Kilometer 104 of the railroad line to Machu Picchu, the starting point in Chachabamba for the Salkantay trek and the short Inca Trail

A mountainous landscape that is part of the hiking trails leading to Machu Picchu in Peru

Hikers descending stone stairs from Phuyupatamarca on an Inca Trail hike

Home » Tours » Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu

DURATION 5 days 4 nights

MAX ALTITUDE 4,450 m 14,600 ft

DIFFICULTY Challenging

GROUP SIZE Max. 10 Pax

DISTANCE 42 to 44 km

SEASON March to January

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu

Combine two Inca routes in one trip. On the Inca Quarry Trail, you cross a high Andean pass at about 4,450 m (14,600 ft) and walk down through the Cachicata quarries, where the Incas cut the stone for Ollantaytambo. After a night in Ollantaytambo, you take the train to KM 104 and hike the Short Inca Trail past Wiñay Wayna, entering Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). The trip ends with a guided tour of the citadel on Day 5.

It’s a five-day, four-night trip with two nights of camping and two nights in hotels, for hikers who want quiet mountain trails and the classic arrival at Machu Picchu on foot.

Overview

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail Overview

The first three days follow the Inca Quarry Trail, a quiet route above the Sacred Valley with few other hikers. You start at Soqma, pass the Perolniyoc waterfall and the small Inca site of Raqaypata, cross the Kuychicasa Pass and descend past the Inti Punku gateway on the ridge above the Kachiqhata (Cachicata) quarries. The Incas cut blocks of rose rhyolite here and moved them down ramps and across the Urubamba River to build the temple complex at Ollantaytambo. Many blocks never arrived, and these “tired stones” (piedras cansadas) still lie along the route. You walk down the same ramps to Ollantaytambo.

On Day 4, you join the Inca Trail network at KM 104. The Short Inca Trail climbs from the Inca site of Chachabamba to the terraces of Wiñay Wayna and on to the Sun Gate, where you get your first view of Machu Picchu. On Day 5, you return to the citadel for a guided tour.

Tour Highlights

The Cachicata quarries. Walk among half-worked “tired stones”, some several meters long, left where the Inca stonemasons abandoned them.
Two Inca gateways. See the Inti Punku on the ridge above the quarries, with views of the Verónica glacier on clear days, and then walk through the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu on Day 4.
Kuychicasa Pass. Cross the highest point of the trip, at about 4,450 m (14,600 ft), with views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks.
The Inca ramp to Ollantaytambo. Descend on the route the Incas used to move the stone, then spend a night in a town still laid out on its Inca street grid.
Wiñay Wayna. Explore one of the best-preserved Inca sites on the Inca Trail, with terraces built into the hillside above the Urubamba River.
Machu Picchu. Arrive on foot through the Sun Gate, then return the next morning for a guided tour.

Trip Facts at a Glance

Detail	Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days
Duration	5 days, 4 nights (2 nights camping, 2 nights in hotels)
Trekking distance	About 42 to 44 km (26 to 27 mi) over four hiking days
Highest point	Kuychicasa Pass, about 4,450 m (14,600 ft)
Camps	Rayan (about 3,900 m) and Cachicata (about 3,600 m)
Hotels	Ollantaytambo (Day 3) and Aguas Calientes (Day 4, Hatun Inti Classic or similar)
Difficulty	Moderate to challenging
Start and finish	Hotel pickup in Cusco, Urubamba or the Sacred Valley; drop-off at your Cusco hotel
Group size	Small groups of up to 10 travelers
Meals	5 breakfasts, 4 lunches (including a box lunch) and 4 dinners, plus afternoon tea
Permit	Short Inca Trail permit included
Machu Picchu	Arrival through the Sun Gate on Day 4; guided tour on Circuit 3 on Day 5
Season	March to January (no departures in February); best April to October
Price	From US$850 per person

Who This Trip Is For

This trip suits hikers who want the Sun Gate arrival of the Inca Trail together with a quieter, higher mountain route, and who are interested in how the Incas quarried and moved stone. You don’t need technical skills, but you should be comfortable hiking six to eight hours a day at altitude, crossing a pass at about 4,450 m (14,600 ft) and walking down long, rocky descents. Plan at least two days in Cusco to acclimatize first.

