The Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is a unique and off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines breathtaking mountain scenery, fascinating Inca history, and authentic cultural encounters. This alternative trek takes travelers through remote Andean landscapes, ancient stone quarries, spectacular waterfalls, and little-visited archaeological sites before reaching the world-renowned citadel of Machu Picchu.
Unlike the more crowded trekking routes, the Inca Quarry Trek offers a peaceful hiking experience where visitors can explore hidden corners of the Andes while learning about the incredible engineering and craftsmanship of the Inca civilization. One of the trek’s highlights is visiting the ancient quarry of Cachiqata, where massive stones were carved and transported for the construction of the royal Inca complex of Ollantaytambo.
The journey begins in the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo and gradually ascends through traditional farming communities, colorful mountain valleys, and high-altitude passes with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. Along the route, hikers discover remarkable archaeological sites such as Perolniyoc, known for its impressive waterfall and Inca ruins, as well as lesser-known sites that reveal the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Overview
The current restrictions and regulations on the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu and the great demand of travelers arriving in Peru make the reservation of the classic Inca Trail increasingly difficult. However, as a local company, we offer travelers a different alternative to hiking. inca quarry trek to machu picchu. is a new option
Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu, this trek has all the components that you expect in a trip through the Andes of South America: the landscapes are impressive, there are opportunities to interact in the communities and with the local population. This tour can be booked without any problem, you do not need government permission to walk. You can decide here! Inca Quarry trek to machu picchu.
Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days, is within the Sacred Valley of the Incas this option is very good, to get off the beaten track, here you can enjoy more of the local people and their customs and traditions. inca quarry trek is the best hiking option to machu picchu.
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.
We offer daily departures in the inca trail and alternative routes: check availability here.
Useful Information
- Overall distance hiked: 32 km/ 20 miles
- Starting altitude: 3,205 m / 10,512 ft.
- Maximum altitude: 4,457 m/ 14,619 ft.
- Overall trek difficulty: Moderate
- Longest Day – Day 2, approx 8 km / 13 miles
- Coldest night – 2 day around 0 degrees Celsius
- Meals – Breakfast /Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping/ hostel
- Difficulty – difficult / Moderate
Overview Day to Day
- Day 01.- CUSCO - SOQMA - QORIMARCA.
- Day 02.- QORIMARKA - KUYCHICASSA - CHOQUETACARPO.
- Day 03.- CHOQUETACARPO - OLLANTA - AGUAS CALIENTES.
- Day 04.- AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO.
Conditions for the Mountain - Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 01.- CUSCO - SOQMA -QORIMARCA.
Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu. We pick you up very early from your hotel to head to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where the Incas used to worship the moon. A short drive from here takes us to Rafq’a, the starting point of our hike and where we meet with our support team who will accompany us during the hike. After approx. 1 hour of walking we arrive at the small community of Soqma.
Continuing with the walk you will reach the waterfall of Perolniyoc. This is a perfect opportunity to take pictures of the place and the landscape that surrounds it and perfect for a break.
From here we continue to our camp, at 3700 meters above sea level. All is well, we must arrive at our camp at lunch time. After lunch we set off to explore the archeological area of Q’orimarca, which served as a checkpoint during the Inca period.
- Accommodation: camping
- Meals: Lunch / Dinner
- Lowest height: 3,205 m / 10,512 feet
- Highest height: 4,450 m / 14,596 ft
- Distance walking: 14 km / 08 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 to 8 hours
- Level of difficulty: moderate
Day 02.- QORIMARKA - KUYCHICASSA - CHOQUETACARPO.
After an Andean breakfast, we will begin the most difficult but most rewarding part of the walk. A 3 hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass, known as Puccaqasa (approximately 4370 meters). After enjoying the views of the valley and the surrounding landscape we walked for 30 minutes to get to our lunch spot.
