Short Trekking
Ollantaytambo - Kachiqhata - Ollantaytambo: Hike To The Quarry
Location: NW of Ollantaytambo
Length: 9 Km.
Duration: 4 hours (an entire day excursion)
Route Characteristics: An easy Inka Trail.
Points of Interest: Kachicata, "side of salt”, is a quarry of red porphyry where the Inkas extracted huge blocks of rock that after being shaped were transferred to the river bank. When the current diminished, they were transported to the other side and carried using a system of dragging and pushing, to the fortress. Here they were finally lifted onto ramps to the patios of the Sun Temple.
Tunupa (Ollantaytambo - Cerro Pinkuylluna - Ollantaytambo)
Location: E of Ollantaytambo
Altitude: 2,900 m.a.s.l
Duration: 2 hours (Half day excursion)
Route Characteristics: Steep and difficult terrain, rock gravel.
Points of Interest: Ascending to Pinkuylluna Mountain, you will appreciate large constructions of different proportions such as: storerooms, meditation places, guard posts, a prison, a magnificent view of the Inka village and the fortress, which appears to form the silhouette of a llama. The most impressive view is the gigantic rock face of the god Viracocha or Tunupa that has a look of authority. The path takes us over the head of the great face in stone.
Pumamarca
Location: NE of Ollantaytambo
Altitude: 3,700 m.a.s.l.
Duration: 8 hours (a full day excursion).
Length: 13 Km.
Route Characteristics: Easy ascent
Points of Interest: Pumamarca is known as the "Puma Village”, the route takes a path that follows the Patacancha River gorge until meeting the impressive rock ridge, molded by the Yuramayu River (White River). This enormous rocky formation was the seat of this important dwelling, composed by 3 aligned independent constructions. On the adjacent side to Patacancha River, are other buildings. But it is on the ridge that advances North to South, that is the most interesting and beautiful place, a rampart with lines of straight terraces. Inside one observes patios, groups of buildings, streets, walls with doorways, windows and closets, as well as a water channel.
It is possible that inside this rampart existed an important population. lt is said that Pumamarca, when seen from the highest part of the mountain, has the shape of a Puma.
With: 
Copyright 2006 Land of the Inkas