How This Trip Compares

	Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days	Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days	Short Inca Trail 2 Days
Route	Quarry Trail, night in Ollantaytambo, then the Short Inca Trail	Quarry Trail to Ollantaytambo, then train	Short Inca Trail from KM 104
Highest point	About 4,450 m	About 4,450 m	About 2,720 m (Sun Gate)
Arrival at Machu Picchu	On foot through the Sun Gate	Train from Ollantaytambo	On foot through the Sun Gate
Inca Trail permit	Needed (included)	Not needed	Needed (included)
Runs in February	No	Yes	No
Price from	US$850	US$650	US$500

If you’re traveling in February or prefer to skip the Inca Trail permit, choose the Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days. If you’re short on time, the Short Inca Trail 2 Days covers Day 4 of this trip. For the full route from KM 82, see the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days.

Why Travel with Ali Peru Treks

Locally owned and operated. We are a Cusco-based company and run our own departures with our own guides, cooks and horsemen. See our official certifications and permits.
One guide from start to finish. The same guide leads you on the Quarry Trail, the Short Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu tour.
Small groups. We take a maximum of 10 travelers.
Prepared for altitude. Each group carries emergency oxygen, a first aid kit and a satellite phone.
Good food on the trail. Our cook prepares fresh, hot meals, plus afternoon tea. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available at no extra cost.
Door-to-door service. We pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco at the end.
Support for local communities. We work with the communities along the route and pay our field team fairly.

Itinerary

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Soqma, Perolniyoc Waterfall, Raqaypata and Rayan

To kick off your spectacular 5-Day Inca Quarry Trek & Short Inca Trail, the Ali Perú Treks team will pick you up directly from your hotel (in Cusco, Urubamba, or the Sacred Valley) at 5:00 a.m. After pickup, we will take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the village of Soqma (10,515 ft / 3,205 m), where our professional chef will welcome us with a delicious and nutritious breakfast prepared with fresh local ingredients. Here, we will meet our team of horsemen and gear up to start our adventure.

From Soqma, we will begin a gradual 1-hour uphill hike until we reach the impressive Perolniyoc Waterfall (approx. 11,647 ft / 3,550 m), a 25-meter cascade that dominates the landscape. We will continue for another two hours until reaching the Inca site of Raqaypata (Rayan Pata), an important ceremonial and administrative center. Your expert guide will explain the fascinating history of this site while we explore its structures.

After the tour, we will head to our lunch spot to enjoy an authentic mountain feast. Following a short rest, we will complete the final 2-hour stretch toward Rayan Village. We will set up our camp in a prime location at 12,795 feet (3,900 m), surrounded by stunning mountain views. After dinner, if the sky is clear, we will enjoy an unforgettable starry night in the heart of the Andes.

Day 1	Details
Drive	About 2.5 hours from Cusco to Soqma
Hiking distance	About 8 to 9 km (5 to 5.6 mi)
Hiking time	About 6 hours
Elevation change	About 700 m (2,300 ft) of climbing
Camp	Rayan, about 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty	Moderate (steady climb)

Day 2: Kuychicasa Pass, Inti Punku and the Cachicata Quarries

You will wake up at our Rayan camp (12,795 ft / 3,900 m) with a hot cup of coca tea served directly to your tent by the Ali Perú Treks team. After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin a steady 4-hour ascent to conquer the highest point of the day: Kuychicasa Pass (14,600 ft / 4,450 m).

Upon reaching the summit of Kuychicasa, an unparalleled visual reward awaits: an incredible view of towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks dominating the horizon. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the majesty of the Andes and capture spectacular photographs. Afterward, we will continue our hike for another 30 minutes to reach our lunch spot, where we will enjoy a comforting mountain feast surrounded by this high-altitude landscape.

Following lunch, we will begin a 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 expert guide will explain the deep astronomical and archaeological significance of this sacred site overlooking the Sacred Valley.

Finally, we will arrive at the picturesque Cachiccata camp (11,811 ft / 3,600 m), strategically located right next to the famous Cachiccata Inca Quarry and featuring a sweeping panoramic view of the Sacred Valley. We will welcome you with a comforting happy hour (tea time), followed by an exquisite dinner prepared by our chef. As night falls, if the sky is clear, we will marvel at a unique stellar spectacle: the fascinating Andean constellations and the Milky Way illuminating the mountains, creating a magical, unforgettable atmosphere to sleep under the stars.

