Itinerary
Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Socma – Rayan
We start out with an easy first day. Leaving from Cusco early we drive to the Sacred Valley heading for the village of Socma which is a short distance from Ollantaytambo. Just before we arrive to Socma we’ll have a stop to take photos of some stone-age petroglyphs.
Today’s trek takes us up the valley behind Socma as we make our way to a small Inca site and beautiful waterfall that lie at the top of the valley. Walking past fields cultivated with potatoes, corn and quinua we will have the opportunity to see a variety of birds and native plants and to learn about the customs of the Andean people. Your guide will teach you a little Qhechua (the language of the Incas) so that you can communicate with the people you meet on the trek.
After a relaxing morning’s walk we’ll finally arrive to our destination, the Inca site of Perolniyoc. After a guided tour of the site we’ll carry on a short distance to our campsite at Rayan (3650m / 11975 ft.) where we’ll stop for the day. In the afternoon we will visit one of the local families and you can practice the Qhechua you learnt in the morning (much to everyone’s amusement).
Day 2: Rayan – Cachicata
Today is the longest day of the trek. Setting out from our campsite we’ll carry on up the valley making our way to the first pass on the trek. This area is still cultivated by the local people despite the high altitudes and we will see local people caring for their fields. One of the few plants that seems to thrive at this altitude is a type of mint, (muna) and the scent infuses the air throughout the morning.
In total it’s about a 4 hour walk to the pass (4440m / 14567ft.) where we’ll stop to take in the panorama and catch our breath before carrying on for about another 20 minutes to stop for lunch. After lunch the walking gets easier; having reached the top of the mountain the terrain levels out and we walk across the high plateau through a strange landscape of what appear to be burial mounds but are actually glacial morraine (piles of rock deposited by glaciers during the Ice Age).
Our goal for today is the Inca quarry of Cachicata. Working our way down from the high plateau we’ll arrive to Cachicata (3820m / 12532ft.) by late afternoon, passing by an Inca ruin which people refer to as the Sun Gate along the way.
Today is the longest day 8,730miles / 11km
Today is the coldest night – around 5°
Day 3: Cachicata – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Today is dedicated to exploring Cachicata. Despite it’s proximity to Ollantaytambo and the wide variety of interesting features, hardly anyone actually comes up here. Cachicata is an extensive site, it was the quarry used by the Inca for the construction of Ollantaytambo and there are various points of interest including several large buildings, quarried stones left half-finished and abandoned throughout the site, chullpas (burial houses) and a cave with Inca mummies still in place.
After a guided tour of the site we’ll continue our way down the mountain following the original platform used for transporting the stones to Ollantaytambo and arrive to the town by early afternoon. From Ollantaytambo we’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Today is shorter day 8,730miles / 11km
Today is the coldest night – around 5°
Day 4: Machu Picchu
Waking up early we’ll take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you’ll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.
Easy day- tour in Machu Picchu
INCLUSIONS
What’s Included in the Lares Trek?
- Pick up from the Airport/Hotel
- English Spanish speaking tour guide
- Professional cook
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to the Inca Quarry trek
- 2 nights camping + 1 night hotel accomodation
- Briefing the night before the trek
- Duffel bag to pack your personal items up to 8kls
- Horses to transport the camping equipment and food supplies
- Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the trailhead
- 4-man tent for every 2 people
- Dinning tent
- Kitchen tent
- Train tickets, Expedition class two ways
- Pick up from the train station and drop off into your hotel – Cusco
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and viseversa
- Meal: 3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Water: we will provide you water every day at breakfast time, at lunch time and at dinner time
- Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain – depending on the availability
What is not Included?
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking poles
- Inflatable Mattress
- First day breakfast
- Last day lunch
- Extra expenses
- Tips
PRICES
Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu – Prices
Inka Trail Explorer warmly welcomes to you, and we really want to make the best experience for you on this adventure. Our departure treks can be any day of the week, 12 months a year.