After lunch and brief rest we started the 2 hour hike again to the highest step of the hike: Kuychicassa (4450 meters).From here we begin a descent for 2 hours to a site that the Incas called Willka Punku, (meaning Sacred Gate) with imposing views over the sacred valley below and the mountain Veronica on the horizon. Our camp is located in Choquetacarpo with beautiful views of the sacred valley and the Inca village of Ollantaytambo (3600m).
- Accommodation: camping
- Meals: Lunch / Dinner
- Lowest height: 3,205 m / 10,512 feet
- Highest height: 4,450 m / 14,596 ft
- Distance walking: 14 km / 08 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 to 8 hours
- Level of difficulty: moderate
Day 03.- CHOQUETACARPO - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES.
This day we can observe the sunrise and after a delicious breakfast we will start the trek downhill and we can visit the cachiqata quarries, where the Incas extracted lithic blocks for the construction of the village of ollantaytambo, we will witness the work that the Incas could not complete due to To the Spanish conquest.
Approximately noon we finally reached the village of ollantaytambo and end of this challenging and fascinating walk. We will have lunch in a typical restaurant in the area and then we will hike through Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon we travel by train to the town of Aguas Calientes, accommodation and overnight.
- Accommodation: Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Highest height: 3,850 m / 12,628 ft
- Lowest Altitude: 2,792 m / 9,158 ft
- Walking distance: 07km / 3 miles
- Approximate walking time: 05 hours
- Level of difficulty: Easy
Day 04.- AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO.
This day breakfast will be at your hotel very early (5.30.am) and then we will board the bus with direction of the city of Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes). Once in the city we will be able to observe the sunrise, Guided visit of 2.30 hours approximately once the tour ends you will have time to explore the city on your own.
In the afternoon we will return to Aguas Calientes by bus, to board the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from this place we will have a bus to the city of Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
The train service that includes all the tours (the Expedition to Ollanta) and bus to Cusco.
* If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes you have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and change the return train service.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum height: 2,440 masl
- Difficulty: Easy.
*CONDITIONS FOR THE WAYNA PICCHU AND MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Pre-departure information at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- Professional bilingual guide (additional guide for groups of nine or more)
- Pick up from your hotel and transport to Soqma
- Tent of four people for every 2 people.
- Inflatable mattress
- Cook shop
- Dining room with tables and chairs
- Playground
- Chef
- Arriero and horses to carry the whole equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Horse to carry 8 kg of your personal equipment
- Bag for your personal equipment
- Emergency horse in case we need it
- Three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners
- Hot water every morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Round bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- First aid kit
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- Vegetarian diet available.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Breakfast the first day
- Sleeping bag
- Lunch last day
- Expenses extras.(tips)
** Train included in all tours is Ollanta Expeditions) the train schedule is confirmed only after payment of the full amount of the tour. The first train to be 14.55.pm and the last train at 18:20 .pm PACHA EXPEDITIONS, arrange transport back to Cusco (by taxi or bus).
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Original passport (if you have purchased a new one after making your reservation, bring both)
- Sleeping bag synthetic or feather down (can be rented from us)
- Clothing (trekking boots, warm wool jacket, tops, some t-shirts, socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, long pants, gloves, poncho, waterproof jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wipes, personal towel)
- Solar block, factor 70+ recommended
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Camera with spare batteries
- Book to read (you will have some time in each camp to read your favorite book)
- Trekking poles (especially recommended for steep descents, can be rented from us)
- Insect repellent
* To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a university card, with current and updated date
* If desired train back to Cusco can be upgraded to Vistadome (+$.50)
OPTIONAL ITEMS TO TAKE:
- Shorts
- Walking stick
- bandages
- Sandals
- Extra money
- Bathing suit for hot springs in Santa teresa or/and in Aguas Calientes town -not included in price-
Price & Add - ons
Group: U$: 690
Private: U$: 870
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is 02 people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years Discount: U$: 20
- Under 07 years Discount: U$: 35
Rentals
- Hiking poles – U$: 15 (pair)
- Sleeping bag U$: 25
Upgrades
- Return Vistadome train – USD $90 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham train– USD $580 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $445 Per person
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $90 Per person
Map (Inca Quarry Trek)
FAQs – Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
What is the Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Quarry Trek is a 4-day alternative trek to Machu Picchu that takes hikers through remote Andean landscapes, traditional villages, ancient Inca quarries, waterfalls, and archaeological sites before reaching Machu Picchu. It offers a quieter and more authentic experience than the Classic Inca Trail.
