The Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu is a great hiking option for those who want to experience nature, Inca sites, and get a first-hand look at the country’s lifestyle in the Peruvian Andes. The trek from Cachicata to Machu Picchu is within the abilities of the most reasonably fit people. The walk is 32 kilometers long in total and its highest point is 4,450 meters above sea level. On this trek in the Inca quarry we will spend the first two nights camping and the third night we will be in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. The Inca quarry trek is surely one of the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu, listed by National Geographic Magazine.
In addition to the incredible mountainous landscapes, flora and fauna, the Cachicata Trek: The Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu will allow you to know the Inca history during the trek, we will visit traditional towns and very important sites such as: Perolniyoc Inca ruin, part of the Inca Trail to Ollantaytambo and the Cachicata Inca Quarry. The Cachiqata trek allows you to see the place where the Inca builders carved the stones to build the Ollantaytambo fortress.
Highlight of the Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu:
The Inca Quarry Trail Machu Picchu is very little visited, if you are looking for walks outside the common without a doubt this is the one, you will enjoy the solitude and the beautiful sunsets, surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks like Verónica.
Visit one of the most famous quarries from where the Incas obtained their lithic materials of great proportions, it is still possible to see many stones already worked ready to be taken.
You can visit some of the local communities, who still practice the ancestral agriculture of the Incas.
You will have the best postcard photo of Verónica’s mountain from Puerta del Sol. This route offers you very beautiful archaeological sites such as Perolniyoc, Ñaupa Iglesia (Choque quilla).
Enjoy a train trip to Machu Picchu, the route has a change of landscapes from the sacred valley to the cloud forest.
Delight your palate with the best Cusco and Peruvian cuisine, everything is prepared by our experienced chefs.
Activities:
The Inca Quarry Trail Machu Picchu has a level between moderate to demanding, the first two days, an ascent will be made to heights of more than 4,000 meters. And then you have a descent to the valley floor of Ollantaytambo (2,700 meters). The climate is varied, for example if you do the route in the winter months (May-August) it is quite cold (-5 C °). In contrast, in the valley floor and Machu Picchu it is not cold in any month of the year. Since in a short time you will have to do great ascents and descents, it is advisable to be used to taking long walks, and prepare yourself like running in the morning or going to the gym. Be ready to withstand drastic changes in temperature, such as intense sun, rain, snowfall. Make sure you arrive days before in Cusco where you can adapt to the altitude and thus avoid headaches or nausea.
Accommodation:
Comfortable Trekking tents, 02 nights.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes, 01 night.
Itinerary:
It includes:
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Transfer from Cusco Hotel, to Rafq’a
- Transfer from the Train Station in Ollantaytambo to the Hotel Cusco
- 2 nights in spacious personal tents and inflatable mattresses.
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom, hot water and breakfast included.
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes while hiking.
- Excellent meals (3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner).
- The food includes pancakes, tortillas, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking.
- Knights with packhorses or mules (for camping equipment and up to 8kg of their personal belongings).
- Food store.
- Health services.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
Does not include:
- Entrance to Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes (see: Optional).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Mountain (consult: Optional).
- Entrance to Ollantaytambo Ruis (see: Optional).
We recommend bringing:
- Original passport (and * International Student Card (ISIC), if applicable)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended but not mandatory)
- Sleeping bag (can also be rented from us)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- Tshirts
- Comfortable pants
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen cream (SPF 35 or higher recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Reusable plastic or metal water container or hydration pack such as Camelbak
- Water (only for the first 4 hours of the trek, then we will provide you with previously boiled drinking water throughout the trek)
- Toiletries (including toilet paper)
- Personal medication
- Camera
- Torch with spare batteries (headlights come in handy)
- Cash in local currency (Peruvian Soles) to buy items along the way and tips for porters.
