4-Day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu

We will pick you up around 6:00 - 6:15 am from your Cuzco accommodation, and drive towards the town of Rafca (2800m). Then we continue driving for another 30 minutes until we arrive at the village of Socma (3000m), the starting point of our trek. There, we meet the muleteer that will join us during the hike. After a short break and packing our things, we will begin trekking towards the Inca site of Perolniyoc (3200m). After about 2 hours and a half, we will reach Perolniyoc for lunch, and visit the beautiful waterfall as well as the archaeological ruins that lie at the top of the valley. We will go on for another 30 minutes until we arrive at Rayan-Niyoc (3,600m). Here we will get settled in and have dinner, then camp overnight in a cold climate.

Overnight in Rayan-Niyoc (3,600m) - Camping

Wake early today for a hearty breakfast before a challenging trek to reach our first high pass of the trek, located at 4,400 meters above sea level with breathtaking mountain vistas. This area is still cultivated by the local people despite the high altitudes and we will see local people caring for their fields. After walking about 4 hours, we will reach the pass, stopping to take in the panorama and catching our breath. We will stop at a camp for lunch around 4,300m and then continue hiking to reach a second high pass of 4,500 m, the highest point of the trek. Enjoy spectacular views of the valley below before heading down for about 3 hours to a site the Incas called Inti Punku (meaning Sun Gate), which also offers imposing views over the valley and the Veronica mountain rising over the horizon. Soon after, we will arrive at Choquetacarpo (3600m), our second camp of the trek. Get settled in, have dinner and camp overnight.

Overnight in Choquetacarpo (3600m) - Camping

Today we will have breakfast at camp and then continue our descent to the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3820m), where we can witness the work of the Incas. It was the quarry used by the Incas for the construction of Ollantaytambo and there are various points of interest including several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site, chullpas (burial houses) and a cave with Inca mummies still in place. After exploring this site, we’ll continue our way down the mountain for about 3 hours until the small town of Ollantaytambo, the ending point of this challenging and fascinating trek. From there, take the train to Aguas Calientes. You will be met by your guide at the train station to take you to your hotel and give you the indications for the next day. Check in to your hotel, have dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest tonight.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes - 3* Hotel

Waking up early, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning, entering the site as it opens. You will go on a 2-hour tour with your guide, during which you’ll learn about the Incas and the history of Machu Picchu. Enjoy some free time after the tour to walk around the site, take some pictures, and/or do the optional hike up to Huayna Picchu (must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance). Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo. Take a bus transfer back to Cuzco where you will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the accommodation of your choice.