Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days – Sacred Valley Route
Inca Quarry Trek – 4 Days. Walk through the Sacred Valley mountains of the Andes. We will explore the Choquequilla temple, Perolniyoc, and Wayrac Punku. From Wayrac Punko, observe the Inca quarries of Cachicata.
Inca Quarry Trek 4 Day to Machu Picchu is an outdoor adventure. It takes you around Socma and Inti Punku Inca Lookout. This lookout has views of the snowy Veronica. You will also see the Cachiccata Inca quarries. This trek is also called the Chaski trail. “Chaski means an athletic runner.”
The 4 Day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable expedition that combines history, culture, and adventure. As hikers explore the Andes, they enjoy unique archaeological sites, stunning views, and a close connection with nature.
This trek ends at the amazing Machu Picchu. It is a rewarding experience for the body and a life-changing journey for the soul. The Inca Quarry Trek offers a different path. It shows beautiful landscapes, archaeological sites, and a chance to see history.
The Inca Quarry Trek 4 Day is a lesser-known but remarkable trek in the Andes. It offers adventurers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the mysteries of ancient Inca pathways.
This four-day trek follows a lesser-known route through the Sacred Valley, combining mountain scenery, living Andean culture, and fascinating Inca history. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Inca Quarry Trek offers a quieter experience, where wide valleys, high passes, and ancient stonework take center stage.
You’ll hike through traditional farming communities, climb above 4,000 meters to reach panoramic viewpoints, and explore the impressive Cachicata quarries — believed to have supplied stones for the construction of Ollantaytambo. The trail feels remote yet deeply connected to the legacy of the Inca civilization.
Each day brings a mix of moderate physical challenge and rewarding landscapes. By the time you arrive at Machu Picchu, you won’t just be visiting the citadel — you’ll have followed part of the story that helped build it.
Over four days, the route gradually unfolds from the highlands near Socma into the heart of the Sacred Valley. The first days focus on hiking through mountain trails and archaeological sites, with scenic camps surrounded by dramatic Andean views.
One of the most memorable sections includes reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where sweeping views of snowcapped peaks and deep valleys open up before you. From there, the journey continues toward Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
The final day is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu with a guided visit, allowing you to understand its history, architecture, and significance before returning to Cusco.
Travel from Cusco to Socma and start the Inca Quarry Trek to Rayan.
To start the Inca Quarry Trek, we travel at 06:00 from Cusco to the Socma Valley via Huarocondo, “a newly paved road that leads to the Sacred Valley via Pachar.” Our pack horses are waiting for us in the community of Socma to pack all the camping equipment to start the trek. After a 35-minute walk, you reach the Perolniyoc waterfalls. The magnificent views of the falls invite you to get your feet wet and relax in the quiet and green area. We continue ascending towards the ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF PEROLNIYOC – SOCMA. We explore the Inca ruins built in the domain of the inter-Andean valleys with a panoramic view of the Pomatales and Moray valleys.
HIKINH DATA: Description of the activity; a leisurely day walk
1L, 1D
Demanding
8km (5 miles)
4 Hrs.
Socma: 3,205m (10,512 ft)
Rayan: 3,650m (11,910 ft)
None
Conquer the Kuychicassa Pass, descend towards Choquetacarpo, and have an incredible view of the Sacred Valley of Ollantaytambo.
We packed our adventure gear and started hiking to reach the top of Kuychicassa Pass. From the top, we can see parts of the Sacred Valley of the Incas around Ollantaytambo, its valleys, and ravines. After descending, we have a short undulating road until we reach the Inca gate of the sun, “Inti Punko de Ollantaytambo.” The panoramic views direct toward the snow-capped peaks of Waqa Willka or Verónica and the entire SACRED VALLEY mountain range. We explore the Inca ruins near the Cachicata quarries and head to our Chancachuco camp.
Explore through the small valley of Chancachuco, where we will have lunch next to the Maracocha lagoon.
Brief description of the spectacular hike through the Kuychicassa Pass
1B, 1L, 1D.
Intense
14km (9 miles)
9 Hrs.
Rayan: 3,650m (11,910 ft)
Chochetacarpo: 3,600m (11,811 ft)
Kuychicassa Pass: 4,450m (14,596 ft)
Descend through the Inca quarries of Cachicata and the spectacular Inca Quarry Trek that goes to Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, board the train service to Aguas Calientes.
