Amazing view of the Veronica Glacier from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) of the Inca Quarry Trail (Cachicata Trek).

Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu

4 Days & 3 Nights
Starting from US$600 per person
Accommodation Icon
Camps & Hotel Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,500 m / 14,764 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty

The Historical Cachicata Inca Trek

Soqma - Perolniyoc - Racaypata - Sun Gate (Inti Punku) - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Accommodation Icon
Camps & Hotel Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,500 m / 14,764 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate to Challenging Difficulty

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy an off-the-beaten-path trek to Machu Picchu, then the Inca Quarry Trail is an excellent alternative. Over the years, it’s managed to stay off the list of traditional tourist routes. That doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting, though.

This route is perfect for those looking to delve further into the Inca’s history and see firsthand how life in the Andes is for the locals who live in remote regions. You’ll get up close and personal with small communities and witness their day-to-day lives. On this route, you’ll also see some unique Inca sites that very few people get to see, even those from Cusco!

The Inca Quarry was recently included in the top six Alternative Routes to Machu Picchu by National Geographic, making it an excellent trek to choose from.

Inca Quarry Trail (Cachicata Trek) to Machu Picchu 4 Days Map Day by Day (4D/3N) Inca Quarry Trail (Cachicata Trek) to Machu Picchu 4 Days Map
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Before You Go
  • Packing List
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

Escape the crowds and get off the beaten path with our specially designed Inca Quarry Trail for history lovers and those who want to see real life in the rural Andes. Our package is suitable whether alone or in a group, and you’re guaranteed a real adventure!

The Inca Quarry Trail, also known as the Cachicata Trek or Chaski Trail, is one of the more recent routes to open up and one of the least crowded treks to Machu Picchu. This incredible trail will take you past tall waterfalls, Inca constructions, unforgettable views of the Andes, and beautiful jungle scenery.

Along the way, amidst the animated flora and fauna, you’ll stop off at Racaypata archaeological site and pass through various communities close to the Cachiqata quarry - the site the Incas took their stones from to build Ollantaytambo! In the quarry, you’ll be able to appreciate some rocks cut by the Incas and observe their fine skills.

After three days of trekking, enjoying nature, and seeing how locals live in the rural regions of Cusco, you’ll head to Aguas Calientes by train. This evening, you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel and enjoy a tasty dinner at one of the best restaurants in town.

On the fourth and final day, you’ll visit the magnificent and magical Inca city of Machu Picchu. You’ll be able to enjoy the site and learn all about its history from your local. On the last afternoon, it’ll be time to head back to Ollantaytambo by train and then to Cusco by private transport.

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day 01

    Cusco | Soqma - Perolniyoc - Racaypata - Rayan

    Your adventure begins as you head towards the Perolniyoc waterfall, surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Bathe in the water before visiting Racaypata archaeological site. Spend the night at Rayan and observe the clear Andean night sky.

  • Day 02

    Rayan | Puccaqasa - Kuichiqasa Pass - Sun Gate - Choquetacarpo

    Head to the first summit of the trek at Puccaqasa and then onto lunch. Afterward, you’ll reach the route's highest point, Kuichiqasa Pass. Head to the Sun Gate for some spectacular views before reaching our camp for dinner and rest.

  • Day 03

    Choquetacarpo | Cachicata - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

    Visit the Cachiqata quarries in the morning and enjoy a guided tour to observe stones cut to build Ollantaytambo. Have lunch in Ollantaytambo before catching the train to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy dinner in a top restaurant before going to be early.

  • Day 04

    Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

    Enjoy exploring the magical and mystical Machu Picchu on a 2-hour guided tour. Head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before getting a train to Ollantaytambo and then private transport back to your accommodation in Cusco.

What's it like

Highlights

  • Trek through the stunning Andean jungle landscapes and take in the astounding views.
  • See beautiful and unique flora and fauna in the zone and learn all about it.
  • Visit the quarry where the Incas got the stones to build Ollantaytambo.
  • Understand how small communities live in remote regions of the Andes and see them going about their daily lives.
  • Explore archaeological sites and uncover Inca secrets.
  • Take a grand tour of the mystical Machu Picchu.

Why Travel with us

  Itinerary
Day 01

Cusco | Soqma - Perolniyoc - Racaypata - Rayan

Highlight of the day: Bathing in the Perolniyoc waterfall and visiting Racaypata archaeological site.

