Private Ollantaytambo to Cachiccata Quarry Trip: An Honest Review
Have you ever considered taking a detour away from the main tourist routes in Peru, that is, someplace offering something truly different? I did exactly that recently, and I thought you might like to hear about it. I experienced a private excursion to the Cachiccata Quarries from Ollantaytambo, so now I am happy to offer you some thoughts and suggestions based on that experience. Located near the well-known Sacred Valley, these quarries aren’t only visually impressive, but they offer what could be described as a special look at the origins of Inca construction skill.
What You Might See at Cachiccata Quarry
Getting to the Cachiccata Quarries isn’t exactly a walk in the park, you know? But is that so awful? Actually, the journey itself presents an experience that goes further than what you might anticipate. To get there, most of these trips set off from Ollantaytambo, the Inca settlement that somehow remains inhabited right up to the present day. The trip generally starts with a short drive into the hills, sometimes a dirt track is involved which starts to give you hints of the sort of less travelled landscapes you will experience, as a matter of fact.
Once you are there, the location really does open out with these monumental, partially carved stones scattered all over. What hits you immediately is the scale of the work that went on here, very much the size of the rocks. Looking at the rocks you get an image of just how the Inca were able to extract, process, and ultimately transport tons of rock to famous places such as Ollantaytambo itself, and Machu Picchu. The neatness of the stone working, in a way, presents proof of the skills of the Inca artisans, and gives you a chance to think a bit about their ways, honestly, the planning that would have gone on, and how they could move such large masses without what we see as modern tech. That ingenuity of the Incas really hits you.
What is Involved In a Guided Tour of the Quarries?
If you do take a tour, very often it starts with your guide meeting you from your hotel in Ollantaytambo, very useful when planning your trip, so that the day gets off to a good start. This trip won’t be a group event, but one done just for you, which, if you value that bit of quiet, means the whole tour can happen at your own speed, clearly a nice thing. The first part is transport to the quarry location, so generally that can involve a short drive to get you as close as possible, followed then by a trek up to the heart of the quarry site itself.
With you, the guide gives useful insights into the way the Inca actually worked the stone. Like the techniques used, that. The history of this quarry as well, for example, just how it ties into their construction efforts across the Sacred Valley region. Your guide will likely be from the neighborhood too, therefore able to share with you personal info, in addition to cultural awareness to make your trip even more immersive. Keep in mind that some of the paths are at an altitude, pretty high actually, but it means that any trek you do, while physical, brings rewards of incredible views.
Photographing Cachiccata Quarry
For photographers like you, I reckon, the Cachiccata Quarry can provide practically endless opportunity, to be honest. The soft light you often get first thing and late in the afternoon provides amazing conditions when it makes shadows and texture in the rock stand out, almost. This will let you bring something a little bit unique back, picture-wise. Taking wide shots of the rocks balanced with these huge landscapes can demonstrate just the size of the quarry set among its landscape. I would try out playing around with different view points and heights to make images that truly show the Inca’s mastery in relation to this natural environment.
There are things to watch for though. As the altitude there could impact camera operation it’s often best to keep cameras and equipment wrapped well during the colder periods or early mornings because of potential condensation risk that could be significant. Think too that charged batteries lose power quicker at such high altitudes, therefore think about bringing additional power banks, just in case.
Why a Private Tour Could Be Your Best Option
Picking to do a private tour has a few advantages that actually enhance this experience significantly, you know. First off, your tour will be more flexible, and it means the schedule can then work according to what suits you; want to spend some extra minutes taking photos, then you can, that’s it. That personal approach also brings richer interaction, actually, between you and your guide, resulting in deeper engagement that often triggers some pretty fascinating dialogue regarding Inca legacy. Finally you’re directly contributing in preserving local economics as such tours very often utilise local service companies rather than bigger international operations – very useful in a developing area.
However keep a few things in mind, clearly. For starters, because a private tour might cost you more than joining an arranged one you must ensure it matches what your budget can take. Next do confirm that whatever tour operator it is holds all relevant accreditation combined with local certifications that might affect their work practice so it shows dedication to moral business values and ecofriendly tourist ways – pretty worthwhile checking first.
Making a Booking
To make reservations, use on-line travel websites, tour company sites or connect through the various social media groups specific around traveling round Peru; each route gives differing data points which helps get clearer expectations based customer feedback and pricing policies applied- kind of useful really. Spend some time reading over reviews and then check details closely for refund possibilities. As these tours run weather or season wise therefore having some adaptability put away just guarantees reassurance against any disruptions.
Additionally it definitely pays off should bookings confirm not only explicit items included whether guides fees transfers meals or entryway privileges etc but particularly if cancellation conditions permit adjustments with least implications given unpredictable travel concerns; all stuff impacting any possible monetary aspects attached down there- worthwhile seeing about first!
