The Classic Inca Quarry Trail

Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 7:00 a.m. and drive for around two hours to the Racca community in the Sacred Valley. Breakfast is not included on this day, so you should have breakfast at your hotel before departure.

The Inca Quarry Trail begins with a visit to Ñaupa Iglesia (2,967 m / 9,734 ft), one of the most mysterious Inca sites in the region. After exploring the site, continue hiking for approximately two hours toward the community of Socma (3,188 m / 10,459 ft), where your trekking chef will prepare lunch using fresh local products.

After lunch, spend some time exploring the village and learning about the traditions and daily life of the local community. The second section of the trek consists of an approximately two-to-three-hour uphill hike toward Perolniyoc Waterfall, an impressive waterfall with a drop of approximately 328 ft.

From this area, enjoy spectacular views across the Socma Valley, the Maras Plateau, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Continue toward the campsite near the archaeological area of Korimarca Village, located at 3,611 m / 11,847 ft.

Wake up early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea and prepare for the most challenging mountain day of the trek. After breakfast, begin an approximately four-hour uphill hike toward Charkahuaylla Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft), the highest point of the journey.

At the summit, take a well-earned break while enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the Urubamba mountain range and the Sacred Valley. During this time, your guide will perform a traditional offering ceremony to the mountain Apus.

Continue through the high Andes toward Marcacocha Lake (4,000 m / 13,100 ft), where you will stop for lunch surrounded by mountain scenery.

After lunch, hike for approximately two hours toward Apu Buena Negra (4,370 m / 14,300 ft), the second and final mountain pass of the day. From the summit, enjoy another impressive panorama before beginning an approximately two-hour descent toward Intipunku, or the Sun Gate.

Intipunku offers beautiful views toward Veronica Mountain, which rises to 5,893 m / 19,334 ft. From here, continue a short distance to the campsite at Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where you will spend your second night in the Andes.

Begin the morning at Choquetacarpo with views of the sunrise and a cup of coffee. After breakfast, hike for approximately three hours toward the Cachicata Inca Quarry, one of the most fascinating archaeological areas along the route.

At the quarry, your guide will explain the stone-working techniques used by the Incas and share information about the people who worked in this area. You will see enormous stones that were carved and prepared for transportation toward Ollantaytambo without the assistance of modern machinery.

The quarry was eventually abandoned, leaving behind important evidence of the extraordinary construction process used during the Inca period. From here, continue following the ancient route once used to transport the stones toward Ollantaytambo.

Along the way, stop for lunch and spend time with local residents in the Cachicata community. Our private transportation will then take you to Ollantaytambo, where you can explore its historic streets and see water channels that have remained in use since Inca times.

After dinner, board the approximately 7:00 p.m. train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and rest before the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

On the final day, wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

Once at the archaeological site, your guide will lead you through the areas included in your assigned circuit while explaining the history and significance of the temples, palaces, streets, terraces, and other structures along the route. The guided visit lasts approximately two to three hours.

If you have separately booked an additional entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you can complete the corresponding hike according to the entrance time and conditions indicated on your ticket.

After completing your Machu Picchu visit, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where lunch will be on your own. In the afternoon, board the Vistadome panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel at approximately 7:30 p.m.