Day 2	Details
Hiking distance	About 14 to 16 km (8.7 to 9.9 mi)
Hiking time	About 7 to 8 hours
Elevation change	About 550 m (1,800 ft) of climbing, then about 850 m (2,790 ft) of descent
Highest point	Kuychicasa Pass, about 4,450 m (14,600 ft)
Camp	Cachicata, about 3,600 m (11,810 ft)
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Difficulty	Challenging (high pass)

Day 3: Cachicata Quarries to Ollantaytambo

We begin the day exploring the impressive Cachiccata Quarry (11,811 ft / 3,600 m), an extensive archaeological site that served as the main stone source for the construction of the Ollantaytambo fortress. Your Ali Perú Treks guide will show you the massive scale of Inca craftsmanship, including the gigantic, half-carved blocks known as the “Tired Stones.” You will also have the unique opportunity to observe ancient Inca mummies and funerary towers (chullpas), gaining deep insight into the architectural and burial traditions of this civilization.

After the guided tour, we will begin a 3-hour descent into the valley, following the original 500-year-old ramp engineered by the Incas to transport these massive granite monoliths a fascinating journey through ancient engineering.

We will arrive in the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo to enjoy a comforting lunch and relax after the hike. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the cobblestone streets. We highly recommend visiting a local “Chichería” to sample Chicha (corn beer), the sacred drink of the Incas.

To top off the day, we will enjoy an exquisite dinner at a local restaurant to savor regional cuisine in a cozy setting. We will spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Ollantaytambo, ensuring a restful sleep before starting the Short Inca Trail adventure the next morning.

Day 3	Details
Hiking distance	About 7 km (4.3 mi)
Hiking time	About 3 hours, plus the quarry visit
Elevation change	About 800 m (2,620 ft) of descent
End of hike	Ollantaytambo, about 2,790 m (9,160 ft)
Overnight	Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, dinner (local restaurant)
Difficulty	Moderate (steep, rocky descent)

Day 4: Short Inca Trail (Km 104), Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate

Today marks the beginning of your pilgrimage along the legendary Inca Trail! Your adventure starts with a pickup from your hotel in Ollantaytambo at 5:30 a.m. You will be accompanied by the same expert guide who has led you over the previous days, ensuring personalized and dedicated service. After enjoying a nutritious breakfast included at your hotel, we will head to the station to board the train to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.

The scenic train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, we will cross the bridge over the Urubamba River toward the checkpoint. It is essential that you bring your original passport, as it is mandatory to clear official control. Immediately after passing the checkpoint, we will offer you a welcome snack and visit the first archaeological site: Chachabamba (6,890 ft / 2,100 m).

Following this visit, we will begin a 4-hour ascent through beautiful landscapes and unique biodiversity until reaching the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, an architectural jewel embedded in the mountain with spectacular emerald terraces. At the end of the tour, we will enjoy a fresh, nutritious meal carefully prepared by our team to recharge your energy.

After lunch, we will continue with a 1-hour hike to reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). Here, you will witness your first triumphant view of Machu Picchu as the sun begins to set. Following the original Inca Trail for one more hour, we will finally arrive at the Machu Picchu Citadel to capture classic photos with the best evening light and without the crowds.

To conclude the day, we will take the shuttle bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. We will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the day’s achievements and spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

Day 4	Details
Transport	Train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104; bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Hiking distance	About 12 km (7.5 mi)
Hiking time	About 6 to 7 hours, including site visits
Elevation change	About 620 m (2,030 ft) of climbing
Highest point	Sun Gate, about 2,720 m (8,920 ft)
Overnight	Hatun Inti Classic Hotel (or similar), Aguas Calientes, about 2,040 m (6,690 ft)
Meals	Breakfast (hotel), lunch, dinner (local restaurant)
Difficulty	Moderate

Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we will return to Machu Picchu once again, this time to explore the very best parts of the citadel! We handle all the logistics for your comfort: you will only need to 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 drive up the mountain, bringing 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 Perú Treks guide will lead you on a 2-hour guided tour. We have secured Circuit 3 for you, a route that offers an intimate look at the lower sector of the sanctuary, including the agricultural and urban heart of the citadel.

Your guide will take you to explore the lower terraces and the sacred constructions that define this sector. You will learn about the history, advanced engineering, and deep spiritual culture of the Inca Empire while visiting the area’s most significant structures. It is a fantastic way to experience the majesty of the site from a unique perspective.

