Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
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Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days / 3 Nights
Looking for an alternative trek to Machu Picchu that combines spectacular Andean scenery, Inca history and a quieter trekking experience?
The Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu is a 4-day trekking adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking you from the highlands near Cusco to the historic town of Ollantaytambo and finally to Machu Picchu.
Also known as the Cachicata Trek, this route offers a fascinating combination of mountain landscapes, traditional Andean communities and archaeological sites. One of its highlights is the Cachicata Inca Quarry, where large stone blocks were extracted and worked during the Inca period for construction in the Ollantaytambo area.
Along the trail, you will cross high Andean mountain passes, walk through traditional agricultural landscapes and discover lesser-known archaeological sites away from the busiest trekking routes around Cusco.
The journey ends with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, giving you the opportunity to combine an authentic Andean trekking experience with one of Peru’s most important archaeological destinations.
Why Choose the Inca Quarry Trail?
This trek is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience Machu Picchu beyond the classic routes. It combines:
The historic Cachicata Inca Quarry
Spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains
High-altitude Andean landscapes
Traditional farming communities
Inca archaeological sites and ancient pathways
A professional bilingual guide
A small-group and personalized trekking experience
A guided visit to Machu Picchu
If you enjoy history, archaeology, mountain landscapes and authentic cultural experiences, the Inca Quarry Trail offers a rewarding alternative to the more heavily traveled trekking routes in the Cusco region.
Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu — 4 Days
Discover an unforgettable 4-day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu, combining ancient Inca history, dramatic mountain scenery, traditional Andean communities, and the legendary Machu Picchu.
Inca Quarry Trail Overview
The Cachicata Inca Quarry Trek takes you through spectacular Andean landscapes to the ancient Cachicata quarry, where Inca stoneworkers extracted and shaped massive stones. The trek combines archaeology, culture, mountain scenery, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience before reaching Machu Picchu.
Why Choose the Cachicata Inca Quarry Trek?
Choose this trek for its ancient Inca quarry, spectacular Sacred Valley views, fewer crowds, authentic Andean landscapes, and cultural experiences. It is an excellent alternative for travelers looking for a more peaceful and immersive route to Machu Picchu.
4-Day Cachicata Trek Itinerary: Ancient Quarries to Machu Picchu
Day 3: Cachicata – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Inca quarry trail machupicchu 4/3 After trekking for about one hour you will observe a wonderful waterfall called Perolniyoc. Also, your guide will show you some medicinal plants that the local farmers use along the way. You can pick some plants and make your own tea like locals. Then we will go uphill until to get Q´anabamba and Willkarakayfrom which your professional guide will explain to you, Inca quarry trail machupicchu 4/3 From here you will continue to the campsite which will take you for couple of hours, once you get campsite you have lunch. After lunch you will have some time to take a nap, then your guide will take you to visit the local family where you will learn about their traditions, culture, etc.
QUICK FACTS:
Distance covered: 11 km (6.8 miles).
Time: 4 to 6 hours.
Lowest elevation: 3000m (9,743 feet).
Highest elevation: 3700m (12,149 feet).
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Day 1: Cusco – Socma – Perolniyoc – Rayan
Early wake-up call with a cup of coca tea in your tent by one of our porters. After a delicious breakfast, we leave the campsite towards the first pass called Pukaqasa (4380m t- 14,370 ft) which will take us for about 3 and a half hours, after we reach the pass we will descend down for 30 minutes where we meet our chef for lunch. We begin with our hike again for another 2 more hours of gradual uphill to the next pass named Kuychicasa (4450m – 14,600ft).Inca quarry trail machupicchu 4/3 It is the longest day of the trek to Machu Picchu but the most regarding, because of the spectacular views of snowcapped mountains. The last 2 hours all descend to the campsite, on the way we will visit a small Inca ruins called Intipunku meaning sun gate, arriving at camp Cachicata (3600m – 11,811ft) around 5 pm.
QUICK FACTS:
Distance covered: 11 km (6.8 miles).
Time: 4 to 6 hours.
Lowest elevation: 3600m (11,811 feet).
Highest elevation: 4450m (14,600 feet).
Level of difficulty: Demanding.
Inca ruins: Seen in the distance.
Day 2: Rayan – High Mountain Pass – Cachicata
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Today we will explore the Stone quarry of Cachicata, it is an extensive site that served as a stone quarry for the construction of Ollantaytambo, where you will be able to see all the work of the Incas, there are large rocks left half-finished and abandoned in the entire area, Inca mummies, burial houses or called Chullpas are seen here too. After a guided tour you start the descend down for about 3 hours to Ollantaytambo following the original Inca ramp that Incas built for transporting the stones to Ollantaytambo. Arrive at the town for the last lunch with our chef. You will have some time in this town to explore or visit the local bar? Where the local ladies serve Chicha meaning corn beer considered sacred by the Incas. Inca quarry trail machupicchu 4/3 In the afternoon you will catch the train to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night Inca quarry trail machupicchu 4/3.
