Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days - Orange Nation Peru
inca quarry machu picchu 4 days - Orange Nation Peru

Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

4 Days

From

517

/ Per Person

Our specialization is in trekking “off the beaten track.” The Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu is a personally designed and seldom visited trek that takes you through incomparable landscapes and remote Inca Ruins. Trek along cascading waterfalls and panoramic views of the Andean Mountain landscape from the apex of a towering mountain.

This trail is home to ancient Inca aqueducts that will transport you back in history, to timeless Inca stonemason’s unmatched masterpieces. Visit the old Inca quarry from where the Incas carved the rocks to build the important Ollantaytambo Inca city, the impressive gate to Machu Picchu. Take time to explore the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo and hike up to the dusted remnants of the old Inca hillside storehouses. Then enjoy true luxury at the exclusive Veronica View Hotel! On your final day, will be the long awaited tour to explore and experience the magical UNESCO World Heritage site: Machu Picchu!

 

Service Level:

Spacious and luxurious camping facilities. Private chef for the group. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.

Difficulty:

Some steep inclines at high altitudes, that can be regarded as strenuous. With sufficient pre-trail training, its easily achievable.

Travel Style:

Hiking, trekking,1 night mid-tier hotel (option to upgrade) and camping.

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

One of the more unique treks to Machu Picchu, the Inca Quarry Trek traverses ancient Inca sites and avoids the crowds. This trek begins with an early start as your guide picks you up from your hotel at 5am.

We then drive for almost two hours to the trailhead just outside of the traditional community of Socma. At the trailhead we share a delicious breakfast, hand overnight stuff over to the horseman, and ready our daypacks.

Our first destination on the trek is Perolniyoc waterfall- a short but steep hike to the beautiful falls is the perfect way to kickstart the hike, and a little tease for the trek to come.

We continue our hike until we reach the archeological site of the Inca Quarry, where our guide will show us everything there is to see, and answer all your burning questions. From here, it’s a short walk to Rayan, where we will enjoy lunch and a short rest.

After lunch we have two hours of uphill to reach the first pass of the hike, Puccaqasa at 4400m. Drink in the incredible views of the Sacred Valley, and prepare yourself for the views that await you over the course of the trek.

We have another hour of hiking before arriving to our first campsite, where hot drinks, a snack, and your tent are all ready and waiting for you so you can relax and settle in before dinner is served.

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

After a long hike yesterday and a good rest, day two will be a welcome relief. While the distance is further, the terrain is flatter and easier underfoot. We start the day with a 2 hour walk to Quychicassa Pass at 4,450m/12,599ft. Be sure to take in the view of the valley around us, formed by glaciers thousands of years ago.

From the Quychicassa Pass 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!

From here we continue for another hour downhill to Ollantaytambo. Once we arrive, you can get a well-deserved soak in the heated jacuzzy or sauna. There is also an option for treatments at the spa for an additional cost.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • 3* Accommodation: Andenes del Inca Hotel Ollantaytambo
  • Distance: 15kms/9.5 miles
  • Time: 7 hours approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

Wake up for breakfast at your leisure, and spend the morning enjoying the fresh mountain air and the beautiful views of Mt Veronica as you recover from the previous days hiking.

As the day progresses, we will gather our things and take the short drive to the train station, where the 1:37pm Vistadome train awaits us. This train will take us to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night.

Today is an easy, relaxed day designed to help make sure that you are at your best for Machu Picchu tomorrow.

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

We have an early start today, so grab some breakfast in your hotel and get ready to catch the 5:30am bus up to Machu Picchu. This gives you time to watch the sunrise in the magical citadel- the perfect way to start your Machu Picchu tour.

If you have an advanced booking for one of the peaks in the citadel (either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) you will have time to complete the hike after the conclusion of your guided tour. Once you have had your fill of the citadel (either up the mountains or on the ground) you are free to head back down to Aguas Calientes using the shuttle bus.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you are free to explore as you wish, grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants (not included), visit the market for some souvenirs, or if there’s time, take a dip in the natural hot springs that gave the town its name.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm. Be sure to watch the mountains and the Urubamba river from out the window. When you arrive in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT:

  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $57 USD.
  • We can organize an earlier train, if you request at booking
  • The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes are subject to availability. Please advise us at the time of booking.

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 (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Breakfast on the first day, Lunch & dinner on the last day
  • 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)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your trek)
  • Tips for the crew, guide and cook of Orange Nation Peru
  • Hotel before and after the trek
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Flight tickets
No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 12 people US$ 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.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel or Train

  • VISTA DOME TRAIN from Machu Picchu back to Cusco (Poroy) US$57 per person
  • La Cabaña Hotel: $50 USD per person
  • 4* Tierra Viva Hotel: US$90 per person
  • 4* El Mapi Hotel: US$120

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 (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • 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)
  • Hotel single supplement – US$35  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.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one used to book the 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 bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation)
  • 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 2kg 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
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
  • Valuables
Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
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517

/ Per Person
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Welcome

Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

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