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 of the entire sanctuary.

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 Perú Treks staff will be waiting for you with 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.

Day 5	Details
Activity	Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Circuit 3
Tour length	About 2 hours, plus free time
Machu Picchu altitude	About 2,430 m (7,970 ft)
Return	Bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo (about 2 hours), private van to Cusco (about 2 hours)
Meals	Breakfast (lunch is not included)

Included

What’s Included in the Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days

Included

Pre-trek briefing: This will take place at your hotel around 6:00 PM the evening before departure, where your guide will review all the tour details and provide you with your duffel bag.
Professional English-speaking guide for all five days
Cook preparing all meals on the camping days, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at no extra cost
Horsemen and pack horses to carry the group equipment, food and your duffel bag on Days 1 to 3
Duffel bag for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of personal gear, including your sleeping bag
Camping:
- Four-season tents for four people, shared by two
- Foam sleeping pad
- Dining tent with table and chairs
- Private portable toilet at the two campsites
Meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners, plus afternoon tea, as listed in the itinerary
Drinking water, boiled and filtered, from lunch on Day 1
Travel pillow, rain poncho and backpack rain cover
Short Inca Trail permit, which includes entry to Machu Picchu
Guided tour of Machu Picchu on Day 5 (Circuit 3)
Hotels: one night in Ollantaytambo (Day 3) and one night at the Hatun Inti Classic Hotel or similar in Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
Transport:
- Private van from your hotel to Soqma
- Train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on Day 4
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition or Voyager class; upgrades available)
- Private van from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Safety equipment: emergency oxygen, a first aid kit and a satellite phone
Luggage storage at our Cusco office

Not Included

Sleeping bag (required; bring your own or rent ours)
Trekking poles (available to rent)
Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 5
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
Entrance to the Ollantaytambo temple complex (Cusco Tourist Ticket)
Travel insurance
Tips for your guide, cook and horsemen

Optional Extras

Sleeping bag rental US$25 per pair
Trekking poles with rubber tips: US$20 per pair
Huayna Picchu ticket: US$80 per person
Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: US$80 per person

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have limited daily spaces and separate tickets. Request them when you book, ideally four to five months ahead.

Packing List

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail Packing List

Pack for cold nights at camp, strong sun and wind on the pass, and warm, humid weather in the cloud forest on Days 4 and 5. Your daypack stays with you every day. On Days 1 to 3, your duffel bag (7 kg / 15 lb, provided at the briefing) travels with the horses. Your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) goes inside it, which leaves about 4 to 5 kg for clothes and personal items. For more detail, see our trekking gear list.

Your Daypack

Use a 25 to 30 L pack.

Original passport. It must be the same document you used to book; you’ll show it at the KM 104 checkpoint. If you booked a student discount, also bring your valid student ID.
Water: 2 to 3 liters in reusable bottles or a hydration bladder. Bring your own water for the first morning; we refill from lunch on Day 1.
Rain jacket or poncho (we provide a poncho)
Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, a sun hat and sunglasses
Snacks for the climb to the pass
Headlamp for camp and early starts
Cash in Peruvian soles in small bills for snacks, tips and small purchases
Small trash bag. We follow Leave No Trace principles.

Your Duffel Bag (Carried by Horses on Days 1 to 3)

Clothing: 3 quick-dry T-shirts, 2 pairs of hiking pants, a set of thermal base layers, underwear and 4 to 5 pairs of hiking socks
Warm layers: a fleece and a down jacket. Nights at camp can drop to about 0°C (32°F).
Warm hat and waterproof gloves for the Kuychicasa Pass
Camp shoes: sneakers or sandals
Sleeping bag rated to about –15°C (5°F), if you aren’t renting ours
Quick-dry towel
Plastic bags to keep your clothes dry inside the duffel bag

Toiletries and Health

Insect repellent for the cloud forest and Machu Picchu on Days 4 and 5
Toiletries: hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturizer
Personal first aid: blister care, plasters and any medication prescribed by your doctor, including altitude medication if recommended
Power bank. There is no electricity at the campsites.