Price: USD 615 Per Person – Group service
A group Service means that it is open to other trekkers to join you. Your group will have varying hiking and fitness abilities. All our Guides are experts on how to keep the trek moving and happy no matter how fast you go.
Private Service is available and priced by party size.
The Inca Quarry trek is one of the best treks to Machu Picchu, even better if you do just with your friends or loved ones. Our private trek can start with any size and we will do all our best to make the best experience for you.
- 2 Hikers: $650 per person
- 3 Hikers: $620 per person
- 4 Hikers: $590 per person
- 5 Hikers: $560 per person
- 6 Hikers: $530 per person
- 7 Hikers: $500 per person
- 8 or more Trekkers: $485 per person
Student discount: $20 per student. To aply to student discount you shoud follow the below govenment requirements
Students from 18 to 25 years old get discount of $20
Students from 12 to 17 years old, they get discount of $20.
Children from under 11 years all they get discount of $20.
The Ministry of Culture has changed its regulations regarding student discounts for entrances to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail permits. For anyone wishing to obtain a student discount, the following requirements must be met: (1.- Must be under 25 years of age 2.- Must have a valid institutional student card with A.- Photograph B.- Student´s full name C.- Expiry date in 2019 that includes the date of reservation and the date of visit to Machu Picchu). Please note ISIC cards or any alternative documents proving student status will not be accepted. Unfortunately, if you fail to meet any of the above criteria we will not be able to offer the student discount.
Some considerations
For example, if you book your trek at the age of 17 but, you turn 18 before you start your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
Please send all documents to info@inkatrailexplorer.com
UPGRADES
Inca Quarry trek Upgrades
Optional Rentals
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Walking Pole US$8
- Inflatable Mattress US$25
- Single Tent Supplement US$30
Optional Upgrades
- Vistadome train.- (One Way): $45 per person
- Casa Andina Hotel.- $55 US p p shared ($110 for a single)
- El Mapi Hotel.- +$65 US p p shared (+$120 for a single)
Huayna Picchu Mountain – Included in Price
Huayna Picchu, is a stunning mountain that sits directly behind Machu Picchu, this is the infamous sugar-loaf mountain which sits at an elevation of 2,720m and 300m above the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
There are some archaeological remains as the Moon Temple and other precincts that are interconnected with authentic trails, steps, tunnels and natural formatted caves which made the view more interesting, without any doubt, Huayna Picchu mountain can be the highlight of your trip to Machu Picchu.
The last stretch to get the summit is very steep, narrow, and in some parts, you are required to use your hands for balance. There are some stone ladders to climb up the cliff face along the way. if you have problems with the heights this may not be the hike for you. The summit itself is not flat but is instead rocky, therefore when the crowd picks up it can be a bit difficult to move around.
- Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
- Duration – The round trip can take between 1.5 to 2 hours in average.
- Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 2,693masl, while the climb itself is 353m.
Huayna Picchu mountain can be climbed in 2 different sessions:
- The first session: from 7am to 8am
- The second session: from 10am to 11am
Machu Picchu Mountain – Included in Price
The climb up to Machu Picchu mountain is nearly twice as high as Huayna Picchu but has a more gradual ascent profile up to its summit at 1,850 feet (~620m) above the city ruins (3,051m above sea level).
The panoramic views are from another world. The Inca ruins, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi Mountains look so small behind the giant row of mountains that it makes you wonder if it is true what you are seeing. You will be astonished!
The awe-inspiring view is still composed by a bright blue sky, clouds and the Urubamba River snaking around colossal mountains covered with lush vegetation. What a gift from our mother nature!
- Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
- Duration – The round trip can take between 2.5 to 3 hours in average.
- Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 3,000masl, while the climb itself is 600m.
Machu Picchu mountain can be climbed in 2 different sessions:
- The first session: from 7am to 8am
- The second session: from 9am to 10am
Aditional free Tours
If you are traveling with the family or friends and you are 4 or more people in your group, you automatically get for free one of our additional tours what you like more from the List down below. Please, we do not include the entrance fee, we include the transportation and a professional tour guide.
