Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Overview
The Cachicata trek is one of the newest trekking routes on offer in the Cusco region. Based in the area around Ollantaytambo the Cachicata trek takes you past high waterfalls, Inca archaeological sites and beautiful scenery.
The Cachicata trek is relatively easy compared to some of the others so it is a great option for less experienced trekkers. Another great thing about the trek is that hardly anyone does it so if you're looking to get away from the crowds then this is the trek for you!
The Cachicata trek is relatively easy compared to some of the others so it is a great option for less experienced trekkers. Another great thing about the trek is that hardly anyone does it so if you're looking to get away from the crowds then this is the trek for you!
Inclusions
- Pre-trek briefing.
- Transfer by private transport to Huarocondo - the initial point of the trek.
- Accommodation: Campsites (2 nights) and a Hostel in Machu Picchu (1 night).
- Afternoon hot beverages x 2.
- Professional bilingual Tour Guide.
- Professional Cook.
- Horseman.
- Horses to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 5 kg of each passenger's stuff.
- Camping equipment: Personal double tents (4 person tent which allows for greater comfort).
- Inflatable mattress (Term-A-Rest).
- A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C).
- A blanket per person.
- A pillow.
- Day-pack rain cover.
- Duffel bag for your personal belongings (5 kg).
- Rain plastic 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.
- Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- 3x Breakfast
- 3x Lunch
- 3x Dinner
- Accommodation included: 3 nights
- Entry/Admission - Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu
What to expect
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Socma - Rayan
Stop At: Cusco Region, Cusco Region
We start out with an easy first day. Leaving from Cusco early we drive to the Sacred Valley heading for the village of Socma which is a short distance from Ollantaytambo. Just before we arrive to Socma we'll have a stop to take photos of some stone-age petroglyphs.
Today's trek takes us up the valley behind Socma as we make our way to a small Inca site and beautiful waterfall that lie at the top of the valley. Walking past fields cultivated with potatoes, corn and quinua we will have the opportunity to see a variety of birds and native plants and to learn about the customs of the Andean people. Your guide will teach you a little Qhechua (the language of the Incas) so that you can communicate with the people you meet on the trek.
After a relaxing morning's walk we'll finally arrive to our destination, the Inca site of Perolniyoc. After a guided tour of the site we'll carry on a short distance to our campsite at Rayan (3650m / 11975 ft.) where we'll stop for the day. In the afternoon we will visit one of the local families and you can practice the Qhechua you learnt in the morning (much to everyone's amusement).
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Campamento.
Day 2: Rayan - Cachicata
Stop At: Perolniyoq Waterfall, Apv- Tipon-n11, Ollantaytambo Peru
Today is the longest day of the trek. Setting out from our campsite we'll carry on up the valley making our way to the first pass on the trek. This area is still cultivated by the local people despite the high altitudes and we will see local people caring for their fields. One of the few plants that seems to thrive at this altitude is a type of mint, (muna) and the scent infuses the air throughout the morning.
In total it's about a 4 hour walk to the pass (4440m / 14567ft.) where we'll stop to take in the panorama and catch our breath before carrying on for about another 20 minutes to stop for lunch. After lunch the walking gets easier; having reached the top of the mountain the terrain levels out and we walk across the high plateau through a strange landscape of what appear to be burial mounds but are actually glacial morraine (piles of rock deposited by glaciers during the Ice Age).
Our goal for today is the Inca quarry of Cachicata. Working our way down from the high plateau we'll arrive to Cachicata (3820m / 12532ft.) by late afternoon, passing by an Inca ruin which people refer to as the Sun Gate along the way.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Campamento.
Day 3: Cachicata - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Stop At: Ollantaytambo, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
Today is dedicated to exploring Cachicata. Despite it's proximity to Ollantaytambo and the wide variety of interesting features, hardly anyone actually comes up here. Cachicata is an extensive site, it was the quarry used by the Inca for the construction of Ollantaytambo and there are various points of interest including several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site, chullpas (burial houses) and a cave with Inca mummies still in place.
After a guided tour of the site we'll continue our way down the mountain following the original platform used for transporting the stones to Ollantaytambo and arrive to the town by early afternoon. From Ollantaytambo we'll take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Noche en Renato's House o Machupicchu Dream Hostel.
Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Stop At: Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Peru
Waking up early we'll take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We'll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.
