Peru Hiking Cusco Pisac Intihuatana | Budget Adventure Travel

There is hiking.

And then, there is Hiking through the 500-year-old Inca trail of the Intihuatana (Intiwatana) ruins in Pisac, Cusco when you are on vacation to Machu Picchu Peru.

On the Intihuatana Trail

The journey begins in the small town of Pisac, Cusco, which is also famous for one of the largest Andean artisanal markets in Peru.

Tip: I had mentioned in my previous post not to shop for souvenirs in Aguas Calientes. I do recommend shopping for artifacts in Pisac market.

Pisac Artisenal Market

There is something spiritual about walking the path through the deep mountains of Intihuatana that was traversed by the indigenous folks pre-Inca and post-Inca times.

How to hike the trail in pictures

Take a cab from Pisac village up to the base of the Kallaqasa ruins.

Start at Kallaqasa ruins first

Kallaqasa ruins

Climb up

Kallaqasa ruins

Kallaqasa ruins

Kallaqasa ruins are very steep. Hike with extreme caution.

Kallaqasa ruins are very steep.

Keep your eyes open for some incredible delights.

Tip: This hike can take about 3-5 hours depending on how you hike. There are no services through the trail. Carry plenty of water and snacks. Do not deviate from the Trail.

You may encounter such colorful delights

You may encounter such colorful delights

You may encounter such delights

Continue to the Intihuatana Trail

After completing Kallaqasa follow trail to Intihuatana

Intihuatana ruins

Intihuatana ruins

Intihuatana ruins

Always follows the white arrows. Do not deviate from trail.

Elevator out-of-order. Take the stairs down.

Cross the bridge. If you DARE!

You will arrive in the artisanal Market of Pisac.

Eden? Babylon? No, Intihuatana with backdrop of Pisac village

Want to watch the hike on video. Check out the following video I made. For Foodie lovers, check out this post by The Food Goob on what to eat post-trek.

Click image to play video on Youtube

Tip: In order to get the best bargains at the market, arrive close to closing time, which is around 5:00 PM. Pick a stall at the far end of the market (not near the main entrance but near to where the trail ends close to the rangers office). Over here, find a stall manned by a kid. Any kid. Don’t be fooled. The kids are adept negotiators and they have an adult nearby. But all things being equal, you have better chance of getting good bargains with the kids. Of course, be fair. Pay what you think is fair. Prices are inflated for tourists and bargaining is expected and respected.

Disclaimer: A portion of this tour was sponsored by Gate1 Travel. Check out their other incredible tours in Peru.

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Tags: Budget Adventure Travel, Cusco, Inca, Intihuatana, Peru Budget Travel, Peru Travel, Pisac, pisac market, vacation to Machu Picchu Peru

Category: Budget Adventure Travel, Peru Budget Travel