Moderate-Difficult | Max 8 people | 4 Days | 1 Night Camping + 2 Hotel Nights
Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
The cultural alternative to the Inca Trail with 1 night camping, 2 x 3-Star hotel nights, Machu Picchu at sunrise.
This 4-day trek follows the original Inca stone route from Socma to Ollantaytambo. You’ll hike past Perolniyoc waterfall and ruins, cross Puccaqasa (4,400m) and Quychicassa (4,450m) passes, and walk through the Cachicata quarries where the Incas cut the stones for their fortresses.
You camp just one night in the mountains in luxury tents. Then you recover with two hotel nights, first at the 3-star Andenes del Inca Hotel in Ollantaytambo with pool, spa and sauna, then at the 3-star Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes before your unforgettable sunrise tour of Machu Picchu.
More archaeology than Salkantay, fewer crowds than the Inca Trail, and far more comfort than a 3-night camping trek.
Highlights
- Perolniyoc Waterfall and Archaeological Site
Start in Socma and hike to the spectacular waterfall and the rarely visited Perolniyoc ruins above it. - Walk the Inca Quarries at Cachicata
Follow the original stone highway the Incas used to transport massive blocks to build Ollantaytambo. - Puccaqasa Pass (4,400m) and Quychicassa Pass (4,450 m)
Cross two high passes with 360º views across glacial valleys toward Veronica Mountain. - Inti Punku Sun Gate
Reach the Inca Sun Gate for your first panoramic view down into the Sacred Valley. - Luxury camping night 1
Sleep in 4-season EUREKA tents (2 people per 4-person tent) with hot meals, afternoon tea, and full camp set-up. - Two 3-star hotel nights
Night 2: Andenes del Inca Hotel, Ollantaytambo with heated pool, spa, sauna and chef’s dinner. Night 3: Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, in town, ready for early Machu Picchu. - Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes
Relax on the panoramic 1:27pm train through the Sacred Valley after a slow morning and lunch. - Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Early bus up for sunrise, with a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel’s main sectors and free time afterwards. - Small groups and full support
Maximum 8 travelers, with horsemen carrying your 7kg duffel, one cook per group, and all trek meals included.
From
$517
/per person
4 Days / 3 Nights
Duration
Moderate-Difficult | Max 8 people | 4 Days | 1 Night Camping + 2 Hotel Nights
Type
Cusco
Location
Trip Details
4-Day Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Expedition
The Inca Quarry Trail follows the original stone highway the Incas used to haul massive blocks from the Cachicata quarries to build Ollantaytambo. This route climbs past the Perolniyoc waterfall and archaeological site, crosses two passes above 4,400m beneath Veronica Mountain, and descends through Inti Punku directly into the Sacred Valley. With only one night of camping followed by two hotel nights, it’s the Inca Trail alternative for travelers who want archaeology and altitude without three nights under canvas.
Why Choose Orange Nation
Orange Nation Peru is a Cusco-based, family-owned trekking company specializing in four high-altitude routes: Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Inca Quarry. Our guides are licensed professionals from Cusco who lead these same itineraries throughout the season. This focused operation is why we maintain a 4.9-star average across 1,200+ verified TripAdvisor reviews, with travelers consistently highlighting organization, safety standards, and guide expertise.
What to expect from us
- Groups limited to 8 travelers
Smaller groups allow for steady pacing, clear communication, and individual monitoring on high passes and the quarry trail sections. - Certified local guides with route specialization
All guides are licensed by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism, certified in wilderness first aid, and fluent in English. They are full-time staff who specialize in these four routes, are paid in accordance with Peruvian regulations, and return season after season, giving you consistent leadership and in-depth knowledge of Inca engineering and quarry history. - Itineraries designed for acclimatization
The Quarry Trail reaches 4,450m on Day 2, followed by a hotel night in Ollantaytambo (2,792m) before Machu Picchu. Pacing and timing are structured to support gradual ascent. - Fresh meals prepared at camp and hotels
On the trail, meals are cooked on-site by our full-time trekking chefs using local ingredients. Menus are designed for high-altitude nutrition, and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice. In Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, dinners are served in quality restaurants and hotels. - Comprehensive safety and comfort equipment
Every departure includes emergency oxygen, a complete first aid kit, and radio communication. We provide 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents (slept 2 per 4-person tent), foam sleeping mats, pillows, dining tent with tables and chairs, hot shower and toilet tent. Duffel bags (7kg included), backpack rain covers, and air mattresses ($20 rental) are available. All camping equipment is owned, maintained, and inspected by our operations team in Cusco. - Direct booking and full logistics management
You book directly with our Cusco office with no intermediaries. We secure all permits, Vistadome and Expedition train tickets, and Machu Picchu Circuit 2 entries in advance, provide a detailed pre-trek briefing, and offer complimentary luggage storage in Cusco during your trek.