The activities begin with a delicious, fresh coca leaf tea with unique energy and lead to the last walk to Ollantaytambo. Today, we explore the three quarries of the Cachicata Inca during our descent into the Urubamba River. The trail is well-marked and wide enough to enjoy outdoor activities. The Inca masters of Inca architecture from the Cachicata quarries moved stones weighing 30 and 140 tons over 10 kilometers to build the Ollantaytambo archaeological park. We found several giant stones that were transferred to the other mountain; we called them tired stones because they did not reach their final destination.
We have lunch at a tourist restaurant near the Ollantaytambo train station, board the train services, and head towards Machupicchu.
Short description of the last stretch of the Inca Quarry Trek from Cachicata to the Urubamba River in Ollantaytambo
1B, 1L.
Moderate
11km (7 miles)
4 Hrs.
Chochetacarpo: 3,600m (11,811 ft)
Ollantaytambo: 2,851m (9,353 ft)
None
After a two-hour morning guided tour of Machu Picchu, return to Cusco to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon.
Due to the new restrictions, Machu Picchu can now be visited at a specific time, and, depending on availability, we believe 08:00 is suitable.
We board the bus service to Machu Picchu at the indicated time and begin the two-hour guided tour by walking through the Inca citadel. We return to Cusco in the afternoon via train and vehicle.
last summary of the activities to be carried out
Breakfast
Easy
A light walk
2-hour guided tour
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
For all adventurous travelers planning their next vacation along the Inca corridor, the “Chaski Trail,” several optional upgrades are available. Here’s a quick list of prices and options:
PERU TRAINS By PeruRail / PER PERSON
+$85. Vistadome train (round trip: OLLANTAYTAMBO – MACHUPICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO)
+$498.00 Hiram Bingham train (Inbound Journey: Train MACHUPICCHU – POROY)
+$75 Huayna Picchu
+$75 Montaña
+$75 RE-ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU
This applies to the following services:
To Machu Picchu
The Inca Quarry trek is an alternative trekking route in Peru that takes you through the scenic landscapes and ancient quarries of the Sacred Valley. It offers a unique and less crowded experience than the classic Inca Trail.
The Inca Quarry trek typically lasts for four days and three nights. It covers approximately 26 kilometers (16 miles), allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and historical significance.
While both treks lead to Machu Picchu, the Inca Quarry trek explores the lesser-known quarries where the Incas extracted stones for construction. It offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience and the opportunity to learn about the Incas’ quarrying techniques.
The Inca Quarry trek is considered moderate in terms of difficulty. It involves hiking on various terrains, including uphill and downhill sections and some steep paths. A reasonable fitness level and an essential hiking experience are recommended to fully enjoy the trek.
The Inca Quarry trek reaches altitudes of up to 4,450 meters (14,600 feet) at the highest pass. It’s important to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek. Spending a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek is advisable to minimize the risk of altitude-related issues.
The Inca Quarry trek offers diverse and stunning scenery. You will pass through the Sacred Valley, lush valleys, and mountains, and visit the ancient Inca quarries. Along the way, you will encounter breathtaking landscapes, impressive views, and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
The Inca Quarry trek is suitable for a wide range of ages, from teenagers to older adults. However, participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for moderate physical exertion. It’s advisable to consult with tour operators regarding age restrictions and suitability for children.
Hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for hiking the Inca Quarry trek. The guide provides valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of the quarries and surrounding areas. They also ensure the group’s safety and assist with any logistical needs.
Some essential items to pack for the Inca Quarry trek include a valid passport, comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight clothing layers, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a rain jacket, a day pack, a refillable water bottle, snacks, insect repellent, and a camera. Packing lists may vary, so it’s recommended to consult with tour operators for specific recommendations.
The best time to hike the Inca Quarry trek is during the dry season, typically from May to September. The weather is generally clear and stable, providing better trekking conditions. However, it’s advisable to check weather conditions and consult with tour operators for the most accurate information.
Inca Quarry trek
At least two trekkers are required to go on a private service to the Inca Quarry Trek, which is four days to Machu Picchu. ⇑
| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 2 | $ 887.00 USD |
A minimum of three hikers are required to open a shared group service for the Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu.
| Number of persons | Price (p/p) | |
| $ 709.00 USD |
Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days
Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days
Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days
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