Do not worry single travelers, if you book any treks with us, you get a special discounts on any of our additional tours
- Sacred Valley Tour
- Cusco City Tour
IMPOT INFO
Important Information
We know planning an adventure vacation is no small decision, so we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ve been doing this for quite a while, so we’ve got the answers to everything you need to know!
Upon your arrival in Cusco City
You will be welcomed by one of our transfers at Cusco airport and then you will be transferred into your hotel. Find out your transfer in Cusco airport holding our Inka trail Explorer. Please you should provide us your flight schedule before you leave home.
The briefing
Your guide will meet you in your hotel 1 or 2 days prior you start the trek, depending on your preference. your guide will explain everything concerning the trek in detail. This includes the Lares Trek schedule and a few tips on how to make your trek easier. You also will receive a duffel bag which is meant to contain all of your personal belongings.
Can I leave my Suitcase in your storage?
Usually most of the hotels in Cusco city offers a free storage but, definitely you can leave your suitcase in our storage while you go on trek or tour, we offer a free storage.
How do I Pay my final Balance?
Your final balance should be paid in cash and it can be done in American dollars or in the local currency (Peruvian soles). We kindly request pay your final balance at least 24 hours prior you start the trek. You also can pay your balance via PayPal 10 days prior you start the trek. To pay your final balance via PayPal, you need to log into your PayPal account using our e-mail address – peruinkatrailtours@gmail.com
Can I cancel my trip or change my departure date?
As soon as you make your confirmation by paying your deposit we proceed to purchase the Inca trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets. According the government regulations, the Inca trail and Machu Picchu permits or tickets cannot be canceled, changed of date or transferred into other traveler and unfortunately there is not a refund.
Do I need my Original passport when I travel into Peru?
Very important to bring the original passport with you. If you are a foreigner, you need a passport to enter Machu Picchu. Not just any passport. It has to be the passport you used to book your trip in Peru or buy your entry tickets to different attractions in Cusco – Peru.
If you renew your passport after you book your trip in Peru, you must travel with both the old and the new passports. You can send us via e-mail a copy of your new and old passports and we will be able to upgrade your new passport information.
How fit do I need to be to hike these trails?
As long as you enjoy hiking, you’ll love these trails – you’ll be hiking about eight miles a day, but there’s no rush, you can take it at your own pace. In fact, the slower the better I say, as that way you get plenty of time not only to enjoy your surroundings, but let your body acclimatize to the altitude as well.
We recommend doing plenty of exercise before you leave home, as the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy your hike. We suggest you try to go for a short walks or running 2-3 times a week. If you have access to some walking trails that go over hills then go and explore, Hit the gym if you can’t do outdoor activities.
That said our trips are designed for regular active people, so you don’t need to be a triathlete or anything – though if you are you won’t be bored!
What if I need a special diet?
We cater all the food restrictions you might have; we work with professional cooks who will take care of you. You also can specify your particular requirements when you fill up our booking form.
- Vegan (no meat or animal products)
- Vegetarian (no meat products)
- Fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
- No red meat (eat chicken & fish)
- Gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
- Lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
Do you recommend buying travel insurance?
You should have full travel insurance cover – please be aware that some insurance companies require insurance to be purchased within 7 days of deposit payment. It is imperative for you to have medical cover and emergency repatriation and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that also includes trip cancellation and other travel mishaps (e.g. flight cancellations or delays, trip interruption, theft or loss of luggage and personal effects).
PACKING LIST
Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu – Packing List
Essencial
- Passport
- Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankles support
In your Dafle Bag
Remember you are packing for 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. Horses will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5kg.
- 2 wicking t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights camping
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
Personal medication
- band aids
- moleskin
- pain killers
In your Daypacks
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend small one. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.
- Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sunhat
- Woolhat
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips