Peru
Peru – Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu
Peru – Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Moderate
Overview
The Inca Trail is one of the most legendary hiking trails in the world. For four days, you follow the original Inca steps through valleys and cloud forests, cross passes over 4,200 meters high, and discover ruins like Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarka, and Wiñay Wayna. Finally, you glimpse Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
The Inca Quarry Trek – also known as the Soqma or Cachicata Trek – is a little-known but beautiful alternative to the Inca Trail. Starting from a remote village in the Sacred Valley, it leads through high Andean landscapes with views of snow-capped peaks, far away from the usual tourist routes. Along the way, you pass the impressive Perolniyoc waterfall, explore the Inca site of Qorimarka, cross the Pukaqasa pass at 4,400 m / 14,436 ft and visit the Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo with views of Mount Veronica. The highlight is the Cachicata quarry, where the Incas cut the huge stones for the temples of Ollantaytambo – many half-finished blocks still lie where they were left. From Ollantaytambo, the train takes you to Aguas Calientes, and the next morning you explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour. Horses carry the equipment, our chef cooks fresh meals, and we travel in small groups of up to 12 people.
Tour Code
Tour language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Qorimarka
Campsite Qorimarka (3,600 m / 11,811 ft)
4 km / 2.5 mi · 4–5 h · max. 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 am and drive into the Sacred Valley, passing the Inca ceremonial site of Choquequilla, to Rafqa (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), where you meet our horsemen and start the hike. After about an hour, we reach the community of Soqma (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), and another hour brings us to the spectacular Perolniyoc waterfall (3,300 m / 10,827 ft) – a great spot for photos and a snack. We then explore the Inca site of Qorimarka for about 30 minutes before reaching our campsite (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) around lunchtime. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the scenery. Today you cover 4 km (2.5 mi) in 4–5 hours of hiking.
Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Qorimarka
Day 1
Campsite Qorimarka (3,600 m / 11,811 ft)
4 km / 2.5 mi · 4–5 h · max. 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 am and drive into the Sacred Valley, passing the Inca ceremonial site of Choquequilla, to Rafqa (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), where you meet our horsemen and start the hike. After about an hour, we reach the community of Soqma (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), and another hour brings us to the spectacular Perolniyoc waterfall (3,300 m / 10,827 ft) – a great spot for photos and a snack. We then explore the Inca site of Qorimarka for about 30 minutes before reaching our campsite (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) around lunchtime. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the scenery. Today you cover 4 km (2.5 mi) in 4–5 hours of hiking.
Day 2
Qorimarka – Pukaqasa Pass – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo
Campsite Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft)
11 km / 6.8 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
After an early breakfast, we climb for about four hours to the Pukaqasa pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), with breathtaking views of the mountains and the valley below. A short descent of 20 minutes leads to our lunch spot. In the afternoon, we hike for about two hours to the Inti Punku, a small Inca site with wonderful views of the Sacred Valley and Mount Veronica (5,750 m / 18,865 ft). We spend the night at our campsite in Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). Today you cover 11 km (6.8 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking and reach the highest point of the trek.
Qorimarka – Pukaqasa Pass – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo
Day 2
Campsite Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft)
11 km / 6.8 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
After an early breakfast, we climb for about four hours to the Pukaqasa pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), with breathtaking views of the mountains and the valley below. A short descent of 20 minutes leads to our lunch spot. In the afternoon, we hike for about two hours to the Inti Punku, a small Inca site with wonderful views of the Sacred Valley and Mount Veronica (5,750 m / 18,865 ft). We spend the night at our campsite in Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). Today you cover 11 km (6.8 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking and reach the highest point of the trek.
Day 3
Choquetacarpo – Cachicata Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Hotel, Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
7 km / 4.3 mi · 4–5 h · max. 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
After breakfast, we descend to the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3,500 m / 11,483 ft), where the Incas cut the stones for Ollantaytambo. Huge, half-finished blocks, remains of buildings and caves give fascinating insights into Inca engineering. A descent of about two hours brings us to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), where the trek ends. From here, the train takes us to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). After checking into your hotel, you can relax in the town's hot springs before dinner. Today you cover 7 km (4.3 mi) in 4–5 hours of hiking.