Preparing for the Day of the Tour
Before you begin your tour, be certain everything’s set in line as best anyone will before journey commences just reduces possible day delays – clearly! Ensure attire works sufficiently towards what type environment anticipate – wear layering items along sun-shield fabrics/hats plus decent traction boots/walking footwear considering probable uneven landscape paths experienced around sites examined all extremely thoughtful really beforehand!. Think likewise by collecting individual convenience solutions ranging sun defense options (blocks cream type application) and drinking fluids together small first-aid kit items designed tending potential lower severity issues quickly so minimizing larger difficulties impacting total encounter enjoyed up there at the summit of everything examined and found enjoyable up so very very higher up at summits discovered!
Adapt lifestyle options just to diminish chances associated high level adjustments as well since this could sometimes generate light headed feelings from people that haven’t been tested with thin air just recently plus adopt gradual activity increases within some few pre trip leadup timeframe where just one prepares through low impact type aerobic activity increasing stamina capacities – it pays for you with much happiness as could occur whenever getting to final targets desired!. Usually try beginning adventures quite soon like the first hours throughout morning sunlight providing improved photograph sessions combining modest temps overall boosting whole atmosphere as the trip plays outside nicely when daylight appears at its initial hours- pretty fun!. Finally make some checks guaranteeing your cameras have charged batteries (possibly backups available either cases!), cleared space designed pictures stored freely onto then – such that when chance displays for capturing these stunning sites any difficulties are evaded and images conserved wonderfully along through lasting reminders forever ahead!
What Else Can You Do Around Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo proves great through which establishing camp particularly while studying The Sacred Area on earth like in ancient Peru simply! Aside through looking onto fantastic Cachiccata Quarry locations a couple alternatives may possibly increase whole escape more completely when included -pretty wonderful. Commence discovering initial locations among central Ollantaytambo location especially Inca’s castle – that ancient building provides incredible examples within remarkable mason skill work together deep important information about just Inca ancestry then culture which it supports completely – seriously!. Usually choose spending free instances navigating onto narrow pebble streets experiencing what society becomes – stop towards local food shops taste traditional cuisine products and in which discover homemade textile services all rendering completely immersing background among what normal experiences stay to seem that- worthwhile.
Likewise consider just heading through brief route visiting either sites like Moray along the salt fields usually identified under Salinas while doing exploration of area; just unique spot exhibits farming methods made used onto various environmental niches providing some comprehension round ways ancestral residents handled the local surrounding factors carefully for survival within that landscape conditions – very very smart truly! When willing to go for larger hiking type challenges look towards integrating short treks onto famous Inca Paths usually getting travelers right onto the gateway linked into this remarkable world famed Macho Picchu places then see magnificent sight onto itself!. Be sure while looking into almost anything; maintain all travel paperwork close hand (IDs then any reservations if having all those stored carefully near)! Honor the local cultures by demonstrating respectful ways along learning minor terms that generally get through within exchanges by communities being contacted especially. So usually make that entire travel thing quite unique through that type engagement because then one comes truly feeling that full connection through which it appears!
Summary Of The Experience
Going by a private excursion off toward just those Cachiccata Quarries which lie nearly that gorgeous community surrounding just Ollantaytambo shows greater opportunities which go higher than ordinary visitor’s programs available- practically amazing things usually await everyone involved when setting foot among. What stands for that greatest aspect stems against all those opportunities one takes getting more comprehension based regarding just how remarkable all these Incan ancestor artists succeeded within managing nature while building marvelous monuments by which still remain – those actions offer strong evidence even about strength too also brilliant engineering mind throughout entire humankind truly as things might stand! Select that one person trips generally that they include individual benefits specifically – these range across more improved versatile journey programs that make allowance for modifications according what’s wished whenever; therefore individual connection combined more detailed history based with people originating just around such sites makes just those travel far meaningful totally.
Even though this might present better rates just confirming everything related the company performing the function ensures reliability plus respects practices which aim looking following environment therefore societies nearby -really beneficial overall – which always leads through amazing moments throughout which can never go regrettable but mostly always delivers really beautiful travel things truly done!. Making plans before requires confirming transport issues in where apparel fits terrain just perfect alongside electronic parts prepared ideally provides just stress levels going toward trip way below as any things probably won’t bring those situations getting overly stressful – what might offer fantastic escape up until hills for many lifetime thoughts is secured! Remember traveling should imply further past locations or historical past nonetheless getting more integrated linked near world nearby for one finds deeper relations and just awareness towards all experiences offered making what always will carry someone past beyond themselves onto some location much additional enriching – definitely!