Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
4 days Short Hike
Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days Overview
Trip Details:
Itinerary Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
DAY 01: SOQMA - RAYAN
Hotel search service around 4:00 am, departure for the Sacred Valley at 01:40 am. to reach the town of Soqma (3205 m above sea level). What is the starting point of the race in Cachicata , the runners will be waiting for us in this town, ready for this adventurous race;
We gently follow one of the side valleys, starting at 1:30 pm and stopping at the Perolniyoc waterfall . It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the northern part of the sacred valley.
We will continue our walk for another hour to reach the archaeological site of Perolniyoc, located above the waterfall. After exploring the ruins with our guide, we will walk for an hour to reach our lunch and our camp.
We will spend the night in the Rayan area (3,700 masl ). Estimated travel time from 04:00 to 05:00. Of.
DAY 02: RAYAN - INTIPUNKU - CHOQUETACARPO
After breakfast, we leave the camp at 03:00. A slow walk takes us to the ravine called Pukakasa ( 4.450m ), for many it is the most difficult part due to the height, but it is the most spectacular day, we will see many snow-capped mountains and the Sacred Valley on the other side.
When we reach the mountain, we will experience the magical feeling of surviving one of the highest levels of this mountain range.
Then we go down the slope for 25 minutes to have lunch. In the afternoon we will walk 2h00 minutes. More of a bumpy road with ups and downs. The last 25 minutes of this section take us to the highest trail of the trek, Kuychi. K’asa (4,457 masl ).
Then, at 2:00 pm, descend to the famous place called Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol, where you will have spectacular views of Mount Veronica (5,682m ) and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will spend the night in Choquetacarpo , 30 minutes from Inti Punku (3,600 masl ). Estimated travel time from 08:00 to 09:00. Of.
DAY 03: CHOQUETACARPO - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we will continue our trek towards Cachicata for an hour to reach the Cueva del Inca (3,525 masl ), hence the name Cachicata Trek; where we can walk and observe all the stone works of the Inca builders before being transported to Ollantaytambo.
Our guide will show us the remains of the unfinished stone left by the Incas during the invasion of the Spanish conquistadors.
From Cantera Cachiqata we descend at 3:00 to Ollantaytambo. place of our lunch. In the afternoon we have a train connection to Aguas Calientes where we will stay overnight in a simple hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant. Estimated travel time 04:00 min.
DAY 04: MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO
After breakfast at the hotel, we will go to Ruins Bridge station to catch a very early bus at 05:30. The guide will teach you the whole history of this mysterious and mystical place.
We visit the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Palace, the Templo Mayor, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Sundial.After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or follow the options below:
Optional: Visit the Puerta del Sol, where you will have the opportunity to walk (around 02:00). Inca Bridge Excursion – The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adventure for your next visit to Machu Picchu.
In this case, however, the adventure is a little less tiring, but death is much more difficult, neither for those who suffer from vertigo nor to climb any of the mountains that Machu Picchu has, but book in advance because the points are not there. are many.
In the afternoon we will return to Aguas Calientes station to return to Ollantaytambo station. Upon arrival, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the bus that will take you back to the city of Cusco. Inca trekking, visit to the Inca jungle.
Important
The tour schedule will be confirmed at the destination.
Photo Showcase
Prices in Private Service
| Number of persons | Price per person |
Prices in Group Service
Included
- Information before departure 1 or 2 days before the tour
- Transfer from your hotel in Cusco
- Horses for the transport of our camping and cooking equipment
- The professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish) will ask for the language at the time of booking.
- Seasonal tents with capacity for 4 people, but only used by 2 people
- 03 breakfast, 04 lunch, 04 dinner
- First aid kit with emergency oxygen bottle.
- Train from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from the train station to Cusco
- One night at the Aguas Calientes hotel
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
No Included
- Sleeping bag: can be rented at our office
- The bell
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
- Tips (cook, driver and guide)
- travel insurance
- Huaynapicchu mountain
What To Bring
- original passport
- Money in soles, not dollars
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the duration of the excursion
- Rainwear (jacket and pants if available) or rain ponchos (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Sturdy shoes, waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
- Sandals or joggers for maximum comfort on the court
- Outerwear, including jacket, fleece. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Flashlight / projector and batteries
- Camera and batteries (batteries wear out faster in cold weather)
- Hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun, rain and cold
- sunscreen
- After sun cream or moisturizer for face and body
- Insect repellent – recommended DEET minimum 20% – malaria risk not reported
- fabrics
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruit, muesli, etc. Keep in mind that we offer a daily snack in the morning and our catering service is very comprehensive and attentive. This recommendation applies to all customers accustomed to a particular snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our offer.
- Water tank and water for the first morning. Important note: Plastic water bottles are no longer allowed in Machu Picchu. Plastic (eg Nalgene) or metal water containers are recommended
- Optional: water sterilization tablets if you drink water from streams or rivers along the way. Alternatively, we provide filtered boiled water that is safe to drink and has reported no health problems.
- small towel
- Swimsuit (if you want to go to the Aguas Calientes thermal baths)
- Optional: walking or walking sticks (rubber covers are required to avoid damaging the archaeological sites).
Travel Guide
Luggage and backpackers for your trekking
In general , you should pack as lightly as possible. Horses carry their luggage from Pachar (day 1) to Cachicata (day 2). 3 day trip , take your luggage to Aguas Calientes by train. You need to bring your own baggage (maximum 10 minutes). It is recommended to keep the weight below 5 kg. You must bring clothes and a sleeping bag.
If it is very important, get the best backpack blanket because the weather from Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu changes every date, we cannot predict if it will rain or not. If you don’t have it, we recommend that you put your clothes, sleeping bag and other belongings in the plastic bag.
Appropriate clothing during this trek.
During the day, trekking pants and t-shirts are recommended, complemented by sweaters, fleece and waterproof jackets. It is very useful to have light rain gear (poncho or raincoat and / or rain pants) in your backpack because the weather can change quickly and it can rain suddenly.
Warm clothes are a must in the evening, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. On the third day (when the sun is shining) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants make sense, which can be replaced by shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a hot climate that only cools down at night. The rest of the necessary items are included in the list of «What we recommend you bring».
Frequently Asked Questions Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
How long does it take?
It’s a four-day trek, about the same amount of time as the Inca Trail, but the final morning is just a transfer from Kachiqata to Aguas Calientes. You’ll only be walking for around three days.
What’s the scenery like?
Same same, but different. You’re 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’ve done both say The Quarry trail actually beats the Inca for pure scenery: you’ve got high passes like Puccaqasa (4,370m), views of the Nevado Veronica mountain and stunning valleys falling away on all sides.
When should I go?
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.
Is it crowded?
75,000 people a year trek the Inca, but the Quarry Trail doesn’t even come close. You’ll get all that beautiful Andean scenery more or less to yourself (apart from the odd Quechan village or friendly llama).
Horses, not porters
On the Inca Trail your main luggage is carried by porters. On the quarry trail it’s carried by horses. This has the added benefit of walking through the Andes with freaking horses alongside you. Not to be sniffed at. Of course you’ll still have trained guides to help you along and set up camp each night.
The route
You’ll set off from Raf’q, where you’ll meet the horsemen and guides that’ll be your best buddies for the next four days. Set off on the trail and you’ll 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’ll 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.
How long does it take?
It’s a four-day trek, about the same amount of time as the Inca Trail, but the final morning is just a transfer from Kachiqata to Aguas Calientes. You’ll only be walking for around three days.
What’s the scenery like?
Same same, but different. You’re 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’ve done both say The Quarry trail actually beats the Inca for pure scenery: you’ve got high passes like Puccaqasa (4,370m), views of the Nevado Veronica mountain and stunning valleys falling away on all sides.
When should I go?
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.
Is it crowded?
75,000 people a year trek the Inca, but the Quarry Trail doesn’t even come close. You’ll get all that beautiful Andean scenery more or less to yourself (apart from the odd Quechan village or friendly llama).
Horses, not porters
On the Inca Trail your main luggage is carried by porters. On the quarry trail it’s carried by horses. This has the added benefit of walking through the Andes with freaking horses alongside you. Not to be sniffed at. Of course you’ll still have trained guides to help you along and set up camp each night.
The route
You’ll set off from Raf’q, where you’ll meet the horsemen and guides that’ll be your best buddies for the next four days. Set off on the trail and you’ll 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’ll 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.
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