4Day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu

4Day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu

Embark on this recently discovered route which some consider to be an alternative Inca Trail. See stunning waterfalls and witness intriguing Inca engineering marvels at the Cachicata quarry. Visit breathtaking archaeological sites en route to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. 

 

Day 1: Cusco - Rafca - Socma - Perolniyoc - Rayanniyoc

You will be picked up at around 6am and drive towards the town of Rafca (2800 meters). The drive will continue 30 more minutes until reaching the village of Socma which is the starting point of the trek. After a short break and packing everything, you will begin hiking towards the Inca site of Perolniyoc (3200m). Once there, you'll have lunch and visit the beautiful waterfall and the archaeological ruins lying at the top of the valley. You'll hike for 30 more minutes until you arrive at Rayan-Niyoc (3,600m).

Day 2: Rayanniyoc - Inti Punku - Choquetacarpo

After a hearty breakfast, you will start your trek to the first high pass located at 4,400 meters above sea level and offering breathtaking mountain views. After walking about 4 hours, you will reach this point. You will stop at a camp for lunch and then continue hiking to reach a second high pass at an altitude of 4,500 meters (the highest point of the trek). Take in the spectacular views of the valley and then head down for about 3 hours to a site the Incas called Inti Punku (meaning Sun Gate). You will arrive at Choquetacarpo (3600m), your second camp of the trek.

Day 3: Choquetacarpo - Cachicata Inca Quarry - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

After breakfast at the camp, you'll descend to the Inca Quarry of Cachicata (3820m). This quarry was used by the Incas for the construction of Ollantaytambo and there are various points of interest including several large buildings, quarried stones left that are half finished and abandoned throughout the site, chullpas (burial houses) and a cave with Inca mummies. After exploring this site, you'll head down the mountain for about 3 hours until the town of Ollantaytambo. This is the ending point of this challenging and fascinating trek. From there, you'll take the train to Aguas Calientes, check in at the hotel and enjoy some well-deserved rest.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

Early in the morning, you will take the bus to Machu Picchu and enter the site as it opens. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and learn about the Incas and the history of this citadel. Then, you have free time to walk around the site, take some pictures, and/or do the optional hike up to Huayna Picchu. In the afternoon, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes where you will board the train to Ollantaytambo. Then, you'll board a bus back to Cusco where you will be dropped off at Plaza San Francisco.

See map of adventure by clicking on 'View Additional Info'.