Why is it called the Inca Quarry Trek?
The trek is named after the ancient Cachiqata Quarry, where the Incas extracted and carved massive stones used in the construction of Ollantaytambo. Along the route, visitors can see unfinished stones and learn about Inca engineering techniques.
How difficult is the Inca Quarry Trek?
The trek is considered moderate to challenging. Hikers will encounter steep ascents and descents, high-altitude passes, and daily hiking distances of approximately 5–8 hours.
What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point is Kuychiccasa Pass, which reaches approximately 4,450 meters (14,600 feet) above sea level.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Previous hiking experience is helpful but not mandatory. Participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for hiking at high altitude.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes. Since the trek reaches elevations above 4,000 meters, it is highly recommended to spend at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek.
What archaeological sites are visited during the trek?
The trek typically includes visits to:
- Perolniyoc Archaeological Site
- Cachiqata Inca Quarry
- Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
- Machu Picchu
Is Machu Picchu included in the tour?
Yes. The final day includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu, where visitors explore the most important sectors of the Inca citadel.
Are Machu Picchu entrance tickets included?
Most tour packages include Machu Picchu entrance tickets. Due to limited daily availability, booking several months in advance is recommended.
Is a permit required for the Inca Quarry Trek?
No special trekking permit is required for the Inca Quarry Trek itself. However, a valid entrance ticket is required for Machu Picchu.
How do we get to Machu Picchu after the trek?
After completing the hiking portion, travelers typically take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride to Machu Picchu the next day.
What type of accommodation is provided?
Most tours include:
- Two nights of camping during the trek
- One night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu
What meals are included?
Most packages include:
- 3 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Snacks during the trek
Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other options can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
What should I pack for the trek?
Essential items include:
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layers
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp
- Personal medications
- Camera
- Small daypack
Are trekking poles recommended?
Yes. Trekking poles can improve stability and reduce strain on the knees during steep sections of the trail.
Is drinking water provided?
Yes. Most operators provide purified or boiled drinking water during the trek. Hikers should bring reusable water bottles or hydration packs.
What weather can I expect?
Weather varies throughout the year:
- Dry season (May–September): sunny days and cold nights.
- Rainy season (November–March): more frequent rain and muddy trails.
Temperatures can change significantly between daytime and nighttime.
What is the best time to do the Inca Quarry Trek?
The best time is during the dry season from May through September when skies are generally clearer and trail conditions are more favorable.
How many people are usually in a group?
Group sizes vary by operator, but most tours maintain small groups to provide a more personalized experience and minimize environmental impact.
Can children join the trek?
Yes, physically active children and teenagers who enjoy hiking can participate. Parents should ensure they are prepared for the altitude and hiking distances.
Are there bathrooms along the route?
Facilities are limited. Most camping areas provide basic toilet facilities or portable toilet tents arranged by the trekking company.
What makes the Inca Quarry Trek different from the Inca Trail?
The Inca Quarry Trek:
- Receives far fewer visitors.
- Does not require an Inca Trail permit.
- Focuses on Inca quarries and lesser-known archaeological sites.
- Offers more interaction with local communities.
- Provides a quieter and more remote trekking experience.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking at least 2–4 months in advance is recommended, especially during the high season, to secure train tickets, accommodations, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
Is the Inca Quarry Trek worth it?
Absolutely. The Inca Quarry Trek is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a unique route to Machu Picchu that combines history, archaeology, stunning mountain scenery, authentic Andean culture, and fewer crowds than more famous trekking routes.
