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Cachicata Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days Journey Through Time & Nature

Cachicata Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days Journey Through Time & Nature

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tourhub | TreXperience | Cachicata Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days Journey Through Time & Nature | 57985 | Map

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4 Days From

~~$890~~

$848

Cachicata Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days Journey Through Time & Nature

4 Days Starting in Ollantaytambo and ending in Cusco

Visiting: Ollantaytambo, Tanca, Aguas Calientes

Tour operator:

TreXperience

Tour code:

57985

Recommended For:

Couples

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

MODERATE

Age range:

3-8

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, gluten free

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From: $890 $848 Travel Club discount: -$42

NB: Prices correct on 12-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the Hidden Wonders of the Andes with the Inca Quarry Trail, also known as the Cachicata Trek—a stunning alternative to the famous Inca Trail. This off-the-beaten-path adventure takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and to the historic quarry where stones were once carved for the majestic Ollantaytambo.As you trek, you’ll experience life in remote Andean villages, connect with the local culture, and witness the beauty of nature—from the serene Sacred Valley to the towering peaks of the high Andes. The journey culminates in a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Machu Picchu, where you'll explore the wonders of one of the world’s most iconic sites.Tour Highlights:Admire the stunning Perolniyoq Waterfalls.Explore the largest Inca Quarry and the impressive Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo.Discover Machu Picchu early morningRelax with a scenic ride on the Panoramic Vistadome Train.Book with confidence and flexibility for an unforgettable adventure!

Highlights

Discover the Hidden Wonders of the Andes with the Inca Quarry Trail, also known as the Cachicata Trek—a stunning alternative to the famous Inca Trail
This off-the-beaten-path adventure takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and to the historic quarry where stones were once carved for the majestic Ollantaytambo
As you trek, you’ll experience life in remote Andean villages, connect with the local culture, and witness the beauty of nature—from the serene Sacred Valley to the towering peaks of the high Andes
The journey culminates in a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Machu Picchu, where you'll explore the wonders of one of the world’s most iconic sites
Tour Highlights:Admire the stunning Perolniyoq Waterfalls
Explore the largest Inca Quarry and the impressive Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo
Discover Machu Picchu early morningRelax with a scenic ride on the Panoramic Vistadome Train
Book with confidence and flexibility for an unforgettable adventure!

Itinerary

tourhub | TreXperience | Cachicata Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days Journey Through Time & Nature | 57985 | Route Map

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Day 1: Cusco – Racca – Socma – Korimarca

Location: Ollantaytambo

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Your unforgettable journey begins at 7:00 am as the TreXperience team picks you up from your hotel for a scenic 2-hour drive through the enchanting Sacred Valley, heading towards the tranquil Racca community. (Don’t forget to enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel!) Your adventure starts with a visit to the sacred and enigmatic Inca shrine of Ñaupa Iglesia (2,967 m / 9,734 ft), a mystical site that whispers the secrets of the ancient civilization. Standing amidst its sacred stones, you’ll feel the energy and wonder that make this one of the region’s most mysterious locations.

The trek continues with a 2-hour scenic hike to the charming community of Socma (3,188 m / 10,459 ft), where you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch prepared by your personal trekking chef, using only the freshest local ingredients. This is not just a meal—it’s a cultural experience, offering a taste of Peru’s rich culinary heritage.

After lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the village, connect with its warm-hearted inhabitants, and learn about their humble way of life, deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions.

The day’s adventure doesn’t stop there! The second part of the trek takes you on a 2 to 3-hour uphill journey to the majestic Perolniyoc Waterfall, a hidden gem that plunges an impressive 328 feet into the rugged rocks below. Surrounded by lush greenery, with panoramic views of the Socma Valley, the expansive Maras Plateau, and the towering snow-capped peaks, this is a moment where nature’s grandeur truly unfolds before you. As the sun sets, we set up camp near the fascinating archaeological site in Korimarca village (3,611 m / 11,847 ft), where you’ll drift off to sleep under a star-filled sky, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Campsite Altitude: 3,611 m / 11,847 ft
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Duration: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Day 2: Korimarca – Intipunku (Sun Gate) – Choquetacarpo

Location: Tanca

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the warmth of a hot cup of coffee or coca tea, ready for the most challenging yet rewarding day of your TreXperience adventure. After a hearty breakfast, prepare for a 4-hour uphill trek to the summit of Charkahuaylla Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft). As you ascend, feel the excitement build with every step, knowing that at the top, you'll be greeted by jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped Urubamba mountain range and the mystical Sacred Valley of the Incas. Take a well-deserved break at the summit and absorb the beauty surrounding you. Here, your guide will lead a traditional offering ceremony to the Apus—the revered mountain spirits—a moment of spiritual connection and reflection in this sacred landscape.

