Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu - 4D/3N
Overview
Discover one of the Andes'best-kept secrets. The Inca Quarry Trail (also known as the Cachicata Trek) is a stunning off-the-beaten-path alternative to the crowded Classic Inca Trail. This trail takes you through isolated Andean communities, past the magnificent Perolniyoc waterfall, and up to high-altitude passes with sweeping views of the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped Veronica mountain. The highlight of the trek is exploring the ancient Incan quarries of Cachicata, where massive stones were cut and abandoned hundreds of years ago. The journey ends with a spectacular visit to Machu Picchu.
Day by Day Itinerary
Cusco – Socma – Rafq'a – Perolniyoc Waterfall
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to the village of Socma in the Sacred Valley, where we meet our horsemen and begin the trek at Rafq'a. We hike up a gentle incline for a few hours until we reach the spectacular Perolniyoc waterfall, which drops 100 meters down a sheer cliff. After a rest and photos, we climb further up to explore the dramatic cliffside ruins of Racaypata. We then continue to our first campsite located in a beautiful, quiet meadow. • Trekking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles • Estimated Time: 5-6 hours • Starting Altitude: 3,205m / 10,515ft • Campsite Altitude: 3,700m / 12,139ft
Perolniyoc – Kuychiq'asa Pass – Chancachuco
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. After a hearty breakfast, we begin our ascent to the highest point of our journey, the Kuychiq'asa Pass (4,450m). From the summit, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the towering Urubamba mountain range. We then descend into the remote Chancachuco valley, hiking past high-altitude lakes and grazing alpacas, until we reach our second campsite. This area is completely devoid of tourists, offering a true sense of Andean wilderness. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,450m / 14,599ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,350m / 14,271ft
Chancachuco – Inti Punku – Incan Quarries – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We start the day by following an original Incan aqueduct down into the valley. We hike to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) of Ollantaytambo, perched high on a ridge with a majestic view of the Veronica glacier. From here, we descend to the fascinating Cachicata Incan quarries. Your guide will explain how the Incas carved massive blocks of pink rhyolite intended for the fortress of Ollantaytambo, many of which remain abandoned along the trail. We finally arrive in the living Incan town of Ollantaytambo, where we catch the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes for dinner and a hotel stay. • Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,350m / 14,271ft • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft
Machu Picchu Exploration – Return to Cusco
We wake up very early and take one of the first buses up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of the iconic citadel, learning about its history, architecture, and spiritual significance. Afterward, you have free time to explore the ruins on your own, take photos, or hike the optional Huayna Picchu mountain. In the afternoon, you will head down to Aguas Calientes to take the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco. • Trekking Distance: Exploration of Machu Picchu • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours guided tour • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft
What is Included
- Briefing before departure at your hotel
- Private transportation to the trailhead at Rafq'a
- Professional bilingual trekking guide
- Cook and horses to carry all camping equipment and food
- Personal allowance of 7kg carried by the horses
- High-quality 4-season tents and sleeping mats
- All meals during the trek (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or 3 depending on availability)
- Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Return Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station back to Cusco
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Not Included
- Sleeping bags (Available for rent)
- Trekking poles (Available for rent)
- Bus tickets up/down to Machu Picchu (approx $24 USD each way)
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits
- First day breakfast and last day lunch
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for the trekking staff
Book This Expedition
Direct operator permits • No intermediaries
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ANDES MARATHON
Official licensed direct mountaineering operator based in Cusco, Peru. We design high-altitude private adventures and glamping tours while ensuring fair wages and dignity for our native porters through the Ayni Philosophy.
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