Footwear and Equipment

Sturdy hiking boots, broken in, with good grip and ankle support
Trekking poles, recommended for the descents (available to rent)

For Your Machu Picchu Days

Inside Machu Picchu, bags may be no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in), and trekking poles and food are not allowed. On Day 5, leave your larger bag and poles at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Travel Info

Travel Information for the Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail

Pre-Trek Briefing

Attendance is mandatory. The pre-trek briefing takes place at your hotel in Cusco around 6:00 PM the evening before your trip. You will meet your guide, receive your duffel bag, confirm your pickup time, and pay your remaining balance.

Inca Trail Permit

Day 4 follows the Inca Trail network, so you need a Short Inca Trail permit. Permits are limited, sold only through licensed operators, and issued in your name and passport number. Once issued, they can’t be changed, transferred or refunded. We buy your permit as soon as you pay your deposit. The Quarry Trail section on Days 1 to 3 doesn’t need an Inca Trail permit.

Altitude and Acclimatization

You camp at about 3,900 m (12,795 ft) on the first night and cross a pass at about 4,450 m (14,600 ft) on Day 2. Spend at least two to three days in Cusco, at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), or in the Sacred Valley before you start. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and heavy meals in your first days. See our guides to acclimatizing in Cusco and altitude sickness.

How Difficult Is This Trip

We rate it as moderate to challenging. Day 1 is a steady climb, Day 2 is the longest and highest day, with the pass, Day 3 is a short but steep descent, and Day 4 is a moderate climb at lower altitude. Good cardiovascular fitness makes the trip much more enjoyable; you don’t need to be an athlete.

Weather and Best Time to Go

Departures run from March to January. There are no departures in February, when the Inca Trail network, including the Short Inca Trail, closes for maintenance. The best time is the dry season, April to October, with stable weather and clear views of the Verónica glacier.

From November to March, expect rain and muddy trails, though the waterfalls are at their fullest. Read more in our Inca Trail by month guide. If you’re traveling in February, the Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days runs that month.

Booking and Payment

Deposit: US$200 per person, non-refundable, paid online through WeTravel. We use it to buy your Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu ticket and train seats right away.
Balance: pay at the briefing in Cusco, in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles).
When to book: for June to August, four to six months ahead; for April, May, September and October, two to three months ahead; from November to March, a few weeks ahead may be enough, depending on permit availability.
Terms: see our booking information page for full terms.

Luggage

You only carry your daypack. On Days 1 to 3, the horses carry your duffel bag. Leave your suitcase at your hotel in Cusco or at our office. On Day 5, your hotel in Aguas Calientes stores your bag while you visit Machu Picchu.

Weather, Electricity and Connectivity

Expect temperatures near freezing at the two campsites and warmer, humid weather in the cloud forest on Days 4 and 5, so dress in layers. There is no electricity and little or no phone signal at the campsites. You can charge devices and use Wi-Fi at your hotels in Ollantaytambo (Day 3) and Aguas Calientes (Day 4).

Responsible Travel

We carry out all our waste, use reusable water containers and pay our field team fairly. Tips are optional; many groups pool them at the end and share them among the guide, cook and horsemen.

For more general advice, see our Peru travel information page.

Map

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail Map and Elevation Profile

The trip starts at Soqma, near Ollantaytambo, and climbs past the Perolniyoc waterfall and Raqaypata to the Rayan camp. Day 2 crosses the Kuychicasa Pass and descends past Inti Punku to the Cachicata quarries, above the Urubamba River across from Ollantaytambo.

Day 3 follows the Inca ramp down to Ollantaytambo. On Day 4, the train follows the Urubamba River to KM 104, and the Short Inca Trail climbs to Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu.

Inca Quarry and Short Inca Trail 5 Days Map

Price

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days Price

All prices are per person in US dollars and include the services listed under What’s Included.

Service	Price per person
Shared group departure	US$850
Private departure, 2–3 travelers	US$990
Private departure, 4–5 travelers	US$950
Private departure, 6–7 travelers	US$900
Private departure, 8 or more travelers	US$850

Discounts and Extras

Student and youth discount: US$30 off per person for university students with a valid physical student ID and for travelers aged 17 and under. Email a clear copy of the ID or passport to info@aliperutreks.com when you book.
Sleeping bag rental: US$25
Trekking poles: US$15 per pair
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 per person, subject to availability

Ready to book? Pay your deposit online, or contact us to check permit availability for your dates.

Faqs

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail FAQs

How difficult is the Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail?

It’s moderate to challenging. The hardest day is Day 2, with the climb to the Kuychicasa Pass at about 4,450 m (14,600 ft). Day 4 on the Short Inca Trail is a moderate climb at a much lower altitude.