In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Cusco - Socma - Rayan
Stop At: Cusco Region, Cusco Region
We start out with an easy first day. Leaving from Cusco early we drive to the Sacred Valley heading for the village of Socma which is a short distance from Ollantaytambo. Just before we arrive to Socma we'll have a stop to take photos of some stone-age petroglyphs.
Today's trek takes us up the valley behind Socma as we make our way to a small Inca site and beautiful waterfall that lie at the top of the valley. Walking past fields cultivated with potatoes, corn and quinua we will have the opportunity to see a variety of birds and native plants and to learn about the customs of the Andean people. Your guide will teach you a little Qhechua (the language of the Incas) so that you can communicate with the people you meet on the trek.
After a relaxing morning's walk we'll finally arrive to our destination, the Inca site of Perolniyoc. After a guided tour of the site we'll carry on a short distance to our campsite at Rayan (3650m / 11975 ft.) where we'll stop for the day. In the afternoon we will visit one of the local families and you can practice the Qhechua you learnt in the morning (much to everyone's amusement).
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Campamento.
Day 2: Rayan - Cachicata
Stop At: Perolniyoq Waterfall, Apv- Tipon-n11, Ollantaytambo Peru
Today is the longest day of the trek. Setting out from our campsite we'll carry on up the valley making our way to the first pass on the trek. This area is still cultivated by the local people despite the high altitudes and we will see local people caring for their fields. One of the few plants that seems to thrive at this altitude is a type of mint, (muna) and the scent infuses the air throughout the morning.
In total it's about a 4 hour walk to the pass (4440m / 14567ft.) where we'll stop to take in the panorama and catch our breath before carrying on for about another 20 minutes to stop for lunch. After lunch the walking gets easier; having reached the top of the mountain the terrain levels out and we walk across the high plateau through a strange landscape of what appear to be burial mounds but are actually glacial morraine (piles of rock deposited by glaciers during the Ice Age).
Our goal for today is the Inca quarry of Cachicata. Working our way down from the high plateau we'll arrive to Cachicata (3820m / 12532ft.) by late afternoon, passing by an Inca ruin which people refer to as the Sun Gate along the way.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Campamento.
Day 3: Cachicata - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Stop At: Ollantaytambo, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
Today is dedicated to exploring Cachicata. Despite it's proximity to Ollantaytambo and the wide variety of interesting features, hardly anyone actually comes up here. Cachicata is an extensive site, it was the quarry used by the Inca for the construction of Ollantaytambo and there are various points of interest including several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site, chullpas (burial houses) and a cave with Inca mummies still in place.
After a guided tour of the site we'll continue our way down the mountain following the original platform used for transporting the stones to Ollantaytambo and arrive to the town by early afternoon. From Ollantaytambo we'll take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Noche en Renato's House o Machupicchu Dream Hostel.
Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Stop At: Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Peru
Waking up early we'll take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We'll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.
In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Additional information
- Please note that if you want the "Single Room" option for this tour, you must contact the local tour operator to receive your own single tent and a single room in Aguas Calientes. Additional fees may apply.
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
- Minimum age is 18 years.
- Important: Tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain must be purchased in advance. Please contact with us upon booking if you'd like to purchase tickets.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
noahv559
November 2021
Just finished an amazing 3 day trek from km 82 to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu with our awesome guide Efrain and his amazing team of cooks and porters. Hard work with the altitude but saw some incredible Quechuan sites and fascinating scenery along the way! Would highly recommend.
Just finished an amazing 3 day trek from km 82 to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu with our awesome guide Efrain and his amazing team of cooks and porters. Hard work with the altitude but saw some incredible Quechuan sites and fascinating scenery along the way! Would highly recommend.Kenton O
August 2021
It was a phenomenal experience. Life changing, in fact. The trails are so beautiful and the views are unbeatable. We didn’t experience any issues or drama with the guide company or the locals. Great vibes the whole time. We learned a lot about the local lands and Inca culture. Our 2 guides ...
It was a phenomenal experience. Life changing, in fact. The trails are so beautiful and the views are unbeatable. We didn’t experience any issues or drama with the guide company or the locals. Great vibes the whole time. We learned a lot about the local lands and Inca culture. Our 2 guides were Jose and Marco. I couldn’t have asked for better guides. Not only their knowledge of the trails, but also their personality and ability to inspire us to get the most out of the experience. I consider Jose and Marco friends for life now.Pjac912
August 2021
Jose and Marco were the absolute best guides. They were extremely knowledgeable of the history and culture you find yourself immersed into immediately. The hike is definitely challenging with the altitude so hop on the stair master a couple weeks out. Our guides were key to keeping us focused and...