The trek continues as you descend towards the serene Marcacocha Lake (4,000 m / 13,100 ft), where you’ll enjoy a much-needed lunch by the water’s edge, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. The adventure doesn’t stop there, as the next part of the journey takes you on a 2-hour hike to the summit of Apu Buena Negra (4,370 m / 14,300 ft), the second and last mountain of the day. Reaching the top, you’ll be treated to one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region—an experience that makes every step worth it.

From here, descend for two more hours to the Intipunku (Sun Gate), a striking doorway offering an unforgettable view of the majestic Veronica Mountain (5,893 m / 19,334 ft). As you take in the grandeur of this sacred peak, you’ll feel a deep sense of accomplishment. Just a few minutes further lies your campsite at Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where you’ll rest, reflect, and recharge for the next day’s adventures.

Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Highest Altitude: 4,450 m / 14,599 ft
Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
Duration: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Cachicata Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Location: Aguas Calientes

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day at Choquetacarpo campsite with a breathtaking sunrise over the Andes and a steaming cup of coffee to fuel the adventure ahead. After a hearty breakfast, set off on a 3-hour hike to the remarkable Cachiccata Quarry, the largest quarry of the Inca Empire. As you explore this awe-inspiring site, your expert guide will unravel the mysteries behind the advanced stone-cutting techniques used by the ancient Inca stonemasons—who transported and carved these colossal stones without modern tools. You’ll be captivated by the history of this quarry, a site abandoned during the Spanish invasion but still standing as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Inca civilization.

Following the original Inca route once used to transport stones to Ollantaytambo, you’ll stop for the last picnic lunch at Cachicata Village. After lunch, a private bus will transport you to the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have time to wander the ancient streets and admire the intricate water channels still in use today. As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious dinner before boarding the 7:00 pm train to Aguas Calientes, where your comfortable hotel awaits for a restful night before the grand finale at Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.5 miles
Duration: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Easy

Day 4 : Day 4: Discover Machu Picchu - Return To Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise with the excitement of knowing today is the highlight of your journey! After an early breakfast at your hotel, we’ll catch the first bus to Machu Picchu, arriving just as the morning light casts its magic over the ancient citadel. As you step through the gates, prepare to be awestruck by the majestic temples, palaces, and stone streets of this legendary city—an iconic symbol of Inca civilization.

Your expert guide will bring the history of Machu Picchu to life during a 2-3 hour guided tour, unveiling the secrets and stories behind its awe-inspiring structures. You’ll explore the sacred temples, royal residences, and ceremonial plazas, all while surrounded by panoramic views of the lush Andean mountains.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to soak in the beauty of Machu Picchu at your own pace. For those seeking an extra adventure, you can opt to climb the towering Huayna Picchu or the scenic Machu Picchu Mountain (advance tickets required), offering even more spectacular vistas of the ancient city and the surrounding peaks.

Once you’ve fully immersed yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch (not included). In the afternoon, board the luxurious Vistadome Panoramic train for a scenic journey back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco. You’ll arrive at your hotel around 7:30 pm, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your incredible adventure.

Duration of Guided Tour: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
Difficulty: Easy

What's Included

Pre-Departure Safety Briefing: Comprehensive briefing before the trek.
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: Convenient transportation from your hotel.
Private Exclusive Transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle for the journey.
Entrance Tickets: For the Quarry Trail and Machu Picchu.
Bus Tickets: Round trip to Machu Picchu.
Professional Tour Guide: English-speaking guide to lead the trek.
Second Tour Guide: Provided for groups of 9 or more.
Comfortable Camping Equipment: Includes porta-potty, tables, and chairs.
Sleeping Gear: Foam mattress, pillows, hot water bags, and extra blankets.
Duffle Bags: For up to 8 kilos of personal belongings.
Horses: To carry food and equipment.
Emergency Horse: Available if needed.
Trekking Chef, Porters, Horsemen: Support staff for the trek.
Camping Accommodation: 2 nights in the mountains.
Hotel Accommodation: 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.
Daily Snacks: Provided every day.
Safety Equipment: First aid kit, oxygen bottle, and satellite phones.
All Taxes and Booking Fees: No hidden costs.