Inca Quarry Trail Options
Both options follow the same trail to Machu Picchu. Choose based on your Machu Picchu circuit preference.
4-Day Inca Quarry with Circuit 2
- Duration 4 days / 3 nights (1 camping, 2 hotels).
- Start Day 1, 5:00am pickup, 2-hour drive to Socma.
- Day 1 hike 13 km, 8 hours to Puccaqasa camp at 4,400m via Perolniyoc Waterfall and Rayan (lunch at 3,700m).
- Day 2 hike 15 km, 7 hours to Ollantaytambo via Quychicassa Pass (4,450m) and Inti Punku, overnight Andenes del Inca Hotel with pool, spa and sauna.
- Day 3 Relaxing morning, gourmet lunch, 1:27pm Vistadome to Aguas Calientes, overnight Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu.
- Day 4 Sunrise Circuit 2 (Classic Route) at Machu Picchu agricultural terraces viewpoint, Temple of the Sun, Temple of Three Windows, Intihuatana, Temple of the Condor. 2:55pm or 3:20pm Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, transfer to Cusco.
- Best for First-timers wanting the classic postcard view plus full interior walk.
4-Day Inca Quarry with Split Circuits (if Circuit 2 sold out)
- Duration 4 days / 3 nights.
- Day 3 adjustment Early train to Aguas Calientes, afternoon Circuit 1 (Upper Panoramic).
- Day 4 morning Circuit 3 (Lower/Royalty) for temples.
- Best for Travelers booking less than 3–4 months in advance when Circuit 2 is unavailable.
This option removes the Day 3 spa-hotel recovery morning in Ollantaytambo.
Who It’s Perfect For
- Archaeology-Focused Travelers
Interested in Inca engineering, the Cachicata quarries, Perolniyoc site, and walking the original stone transport route to Ollantaytambo. - Comfort Trekkers
Wanting an authentic high-altitude trek with only one night camping, followed by hotels with hot showers and spa recovery before Machu Picchu. - Photography Enthusiasts
Looking for waterfalls, glacial valleys, Veronica Mountain views, and sunrise at Machu Picchu on the classic circuit. - Acclimatized Hikers
Comfortable hiking to 4,450m after time spent acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Other Expeditions to Consider
- Classic Inca Trail 4-Day
The original trek to Machu Picchu via Dead Woman’s Pass and Wiñay Wayna, with three nights camping. - Salkantay Trek 5-Day
A high-altitude glacier route to Machu Picchu via Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass, with lodge and camping options. - Lares Trek 4-Day
A cultural route through traditional Quechua weaving communities, with lower passes and homestay options.
Full Itinerary
Included
- Private Transport
Includes hotel pick-up in Cusco, private transport to the trailhead, and return transport to Cusco at the end of the trek. - Professional Guide
Includes an English-speaking, licensed trekking guide with experience in high-altitude hiking, safety management, and Andean geography. - Camping Equipment
Includes high-altitude camping setup with shared tents (2 people per 4-person tent), dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables, and chairs. - Meals
Includes all meals as specified in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), prepared by a trekking chef. Vegetarian options available on request. - Pack Horses & Support Team
Includes pack horses for personal belongings (up to 7 kg per person) and experienced horsemen to support logistics along the route. - Sleeping Setup
Includes foam sleeping mattresses and camping pillows for added comfort at high altitude. - Safety Equipment
Includes first aid kit and emergency oxygen supply carried by your guide throughout the trek. - Hydration
Includes boiled water provided at meal times for drinking and basic washing purposes. - Taxes
All applicable local taxes are included.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag suitable for high-altitude conditions (recommended -10°C or lower). Available for rent if needed $15. - Air Mattress
Optional air mattress upgrade for additional comfort during camping. - Trekking Poles
Walking poles are not included but can be rented upon request. - Travel Insurance
Travel and medical insurance are not included and are strongly recommended for high-altitude trekking. - Flight tickets
Pricing
Small group departures require a minimum of 2 people.
2 to 8 people | $250 USD per person.
This price is designed to match the cost of two separate day trips, but includes full camping, meals, and a complete 2-day high-altitude experience.
