Inca Quarry Trail Hike to Machu Picchu 4Days/3Night

To begin your spectacular Ancascocha to Machu Picchu Trek, we will pick you up from your hotel (in Cusco, Urubamba, Pisaq, or Ollantaytambo) around 6:00 a.m.

After the pickup, we will take a scenic two-hour drive in our private van to Huarocondo (10,925 ft / 3,331 m). We will make a thirty-minute technical stop to buy snacks and explore the town’s colonial church. Then, we will continue our one-hour journey to the trailhead in the village of Soqma (10,515 ft / 3,205 m).

Part 1: Perolniyoc Waterfall and Archaeology From Soqma, we will begin a gradual 2-hour uphill hike until we reach the impressive waterfall of Perolniyoc (approx. 11,647 ft / 3,550 m), a 25-meter drop that enriches the landscape. We will continue for another two hours until we reach the Inca site of Rayan Pata (approx. 12,467 ft / 3,800 m), an important ceremonial and sacrificial location. Your expert guide will explain the history of this site while you explore.

We will continue on the trail until we reach our lunch spot, where the chef from Ali Peru Treks will be waiting for you with a delicious and nutritious lunch prepared with local vegetables.

Part 2: Heading to High-Andean Camp After a well-deserved lunch and a short nap, the chef will provide you with drinking water. We will then prepare for a final two-hour hike to Rayan Village. We will set up our camp in a privileged location with stunning mountain views at 12,795 ft (3,900 m).

 Van Transport: 3 hours (Cusco to Soqma)

 Total Distance: Approx. 5.6 miles / 9 km

 Hiking Time: 6 hours

 Difficulty Level: Moderate (Steady ascent)

 Starting Altitude (Soqma): 10,515 ft / 3,205 m

 Max Altitude (Camp): 12,795 ft / 3,900 m

 Elevation Gain (Net): +2,280 ft / +695 m

 Highlight: Perolniyoc Waterfall and Rayan Pata Inca site.

 Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner.

In the evening, at 7:00 p.m., we will enjoy dinner. If the sky is clear, your guide will explain the significance of the Andean constellations, providing a magical close to the day’s journey.

The longest and most rewarding day begins with our premium service: you will wake up at your Rayan camp (12,795 ft / 3,900 m) with a hot cup of coca tea served directly in your tent by the Ali Peru Treks team.

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin the 3.5-hour ascent toward the first pass, Pukaqasa (14,370 ft / 4,380 m). Following a quick 30-minute break for lunch, we will face the final 2-hour ascent to conquer the highest point of the day, Kuychicasa Pass (14,600 ft / 4,450 m). The effort is worthwhile: you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.

 Historic Descent and Quarry Arrival From the pass, we will begin the 2-hour descent. Along the way, we will encounter the historical jewel of the day: the Intipunku ruins, the ancient «Sun Gate» of the Incas. Your guide will explain the significance of this archaeological site.

Finally, we will arrive at the picturesque Cachicata camp (11,811 ft / 3,600 m) around 5 p.m. This camp is located right next to the famous Cachicata Inca Quarry. We will welcome you with a comforting «happy hour» (tea time), followed by an exquisite dinner. The panoramic views from here, overlooking the quarry and the Sacred Valley in the distance, are unmatched.

🥾 Total Distance: Approx. 9.9 miles / 16 km

⏱️ Hiking Time: 8 hours

📈 Difficulty Level: Challenging (Longest day with high pass crossing)

☀️ Starting Altitude (Rayan): 12,795 ft / 3,900 m

⛰️ Highest Point (Kuychicasa): 14,600 ft / 4,450 m

🌙 Campsite Altitude (Cachicata): 11,811 ft / 3,600 m

⛰️ Elevation Gain (Net): +1,804 ft / +550 m

🔻 Elevation Loss (Net): -2,789 ft / -850 m

💎 Highlight: Intipunku Ruins, Kuychicasa Pass, Inca Quarry View.

🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time & Dinner.

We begin the day exploring the impressive Cachicata Quarry (11,811 ft / 3,600 m), an extensive archaeological site that served as the primary stone source for the construction of Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft / 2,792 m).

Here, your Ali Peru Treks guide will show you the vast scope of the Inca labor, including huge, half-carved stones abandoned throughout the area. You will also have the opportunity to see Inca mummies and funerary houses (chullpas), gaining deep insight into Inca building and burial practices.

 Descent via the Original Inca Ramp After a guided tour, we will begin the descent (approximately three hours) to Ollantaytambo. We will follow the original, 500-year-old ramp built by the Incas to transport these gigantic stones. It is a fascinating journey through ancient engineering history.

 Farewell Lunch and Cultural Time We will arrive in the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo for our final celebratory lunch with the Ali Peru Treks chef.

Afterward, you will have free time to explore. We recommend visiting a local bar to try Chicha (corn beer), considered a sacred drink by the Incas, served by local women.

 Heading to Machu Picchu In the afternoon, you will take the train destined for Aguas Calientes (6,692 ft / 2,040 m). The train ride is panoramic and relaxing. We will spend the night in our hotel in Aguas Calientes, ready for the final exploration of Machu Picchu the following day.

☀️ Starting Altitude (Cachicata): 11,811 ft / 3,600 m

🚶 End of Hike (Ollantaytambo): 9,160 ft / 2,792 m

🌙 Final Destination (Aguas Calientes): 6,692 ft / 2,040 m

🥾 Total Distance: Approx. 4.3 miles / 7 km

⏱️ Hiking Time: 3 hours

📈 Difficulty Level: Easy (Steady downhill)

💎 Highlight: Cachicata Inca Quarry Exploration & Original Inca Ramp.

🚂 Transport: Train to Aguas Calientes.

🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast and Farewell Lunch.

Today will be a wonderful day! The time has finally come to visit the Wonder of the World.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, the most anticipated day begins. We handle the logistics for your comfort: you will only carry your daypack with the essentials. Your hotel in Aguas Calientes will safely store your main luggage until our return.

You will take the Consettur bus for a scenic 25-minute ascent up the mountain, which brings you directly to the entrance gate.

Once inside the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m), the magic begins. Your expert Ali Peru Treks guide will lead you on a 2-hour tour. We have secured Circuit 2 for you, widely considered the most complete and classic route.

What does this circuit include? First, your guide will take you to the strategic viewpoints to capture the iconic, classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu that you’ve been dreaming of. Then, you will explore the citadel, learning about the history and culture of the Inca Empire while visiting the main temples, sacred plazas, and urban sectors.

Optional: Huayna Picchu Mountain If you reserved the extra add-on ticket in advance, after the guided tour you will have time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (8,835 ft / 2,693 m). It is a steep but rewarding adventure with unique aerial views.

After the tour, we recommend taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your train departure. This will give you enough time to find a restaurant and enjoy lunch in town (Note: Lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included, giving you the freedom to choose according to your taste and budget).

Finally, you will board your return train to Ollantaytambo (approx. 2 hours), enjoying the last views of the Sacred Valley. At the station, our Ali Peru Treks staff will be waiting for you with our private transport to take you back to Cusco.

We will close this unforgettable 5-day adventure by dropping you off right at your hotel door.

 Main Destination: Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary

 Altitude (Machu Picchu): 7,972 ft / 2,430 m

 Altitude (Huayna Picchu): 8,835 ft / 2,693 m (Optional)

 Circuit Included: Circuit 2 (Classic/Complete Route)

 Guided Tour: 2 hours

 Bus (Up/Down): 25 min each way

 Train (Aguas Calientes > Ollanta): Approx. 2 hours

 Transport (Ollanta > Cusco): Approx. 2 hours

 Meals Included: Breakfast (at hotel). Lunch not included.

 Accommodation: N/A (Service ends at your Cusco hotel).