What's Not Included

First Breakfast: Not provided at the start of the tour.
Lunch on the Last Day: Not included in Aguas Calientes.
Sleeping Bag, Air Mattress, Trekking Poles: These can be rented from us if needed.
Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike: Optional and not included.
Machu Picchu Mountain Hike: Optional and not included (different from Machu Picchu citadel).
Gratuities: Optional tips for guides, porters, and staff.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended but not included.

Requirements

Passport Number: Ensure you have this ready for booking and travel.
Rain Gear: Essential for wet weather conditions.
Sun Protection: Include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Warm Layers: Pack fleece or long-sleeved tops to stay warm.
Personal Medication: Any necessary medications you require.
Camera: Plus extra batteries to capture memories.
Head Torch: Useful for nighttime activities.
Extra Snacks: Bring power bars, chocolate, and other snacks for energy.
Extra Money: For souvenirs, drinks, and tips. Small change is useful for paying to use villagers' toilets on the first day.

Please Note

Confirmation: This will be done manually after booking.
Minimum to Depart: 2 participants
Children: Must be accompanied by an adult.
Infant Seats: Available on request if advised at the time of booking.
Vegetarian Option: Available; please advise us at the time of booking if required.
Dietary Requirements: Please inform us of any specific dietary needs at the time of booking.
Passport Details: At the time of booking, all participants' passports must be provided with their name, number, expiry date, and country.
Valid Passport: A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

Are flights included in this tour?

Flights are not included in this tour
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Guest must have a moderate fitness leve
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

In case you need help with pre and post-tour accommodation, please contact us
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

During our group tours, you will meet travelers from different countries and ages.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Children must be always with their parents,

Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

All our tours guides are fluent English speakers
When is the best time to travel to Cusco?

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is perfect for trekking and exploring the city, with clear skies and little chance of rain. This is also the peak travel season, so it can be busier. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a little rain, the shoulder seasons (April and October) can also be great times to visit.
When do you have to arrive in Cusco?

It’s a good idea to arrive in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek starts. This gives your body time to adjust to the high altitude, which is crucial since Cusco sits pretty high up at 11,152 feet (3,400 meters). The extra days also give you time to explore the city and its surroundings before your big adventure begins.
How to prevent altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is pretty common when you head to places like Cusco, so it’s smart to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do to avoid or lessen it: - Arrive early: Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate. - Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key. - Try coca tea: Locals swear by it. It's made from coca leaves and can help with altitude adjustment. - Avoid heavy meals and alcohol: These can make it harder for your body to adjust. - Take it easy: Don’t push yourself too hard on the first day or two. - Medication: Talk to your doctor about altitude sickness pills like Diamox if you're worried. If you start feeling dizzy, tired, or get a headache, slow down, rest, and stay hydrated.
Which is better, Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek?

Both treks offer incredible experiences, but they’re different in key ways: - The Inca Trail is all about history, as you’ll walk the same paths the Incas did and pass through several archaeological sites. It’s a shorter trek but highly regulated, with limited permits. - The Salkantay Trek is a bit more off the beaten path. It’s longer and tougher but offers stunning scenery, including glaciers and cloud forests. There are fewer crowds, and no permit is required. If you want the classic Machu Picchu experience, go for the Inca Trail. If you're looking for a more rugged adventure, Salkantay might be the better choice.
How many people are allowed in each group?

The size of each group on the Inca Trail is typically limited to 16 people. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easier management on the narrow paths of the trail. TreXperience, like most tour operators, adheres to this limit to comply with government regulations and to preserve the environment along the trail.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Thomas E

Highlight of our Peru trip!