Included in the Price
- Private Camping Setup
Large Eureka 4-person tents shared by a maximum of 2 trekkers, ensuring space and comfort at high altitude. - Pack Horses & Duffel Bag System
Includes a dedicated pack horse per group carrying up to 7 kg per person. A duffel bag is provided for your personal belongings. - Camping Equipment
Includes dining tents, kitchen setup, tables, chairs, toilet tent, and full high-altitude camp infrastructure. - Meals
All meals as outlined in the itinerary, freshly prepared by a trekking chef. Vegetarian options available on request. - Professional Guide
English-speaking, experienced trekking guide trained in high-altitude safety and Andean terrain navigation. - Safety Equipment
First aid kit and emergency oxygen available throughout the trek. - Hydration
Boiled water provided at meal times for drinking and basic washing.
Extras (Optional Rentals)
- Sleeping Bag $10 USD per trek
High-altitude sleeping bags (professionally cleaned after each use). - Air Mattress $10 USD per trek
Therm-a-Rest style upgrade for additional comfort. - Trekking Poles $5 USD per pair per trek
Professional adjustable trekking poles.
Added Value Experience
- Dual-Day Advantage
The 2-day structure allows proper acclimatization and a slower, more immersive approach to Vinicunca compared to standard day trips. - High-Altitude Camping
Sleep at approximately 4,900 m near Anata, improving adaptation and summit comfort. - Sunrise Summit Access
Reach Rainbow Mountain in early morning conditions when visibility is clearest and the landscape is at its most dramatic. - Red Valley Extension
Includes exploration of the Red Valley, a landscape often missed on standard day tours.
Packing List for 4-Day Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu does not allow large backpacks.
Essentials (Carry in Your Daypack)
These must be with you at all times.
Documents
- Original passport (must match the one used for booking).
- Valid student ID card (if booked as student).
Lighting
- Headlamp: essential for camp and early starts.
Warm Accessories
- Wool hat or beanie
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves work well).
Toiletries
- Toilet paper + small zip bag for waste.
What to Put in Your 20/25L Backpack
Water & Hydration
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3L total). Bring your own water for the first morning, we provide cold boiled water from lunch Day 1 onward. No single-use plastic bottles.
Rain Protection
- Waterproof jacket with hood.
- Rain poncho (covers you and your pack).
Sun Protection
- Sun hat or cap.
- High SPF sunscreen.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
Layers for Hiking
- Fleece or light insulated jacket.
- 1 pair hiking pants (zip-offs ideal).
- 1 t-shirt for day.
Snacks & Energy
- Energy bars, chocolate, dried fruit, or nuts.
Camera & Electronics
- Camera or phone.
- Power bank / battery charger (no electricity on trek).
- Spare batteries.
Personal Items
- Small cash (soles) for drinks, souvenirs, tips.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Insect repellent.
What to Put in Your Duffel Bag (Carried by Horses, 7kg max)
Orange Nation provides the duffel at your briefing. Horses carry up to 7kg total, including your sleeping bag (approx 2kg). We provide large plastic bags to line it.
Clothing Layers
- 2 t-shirts.
- 2 hiking pants.
- 4 sets of underwear.
- 3–4 pairs hiking socks (wool or synthetic).
Warm Clothing (Camp gets cold)
- Fleece jacket or thermal top.
- Down jacket (essential as nights can drop to 3°C).
- Thermal leggings for sleeping.
Footwear for Camp & Hotels
- Comfortable shoes, trainers or sandals for camp and hotels.
- Bathing suit for hotel pools/hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C (can be rented from Orange Nation for $25).
- We provide foam mat, pillow, and liner. Air mattress rental available ($20).
Towel & Washing
- Quick-dry towel (we provide small ones).
- Small bottle of biodegradable soap.
- We provide warm water each evening for washing.
Storage
- Extra plastic bags or dry sacks for organization
Toiletries
Basic Hygiene
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Face moisturizer (altitude is very dry).
- Lip balm with SPF.
Hand & Skin Care
- Hand sanitizer.
- Wet wipes.
Medical
- Personal medications.
- Basic first aid: blister plasters, moleskin, pain relief, altitude medication if prescribed.
What NOT to Bring
- Large suitcases or wheeled bags (store at our office/hotel).
- Disposable plastic water bottles.
- Big backpacks over 40L (not allowed in Machu Picchu).
- Drones (prohibited at Machu Picchu and on trail).
Orange Nation Provides
- Duffel bag for horse carry.
- 4-season EUREKA Timberline tent (2 people per 4-person tent).
- Foam sleeping mat, pillow.
- Dining tent, tables, chairs.