Do I need a permit?

Yes, for Day 4. The Short Inca Trail is part of the Inca Trail network, and your permit is included. It is issued in your name and passport number, so book with the passport you’ll travel with.

Does this trip run in February?

No. The Inca Trail network, including the Short Inca Trail, closes every February for maintenance. In February, consider the Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days, which reaches Machu Picchu by train.

How is this different from the Classic Inca Trail?

The Classic Inca Trail starts at KM 82 and spends three days on the Inca Trail itself, crossing Dead Woman’s Pass. This trip spends its first three days on the quieter Quarry Trail, which goes higher and visits the Cachicata quarries, and joins the Inca Trail only for the last section from KM 104. Both trips arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Which Machu Picchu circuits do I visit?

You arrive through the Sun Gate on Day 4 and take a guided tour on Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Realeza) on Day 5. Machu Picchu has three official circuits, each with set routes, and your ticket determines which one you follow.

Where do we sleep on Day 3?

In a hotel in Ollantaytambo, after dinner at a local restaurant. Staying there means a short transfer to the train to KM 104 the next morning.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as you can for June to August, ideally four to six months ahead, because Short Inca Trail permits are limited. For Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book four to five months ahead.

What happens if I change my passport after booking?

Tell us right away and bring both passports, the old and the new one, on the trip. The permit is issued with your original passport details.

Is the sleeping bag included?

No, but you need one. Bring your own, rated to about –15°C (5°F), or rent ours for US$25.

How much can I put in the duffel bag?

Up to 7 kg (15 lb), including your sleeping bag. That leaves about 4 to 5 kg for clothes and personal items.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Your guide is trained in first aid and carries emergency oxygen, a first aid kit and a satellite phone. We have evacuation procedures for the remote sections.

Is the water safe to drink?

Yes. From lunch on Day 1, our cook boils and filters all drinking water, so you can refill your bottles. Bring your own water for the first morning.

Is there electricity or Wi-Fi?

Not at the campsites. You can charge devices and use Wi-Fi at your hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Bring a power bank.

Are there toilets on the trek?

We set up a private portable toilet at the two campsites. On the Short Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu, you use the official facilities.

Is there a minimum age?

There is no legal minimum age, but we generally recommend this trip for travelers aged 12 and over who are used to hiking.

Can beginners do this trip?

Yes, if you’re in good health, train for four to six weeks before the trip and spend two to three days acclimatizing in Cusco.

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$850

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Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail Overview

Tour Highlights

Trip Facts at a Glance

Who This Trip Is For

How This Trip Compares

Why Travel with Ali Peru Treks

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Soqma, Perolniyoc Waterfall, Raqaypata and Rayan

Day 2: Kuychicasa Pass, Inti Punku and the Cachicata Quarries

Day 3: Cachicata Quarries to Ollantaytambo

Day 4: Short Inca Trail (Km 104), Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate

Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco

What’s Included in the Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days

Included

Not Included

Optional Extras

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail Packing List

Your Daypack

Your Duffel Bag (Carried by Horses on Days 1 to 3)

Toiletries and Health

Footwear and Equipment

For Your Machu Picchu Days

Travel Information for the Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail

Pre-Trek Briefing

Inca Trail Permit

Altitude and Acclimatization

How Difficult Is This Trip

Weather and Best Time to Go

Booking and Payment

Luggage

Weather, Electricity and Connectivity

Responsible Travel

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail Map and Elevation Profile

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days Price

Discounts and Extras

Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail FAQs

How difficult is the Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail?

Do I need a permit?

Does this trip run in February?

How is this different from the Classic Inca Trail?

Which Machu Picchu circuits do I visit?

Where do we sleep on Day 3?

How far in advance should I book?

What happens if I change my passport after booking?

Is the sleeping bag included?

How much can I put in the duffel bag?

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Is the water safe to drink?

Is there electricity or Wi-Fi?

Are there toilets on the trek?

Is there a minimum age?

Can beginners do this trip?

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What Our Travelers Say About Ali Perú Treks

Our Blogs

Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Inca Quarry Trek vs. Classic Inca Trail: Which One to Choose?

Inca Quarry Trek Packing List: Essential Gear for the Andes

How Hard is the Inca Quarry Trek? Difficulty & Altitude Guide

The Ultimate Guide to the Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu