Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, is a structure similar to the Inti Punku of Machu Picchu, but this Cultural attraction is located in the Sacred Valley.

How to get to Inti Punku the Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo from Cusco?

First, you must head to the Ollantaytambo terminal, located on Pavitosa street, a 10-minute walk from the main square, where you will board transportation for a 2-hour journey to the town of Ollantaytambo.

Then, you will head to the bridge to cross the Vilcanota River, from where you will begin a hike of approximately 5 hours, passing through beautiful panoramas surrounded by abundant flora and fauna.

Location:

It is located in the sector of Kachi Qhata – which means salt slope, a 5-hour hike to reach the Sun Gate, after boarding the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the town of Ollantaytambo, which is a 2-hour journey from the city of Cusco.

Trail from Ollantaytambo to Inti Punku

The hiking distance from Ollantaytambo to Inti Punku along a well-groomed trail is 9 kilometers, estimated trekking time is 5 hours.

Trail from Cachicata to Inti Punku

This second route is a shorter stretch, as you can take a taxi, moto taxi, or private transport to the community of Cachiccata, right at the start of the hike to Intipinku. This stretch is only uphill, connecting directly to the Cachiccata Quarry, where you will find partially finished stones called Sleeping Stones.

The uphill distance is 6KM and approximately 3 hours.

Altitude of Inti Punku

The altitude at which this cultural attraction, built by the Inca culture, is located is over 4,000 meters above sea level.

History

The Inti Punku, many of the places like temples or important areas have Quechua names because it was the language of the Incas with which they also communicated, so when the Spaniards invaded in 1534, they brought with them the Spanish language which today is considered as one of the languages of the Peruvians.

This is how El Inti Punku is translated into Spanish, The Gate of the Sun, we know that the Incas had many gods because they were polytheists, but one of their most important gods was the Sun or Inti, it is presumed that this construction was made to give thanks to the god Inti, as a moment of rest.

During the Inca era, there was much talk about the afterlife, that is why in many tombs found by archaeologists, mummies buried with fine clothes made of Vicuña and Alpaca wool were discovered, as well as being buried with vessels and plates made of gold and silver to pass to the other life with clothes and things to sustain themselves.

Andean men give a very important role to constructions such as the Gate of the Sun or Inti Punku, as they observed the stellar and cosmic movements based on knowledge and science, due to the same construction which has a perfect alignment with the constellation that is located next to the same snowy peak known as La Verónica, also known as WILLKA WEQEQ, the sacred tears.

The Incas had all the qualities to build constructions in rugged places, such as this Gate of the Sun or Inti Punku, according to some archaeologists it is said that the Inti Punki of Ollantaytambo was like a checkpoint or surveillance post, just like the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.

What is the best season to visit this place?

The recommended season to visit Inti Punku is from April to October as it is the dry season, which means there will be no rain and everything will be clear.)

Recommendations for visiting the Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo

Embark on this hike to Inti Punku early in the morning, as the trek lasts 5 hours one way and includes uphill sections that are tiring but rewarding with the fresh air, nature, and the stunning view of the Sun Gate.

Second recommendation:

bring food for lunch, some fruits, and of course, don’t forget water.

If you are in a group of 4 or more people, it is advisable to hire an agency that operates this excursion to Inti Punku in Ollantaytambo, contact PITAHAYA TRAVEL.

What to bring?

• Trekking shoes
• Comfortable clothing for trekking
• Walking sticks
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Rain poncho, essential during the rainy season from November to March Camera

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