Ollantaytambo is perhaps best known for its archaeological site, which welcomes thousands of travelers every day. However, this charming place, full of magical little streets and tourist restaurants, also has a wonderful spot located at the highest panoramic point, where you can enjoy views of Ollantaytambo and part of the valley. This place is known as the Sun Gate or Inti Punku.
The Sun Gate is a stone doorway that welcomes the sun from the top of the mountain. It is considered an archaeological site and is part of a tourist route in Ollantaytambo, more specifically in Ccachiccata. It has become more popular over time. Now, let us tell you more!
What is the Sun Gate?
It is an ancient Inca construction, believed to be a place where people worshipped Inca gods such as the mountains, the sun, and the stars. It is made of stone and measures about 2 meters and 20 centimeters in height. It was also believed to be an observation point because of its high location. It is literally at the top of the mountain.
Where is the Sun Gate or Inti Punku located?
This wonderful archaeological site is located in Ollantaytambo, in the farming community of Ccachiccata. It sits at the top of a mountain, about 3,900 meters above sea level. The only way to get there is by hiking, as there is no road access for vehicles.
How to get to the Sun Gate?
To reach the Sun Gate or Inti Punku, you need to follow these steps:
- First, take local transportation from Pavitos Street towards Ollantaytambo. The ticket costs around 6 USD per person. The trip takes almost 2 hours along the road that leads north from Cusco.
- Once you arrive, you will need to take another form of transportation, a mototaxi, towards Ccachiccata. The ride takes around 10 to 15 minutes and costs about 3 USD per person.
- Once in Ccachiccata, get your backpack ready and start the hike! You will cross a bridge, and almost immediately, you will find signs showing you the way up to the Sun Gate. The hike takes around 3 and a half hours uphill. This will depend a lot on your walking pace and hiking experience.
Importance of the Sun Gate or Inti Punku
This construction stands out because of its strong structure. The rocks are carved stones and have a trapezoidal shape. It is located at a strategic point on the mountain, which allowed people during the Inca period to use it as a lookout point from high above.
It was also believed to be a place related to astronomy because, from the top, people could watch the sun pass through the sacred doorway, especially during the solstices.
Finally, it is also considered a religious site, as these places were used for ceremonies and had a special symbolic meaning.
What is the hike to the Sun Gate like?
We are not going to lie, this is a challenging hike.
When we say that the hike takes around 3 and a half hours, we mean that the uphill climb alone takes that long. You will walk up the mountain along rocky paths. Besides the steep climb, if the day is sunny, as it usually is between May and September, you will not find many places to get some shade. This can make the climb even harder.
The climate is dry and typical of the Peruvian Andes, with puna vegetation, dry grass, and trees that are part of Cusco’s dry landscape.
What will you see along the way to the Sun Gate?
During the climb from Ccachiccata, you will find different interesting spots, such as:
- The Ccachiccata quarries: A resting point along the route where you can enjoy a complete view of the valley.
- A Spanish-style mill: This marks the halfway point of the climb to the Sun Gate.
- Choquetacarpo campsite: A place where people hiking the Inca Quarry route rest before continuing their climb to the Sun Gate.
- Chullpas: Known as ancient burial places that you can find along the way to the Sun Gate.
- The beautiful Veronica Mountain: Located in the background, welcoming you and giving you permission to explore the area.
Tips for hiking to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku
To enjoy your visit to the Sun Gate and avoid any problems, keep these tips in mind:
- You will not find any shops or places to buy water, snacks, soft drinks, or anything else. That is why it is important to bring everything you will need during the hike.
- There are not many places to rest under shelter or protect yourself from the sun. For this reason, you should bring a good wide-brimmed hat. Sunscreen is not optional; it is a must, as the clear skies bring very strong sunlight.
- If it is raining or you are visiting during the rainy season, make sure to bring a rain poncho and hiking boots, as the way down can be very slippery.
- There are quite a lot of mosquitoes, so we recommend bringing mosquito repellent with you. This will help you enjoy the hike without having to worry about mosquito bites.
- Go with someone! Not because the trail is dangerous, but because the best part of the whole hike is taking pictures when you finally arrive!
What to do after the hike?
When you are walking back to Ccachiccata, you will feel completely relieved after reaching your goal! Here, as a way to celebrate this achievement, we recommend the following activities:
- Enjoy a good cold craft beer from the local area in Ollantaytambo. You will find a wide variety of restaurants where you can enjoy a well-deserved cold beer. The flavors are amazing.
- Try the local food. It is a unique experience in this area, with highly recommended restaurants where you can get your energy back after all the physical effort.
- If you are planning to continue to Machu Picchu, you can take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and keep exploring the beauty of Cusco.
- Rest at local hotels. There are many hotels with saunas, jacuzzis, and amenities that will make you feel the true local experience.
Now that you know everything about this hike, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy one of the best hiking experiences in Ollantaytambo!