Refreshing Waterfalls and Inca History

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Meals
Accommodation Icon
Camp Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
8 km / 4.97 mi Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
5-6 hours Walking Time
Min. Elevation Icon
3,000 m / 9,843 ft Min. Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
3,700 m / 12,139 ft Highest Elevation
Campsite Elevation Icon
3,700 m / 12,139 ft Campsite Elevation

Start your adventure when we collect you in the early morning from your accommodation. We’ll take you to the starting point of the trek to meet your team before you begin a 3 to 4-hour hike to the Perolniyoc waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass wonderful scenery and the small town of Soqma, where farmer’s fields surround you. You’ll have time to bathe in the waterfall to cool down once you get there.

Afterward, you’ll keep going until we reach Racaypata archaeological site. Your guide will give you an exciting history lesson, and you can take in the beautiful landscape before enjoying a lunch prepared by our team. You’ll then continue to our camp at Rayan to relax and enjoy the Andean night sky with constellations and shooting stars while you wait for dinner. Spend the night in a comfortable tent and rest until morning.

Your adventure begins today bright and early when we collect you from your accommodation in the morning and drive for one and a half hours to the starting point of our trek. Our private transport is highly comfortable, and we’ll provide blankets if you want to get a little more sleep on the journey.

Once we arrive at the starting point, and after enjoying a great breakfast, you’ll meet the cooks and horseman and get to know your team. Then, we’ll begin our hike with a 3 to 4-hour stretch to the pretty Perolniyoc waterfall. On the way, we’ll pass through the little town of Soqma, surrounded by corn, potato, and quinoa fields. After enjoying the beautiful valley landscape, you’ll get the chance to cool off or shower in the waterfall.

When you feel refreshed, we’ll continue to the Racaypata archaeological site, which was built on a cliff and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding valley. All our guides are experts in Inca history, so you can expect a quality history lesson! We’ll also have our lunch there, and you’ll get to try the exquisite food prepared by our team in the middle of the mountains.

The afternoon is relaxing as we ascend one more hour to reach our campsite at Rayan (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). You’ll be able to rest for the remainder of the day and wander around the area before a tasty dinner. While you wait for your food, take the opportunity to observe the clear Andean night sky. You’ll see constellations and shooting stars before heading to the comfort of your tent to wind down for the night.

Day 02

Rayan | Puccaqasa - Kuichiqasa Pass - Sun Gate - Choquetacarpo

Highlight of the day: Admiring the spectacular views from the Sun Gate.

Stunning Views and Astounding Landscapes

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Meals
Accommodation Icon
Camp Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Moderate-Challenging Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
13 km / 8.08 mi Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
8-9 hours Walking Time
Min. Elevation Icon
3,600 m / 11,811 ft Min. Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
4,500 m / 14,764 ft Highest Elevation
Campsite Elevation Icon
3,600 m / 11,811 ft Campsite Elevation

After breakfast, you’ll be off early to the first summit, Puccaqasa. Take some time to enjoy the stunning views of the Sacred Valley before you continue onto the lunch spot. Once we’re full, we’ll continue to the route's highest point at Kuichiqasa Pass. Next, we’ll head to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku to take in the spectacular views of the Veronica glacier in the distance. Finally, we’ll head down to our campsite in the Choquetacarpo sector for dinner and sleep.

After an energizing breakfast, we’ll head uphill for 3 hours to the first summit of the hike at Puccaqasa (4,400 m / 14,436 ft). You’ll get the most incredible views of the Sacred Valley from here, and, of course, it’s the perfect spot to get some amazing photos.

Later, we’ll descend for around 25 minutes to our lunch spot for a well-deserved meal. Recharge your energies with more incredible food from our cooks before continuing with a 2-hour up and down hike. On the last 20 minutes of this stretch, you’ll head up to the highest point of the whole trek, the Kuychicassa Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). You can expect more wonderful landscapes from this height and observe snowy glaciers.

Afterward, You’ll head downhill to the Inti Punku or Sun Gate archaeological site (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). You’ll learn about the site while taking in spectacular views of La Veronica glacier (5,682 m / 18,642 ft) and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which you’ll likely visit sometime in Cusco.

Finally, there’ll be a 30-minute descent to our campsite in the Choquetacarpo sector (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). You can now rest for the evening and enjoy another tasty meal before bed.

Day 03

Choquetacarpo | Cachicata - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Highlight of the day: Explore the incredible Cachicata quarry and witness the Inca’s fantastic craftsmanship.

