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The Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu, is one of the best alternate routes to Machu Picchu. It not only offers the magnificent Andean scenery you expect on any trek around Cuzco, but it also visits three lesser known archaeological sites on the way. The likelihood of running into other travellers is very small, which adds to the remoteness and the experience of the hike.

This trek will also take you to an amazing Inca temple above Ollantaytambo that was built as a shrine to the snow-capped mountian Veronica. The quarry itself will give you an insight into the incredible craftsmanship and engineering skills of the Incas. If you dare, you will even get to peer inside Incan tombs which still contain the human skeletal remains of those who chose to sacrifice themselves to the sacred mountain. You will be impressed by the history and panoramic views that this tour has to offer.

Then all aboard the most scenic train to Aguas  Calientes and bathing in an all natural hot springs.   On your final day, will be the long awaited tour to explore and experience the masterful energy center of the spiritual world of Machu Picchu with our professional tour guide!

ITINERARY FOR THE INCA QUARRY TRAIL TREK

DAY 1: CUSCO – RAF´QA – SOQMA – Q´ORIMARCA

We leave Cusco early in the morning and drive for 2 hours to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where the Incas would historically honor the moon.  A short drive from here takes us to Rafq’a, the starting point of our trek where we meet the horsemen, pack up and get moving. We hike for about 1 hour to reach a typical indigenous community of Socma with its terraces.. Just a little further ahead, we arrive at the mesmerizing waterfalls of the Perolniyoc Cascade, a wonderful opportunity to snap photos and have a delicious snack.  Our goal for the day is to reach our campsite at 3700m/2139ft at about lunch time. After lunch we’re off to explore the Q’orimarca archeological site, which was used to serve as a check point during the Inca times. 

  • Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea -Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping with 4 season EUREKA tents
  • Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
  • Time: 6 hours approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate.

DAY 2: Q´ORIMARCA  – INTI PUNKU  – CHOQUETACARPO

This is the most challenging but most rewarding day of the hike. A 3 hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass, known as Puccaqasa (4370mts). After enjoying the picturesque views of the rolling valleys below, we descend  for about 30 minutes, and arrive just in time for lunch.

Rested and full of energy after lunch, we head upward for about 2 hour to the highest pass of the trek: Kuychicassa (4450m/14599ft). From here, we head down for 2 hours to the site that the Incas called Inti Punku, (meaning Sun Gate) with its imposing views over the valley and the horizon thats engulfed by the Veronica Mountain. Our campsite is a short distance away at Choquetacarpo (3600m/11811ft)

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping Facilities with 4 season EUREKA tents
  • Distance: 15kms/9.5 miles
  • Time: 7 hours approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate/challenging 

DAY 3: CHOQUETACARPO – KACHIQATA QUARRY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

Day 3 is all downhill hiking, with our first stop at the Cachiqata Quarry where we can personally witness the workmanship of the Incas, which they could not complete due to the Spanish Conquest. Midday we arrive at the town of Cachiqata, the end of this challenging and fascinating trek.  From here we visit the original Inca settlement Ollantaytambo and in the afternoon we travel by train to Aguas Calientes where we stay overnight at our private hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast –  Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel Ferre or comparable
  • Distance: 8kms/5 miles
  • Time: 6 hours approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Bursting with excitement on your final surreal day, we take the first bus at 5:30am to Machu Picchu archeological site, we tour  this New 7 Wonder of the World Site. The Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu, what an unforgettable experience. Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. You can stay still and find the peace within as you sit in the pure delight of the moment.

If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own you can (not included in the price):

  • Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (extra $75) to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from the views above.
  • Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or the hot springs.

When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the train at 14:55h for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Station, where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and arrive at your hotel around 18:30h.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

WHAT’S INCLUDED FOR THE INCA QUARRY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Private transportation from your hotel to Choquequilla Trail head.
  • Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua.
  • Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Admission ticket to the Machu picchu Archaeological Complex
  • Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and a buffet breakfast
  • 2 person Igloo tents (large and comfortable)
  • Delicious meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipments (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
  • Provision of a horse with helmet supplied in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
  • Boiled water to fill in your bottles
  • Guided tour in Machu Picchu
  • Thick foam mattress
  • Small Pillow

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Sleeping bag (minus 10 ºC) – US$ 20
  • Breakfast on the first day, Lunch & dinner on the last day
  • Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$67 per person (For the return to Cusco)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain– US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Machu Picchu  Mountain –  US$75 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • One way bus ticket from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes – It can be hiked in one hour.

PRICE

  • US$517 per person( personal porter included)

This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide a duffle bag for you to put your things in.