20-Jan-2021

We were a little skeptical booking through a smaller company, but once we met them, they exceeded all of our expectations and more. Our guide, Ray, was literally the best guide we could imagine. He has a lot of experience on the Inca Trail and had amazing insight, along with being just a great person and easy to talk to. This company does social projects to help the small communities in the mountain and even took some time to show us their work for a few minutes on the way out there. We could not have asked for a better company! As for the actual tour, it was beyond words how beautiful and amazing the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu were. The company provided a lot more comfort than we were expecting. The food was outstanding, Leo and the team of porters were so helpful, and the company did all they could to help us feel comfortable at the camp sites. Ray definitely did an excellent job and help make our group into a little family. I highly recommend this company and this trip to anyone who is thinking about an outdoorsy way to get to Machu Picchu.

JetSetterEddy

THE CONDOR PASS (Inca Quarry Trek) to Machu Picchu!

01-Jan-2021

Upon hearing the unfortunate news that the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu had been cancelled due to inclement weather, TreXperience quickly offered and organised for us to do the Inca Quarry Trek aka the Condor Pass (Path) trek. The trek was a spectacular and much less crowded alternative, taking us through awe-inspiring scenery as we gallivanted across the Andes! Our awesome guide Elisban was exceptionally insightful about the Inca sites and mountains we were exploring across the 4 days. Nothing was too much trouble for Elisban and his team, combined with their hilarious sense of humour, made for an unforgettable experience. The food was delicious throughout and on our third day we were fortunate enough to take part in a traditional Pachamanca! All in all, I would strongly recommend this Inca trek as an entertaining and exciting alternative to the Classic Inca Trail. You will be well looked after and enjoy magnificent views throughout the trek! Cheers again Elisban and the TreXperience team for showing us your incredible country and for giving us such a memorable experience! Read less

Raphael M

Quarry Trek, the non-crowded alternative trek to Machu Picchu!

20-Jan-2021

When we got the bad news, that the Salkantay trek was not possible to hike due to heavy rain, TreXperience managed to rebook our trek very uncomplicated. With the Quarry trek, we landed on a magnificent alternative which we can recommend highly. The trek is far less crowded than all the other treks to Machu Picchu (we were the only group at this time) and the scenery was just stunning. After a well organised pickup at our hostel, a relaxed breakfast and a visit to a local weaving factory, we started the hike in a valley (appr. 2900 m.a.s.l.) and made our way up to two passes (appr. 4500 and 4600 m.a.s.l.). Already after a few hours, we visited the first Pre-Inca site. Our guide, Elisban, knew a lot of interesting facts and history to every place we visited. He explained everything in a funny and though professional way. Special mention should be made to the good food that was prepared always freshly by our two chefs Carmello and Lorenzo. They managed to produce a great variety of dishes under very simple conditions. Once even a chocolate-jelly-cake. Also the horsemen did a very good job in preparing our big tents for every lunch and every night. The tents and other equipment were in good condition. We slept well and woke up in front of the most beautiful views while getting a hot coca tea served at the bed. Thank you for an unforgettable experience on the Quarry trek and Machu Picchu!

Rubybro

Inca Quarry Trek

20-Jan-2021

The Inca Quarry Trek with Trexperience was a great experience—the scenery was beautiful and the guides (Elsiban and Tom) were knowledgable and helpful and had an excellent sense of humour. The food was also great and the equipment was in good condition.

teddygoeshiking

One of my best treks

20-Jan-2021

This was one of the best treks I have ever done. It had a great mix of current Andean culture, Incan history, and nature. The views are unbeatable: surreal early morning fog, beautiful snow-capped peaks, lush terraces, and several historic Inca buildings. Additionally, the trek was not crowded; We only crossed paths with one other group once during the entire trek. The crew could not have been more impressive. Our tour guides Elisban and Tom provided us with plenty of historical information about the region. They were also attentive to the safety and enjoyment of the group. The meals catered by chef Leonardo along with his sous-chefs went beyond my expectations. The horsemen deserve so much gratitude for all their hard work hauling our tents/equipments from one camp site to the next. I highly recommend the Quarry Trek to anyone who wants to do the MP trek without the crowds, and I would also recommend doing it with Trex experience. One thing to consider is that the trek takes you to a higher altitude than the classic Inca trail would, so you should make sure to acclimate as much as possible before starting the trek.

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~~$890~~ $848