Inca Quarry Trail To Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 Nights
Review
Inca Quarry Trail & Machu Picchu, This trip takes you back to the ancient past, with the journey on the mountains of the Incas working through the areas from where they extracted the stones for the construction of the different structures in Cusco.
Inca quarry trail, it is truly incredible and mystical, and it can lead you to unexplored places where silence reigns throughout the hike. The locals say that on this route, there have been many sightings of pumas, condors, and other stranger animals. This place certainly has a very unique charm, and is part of the network of Inca trails that existed many, many years ago.
The landscapes are incredible, as all the trails are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a great valley. If you are looking to explore and learn more about the Incas and want to know how they made all the material for their constructions, this route is definitely made for you. Inca Quarry, not only that; there are great stories from the locals to keep you entertained.
Tour Location: This tour is located in the district of Ollantaytambo, province of Urubamba and department of Cusco.
Type of tour: This tour is a combination of Camping, Trekking and Culture of 4 days. You will pass through the native communities of Ollantaytambo, with nights of camping under the stars.
Recommended: For those who enjoy long treks and want to learn more about the Incas.
Difficulty: Moderate
Considerations: This tour will take you through Andean landscapes, as well as the stone quarries where they extracted for the construction of the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo. If you are planning to do this magnificent hike, you should consider that it will be at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level where the cold is intense, so it is advisable to bring a good coat for the cold. Check the details of the itinerary we have for you. “We look forward to taking responsibility for your next adventures in Cusco”.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inca Quarry Trail To Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 Nights
per person
25 km/15 miles
All year
For All
Permit Required
History, Adventure, Hiking
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.