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
  • Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: US$40  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS 

  • Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$67 per person (For the return to Cusco)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Machu Picchu  Mountain –  US$75 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

  • Thick Foam Mattresses for every hiker
  • Small pillow
  • Transfer Airport to Hotel (only in Cusco – Please request it by email)
  • Duffle bags
  • Trash plastic bags
  • Extra blanket for the tent are included in the trekking price!
  • EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your things up to 7 kgs / 15p  sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
  • COLD BOILED WATER will be provided along the trek, there will be hot and cold water at each meal time.
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available.
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included which can be ridden if you feel tired or sick

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

“Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Inca Quarry trek to Machu Picchu” 

WELCOME TO CUSCO

You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to start of your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with Incatrailhikeperu at the arrivals terminal.

THE BRIEFING

It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

Of course! During the Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK THE INCA QUARRY TREK MACHU PICCHU

FIRST, to book your Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Inca Quarry Trek Machu Picchu permit without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com. 

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Inca Quarry Trek, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE INCA QUARRY  TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee.  BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on your location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.

The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you  for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness. 

We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing.  Check out our day tours on our Main Page.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 12 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Orange Nation Peru specialises in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalised service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Inca Quarry Trek Machu Picchu is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,700mt. On the second day of the trek we climb two mountains. The Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms  a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?

Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!   If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there !

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore you we usually book the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you feel it, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

PACK LIST

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE INCA QUARRY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good daypack, we do reacommend to take 30L backpack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation Peru)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toiletpaper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG

As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
  • Couple Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
  • Swimming Suit

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Coca leaves.
  • Rain plastic poncho (provided by Orange)
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Value things

Frequently Ask Question for the Inca Quarry Trai Trek.

Usually How long does it take?

It’s a 4-day trek, about the same amount of time as the Inca Trail, but the final morning is just a transfer from Cachiqata to Aguas Calientes. You will only be walking for around three days.

Do you still get to see Machu Picchu?
Of course! The only difference is you will make the very last leg from Cachiqata to Ollantaytambo by bus, then a train to Aguas Calientes. If all goes according to plan, you should still get to Machu Picchu around sunrise.

What’s the scenery like?
Pretty much the same, but different. You are still trekking through the best of the Andes, so expect soaring green peaks, granite boulders, isolated villages like Socma and archaeological sites like the famous Q’orimarca ruins. Many trekkers who have done both say The Quarry trail actually beats the Inca for pure scenery.

When is the best time to hike?
If you want to beat most of the crowds (not that the Quarry Trail ever gets really busy), pick a shoulder season. May or October are good months. Peak time is the same as the Inca Trail, June, July and August.

Weather here will be great, but you will be fighting for photo space at Machu Picchu. The difference is, you will have had the Andes to yourself for the last few days.

How crowded is it?
Alot of pople a year trek the Inca Trail, but the Quarry Trail doesn’t even come close. You will get all that beautiful Andean scenery more or less to yourself (apart from the odd Quechan village or friendly llama).

The vital stats
The overall distance of the Quarry Trail is about 26km (the Inca Trail is 43km) and the maximum altitude is 4,450m above sea level (the Inca Trail’s highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215m). We highly recommend you to spend at least 2 days Inca Cusco in order to get used to the altutide before going on trek.

The trekking route for the Quarry Trek

You will set off from Raf’q, where you will meet the horsemen and guides that’ll be your best buddies for the next four days. Set off on the trail and you will soon hit the little town of Socma, then it’s on to the stunning Perolniyoc cascade lookout. A good spot for a selfie and a snack. After a rest, push on to the campsite, which sits about 3,700m above sea level.

The second day of the Quarry Trail is probably the toughest. You will climb to the pass of Puccagasa (4370m) for some of the best views in the Andes, then hike for about two hours to the highest point on the trek: the mammoth Kuychicassa pass (4450m). After that it’s downhill for a while (phew), two hours of easy walking down to a site the Incas called Inti Punku (which means the Sun Gate, although it’s not THE Sun Gate). You can see the Veronica mountain shooting into the sky from here. It’s magic. Camp out near Choquetacarpo, about 3,600m above sea level.

On the third day it’s mostly downhill (yay!). You will walk past Kachiqata quarry (hence the Quarry Trail). This is a rock quarry that the Incas never completed during the Spanish conquest. By midday you’ll be at Kachiqata town, where you’ll take a train to Aquas Calientes (with a dip in the hot springs on arrival). The next morning it’s a short bus ride and all the glory of Machu Picchu.

How fit do I need to be for doing this hike?
Anyone trekking for three solid days over 3,500m above sea level needs a reasonable level of fitness. Altitude sickness is a real risk, but we’ll try to acclimatize you with some time in Cusco before the trip. Most people complete the Quarry Trail without any problems. Drink lots of water as you go, pace yourself, wear polarized sunglasses and appropriate boots. For a full guide to trek preparation, check out our blog here.

Gallery INCA QUARRY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

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