Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

DAY 1: CUSCO – RAF´QA – SOQMA – Q´ORIMARCA

We leave Cusco early in the morning and drive for 2 hours to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where the Incas historically would honor the moon.  A short drive from here takes us to Rafq’a. Now it is time to lace up your boots at the starting point of our trek where we meet the horsemen for our hike. We hike for about 1 hour to reach the typical Inca community of Socma. Just a hop, skip and a jump ahead, takes us to the hypnotizing Perolniyoc Cascade. It is the perfect opportunity to stop, take photos and have a snack.  Our goal is to reach our campsite at 3700m or 2139ft at about lunchtime. After lunch, we set off to explore the Q’orimarca archeological site, which served as a checkpoint during the times of the Incas.

• Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time -Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping with 4 season EUREKA tents
• Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
• Time: 6 hours approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate.

DAY 2: QORIMARCA – INTI PUNKU – CHOQUETACARPO

This is the most challenging but most rewarding day of the hike. A 3-hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass, known as Puccaqasa (4370mts). After enjoying the picturesque views of the undulating valleys below, we descend down for 30 minutes, just in time for lunch.
Rested and full of energy again, we head onward and upward for about 2 hour to the highest pass of the trek: Kuychicassa(4450m/14599ft). From here, we head down for 2 hours to the site that the Incas called Inti Punku, (meaning Sun Gate) with its imposing views over the valley and the horizon is engulfed by the picturesque Veronica Mountains. We discover our campsite is just a short distance away from Choquetacarpo (3600m/11811ft)

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping Facilities with 4 season EUREKA tents
• Distance: 15kms/9.5 miles
• Time: 7 hours approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

DAY 3: CHOQUETACARPO – KACHIQATA QUARRY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

Day 3 is all downhill hiking, with our first stop at the Kachiqata Quarry where we can personally witness the workmanship of the Incas, which they could not complete due to the Spanish Conquest. Midday we arrive at the town of Kachiqata, the end of this challenging and fascinating trek.  From here we visit the original Inca settlement Ollantaytambo and in the afternoon we travel by train to Aguas Calientes where we stay overnight at our private hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast –  Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
• Distance: 8kms/5 miles
• Time: 6 hours approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Bursting with excitement on your final surreal day, we take the first bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, making sure we tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu,what an unforgettable experience. Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, you can wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom, as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Alternatively, you can stay still and find the peace within as you sit in the pure delight of the moment.

If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own you can (not included in the price):

• Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from the views above ($25 each additional cost)
• You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku. (Free of cost)
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs (will be an additional entrance fee)..

When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the Expedition train at 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Station, where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and arrive at your hotel around 8pm.

• Meal: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

• Private transportation from the hotel to Choquequilla Trail head.
• Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua.
• Round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes 
• Admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
• Hotel with private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, storage and buffet breakfast included
• 2 person Igloo tents (large and comfortable)
• Delicious meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
• Provision of a horse with helmet supplied in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Boiled water to fill in your bottles
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Thick foam mattress
• Small Pillow

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED FOR THE INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

• Sleeping bag (minus 10 ºC) – US$ 20
• Breakfast on the first day, Lunch & dinner on the last day
• Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43pm )
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$35 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain –  US$30 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Orange Nation Peru

OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel or Train

• VISTADOME TRAIN from Machu Picchu back to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43pm: US$57 per person
• La Cabaña Hotel: US$40 per person
• Tierra Viva Hotel: US$70 per person
• El Mapi Hotel: US$120
• Additional Night in hotel in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on choice and availability)

No. OF PEOPLE	PRICE
2 to 8 people	US$ 517 per person

Personal porter included!

***This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide a duffle bag you can put your things in.

***We provide large Eureka 4 man tents for each 2 trekkers.  

DISCOUNTS

• 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: US$40  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

• Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent: US $30 – (Tent for single trekkers only)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$35 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain –  US$30 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Single Supplement – US$30 2* for single travelers

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

• Thick Foam Mattresses for every hiker
• Small pillow
• Transfer Airport to Hotel (only in Cusco)
• Duffle bags
• Trash plastic bags
• Extra blanket for the tent are included in the trekking price!
• EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your things up to 7 kgs / 14p  sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
• COLD BOILED WATER will be provided along the trek, there will be hot and cold water at each meal time.
• OXYGEN TANK will be available.
• EMERGENCY HORSE is included which can be ridden if you feel tired or sick
• BEST ITINERARY operated Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu specialist only.

“Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu ” 

WELCOME TO CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING

It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Calle Santa Teresa  Nº383 ; 303 (second floor) we are next to SUBWAY restaurant.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

Of course! During the Inca Quarry trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.

HOW TO BOOK THE INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

FIRST, to book your Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu, you need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Inca Quarry Trail Trek permit without the following information:

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Gender
• Passport number
• D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
• Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on PAYPAL.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased.  Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person.  We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!!

Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee.  BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.

The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you  for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness. 

We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing.  Check out our day tours on our Main Page.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Orange Nation Peru specialises in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalised service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

HIKING INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK

The evening before you start your Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu trek is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,700mt. On the second day of the trek we climb two mountains. The Inca Quarry Trail Trek is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms  a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREKS?

It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! Orange Nation Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.”  Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite.  At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TREK?

In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Orange Nation Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchutrek.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE INCA QUARRY  TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?

Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!   If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu trek, for sure we wil pick you up there !

VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE; HOW MUCH IS IT?

For sure you may upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is US$57 per person which includes the transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to Vistadome, all the way back to Poroy (Cusco), the trip lasts 3.5 hours, then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the Inca Quarry Trail Trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Orange Nation Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you feel it, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

• Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
• Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage:  2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Travel)
• Headlamp: essential
• Toiletpaper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG FOR THE INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

• 2 t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants at least
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
• Couple Fleece/ Thermals
• Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
• Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
• Swimming Suit

TOILETRIES

• Face moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Personal medications
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

• Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp: essential
• Wool Hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Coca leaves.
• Rain plastic poncho (provided by Orange)
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitiser
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Value things