Inca Quarry Trail & Machu Picchu 4 Days

 Itinerary 

Day 1: Cusco – Perolniyoq Waterfall – Korimarca

The first day will begin with the pick up from the hotel in the city of Cusco at approximately 7 am. Once you are on our bus, we will then go to the community of Soqma. The duration of the trip on our bus is 1:40 hours, after which we will arrive at the point where we will begin our trek. At this point, we will be visiting the Ñaupa church, which is an Inca religious center where many rituals were practiced. These rituals tended to be in veneration of their gods. We will then continue with the tour and arrive at our starting point at the community of Soqma. Once there, we will prepare for the start of the trek. First, we will be visiting the Perolniyoq waterfall, an imposing and beautiful waterfall. At this point we will be almost halfway through the first day, and will have a delicious lunch prepared by the specialized travel team. Our rest after lunch will be short and you will have the opportunity to refill your water bottles. After lunch, we will continue with the hike to the second stopping point. During this part of the trek, you will have the opportunity to appreciate an archaeological center at the foot of the mountain, where you will have the opportunity to take pictures and listen to a brief explanation on the area and its geography from your guide. When we arrive at the camp, you will have the opportunity to explore the place freely and recharge for the next day.

Elevation: 3,667mts / 11,753ft

Distance: 6 km

Difficulty: moderate

  Day 2: korimarca – Intipunku

The second day will begin with a morning coffee (or tea) and an incredible sunrise. You will be able to observe the sunrise and see how the first rays of sun illuminate the entire valley. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful views you will have, and you will be surrounded by a lot of nature and huge mountains. After this, we will our first meal, breakfast, to recharge and start the day with a lot of energy. As we begin to continue the hike, we will will pass through small communities where ancient culture is preserved and many ancestral practices are still maintained. We will reach the highest point of the mountains where you can see the sacred valley, and this will be followed by the impressive Verónica nevada. From there, you will have a fabulous view of all the basins of the sacred valley and will experience the true power of the Andes. Here, we will have a rest and a delicious lunch prepared by the specialized team and you will have the opportunity to refill your bottles of water. Continuing with our trek, we will be able to observe along the Puerta del Sol (Inti punku), ending with views of one of the best sunsets in Intipunku. If you are lucky, you will be able to see condors flying over the valley. This is where our camp is located, our dinner will be at 7 pm, after which we recommend you rest early.

Elevation: 3,267mts / 11,753ft

Distance: 6 km

Difficulty: moderate

Day 3: Inti Punku – Aguas Calientes

We will begin this exciting day with a delicious morning coffee (or tea) and a classic Andean breakfast, with another opportunity to refill your water bottles. The first stop of the third day will be the Inca Quarrie. Here, you will be able to explore every part of the site and have the opportunity to learn, in detail, how advanced the Incas and their engineering were. Throughout this place, you will be able to appreciate many carved stone blocks of enormous dimensions. Once you have visited this beautiful and mysterious place, we will continue descending towards the community of Cachicata, where you will have a delicious lunch. After lunch and continuing with the tour, we will go to Ollantaytambo to take the train service to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. Dinner here will start at 7 pm in a well-known local restaurant, after which we recommend you rest early.

Elevation: 2,789mts / 8,753ft

Distance: 7 km

Difficulty: moderate

Hotel: We have a selection of hotels

Day 4: Explore Machupicchu – Cusco

On the last day, we will wake up early and take the first buses to Machu Picchu. We will be amongst the first passengers to take the bus (along with your guide), and will arrive at the lost city of Machu Picchu. Once here, you will have the opportunity to see the sunrise, and your guide will have some brief information for you before entering. Once inside Machu Picchu, your guide will take you through a tour of the site and its history (approximately 2 hours), and then you will have 1 hour free to walk around, explore, and take pictures (please remember that due to COVID, the visiting hours have been reduced). Once the visit is over, you will have to return to Aguas Calientes, and your guide will deliver your train tickets to get back to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will go to Cusco to drop you off at your hotell.

Meals Included: Only Breakfast

Included/Not Included

Included

 Professional Guides: Highly trained guides for high mountain terrain and Inca history

 Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.

 Permits: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.

 Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.

 Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions or preference for a train service, please let us know. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.

 Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, and two person dormitory tents

 Hotel: This trek includes a one-night 3-star the third day hotel in Aguas Calientes village. We have a selection of hotels, great service and accommodation (if you have any suggestions let us know).

  Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on third day. Lunch the last day is not included.

 Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.

Travel bags: Our travel bags will be delivered to you, where you will carry your clothes and other personal items, sleeping bags and a mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos

First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.

 Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.

Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.

Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.

Transfers: Free roundtrip airport transportation.

Not included

 Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know  a month in advance due to its popularity.

Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest:

Inflatable air mattress : $ 15

Walking sticks: $ 10

Sleeping bag: $ 20

 Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.

Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.

 Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).

 Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek.

Price 

Price per person

• USD$ 599 per person

 Student discount

The student discount only applies  for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. We need you to send us a copy of your university ID Tt award the discount. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport.

• Discount: $ 30 per person

 Vistadome Train

All our services include the regular train service, Expeditions or Voyager. The vistadome train or panoramic train is an upgraded train.

• Vistadome train: $ 75 per person

 Huayna Picchu

This mountain is a 50 minute walk to the top and another 50 minutes return. If you are planning to do this hike on your own, your guide will give you all the information you need. An additional ticket is required for this hike and we can reserve it for you.

• Ticket to Huaynapicchu:  75$ per person

Important Information

1. Altitude in Cusco

People begin to worry about altitude sickness as soon as they reserve their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco. Because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes than there is at sea level, your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Your body becomes accustomed to the lower oxygen content of the air over a period of days at a high altitude.

You could initially experience the illness or a hangover when suffering from altitude sickness. You can get headaches, exhaustion, a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty breathing while exercising. Please get in touch with our office if any of these side effects worsen, and we’ll assist you find a doctor.

These symptoms will typically be slight. Always ease into action gradually to give your body time to acclimate. Drink a lot of liquids, such as coca tea or water. Since ancient times, coca tea has been used to help avoid altitude sickness.

The coca plant’s leaves contain alkaloids that assist your body absorb oxygen and ward off the effects of altitude sickness. A lot of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.

They will make you urinate more frequently and dehydrate you. Don’t smoke. Your body has a harder time getting oxygen when you smoke. Don’t use sleeping medicines. Your body may have a harder time absorbing oxygen when you sleep as a result of their potential for shallow breathing at night.

To assist prevent altitude sickness, your doctor may recommend medications like acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Two days before you travel to a high altitude, begin taking the medication. While you are at a high altitude, keep taking it.

2. Getting to Cusco

All international passengers by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through Customs because the airport in Cusco is currently only for local flights. You must pick up your luggage in Lima and then check them back in, even if your trip from there to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.

The best way to go to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. Although LAN generally offers the most options and flights, it is also the most expensive. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.

3. Weather

Of course, the weather is erratic. In Cusco, the dry season typically lasts from April through October, but be prepared because it can rain in June or get sunny in December.

Please make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves, no matter what month you are taking the journey.

Consider the four seasons as well. You should be prepared for all four seasons as many of the climbs over the Andes entail numerous microclimates.

Always wear layers since they make it simple to adapt to changing temperatures. Please be ready with a heavy, winter-weight jacket because evenings will always be chilly.

4. Luggage Storage

Your luggage allowance is still restricted owing to railway regulations even if this is an overnight train vacation. To be transported to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), all bags must fit in a carry-on.

While you trek, you can leave any additional luggage in Cusco at your hotel or with us at the Alpaca Expeditions deposit. On the morning of your tour, we will collect from you and return after you have reached Cusco. Make sure your baggage are identified in some way so they can be found easily.

5. First Aid

ALTITUDEXPERIENCE guide has completed a physician-led first aid course. Every February, we hold a training session that is required for all ALTITUDE guides. When guiding you, they’ll have oxygen and a first aid pack for common medical emergencies including traveler’s diarrhea and cuts and scrapes.

In the event that anything unforeseen occurs and you feel you are unable to finish the walk, they will plan the fastest and safest route off the trail to a clinic. You won’t ever be on your own; a team member will accompany you at all times until you reach a doctor in a safe location. We’ll make sure you still have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu and get back in touch with your group when you’re feeling up to it.

6. Environmental Impact

ALTITUDEXPERIENCE carries all of our trash back to Cusco and uses biodegradable soap. Our staff are taught to maintain the trail and collect any trash left by other groups. Additionally, we employ chemical portable restrooms that allow us to pack trash out. Leaving no trace is something we highly support.