Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day tour from Cusco
The most complete tour to the Sun Gate Intipunku from Cusco, enjoy one of the most impressive entrances to Machu Picchu.
From:
$120USD
per person
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
Secure your spot with only 50%
Confirmation
Immediate
Duration
13 Hours
Difficulty
Difficult
Daily departures
APRIL - OCTOBER
Trip type
Group or private
Save your spot with only 50%
- Safe and secure payment
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day tour from Cusco
The most special way to reach Machu Picchu by walking along an ancient Inca route.
Trek to Intipunku, enjoy impressive views of the Andes and discover the historic Sun Gate, one of the most emblematic entrances to Machu Picchu.
Turn your trip to Machu Picchu into an experience that begins long before you arrive.
Group Tour
- Best price
- Independent traveler
- Fixed departures
Private Tour
- Flexible schedule
- Personalized service
- Private vehicle
Day 1: Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day tour from Cusco
Your experience at a glance:
5:30 AM
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
7:30 AM
Arrival in Ollantaytambo and breakfast.
9:00 AM
Start of the hike from Cachicata.
11:00 AM
Visit to the Inca quarry of Cachicata.
12:00 PM
Box lunch with views of the Andean landscape.
1:00 PM
Hike to Intipunku – Sun Gate.
2:00 PM
Arrival at Intipunku and views of Mount Veronica.
3:00 PM
Start of the descent to Cachicata.
5:00 PM
Return by transportation to Cusco.
6:00 PM
Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
- Transport
- Food
- Guide
- Tickets
- 13 Hours
5:30 a.m. - Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
We begin the adventure with pickup from your hotel and travel by private transportation to Ollantaytambo.
7:30 a.m. - Arrival in Ollantaytambo and breakfast.
We make a stop in this traditional town of the Sacred Valley to enjoy an energizing breakfast before the trek.
9:00 a.m. - Start of the trek from Cachicata
We begin an approximately 2-hour uphill hike through the Andean landscapes surrounding Ollantaytambo.
11:00 a.m. - Exploration of the Inca quarry of Cachicata.
We discover enormous blocks of carved stone, chullpas and ancient ramps used by the Incas to transport materials.
12:00 p.m. - Box lunch among Andean landscapes.
After exploring Cachicata, we take a break to enjoy our box lunch surrounded by mountains.
1:00 p.m. - Hike to Intipunku – Sun Gate.
We continue the ascent for approximately 1 hour until reaching one of the most special points of the route.
2:00 p.m. - Arrival at Intipunku.
We enjoy impressive views of the Sacred Valley and the majestic Mount Veronica, with time for photographs and to contemplate the landscape.
3:00 p.m. Descent to Cachicata.
We begin an approximately 2-hour hike back to the community of Cachicata.
5:00 p.m. - Return by transportation to Cusco.
Our transportation will be waiting for us in Cachicata to return via Ollantaytambo to the city of Cusco.
6:00 p.m. - Arrival in Cusco.
We finish our adventure with the transfer to your hotel in the city of Cusco.
Considerations of the area
Maximum Altitude
3900m.a.s.l. / 12795ft
Minimum Altitude
2800 m.a.s.l. / 9186ft
Maximum temperature
21°C / 69°F
Minimum temperature
10°C / 50°F
Expert Travel Recommendations
What makes the Sun Gate Intipunku 1-Day Tour special?
The Sun Gate Intipunku 1-Day Tour combines trekking, Inca history and mountain landscapes. Along the route you will visit the Inca quarry of Cachicata, where carved stone blocks, chullpas and ancient ramps can still be seen, before continuing to Intipunku, with privileged views of the Sacred Valley and Mount Veronica.
What landscapes can be seen during the Sun Gate Intipunku 1-Day Tour?
Throughout the Sun Gate Intipunku 1-Day Tour you will be able to enjoy Andean landscapes and, upon reaching Intipunku, contemplate panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and Mount Veronica.
Is the Sun Gate Intipunku 1-Day Tour recommended if I am not used to walking?
It is not the best option if you are looking for a tour with little physical effort. The itinerary includes several hours of hiking, including approximately 3 hours of ascent between Cachicata and Intipunku and around 2 hours of descent.
