The Cachiccata community has about 80 families with approximately 310 people. Cacchicata is located 9 kilometers from Ollantaytambo, near the entrance to the magnificent Machu Picchu.
The quarries of Cachiccata are the most important attraction; the slopes were exploited on a large scale during the period of the Incas. Here, the stones were chosen and transported to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo using techniques based on rolling and pushing the rocks. Along the way, it is possible to find huge rocks, partly finished, that were in the process of being transported. You can also find pre-Hispanic chullpas (funeral monuments).
The most representative meal is La Merienda, a dish with guinea pig. The typical drink, as in most of the communities in the Sacred Valley, is Chicha de Jora (fermented corn drink).
The most representative festivities are on July 16th for the “Virgin of Carmen” (or Mamacha Carmen) and on June 21st, the time of the solstice, where from the quarries, you can observe the sunrise shining on the Paqaritampu pyramids.
Community Information
Location
Cachiccata
Population
80 families, approximately 310 people
Main Activity
Stone quarrying and transportation techniques
Tourist Activity
Route of the Tired Stone, exploring the quarries and archaeological sites
Typical Dish
La Merienda (guinea pig)
Communal Festivities
Virgin of Carmen (July 16th)
Summer Solstice (June 21st)
Gallery
Related Tours
Route of the Tired Stone
Hike departures from Ollantaytambo to one of the most famous quarries on the Incas time, Cachiccata (Quechua word that means...
Read More
