The Inca Quarry Trek, also known as the Cachicata Trek, is one of the most authentic and uncrowded alternatives to the classic routes in the Sacred Valley. This 4-day adventure begins in the Andean community of Socma and leads you to the impressive Perolniyoc Waterfall and the Inca archaeological site above it, offering panoramic views and excellent opportunities for photography.
Along the route, travelers explore traditional villages, high Andean farmlands, and scenic landscapes filled with llamas, alpacas, and native flora. One of the main highlights is the Cachicata Quarries, where the Inca civilization carved massive stones destined for the temples of Ollantaytambo. Many of these stones remain in place, providing a fascinating look into Inca engineering and construction techniques.
The trek continues toward the Intipunku (Sun Gate) viewpoint, offering spectacular sunrise views before arriving at the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu. With quiet trails, cultural immersion, and breathtaking mountain scenery, the Inca Quarry Trek is an ideal option for travelers seeking adventure, history, and a less-crowded route to Machu Picchu.
Begin your adventure with a scenic hike from Socma to the impressive Perolniyoc Waterfall and its Inca ruins. After lunch, continue to the peaceful Rayanpata campsite surrounded by Andean landscapes.
Climb to the panoramic Puccaqasa Pass and then to Kuychicassa, the highest point of the trek. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views before descending to the Intipunku (Sun Gate). Overnight at the quiet Choquetacarpo campsite.
Visit the impressive Cachicata Quarries, where the Incas carved massive stone blocks. Continue to Ollantaytambo and board a panoramic train to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable night’s rest.
Start early with a stunning sunrise guided tour of Machu Picchu. Optional Huayna Picchu hike available. Return to Cusco by train and private transport.
Your Inca Quarry Trek begins with an early departure from Cusco toward the Andean community of Socma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft). Here, you meet the team and start hiking toward the impressive Perolniyoc Waterfall, one of the Sacred Valley’s hidden natural gems. After enjoying the viewpoint, continue to the Perolniyoc Inca ruins, where your guide provides historical insights before lunch.
In the afternoon, ascend to the first campsite at Rayanpata (3,700 m / 12,136 ft), surrounded by high-mountain landscapes.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
After breakfast, continue your ascent to Puccaqasa Pass (4,370 m / 14,333 ft), one of the most scenic viewpoints on the Inca Quarry Trek. After a short descent to lunch, the trail continues through rolling terrain until reaching Kuychicassa Pass (4,457 m / 14,619 ft), the highest point of the trek.
The route then descends for 2.5 hours to Intipunku (Sun Gate), a sacred Inca viewpoint overlooking Mount Veronica and the Sacred Valley. The day ends at the campsite in Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,808 ft).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
Begin the day hiking to the Cachicata Quarry, where giant stone blocks were carved by the Incas for construction in Ollantaytambo. The site offers a fascinating look into Inca engineering techniques that were halted during the Spanish conquest.
Continue descending to Ollantaytambo (2,840 m / 9,315 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, board the panoramic Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes, where you check into your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Begin early with a bus ride to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu to experience sunrise. Your guide leads a complete 2-hour tour through the most important temples, terraces, and viewpoints.
If you reserved Huayna Picchu Mountain, the hike begins at 10:00 am. Otherwise, you have free time to explore more of Machu Picchu, visit the Sun Gate, or walk to the Inca Bridge.
Return to Aguas Calientes for your train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Private Transportation to Socma (Trailhead)
English – Spanish speaking guide for 4 days.
Guided assistance.
Thermarest air-inflate Confortable sleeping pad.
Cook and assistance of the Cook.
Cooking equipment.
Snacks.
Daily coca tea service .
Dining equipment including chairs and tables
Portable environmental Biodegradable toilet (The Pett)
Food service in the campsites (3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks)
Vegetarian menu at no extra cost
(4-people capacity tent used as doubles – Kayla Doite)
Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 6 kilos of your personal stuff like: sleeping bag and mat as well as cothes) We Never overload our Horses (well Animal Welfare).
Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our Cook and horseman
entrnce ticket to Machu Picchu.
Round Trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to aguas Calientes and aguas calientes to ollantaytambo
Private Transportation from the Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco
First-aid kit
Emergency oxygen bottle
Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks
Pre trek Orientation – briefing (Hotel or Office)
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