Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu

We climb across open meadows, reaching a zone of high altitude shrubland known as Puna, approaching the pass of Chancachuco 4,400 m.a.s.l (14,435ft). This part of the trek offers panoramic views of the highest peaks in Cusco region. Our route continues across a high plateau, we pass mountain lakes where we may see andean and wetland birds, descending to our second campsite at Qeuñacancha, 4080 m.a.s.l (13,385ft).

We hike downhill following the trail until we join the Inka water channel which comes from Maracocha lake, from here we reach the temple call Intiwatana, which is located on the edge of the mountain called Apu Alambre, in front of the Veronica snow peak. Then we continue downhill to Choquetacarpo an archaeological site, which was most likely the residence of architects who managed the Inca quarries and performed ceremonies at Intipunku, after lunch we wend our way downward, exploring different sectors of one of the biggest Inka quarries, where massive carved blocks of pink rhyolite lie scattered in disarray. The quarried stones, testimony to a great building project that was never finished and were destined for the Inka site of Ollantaytambo.We descend to the train station and to take the train to Aguas Calientes town.

We have a ver early morning start(before dawn), so we can get to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate or Intipunku before the crowds. we trek the last 2 hours up to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu. Guided tour of Machu Picchu and then you can explore this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement by yourself. In the night we take the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer you to your hotel.

• Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing);
• Early morning transfer by private bus to Huaroncondor - the initial point of the trek;
• Accommodation: Campsites (2 nights) and a Hotel in Machu Picchu (1 night);
• Entrance fee to Cachicata and Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner and 2x afternoon hot beverages;
• Professional bilingual Tour Guide;
• Professional Cook;
• Horseman;
• Horses to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 7 kg of each passenger's stuff;
• Camping equipment: Eureka Mountain Personal double tents (3 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
• Sleeping / Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress);
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C);
• A blanket per person
• A pillow
• A pair of hiking poles;
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
• Rain Ponchos;
• Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
• Tables and chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
• A round trip by tourist train (Expedition Service) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco;

• Breakfast on the day 1 and lunch on the last day;
• International and domestic flights nor airport departure taxes;
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($ 80);
• A shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu ($ 12 - one way, $24 - a round trip);
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo traveler" option for this tour, you receive your own single tent and a single room in Aguas Calientes.

Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!

Luggage and backpacker for you trekking

Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. The horses carry your luggage from Pachar (1st day) to Cachicata (2th day). 3 day hike, you will take your luggage by train to Aguas Calientes. You are expected to carry your own luggage (max 10 min). We recommend keeping the weight under 5 kg/10lb. You will need to carry clothes, sleeping bag.

If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended putting your clothes, sleeping bag and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.

Appropriate clothing along this hike

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

What to bring to Cachicata Trek?

• Passport original
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
• Cash in soles no dollars
• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
• Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
• Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites).

The camping equipment to Cachicata trek will be returned to Cusco on day 3rd, you need to give to chef the sleeping bag, Therma rest mattress.

• Camping (double tent) provided in nights 1st, 2nd
• The bed (double room) provided in Aguas Calientes town on nights 3th
• This trek to Cachica included 5 kilos of personal items in the tour price carried by horses. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks, cold weather clothing and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season May to October)- but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as horses do not walk alongside you.
• You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
• The bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes not included in this trek

Optional services to be hired

• Backpack 45 Lts USD 20
• Walking sticks or trekking poles USD 20 for both
• You need to take 5 kilos of personal belonging included in the tour price carried by horses ...If you would like to request more porter age for personal items each extra 3 kilos requested is USD 20 additional charge but you can just request this in the office at your checking.
• Maybe you have to doubt to walk in this trek, you can hire the extra emergency horses, and the price is USD 80.

Climate: The highland region of Cusco has well defined winter and summer seasons.Winter days (June - August) are very sunny and warm, but the temperature drops to near freezing at night . Rainy season is from January to March. December and January are two of the nicest months for trekking with only the occasional shower and blooming flowers.

When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?

The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2020Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike thePalcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.

Cachicata to Inca Trail is located on the Sacred Valley of the Incas. During two day hike to Cachicata, you will enjoy the nature of the Andean highlands, the water fall, Incas ruins, Inca Mummies original, Andean Terraces, Intipunku (Sun gate), Inca Trail original and stone quarries. two night camping. On the third day you will arrive to Ollantaytambo archeological village and take you by train to the starting point of this 2 day Inca Trail trek - Chachabamba, also called Km 104 (2,350 m). Cachicata Trek to Inca Trail 4 days

Everyone knows about the Inca Trail: their friends may have traveled it and it is the echo that is heard in return when the name of Machu Picchu is called in all the Andes.

No matter what path you take, walking in Peru offers you a dazzling perspective of the old mountain peaks, offers the rewards of a physically demanding hike and takes you on a journey while meeting the locals along the way.

While many travelers are in panic searching Google for 'other walks in Peru' after discovering that the Inca Trail permits have been exhausted, you can even consider the Quarry Trail as a better option for you.

For whatever reason you have found yourself at a crossroads trying to decide, here is a quick summary of what you will get from both amazing walks.

Classic Inca Trail

The Classic Inca Trail is classic route to Machu Picchu and famous of the world, the classic trail need to book in advance, the tourist limit is 500 people per day and you have to worry, if your company has booked or no your hike. Once be on the route, you realize that in the route there are more than 500 or 200 hikers with you, which makes it very difficult to connect and enjoy the scenery of the Inca Trail. the Classic Inca Trail offer diferents micro-climates (mountain range to Rainforest), but It’s actually one of the most beautiful walks in.South America, at least among those in the know.

Tierras Vivas offers two hike to the Inca Trail trek:

• Inca Trail Tours 2020
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping 

Inca Quarry Trail

In case, you want to explore, enjoy the beautiful landscapes, the Inca Quarry trail is new alternative hike to theClassic Inca Trail, where you wont find the hikers. Not on the usual gringo trail path.It doesn’t lead right to the Sun Gate, the main thing you miss by doing the Quarry Trail is hiking through rainforest as the Quarry trail does not go through different micro-climates but you can still reach Machu Picchu via a short train ride. But you can find a new Sun Gate all over the Andes. Sun Gate or called Inti Punku, are structures built to honor the sun, usually at such an angle that they frame a distant mountain and welcome the first rays of the winter solstice. Inca mummies inside the caves. The water fall, where you can take a shower, above it will appreciate the Inca ruins. Andean Terraces and finally the stone quarries it is one of the ancient quarries used by pre Inca and Inca civilizations to build the vast complex of Ollantaytambo.

Tierras Vivas offers two hike to the Inca Quarry trek:

• Inca Quarry Trail4 Days
• Inca Quarry Trek to Inca Trail

Classic Inca Trail vs Inca Quarry Trail

Other Hiking Tours to Machu Picchu

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
• Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
• Ausangate trek 7 days

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.