Choquetacarpo – Cachicata Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day 3
Hotel, Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
7 km / 4.3 mi · 4–5 h · max. 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
After breakfast, we descend to the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3,500 m / 11,483 ft), where the Incas cut the stones for Ollantaytambo. Huge, half-finished blocks, remains of buildings and caves give fascinating insights into Inca engineering. A descent of about two hours brings us to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), where the trek ends. From here, the train takes us to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). After checking into your hotel, you can relax in the town's hot springs before dinner. Today you cover 7 km (4.3 mi) in 4–5 hours of hiking.
Day 4
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) to experience the citadel in the quiet of the early morning and watch the sunrise. Your guide shows you the classic viewpoints and leads you on a tour of the most important buildings; our entry slot is between 6:00 and 10:00 am. Afterwards, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Day 4
After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) to experience the citadel in the quiet of the early morning and watch the sunrise. Your guide shows you the classic viewpoints and leads you on a tour of the most important buildings; our entry slot is between 6:00 and 10:00 am. Afterwards, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Price from
€790.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trek Briefing: Briefing at your hotel two days before departure, where you also receive your duffel bag.
Professional Guide: Bilingual local guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, traditions, flora and fauna; two guides for groups of more than eight.
Entrance Fees: Machu Picchu and the sites along the route.
Horses & Horsemen: Horses carry tents, food, cooking equipment and your duffel bag (max. 6 kg including sleeping bag); an emergency horse is available.
Camping Equipment: Spacious 4-person tents (Eureka Timberline SQ 4XT) shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and kitchen tents.
Meals & Chef: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners prepared by our chef, plus daily afternoon tea; vegetarian and special diets on request.
Hygiene & Drinking Water: Warm water and biodegradable soap every morning and afternoon; filtered and boiled drinking water from Day 2.
Transportation: Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead, train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes round trip, bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu round trip and private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (double room); single room on request.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included; no hidden costs.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Meals: First breakfast on Day 1 and last lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 4.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent – see options.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the crew (guide, chef, horsemen) are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: Choose this option when booking if you want to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu. As availability is limited, booking in advance is recommended.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
High (up to 4,400 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – moderate to challenging: Three days of hiking with 4–11 km (2.5–6.8 mi) and up to 6–7 hours per day, including the climb to the Pukaqasa pass. Good fitness and sure-footedness are required.
Altitude – high: The highest point is the Pukaqasa pass at 4,400 m / 14,436 ft; the campsites lie at about 3,600 m / 11,811 ft. We recommend arriving in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) at least two days before the trek to acclimatize.
Culture & nature – balanced: The Perolniyoc waterfall, the Inca sites of Qorimarka, Inti Punku and the Cachicata quarry, high Andean landscapes and Machu Picchu.
Camping, hotel & horses: Two nights in tents and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Horses carry your duffel bag (max. 6 kg / 13 lb including sleeping bag); you only carry a light daypack.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Optional
Sleeping Bag
€25.00
per person
Wayna Picchu (Huayna Picchu)
Steep, narrow stone stairs with exposed sections and drop-offs – a head for heights and sure-footedness are required. Limited availability, booking in advance is recommended.
€75.00
per person
Machu Picchu Mountain
Long, steep stone stairs with some drop-offs – a head for heights is recommended. Limited availability, booking in advance is recommended.
€75.00
per person
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€25.00
per person
Groups of 6 or more: contact info@silvertip.at for special rates and tailor-made options.
Notes on the trip
Regulations
Entry times are strictly enforced by the Ministry of Culture. We secure permits for the 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM slot to ensure the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Good to know
Acclimatization: We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek.
Small groups: Departures with 4 to 12 people; private treks on request.
What to bring
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for your daily essentials.
Original Passport: Mandatory; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, a complete change of clothes, warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) and thermal clothing for the cold nights.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottle, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and medications, small towel, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries (they drain faster in the cold) and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.
Hot Springs: Swimsuit and small towel for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.