Quarry Visit and Understanding Inca History

Meals Icon
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Meals
Accommodation Icon
Hotel Accommodation
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
9 km / 5.6 mi Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
4 hours Walking Time
Min. Elevation Icon
2,040 m / 6,693 ft Min. Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
3,600 m / 11,811 ft Highest Elevation
Accommodation Elevation Icon
2,040 m / 6,693 ft Accommodation Elevation

After breakfast, we’ll head up to the Cachicata quarries for a guided tour and to observe the impressive stones cut by the Incas to build Ollantaytambo. It’s incredible to see the fine skills that the Incas had with so few materials. Then, we’ll make our way to Ollantaytambo for lunch and catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you’ll see fantastic scenery everywhere you look.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel and be able to rest. If you have energy, you can explore the town or relax at the hot springs. In the evening, we’ll go to one of the top restaurants for dinner before going to bed early. You need to be up before dawn tomorrow.

Just like every other morning, you’ll be greeted with a tasty, filling breakfast to get you going. We’ll then begin our 1-hour descent to the Cachicata quarries (3,520 m / 11,549 ft), where the stones were taken to build Ollantaytambo. Inside the site, you’ll enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the place and observe the cut stone blocks whose transportation was interrupted by the arrival of the Spanish. It’s fascinating to see the perfect cuts that the Incas were able to create with simple materials.

After, we’ll descend from the quarry for 3 hours until we get to the quaint town of Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), where we’ll have lunch. Once we’ve finished, we’ll head to the train station to board the Expedition service to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). Along the tracks, you’ll be able to observe the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley up close as you travel beside the Urubamba River. You’ll need your camera ready to take some great snaps!

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check in at your hotel to rest before dinner if you feel tired. If you still have some energy, you can explore the small town or head to hot springs, the perfect place to relax your tired muscles after three days of walking. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner in a top restaurant before going to bed early, as you’ll be up before sunrise to see Machu Picchu.

Day 04

Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Highlight of the day: Exploring and touring one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

The Magical, Mystical Machu Picchu Awaits

Meals Icon
Breakfast Meals
Difficulty Icon
Easy Difficulty
Optional Activities (Difficulty - Duration) Icon
2-3 hours exploring Machu Picchu Optional Activities (Difficulty - Duration)
Machu Picchu Site Elevation Icon
2,430 m / 7,972 ft Machu Picchu Site Elevation
Optional Mountains Icon
Moderate to Challenging Optional Mountains
Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation Icon
3,000 m / 9,843 ft (3 - 4 hours) Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation
Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation Icon
2,720 m / 8,924 ft (2 hours) Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Elevation Icon
2,497 m / 8,192 ft (1.5 hours) Huchuy Picchu Mountain Elevation

Today we´ll get up very early to avoid the crowds at Machu Picchu. We´ll board a bus to enter at 6:00 a.m. to the Inca citadel and appreciate the sunrise. Our expert guide will conduct a tour of approximately two hours of the important places of this majestic site.

Around midday, you’ll have to head back to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant of your choice before heading to the train station to board your train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco to put your feet up and rest.

The big day has arrived! Be sure to get up very early to avoid the crowds at Machu Picchu. We´ll board a bus in Aguas Calientes at 5:30 a.m. until we arrive at the sanctuary at 6:00 a.m. Once inside, we´ll watch the brilliant sunrise over the incredible citadel. We´ll observe the breathtaking views before enjoying a two-hour tour with our expert guide.

We’ll visit all the must-see sites of this majestic place, including the terraces, houses, temples, and lanes. We’ll also stop at the observatories to admire the greatness and real extension of this engineering feat. If you’re still up for it, it’ll be the perfect time to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains; if you have pre-booked tickets.

A little after midday, it’ll be time to make your way down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have some time to grab lunch in a restaurant of your choice before catching a train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will collect you and take you to your accommodation in Cusco. You can put your feet up and reflect on your fantastic adventure. We’re sure your heart will be soaring with the magic of the Incas for weeks, months, and even years to come!

  Inclusions

At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.

What Is Included?

Permits & Entrance Tickets

High Quality Service & Safety

  • Pre-departure Briefing - The day before the trip, at 5:00 pm you will meet your trekking guide.

    You'll have an orientation meeting with your guide the evening before the tour. The meeting is at 5:00 p.m. in our office and, depending on the itinerary, in your hotel.

  • Experienced Tour Guide - All our guides have professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness and passion, which will make your trip safe and comfortable.

    English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!

  • Private Camping Equipment
    • Tents: Spacious dining tents to enjoy your meals worry-free.
    • Tables, chairs, and cooking equipment
    • A Portable Travel Toilet
    • Sleeping Pad

    All equipment will be carried by our horses.

  • One Duffle Bag

    On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).

  • Medical Kit or First AID Kit - Our guides are trained to deal with basic emergencies.

    All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.

  • Extras Included in our Service - You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.

    We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.

  • 24/7 Customer Service - We have 24 hours a day telephone service.

    We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.

