Intipunku, also known as the Gate of the Sun due to its translation from Quechua (autochthonous language of the Andes), is a majestic stone gate found in Machu Picchu and also in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo, one of the most picturesque towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the gateway to Machu Picchu, is perched on top of the Choquetacarpo mountain and in front of the majestic snow-capped Veronica.
Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo
Summary
Detailed information about the Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo
- Driving distance from Cusco: (94 Miles / 60 KM)
- Driving time: 4 hours round trip.
- Entrance price: For free
- Elevation of the beginning of the Trek: 2,792 meters / 9160 feet.
- Difficulty: Challenging.
- Trail: Dirt and cobblestone trail from from Ollantaytambo.
- Hiking distance: 18 KM, round trip.
- Horse rental: It does not exist
- Hiking time: 8 hours round trip.
- Maximum elevation: 3900 meters / 12795 feet.
- Tour duration: 12 hours.
- Elevation difference during the hike: 1120 metres/3674 feet.
Intipunku history
The Andean man has always closely followed the stars and interacted with them and getting to know his position in the cosmos and its cycles to perfection. Therefore, for about 5 thousand years before Christ, they saw the need to build astronomical and religious buildings that allow them to understand the world around them.
The Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo played the important role of an astronomical and ceremonial observatory. Its position was ideal, since it was perfectly aligned with the constellation of the Pleiades (the granary of the Incas), the Veronica snow-capped mountain (Huacayhuilque or Waqaywillki), and had an important relationship with the winter solstice and the Andean New Year.
How to get to the Intipunku of Ollantaytambo?
This Sun Gate is located 9 km from the district of Ollantaytambo, in the sector of Kachi Qhata (Salt Hill) in the upper part of the archaeological site, on the banks of the Vilcanota River and at 3,900 meters above sea level.
The two routes to get to this Puerta del Sol on our own are the following:
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Route Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Intipunku
You have to go to Pavitos street, located 10 minutes walk from the main square of Cusco. The vans to Ollantaytambo depart every 10 minutes, and cost 10 soles per person.
Then, you have to hike one way through an Inca trail for 9 km until you reach the Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo. This path is very beautiful, because you will be able to observe the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of corn and strawberry crops, in addition to observing imposing mountains and snow-capped mountains.
Keep in mind that depending on your physical level, this walk can take between 4 and 5 hours to go and 3 hours to return.
Ollantaytambo view
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Route Cusco – Ollantaytamo – Kachi Qhata – Intipunku
To carry out the second option, you will also board a van to Ollantaytambo from Pavitos. From there, a taxi will charge you between 20 and 30 soles to take you for 15 minutes to the town of Cachicata. From this place you will ascend to the Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo. This trail is 6 kilometers one way and it will take you about 3 hours to reach the top.
How to hire the services of a travel agency?
You can book a one day tour to the sun gate in Ollantaytambo through a website or directly in Cusco. The cost ranges from 70 to 90 dollars per person and includes private transportation, a hiking guide, lunch, and hiking poles.
When to visit the Intipunko of Ollantaytambo?
The best time to visit the Puerta del Sol is between the months of April to October, a time in which the chances of having sunny days exceed 80% in the Andes. Having a perfect climate in the excursion of the sun gate in Ollantaytambo ensures you to observe in all the majesty the alignment of the Inca gate with the snow-capped La Veronica.
How is the weather while ascending to the Intipunku?
Normally in the dry months, during the day the temperature is usually between 20 and 23 degrees. However, once at the top, the weather is usually cold and windy.
How to get to the Intipunku of Machu Picchu?
Yes, there are two Intipunkus, one called the sun gate in Ollantaytambo and the most famous of the two, the sun gate to Machu Picchu. The second is the most known due to its location and its history. Currently, you can only reach the Intipunku in Machu Picchu in two ways: following the short Inca trail or the classic 4-day Inca trail.
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