Jose and Marco were the absolute best guides. They were extremely knowledgeable of the history and culture you find yourself immersed into immediately. The hike is definitely challenging with the altitude so hop on the stair master a couple weeks out. Our guides were key to keeping us focused and moral high through some of the tougher points. This was a life changing experience for me. Completing the hike is a feel good on its own but ending it in an ancient sacred city, adds some depth. I will forever carry the memories and relationships created on this trail with me. I highly recommend you go with Tierrasvivas and request Jose and Marco for your guides!SamMcCone
August 2021
Absolutely loved the experience! Efrain was our guide and he was brilliant. You could tell that he was very passionate about the history of the Incans and took the time to explain the backstories of each of the sites we visited. We couldn't have done the trail without the four porters that we...
Absolutely loved the experience! Efrain was our guide and he was brilliant. You could tell that he was very passionate about the history of the Incans and took the time to explain the backstories of each of the sites we visited. We couldn't have done the trail without the four porters that were with us, so a special thanks to Andres, Pedro, Esteban and Mateo! Each day they set up the tents for us, cooked great food for us and carried 30kgs from one camp site to the next. After we had finished we said our goodbyes but as it was my wife's birthday the following day I invited the whole team for a surprise birthday dinner for her. They all showed up and we had such a great time that the restaurant owners had to politely ask us to leave as we had stayed well passed closing time. I will definitely one day be going back and doing another trail with Terra Vivas!Jessica P
June 2022
My boyfriend and I decided to work and travel while in Peru and of course we wanted to see Machu Picchu. There are so many ways to go to the Lost Incan City. We are in moderate shape and we wanted to see some amazing sites, learn about the culture and history, and have some downtime as well. This...
My boyfriend and I decided to work and travel while in Peru and of course we wanted to see Machu Picchu. There are so many ways to go to the Lost Incan City. We are in moderate shape and we wanted to see some amazing sites, learn about the culture and history, and have some downtime as well. This tour exceeded our expectations in all of these areas. Our guide Bernabe was experienced, knowledgeable, funny, prompt, and kind. He stuck to our schedule and made everything as seemless as possible. We didn’t have to worry about anything. He gave us so much insight as to how the Incans lived, the geography of the Andes, and history of Machu Picchu. On our 2 and a half day hike, we saw waterfalls, ancient temples, local Quechua people and their farm land. We started around 3500m and climbed up to 4500m, going over two mountain passes. We visited the Sun Gate, Inca Quarry, and various ruin sites. Our chef was amazing!! We ate so well and it was always delicious. We had a local horseman and 3 horses carry all the camping equipment and bags. We only carried our day pack and water. All camping equipment, first aid, food, and water was provided for us. The best part was that this trail is not crowded at all. We saw maybe 6 other hikers the whole time. You will have the best photos and time to enjoy the quiet views. On the 3rd day, you catch a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and we had the rest of the day to explore and rest on our own. The hotel was very nice and it felt so good to relax in a proper bed before going to Machu Picchu the next day. The last day, we decided to take the bus up to Machu Picchu because we were pretty sore from the hike and wanted to save our energy for Machu Picchu Mountain hike. The bus down is included and we only paid $12 for the ride up. After Machu Picchu, we returned to Aguas Calientes, had lunch and took the train back to Ollantaytambo. A driver picked us up at the station and drove us back to our Airbnb in Cusco. We had such an amazing time!! If you can’t get permits for Inca Trail or you want a hiking experience with 5-star service and accommodations THIS IS THE TOUR FOR YOU. It was an unbelievable deal and I would recommend to anybody seeking an adventure.A4773BLajm
December 2021
Best hike of life. As a guide that has done alot of adventure activities I can confirm these guys are PROS. Service was outstanding from start to finish and our guides Adner and Efre are EXCELLENT and very knowledgeable. It's hard to decide what better the views or the food!!! 10/10 on all front...
Best hike of life. As a guide that has done alot of adventure activities I can confirm these guys are PROS. Service was outstanding from start to finish and our guides Adner and Efre are EXCELLENT and very knowledgeable. It's hard to decide what better the views or the food!!! 10/10 on all fronts. The porters are fun and friendly and aside from walking you won't life a fingerings!!! If your not going with these guys your are missing out!! GRACIAS TIERRA VIVAS !!!!!