From the site, continue down to the Sacred Valley Waterfall of Perolniyoc. Pass by the peculiar site of Ñaupa Iglesia, and finally end in the tiny village of Pachar. The trailhead ends at the Sacred Valley Brewery, Cerveceria del Valle, so this is a perfect place to grab a beer and enjoy the garden

Get Inspired | More details on this intrepid add-on hike to Perolniyoc | Map for Reference & Download

This is a great 2 day trek for those who chose to camp at Inti Punku and want to come down a different route than the standard Inca Quarry Trail.

Follow the Old Inca Quarry Trail to Inti Punku

Interested in tackling this steep, but worthwhile hike along the Inca Quarry Trail in Ollantaytambo to Inti Punku? Get all the logistics, how to reach the trailhead, tips and tricks, and more photo inspiration! Follow along with this detailed blog post:

Hike to the Epic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) above Ollantaytambo

Worthwhile Ollantaytambo Hikes

• Pumamarca | Pre-Inca and Inca Fortress in the Shape of a Puma
• Ñaupa Iglesia | A Peculiar Dimensional Portal near Pachar
• Choqana Ruins

More Notable Sacred Valley Hikes

• Hike to the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Inca Ruins
• Climb the Magical Saywa Mountain
• The Incredible Alpine Lake of Laguna Juchuycocha
• Huchuy Qosqo Trek | Take the Climb from Lamay up to "Little Cusco"
• Ancasmarca | Interesting High Energy Ruins Near Calca
• Kinsa Cocha | Three Alpine Lakes from Pisac

Multi-Day Treks Near Cusco

• Waqrapukara 2 Day Trek
• Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain
• Choquequirao Trek in 4 Days
• Cusco Itineraries & Best Cusco Multi-Day Treks

Sacred Valley Travel Guides

• The Ultimate Guide for the Sacred Valley Peru
• One Week Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary
• The Only Guide You Need for Urubamba Peru
• Visit 16 Sites of the Cusco Tourist Ticket Without a Tour
• Overview of the Cusco Tourist Ticket