Why is this tour different?
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel included
- Specialized guide
- Meals included
- Book with just 50%
Book with confidence
- Instant confirmation
- Over 6 years creating unforgettable experiences
- Personalized WhatsApp assistance
- Specialized local tour operator
- Guaranteed departures
INCLUDED
Our Sun Gate Intipunku tour from Cusco includes:
- 24/7 support and assistance during and after your booking.
- Professional mountain guide.
- Modern transportation with all licenses up to date.
- Breakfast.
- Box lunch.
- All entrance fees to the natural park.
- Oxygen.
NOT INCLUDED
- Dinner.
- Tips for the guides.
- Travel insurance (Peruvian laws suggest that you enter Peru with insurance purchased in your country of origin).
- We work with some clinics and can help you arrange medical care in case you need it (the clinics will apply the insurance you previously purchased; however, they do not offer travel insurance).
What to Bring!
- Personal medications.
- A legible photo of your passport.
- Small daypack (with a rain cover if possible).
- Water (we recommend bringing 1L per day).
- Rain poncho or jacket.
- Extra snacks.
- Hiking shoes and pants.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Lip balm.
- Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, fleece, long-sleeve shirts, etc.).
- Cash in SOLES (Peruvian currency).
PAYMENT
AVOID SCAMS!
GET IN PERU will only charge you a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.
The remaining amount must be paid 3 days before your departure.
Contact your travel advisor to learn more details or visit our Terms of Service Agreement.
Travel your way




$ Price per person
Our tour packages are available in both group and private formats. Consult with one of our travel experts to tailor your journey and enjoy a personalized experience led by our specialized local guides.
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$Pronto…USD
per person
- Best Price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$120USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Better Photo Opportunities
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
- Specialized Local Guides
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$120USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- Exclusive Guide for Your Group
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$Soon…USD
per person
- Best price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Secure your spot with only 50%
Pay the rest later
- Secure Payment Processing
- Instant Booking Confirmation
- All Major International Cards Accepted
- Pay in Your Preferred Currency
More than 7500+ Happy Travelers
- 182+ TripAdvisor reviews
- 25+ Google Reviews
- 51+ WT Reviews
- 6 years Creating unforgettable journeys
Everything in one place
Secure booking
Immediate confirmation and personalized assistance.
Get on and enjoy
Tours, hotels, flights, and transfers managed in one place.
Real support
Personalized assistance before, during, and after your trip
Everything you need to know before traveling
What does the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour include?
The Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour includes transportation from Cusco, certified professional guide, breakfast, box lunch, first aid kit and oxygen. The tour allows you to visit the Inca quarry of Cachicata and continue hiking to Intipunku, before returning to Cusco at approximately 6:00 PM.
💡Get In Peru Expert Tip: Although breakfast and box lunch are included, bring water and a small, easily accessible snack. During the hours of hiking, it is more practical to eat something light without having to stop for too long.
📍 Did you know? Cachicata was an important stone extraction area linked to Ollantaytambo; during the hike, worked stone blocks and ramps associated with the transportation of materials can still be seen.
How long does the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour from Cusco last?
The Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour lasts approximately 12 and a half hours, from pickup at your hotel in Cusco around 5:30 AM until the return at approximately 6:00 PM. The day combines ground transportation, breakfast in Ollantaytambo, a visit to Cachicata and several hours of uphill and downhill trekking.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Do not schedule a flight, night bus or train with a tight departure time after the tour. On mountain routes, the pace of the group and road conditions can slightly modify the return time.
📍 Did you know? Ollantaytambo serves as a strategic point along the route due to its location between Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the mountains where Cachicata is located.
How difficult is the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour?
The Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour requires adequate physical condition, as it includes approximately 3 hours of ascent to Intipunku and around 2 hours of descent. It is not a tour designed for those looking for an excursion mainly by vehicle, but rather a trekking experience of several hours through mountain terrain.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Maintain a steady pace from the beginning and avoid trying to keep up with the fastest hikers. At high altitude, moving slightly slower usually allows you to reach the final stretch toward Intipunku with more energy.
📍 Did you know? The difficulty of a trek in the Andes does not depend solely on the distance; altitude, elevation gain and time exposed to the sun also influence the perceived effort.
