The Inca Quarry Trail Trek is only offered by a few companies because it is so off of the beaten path(hidden inca Quarry trail). It is less traveled than the classic Inca trail . there are opportunities to interact with local communities and to visit smaller and less known Inca archaeological sites and the beautiful mountain vistas of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba
mountain ranges provide the opportunity to encounter dramatic landscapes. Along the Quarry trail we will get to experience the lifestyles of Quechua farming communities, whose culture and customs have not changed for centuries. We will travel through traditional villages like Socma and Rayan . This trek is recommended for people who like solitude and exploring the less popular route to Machu Picchu. The probable highlight and last day of the trek will take place exploring the “Lost city of the Inca”, Machu Picchu and traveling back to Cusco by train. The Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for those who want to head off-the-
“GET UP. GO. EXPLORE.”
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BRIEFING: The day before the trek, you will meet with your trekking guide at our EXPLORE ADVENTURES office and meet all the members of your group. Your guide will explain to you about the trek, route and all the necessary recommendations will be provided to you. This will take approximately 40 minutes, where you will receive your duffel bags that will be carried by horses along the trail. Horses accompany you to help carry your bag and camping equipment. And are there to help provide a leg up if you find yourself struggling.
Highlights
Highlights of the Quarry Trail
-Great views of Sacred Valley, river, and mountains.
-Perolniyoq remote Waterfall and Inca ruins of Perolniyoq
-Enjoy stunning panoramic views of breathtaking valleys
-Amazing Views of Veronica Mountain!!
-Discover a unique Inca hidden of Choquetacarpo ruins
-Real Inca mummies tomb
-Hike to Inti Punku Sungate
-You get a great view of Ollaytantambo
-Hike by Fertile fields in the Sacred Valley
-Witness the work of the Incas at the Cachicata Quarry
-Ollantaytambo town, the last living Inca city
We leave Cusco early in the morning and drive approximately 30min to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas used to venerate the moon. A short drive from here takes us to Rafq’a, the starting point of our trek and where we meet the horsemen that will join us during the hike. After an approx. 1hr walk we reach the small community of Socma. A further 60min walk takes to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack. From here we continue on to our campsite, at 3700 meters above sea level. All going well, we should reach our campsite by lunch time. After lunch we set off to explore the Q’orimarca archaeological site, which used to serve as a religious place during the times of the Incas.
This is the most challenging but most rewarding day of the hike. A 3hr walk takes us to the top of the first pass, known as Puccaqasa (approx 4370 meters). After enjoying the views of the valley below we walk down for 30min to our lunch spot. Rested and full of energy again we take on a 2hr hike to the highest pass of the trek: Kuychicassa (4450 meters). From here we head down for 2hr to a site the Incas called Inti Punku, (meaning Sun Gate) with imposing views over the valley bellow and the Veronica mountain raising over the horizon. Our campsites is a stone throw away at Choquetacarpo (3600m)
Day three is all downhill hiking. The first stop is at the Cachiqata quarry, where we witness the work the Incas could not complete due to the Spanish conquest. Approximately at midday we finally arrive to the town of Kachiqata - the end of this challenging and fascinating trek. From here we visit Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon we travel by train to Aguas Calientes where we meet with our fellow travelers who opted to take the “Train Option” of this trip. The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening. Tonight we overnight at a simple but comfortable hotel.
Today we take a very early bus (5:30am depending on weather conditions) along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approx. 30 minutes). In Machu Picchu we join the travelers who opted to hike the Classic Inca Trail option of this trip before taking on a guided walk of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon we travel back to Aguas Calientes by bus, before boarding a train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo we travel by minivan to Cuzco. Depending on train schedule, expect to arrive to Cuzco anytime.
Experienced Tour Guide. We hire the best, most accomplished, experienced Explore Adventures Peru guides. Travel & Trek with someone who hiked the Inca Trail for over 900 times, Salkantay Trek for over 500 times, Ausangate Trek for over 300 times, Lares Trek for over 200 times, being at Machu Picchu for over 1000 times.
BEST EQUIPMENT. We source all of our sleeping tents, dining tents and sleeping pads from north face, Equipment, an Americans and european outdoor company that has been making time-tested high altitude equipment since 1830. We don’t use locally made tents, which have a tendency to topple over in the wind or leak in the rain, like some operators.
