Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

DAY 1: CUSCO – – SOQMA – RAYAN – PUCCAQASA

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel at 5:00 am today to begin our drive for nearly 2 hours drive to the traditional Inca community of Socma. After having a delicious breakfast at the trailhead, we will give our duffel bags to the horseman. Your team of pack horses will carry all of your camping gear, leaving you with only a small daypack. We will continue the journey to the spectacular waterfall of Perolniyoc. The perfect spot for photos and enjoying beautiful surroundings.

After being mesmerized by this phenomenal waterfall, we will continue the hike up to the archeological site, where your guide will give you the full tour. It’s a short walk to our lunch spot at Rayan at 3,700m/ 2,139 ft. After a hearty lunch and a well-deserved rest, we will set out again.

We start with 2 hours uphill to the very first pass called Puccaqasa at 4400 mts. Stunning views of the mountains and making it to the top is the best part. After another hour we will be arriving to our first campsite. Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you when you arrive. Your tents will already be set up so you can settle in before dinner.

• Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time -Dinner
• Accommodation: Luxury camping with 4 season EUREKA tents
• Distance: 13kms/8 miles
• Time: 8 hours approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate.

DAY 2: PUCCAQASA – QUYCHICASSA – INTI PUNKU – VERONICA VIEW HOTEL

After a long hike yesterday and a good rest, day 2 we will a relief as we will start the journey to the Quychicassa pass about 2 hours walk at 4,450/12,599ft. We will enjoy a spectacular view of the wide, glacier-carved valley. We will continue for another hour downhill to the Inca site of Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate. Lunch will be served with a spectacular view of the Veronica Mountain!

Let’s continue the first hour downhill from Inti Punku to the Veronica View Hotel. There, you can get a well-deserved soak in the heated swimming pool or sauna. There is also the option for treatments at the spa.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: Veronica View Hotel
• Distance: 15kms/9.5 miles
• Time: 7 hours approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

DAY 3: VERONICA VIEW HOTEL – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

We will wake up for breakfast with the fresh air and beautiful views of the Veronica Mountain. Have a relaxing morning recovering from the hike and enjoy the beautiful setting. We will start the day by having a delicious gourmet breakfast and after we will take a short drive to the train station, where you will board the train at 13:37 Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. We will be spending the night there.

• Meals: Breakfast –  Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Intipunku Tambo
• Difficulty: Easy

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

The day has come! Just a few more steps to Machu Picchu! We will be taking the first shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu archeological site. Once we arrive at the entrance, we will be starting our 2.5 hours tour of the magical site of Machu Picchu. Our guide will give you the full tour, taking you to the most important sites. You will see the Temple of the Sun, one of the finest and most iconic within the ancient citadel as part of the Machu Picchu and the Temple of the Condor, an amazing temple where there is a huge stone caved that may look like a shape of a Condor plus the Temple of the 3 windows, House of the Incas and many more.

There are more sites to explore within Machu Picchu and if you book ahead of time, you may visit either Huyna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Huayna Picchu, also known as Young Mountain. A large mountain that sits behind Machu Picchu with an extraordinarily beautiful landscape. The route is in fact a steep and narrow trail, but no technical skills are required. Up above will be a spectacular view with brilliant vistas from different angles.

Machu Picchu Mountain, also known as Old Mountain. Located southwest of Machu Picchu citadel, the trail is less steep and wider. Suitable for any age, the trail is well marked that provides unparalleled and breathtaking views of the Inca sanctuary and the mountains surrounding it.

We have finally thoroughly explored one of the New 7 Wonders of the World! Is it time to descend to Aguas Calientes, enjoy lunch on your own, spending the last minutes exploring the town and later boarding the Expedition train which will depart at 14:55 or 15:20 for your return trip back to Ollantaytambo and we will transfer you back to Cusco in our private van. You will arrive at your hotel at approximately 7:00pm.

• Meal: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

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

• Transportation in our private van
• Professional licensed tour 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
• 4 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, 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
• Foam mattress
• Camping 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 16:43pm )
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your trek)
• Machu Picchu Mountain –  US$75 per person  (Please request when you book your trek)
• Tips for the crew, guide and cook of Orange Nation Peru

OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel or Train

• VISTA DOME TRAIN from Machu Picchu back to Cusco (Poroy) at 16:43 pm: US$57 per person
• 4* Tierra Viva Hotel: US$70 per person
• 4* El Mapi Hotel: US$120

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

***This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs. We will provide a duffle bag that you can put your things in.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person 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 solo trekkers only)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain –  US$75 per person  (Please request when you book your trek)
• Hotel single supplement – US$30 2* for solo travelers

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

• Foam mattresses for every hiker
• Camping pillow
• Transfer airport to hotel (only in Cusco)
• Duffle bags
• Liner bags
• Extra blanket for the tent are included in the trekking price!
• EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, which 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 sandwich shop. We share a lobby with the Casona Corrales Boutique Hotel.

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$211.00 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?

Yes, but with some restrictions.  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 usually between 2-6 people. Orange Nation Peru specialises in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalised service.

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 pack horses 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 Horses 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 40 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 all of our guests 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.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TREK?

In the unlikely 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 Picchu trek.
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 will 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 appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, 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 as much as you feel appropriate, 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 student ID card (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage:  2-3 litre reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable)
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Travel)
• Headlamp: essential
• Toilet paper

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

As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra pack horse which 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
• 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 to line your duffel
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.

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
• Insect repellent
• Headlamp: essential
• Wool hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Rain poncho (provided by Orange)
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitiser
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
• Valuables