QUICK FACTS:
Distance covered: 15 km (9,3 miles).
Time: 8 to 10 hours.
Lowest elevation: 2700m (8,8 feet).
Highest elevation: 3600m (11,811 feet).
Level of difficulty: Modérate.
Inca quarry trail machupicchu 4/3 Day four is the most magical day: Machu Picchu. We will wake up early to take the first bus up to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise over the ruins Inca quarry trail machupicchu 4/3.
Your guide will spend around 2 hours explaining the highlights of Machu Picchu. Afterward, you will have time to explore by yourself the ruins and hike Huaynapicchu if you have booked this option. (This is a separate entrance ticket that costs $15 per person). Inca quarry trail machupicchu 4/3 Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes and take a train back to Ollantaytambo, and then bus back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, we will transfer you back to your hotel.
Transport to the start of the trek
Briefing
Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
Assistant guide for groups of over 8 people
Accommodation on the trek is camping (2 nights). Tents are set up by the porters.Accommodation at hotel for 1 night
Mules and wranglers for carrying equipment and personal gear
Full meals – during the trek the meals are prepared by the trek cook and also include: daily morning snack, daily tea service except last day, vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Camping equipment: Personal tents (2 people in tent, they are 3 season and highly maintained), mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent with tables and chairs, toilet tent, household items
Accommodation for all our staff
Chef and cooking equipment
Hot water every morning to clean up and boiled water to fill your bottle every morning or night
First aid kit and emergency oxygen supply
Bag for the gear you will need during the trek
Machu Picchu entrance fee
Round trip bus ticket
Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes / Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Backpacker, Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, upon request) (*)
One way transfer from airport hotel
Transfer from the train station to the hotel in Cusco
(*) If there are no train tickets available for the direct route Aguas Calientes – Poroy, a ticket for Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) with an additional transfer to your selected hotel will be provided.
We recommend that you bring:
Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
A good sleeping bag (down bag for temperatures as low as -15°C)
Daypack for carrying items for daily use such as cameras, water bottles, etc.
Long-sleeved shirts
Short-sleeved t-shirts
Comfortable pants
Shorts
Walking boots – waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sports shoes or sandals for a higher level of comfort while at camp
Warm clothing, including jacket, fleeces
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries (batteries are consumed quicker in cold conditions)
Hat, cap and accessories
Rehydrating cream
Underwear
Towel, toilet paper
Camera, video camera, binoculars, etc.
Insect repellent
Sun block
Non-disposible canteen and water for the first morning. Optional: water-sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported health problem so far
Original valid passport
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
Walking poles (you will need rubber tips to cover the metal tips and protect the trail)
Travel insurance
Includes
Prices Explanation of services: 2026
1 Person US$1250.00 Per Person
2 people : US$850.00 per person
4 people : US$800.00 per person
6 people : US$750.00 per person
Highlights of the Inca Quarry Trail
Discover spectacular Andean landscapes, ancient Inca quarries, archaeological sites, traditional communities, and mountain trails on this scenic adventure from the Sacred Valley.
Cachicata Inca Quarry and Inca History
Explore the Cachicata Inca Quarry, where enormous stone blocks reveal the remarkable engineering and construction techniques of the Inca civilization.
Inca Quarry Trail Difficulty and Altitude
The Inca Quarry Trail combines moderate hiking with high-altitude terrain. Your pace is adapted to the group, allowing time to enjoy the scenery and acclimatize comfortably.
What Is Included
Your trek includes the essential services for a comfortable experience, including professional local guides, transportation, meals, camping equipment, and the services specified in your itinerary.
What Is Not Included
Personal expenses, travel insurance, tips, personal trekking equipment, and services not specifically listed in the itinerary are not included.
What to Pack for the Inca Quarry Trek
Bring comfortable hiking clothing, trekking shoes, layers for changing temperatures, rain protection, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, personal medications, and a small daypack.
Best Time to Hike the Inca Quarry Trail
The dry season from May to September generally offers better conditions for hiking, with clearer skies and less rainfall. The trail can be experienced during other months with appropriate preparation.
Inca Quarry Trail vs. Classic Inca Trail
The Inca Quarry Trail offers a quieter alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, combining Inca archaeology, dramatic mountain scenery, and fewer crowds while providing a different perspective on the Sacred Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about difficulty, altitude, camping, weather, transportation, what to pack, and the best time to hike the Inca Quarry Trail.
Book Your Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
Ready to explore the ancient Inca quarries and Andes? Contact Inca Land Adventures to check availability and plan your Inca Quarry Trail experience to Machu Picchu.
Contact
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