- Hot shower tent and biochemical toilet.
- Emergency oxygen, first aid kit, radio.
- All meals on trek, boiled water daily.
- Train tickets (Vistadome Day 3, Expedition Day 4).
- Hotel nights inc. a 3-Star Hotel (Ollantaytambo) and a 3-Star Hotel (Aguas Calientes).
Circuits & Safety
The 4-Day Inca Quarry is a high-altitude circuit, not an out-and-back. We designed it around one hard day on the trail, then recovery in hotels before Machu Picchu.
By sleeping only one night at Puccaqasa camp (4,400m) and then dropping to Ollantaytambo (2,792m), you get the experience of a 4,450m pass without the strain of three nights camping high. That hotel night is why this trek has fewer altitude issues than the Inca Trail or Salkantay.
Route Structure
- Day 1 Ascent and Camp
We start early from Socma and walk steady to Perolniyoc Waterfall and the archaeological site, then lunch at Rayan (3,700m). The afternoon is the big climb with around two and a half hours to Puccaqasa Pass at 4,400m. Horses carry everything except your daypack. You arrive at camp with tents already pitched, eat a hot dinner, and sleep once at altitude. - Day 2 Pass and Hotel
A two-hour morning climb to Quychicassa Pass (4,450m), then a long, controlled descent via Inti Punku to Ollantaytambo. You’re off the trail by mid-afternoon and straight into the Andenes del Inca Hotel — hot shower, pool, sauna, real bed. No second camp. - Day 3 Train and Recovery
Full morning to recover, then the 1:27pm Vistadome to Aguas Calientes. You sleep low (2,040m) the night before Machu Picchu, which is key for energy and sleep quality. - Day 4 Machu Picchu Circuit 2
Early bus up for sunrise. We use Circuit 2 (Classic Route) because it gives you both the postcard viewpoint and the full walk through the temples. After the guided tour you descend, have lunch in town, and return by train. No rushing back to camp.
Safety Management
- Altitude First
Gradual gain, sleep high once, then sleep low twice. We build in a long lunch at Rayan and at Inti Punku, and we set a slow, steady pace on both passes. Coca tea, hot drinks, and boiled water are available all day to keep you hydrated. - Circuit 2 Planning
Circuit 2 tickets are timed-entry and sell out 3–4 months in advance in high season. We secure your entry hour at booking, then build trains and hotels around it. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we offer a split visit — Circuit 1 on Day 3 afternoon and Circuit 3 on Day 4 morning — but this removes the Day 3 hotel recovery, which is why we recommend booking early. - Emergency Support
Every guide carries emergency oxygen and a full wilderness first aid kit. Our horsemen are trained for quick evacuation to the road at Socma or to Ollantaytambo. We carry radios on the trail (no cell signal above Rayan) and our Cusco operations team monitors your group daily. - Real Guides
Certified English-speaking guides from Cusco who work this circuit every week. Orange Nation guides complete annual safety and high-altitude first aid training, check oxygen saturation twice daily on the trek, set the pace, and adjust timing for weather or group acclimatization. Maximum 8 travelers per guide so you’re actually watched, not herded. - Weather and Terrain
We check conditions at the 6pm briefing and again at Socma. The Quarry Trail is exposed on both passes, if wind or rain hits, we adjust start times, add layers, and use the dining tent for sheltered lunches. The advantage of the hotel on Day 2 is flexibility; we’re not locked into a high camp.
What We Provide for Safety
- 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents (2 people per 4-person tent), foam mattress, pillow
- Dining tent with tables and chairs, not eating on the ground
- Toilet tent and hot shower tent at camp
- Boiled water for drinking all day from lunch Day 1
- Duffel bag for your gear (7kg limit) so you’re not overloaded on passes
- Pre-trek briefing at our office at 6pm the night before
- Hotels with 24-hour reception in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
How to Arrive Ready
You don’t need to be an athlete, but altitude and passes reward preparation.
- Spend at least 2 nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before Day 1 — your body needs it for 4,450m
- Bring a sleeping bag rated to -15°C (or rent ours for $25) — Puccaqasa camp is cold
- Pack layers, sun hat, waterproof gloves, and broken-in boots with ankle support — weather changes fast above 4,000m
- Tell your guide how you feel. Headache, nausea, tired — we’d rather slow the pace at Quychicassa than push through
This is why we run the Quarry as a 4-day with hotels, you get the high passes and the archaeology, then you arrive at Machu Picchu on Circuit 2 fresh, not exhausted from three nights camping.
Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
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