Inti Punku How to Get There

The Inti Punku which is Spanish translated as Puerta del Sol is an amazing Inca building that can be seen in two places, the first and the best known is the one before entering Machu Picchu and the second is the one located in the Sacred Valley specifically in Ollantaytambo. On this occasion we will talk about the second Inti Punku since little by little it is gaining visitors for its beautiful building and especially the way it is located since it is on the top of a mountain and in front of it you can see the Veronica mountain which makes a destination to be visited.

Location:
The Puerta del Sol is located in the Kachi Qhata sector, 9 km from the district of Ollantaytambo, in the province of Urubamba, 60 km northwest of the city of Cusco at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level.

Routes to get to Inti Punku

If you are planning to visit Puerta del Sol on your own? then you should know that there are two routes to reach it considering that we will start the routes from the city of Cusco.

Route 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Inti Punku.

To start with the first section of the walk to Puerta del Sol you will have to get up very early at 5:30 am and you will go to Pavitos street where you will board a minivan bound for Ollantaytambo, the journey will last 2 hours, upon arrival at the town of Ollantaytambo will start with the second section with a 9 km walk until you reach the Puerta del Sol, on the way you will be able to appreciate the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley, as well as some sleeping stones that were not placed in the Inca walls, also to As you ascend you will be able to appreciate the mountains and snow-capped peaks that surround Inti Punku. Upon arrival, you will take a break and from the top, you will have spectacular views. The estimated time of the trek is 5 hours, therefore it is recommended that you are in good physical condition. Before sunset, you will return the same way you came.

Route 2: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Kachi Qhata – Inti Punku

Taking as reference the first section of the first route. We will start with the walk in the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will take the service of a taxi or private transport to the community of Kachi Qhata (Salt Hill), from this place you will start walking to Inti Punku, the journey is uphill and is directly connected to the kachi Qhata quarry the ascent is 6 kilometers and it takes about 3 hours to reach the Puerta del Sol. At the end of your visit, you will return along the same path and if you wish to camp you should do so in the surroundings since it is recommended to preserve the edification.

Inti Punku by Agency

Making the trek to Inti Punku by the agency is a good option since you will only worry about exploring and enjoying the tour since they will take care of transportation, food, and guidance.

What to do in the Inti Punku?

The ascent from Ollantaytambo to Inti Punku is one of the walks that few travelers do and you will have everything at your disposal.
From the top of Puerta del Sol, you can see landscapes of the Sacred Valley that cannot be seen from another place. Also from the Inti Punku, you can see the Urubamba River, the Veronica Mountain
During the journey to the top, you can see species of flora and fauna that inhabit the Sacred Valley.
This Inca construction is one of the most important in Cusco but it is not regularly visited by tourists due to its recent popularity.
If you want to know more about this place, it is advisable to hire a tour guide.

What to take on the way to Inti Punku

According to the time you do this walk you should carry the following items.

• Trekking Shoes and Poles.
• Take with you snacks, fruits, water, and if you go camping, take a tent and warm clothes with you.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Photographic camera.
• Balm or cocoa butter: the height can crack the lips.
• Pills for soroche or coca tea.
• Extra money.