  • Satellite Phone - Each of our guides has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of emergency.

    Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of an emergency.

Accommodation

  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes

    You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel at Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.

    *Accommodation is in double, twin, and triple rooms.

  • 2 Nights Accommodation in Tents
    • Days 1 and 2: Salkantay Trekking uses the best camping tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g., Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents).

Meals

  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners

    Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.

  • Water on the trail - You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle for us to give you boiled, filtered and refrigerated water.

    We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).

  • Wake up tea - Every morning at campig we will provide you with hot coca tea.

    Every morning at the campsite, you'll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.

  • Tea Time or Happy Hour - Every evening, before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, cookies, coffee, tea, hot water, etc.

    Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!

  • Snacks on the trail daily - You will receive a bag with cookies, fruit and more, to be refilled each morning.

    Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.

  • One cloth snack bag per person

    To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.

  • Hygiene Products

    You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.

Transportation

  • Transport
    • Day 1: Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Soqma, the trek’s starting point.
    • Day 4: One-Way Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
    • Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
  • Train Tickets
    • Day 3: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
    • Day 4: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Personal Belongings Transportation

    On days 1,2, and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.

What Is Not Included?

  • Extras and important equipment

    You will need a sleeping bag for camping. Trekking poles are optional but highly recommended. If you don’t have them, don't worry; you can rent them from Salkantay Trekking.

    • Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
    • Walking poles (pair): US$ 20.00
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain - If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).

    You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.

    • The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain- If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).

    Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.

    • The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
  • Personal Hiking Clothing and Gear
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for our staff

    Tipping is the norm on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.

  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control

    Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.

  Before You Go

We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.

How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?

It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.

You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.

Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:

Briefing or Informative Meeting

All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.

Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)

If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.

If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler's checks as forms of payment for the balance.

Duffel Bag or Canvas Case

You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will carry them, and the horsemen will hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).

A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.

Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.

Pick up of guests

Please note:

  • All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
  • Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
  • Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
  • Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.

Return to Cusco

Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!

  • In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
  • In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
  • Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
  • In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.

Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.

Group Tours

Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.

It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.

Strikes and demonstrations

Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.

Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.

Lost objects

Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.

  Packing List

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

ESSENTIAL

Valid Passport
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Personal Care Products
Personal Care Products

CLOTHING

Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Light footwear or sandals
Light footwear or sandals
Trekking pants (*)
Trekking pants (*)
Trekking socks
Trekking socks
Pair of thermal pants
Pair of thermal pants
Shorts
Shorts
Warm jacket
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Raincoat or rain poncho
Waterproof or wool gloves
Waterproof or wool gloves
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Wool hat for the cold
Wool hat for the cold
Neck gaiter or buff
Neck gaiter or buff
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunglasses with UV protection

EQUIPMENT

Sleeping bag (-15°C)
Sleeping bag (-15°C)
Trekking poles
Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)

RECOMMENDED

Camera and charger
Camera and charger
Power bank
Power bank
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Bathing suit
Bathing suit
Towel
Towel
Flashlight
Flashlight
  Pricing

"Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.

2024 Land Cost

Group Price: US$ 600.00 per person.

Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person.

Balance (Cusco): US$ 400.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).

This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.

Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 5%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.

Hotel

All the related treks to Machu Picchu end in or before Aguas Calientes, so you’ll spend the last night in a hotel in the town rather than camping (including a shared room in a standard 3-star hotel). If you need a hotel upgrade or prefer a single room, you can pay an extra fee. Please enquire for more details.

Extras & Upgrades

There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.

  • Huayna Picchu:  US$ 60.00
  • Machu Picchu Mountain:  US$ 60.00
  • Huchuy Picchu Mountain:  US$ 45.00
  • Single Supplement (Hotel at Aguas Calientes):  US$ 30.00
  • Extra Night at Aguas Calientes:  US$ 50.00
  • Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo):  US$ 70.00

Extensions & Offers

There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.

  • Rainbow Mountain:  US$ 100.00  US$ 80.00
  • Sacred Valley:  US$ 100.00  US$ 80.00
  • City Tour:  US$ 50.00 US$ 40.00

Additional Items

There are additional items you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.

  • Sleeping bag::  US$ 20.00
  • Inflattable mattress:  US$ 20.00
  • Walking poles (pair):  US$ 20.00

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.

Student Discount

US$20.00 off

Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to info@salkantaytrekking.com.

  Enquire Now

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

Personal Details

Trip Details

Inca Quarry Trail 4D
14 years and above
Below 14 years
7 + 3 =

Remember |  One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.

Note |  Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!

Feel free to reach us via email at info@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179

Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Triunfo Street 346 - Main Square of Cusco, Peru

Customer Support
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