At what altitude is Intipunku on the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour?
The Sun Gate of Intipunku of Cachicata is located at approximately 3,900 meters above sea level, so the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour takes place at high altitude. From this point, you can enjoy wide views of the mountainous surroundings, especially Mount Veronica and the landscape of the Sacred Valley.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Start hydrating the day before and carry water in a bottle that you can reach without removing your entire backpack. Drinking small amounts regularly is more practical during the ascent.
📍 Did you know? Mount Veronica, also known as Wakay Willka, rises above 5,800 meters in altitude and is one of the most recognizable mountains in this part of the Sacred Valley.
Do I need to acclimatize before the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour?
Yes, it is advisable to be acclimatized before doing the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour, especially if you arrive from a city located near sea level. The trek reaches high-altitude areas and requires several hours of physical activity, so doing lighter activities first can help you adapt progressively.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Avoid scheduling Intipunku for the morning after your arrival in Cusco. If your itinerary allows, use the first one or two days for less physically demanding activities and observe how your body responds to the altitude.
📍 Did you know? Cusco is located at about 3,400 meters above sea level, so adaptation to the altitude begins from the moment you arrive in the city.
What is the best time to do the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour?
The dry season, approximately from May to September, is usually the most favorable time to do the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour, due to the lower frequency of rainfall in the Andes of Cusco. However, mountain weather conditions can change even during these months, especially in the early hours of the day.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Do not leave out a waterproof jacket just because the forecast indicates clear skies. On this route, you will be exposed for several hours and it is preferable to carry a light layer that you can quickly store when the weather changes.
📍 Did you know? The dry season in Cusco coincides with colder nights and early mornings, while solar radiation can feel intense during the day.
What clothing should I wear for the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour?
For the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour, it is recommended to wear layered clothing, trekking shoes with good grip, a windproof or waterproof jacket, a cap or hat and sun protection. Due to the duration of the hike and temperature changes, it is preferable to wear lightweight garments that you can easily remove or put back on.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Do not wear new boots on the day of the trek. Use footwear that you have already worn several times and keep heavy items close to your back to prevent the backpack from moving too much during the descent.
📍 Did you know? In the Andes, there can be a considerable difference between the temperature felt in the early morning hours and the temperature under the midday sun.
Does the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour include breakfast and lunch?
Yes. The Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour includes breakfast and box lunch. Breakfast is served after the transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, before starting the hike, while the box lunch is consumed during the day after exploring the archaeological area of Cachicata.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Eat a good breakfast, but avoid overeating just before starting the ascent. If you have dietary restrictions, communicate them when booking and not when the group is already on the way to Ollantaytambo.
📍 Did you know? A box lunch is especially practical on routes such as Cachicata–Intipunku because it allows you to take a break to eat in the mountain environment without depending on restaurants during the trek.
Is the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour worth it?
Yes, the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour is worth it for travelers interested in combining trekking, Inca archaeology and Sacred Valley landscapes in a single day. Unlike tours that are mainly done by vehicle, here much of the experience consists of hiking through Cachicata until reaching Intipunku and admiring Mount Veronica.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Choose this tour if you enjoy hiking and want to dedicate a full day to an active route. If you prefer to visit several attractions with short walks, a conventional Sacred Valley tour may be better suited to your trip.
📍 Did you know? The route allows you to observe elements related to the extraction and transportation of the stones used by the Incas, providing context for the constructions that are later visited in Ollantaytambo.
How far in advance should I book the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour?
It is recommended to book the Sun Gate Intipunku 1 day Tour several days in advance, especially during the dry season, holidays and months with the highest tourist influx in Cusco. Booking in advance allows for proper coordination of the private transportation, guide, breakfast and box lunch needed for an early departure.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Before setting the date, check where you will be staying the night before. Since pickup begins around 5:30 AM, having your accommodation in Cusco confirmed makes coordination easier and avoids last-minute changes.
📍 Did you know? From May to September, much of the trekking season in Cusco takes place due to the generally drier conditions in the Andes.
Didn't find what you were looking for?
We design custom trips all over Peru. Hotels, flights, and tours included.