The Quarry Trail – An Authentic Alternative to the Inca Trail
The Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most authentic and least crowded alternative treks to Machu Picchu. This unique 4-day experience takes you through isolated areas of the Andes, far from the busy Inca Trail crowds.
Follow the path of the ancient stonemasons. This trail explores the Kachiqata Quarry, the very site where the Incas extracted stones for Ollantaytambo and other major constructions. Along the way you will discover waterfalls, high mountain passes with 360-degree views, rarely visited archaeological sites like Perolniyoc, and deep Andean valleys.
This trek is famous for its perfect balance of adventure and comfort. After two days of high-altitude trekking, you will enjoy a luxury stay at the Veronica View Hotel in Ollantaytambo with spa, pool, and world class dining, before your guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Operated by our licensed local team from Cusco with over 10 years of experience on the Quarry Trail.
What to Expect on the Inca Quarry Trail
- Distance and Duration: Approximately 26 km divided over 2 full hiking days in the wilderness. Day 3 and Day 4 are for cultural immersion and Machu Picchu.
- Gradual Ascent to High Altitude: The trail climbs progressively to 4450 m at Quychicassa Pass, the highest point. Proper acclimatization in Cusco for at least 2 days is essential.
- Varied Highlights: Perolniyoc Waterfall, Perolniyoc archaeological site, Puccaqasa Pass at 4400 m, Quychicassa Pass at 4450 m, Inti Punku Sun Gate with views of Veronica Mountain, and the historic Kachiqata Quarry.
- Comfort and Scenery: 1 night camping under the stars, 1 luxury night at Veronica View Hotel, 1 night in Aguas Calientes, scenic Vistadome or Expedition train rides, and a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Main Challenges to Consider
- High elevation – the trek spends long hours above 4000 m
- Steep ascents and descents – especially the climbs to Puccaqasa and Quychicassa Pass
- Changing weather – cold nights at camp, strong sun during the day, and possible rain
- Uneven, off the beaten path trails – authentic Inca trails with loose stones
Highlights of the Inca Quarry Trail
- Discover the massive Kachiqata Quarry, the source of stone for Ollantaytambo
- Witness the stunning Perolniyoc Waterfall, one of the tallest in the Sacred Valley
- Cross two high passes – Puccaqasa at 4400 m and Quychicassa at 4450 m – with 360-degree views
- Explore the Perolniyoc archaeological site perched above the valley
- Enjoy the framed view of the snowcapped Veronica Mountain from Inti Punku
- Relax at the luxury Veronica View Hotel with spa, pool, sauna, and gourmet dinner
- Experience a sunrise guided tour of Machu Picchu with an expert local guide
Who Is This Trek For?
This trek is made for adventure enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the Andes and Inca history. It is perfect if you want moderate to challenging altitude trekking, authentic cultural encounters, stunning high mountain scenery, and a touch of luxury and comfort.
It is the ideal option for travelers who could not get an Inca Trail permit or who want a quieter, more cultural path to Machu Picchu without sacrificing comfort. If you prefer less hiking, see our [Machu Picchu by Train 1-Day].
Itinerary – Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Socma – Perolniyoc – Rayan – Puccaqasa Pass – Camp
Early Start and Transfer to Socma
Set your alarm for an early start. Your adventure on the Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am. We drive for 2 hours to Socma village at 2900 m, our trailhead. Here our chef will serve a fresh gourmet breakfast with views of the surrounding mountains.
Perolniyoc Waterfall and Archaeological Site
To begin the trail, your guide will lead you to Perolniyoc Waterfall. This 100-meter-high waterfall is a natural wonder and a perfect spot for photos and to feel the power of the Andes. After this stop, we continue hiking for about 1.5 hours uphill to the Perolniyoc Archaeological Site.
Perched on a narrow ridge, this Inca settlement features well preserved rooms, terraces, and ceremonial areas. Your guide will share insights into its history and strategic importance as the first historical highlight of the trek.
After exploring the site, we continue to Rayan village where we enjoy a gourmet lunch and time to relax after a morning of uphill hiking and breathtaking views.
Afternoon Ascent to Puccaqasa Pass – 4400 m
The next 2.5 hours cover the most demanding segment of the day. We climb steadily to Puccaqasa Pass at 4400 m / 14436 ft above sea level. From the top you will be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcabamba range, and the Andean puna.
To finish the day, we walk for 30 minutes across the high puna to our campsite. Our team will welcome you with hot beverages and appetizers before you settle into your tents. In the evening, we serve a delicious three course dinner under the stars.
Day 1 Statistics:
- Main Stops: Perolniyoc Waterfall, Perolniyoc Archaeological Site, Puccaqasa Pass
- Lowest Altitude: 2900 m / 9514 ft in Socma
- Highest Altitude: 4400 m / 14436 ft at Puccaqasa Pass
- Distance: Approximately 8 km / 5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Day 2: Puccaqasa – Quychicassa Pass – Inti Punku – Kachiqata Quarry – Veronica View Hotel
Morning Trek to the Highest Pass
On your second morning, our team will wake you with a hot beverage served to your tent. This warm start sets the tone for another adventurous day.
The first 2 hours take us along the Andean puna over rolling hills to Quychicassa Pass at 4450 m / 14599 ft, the highest point of the trek. After a quick photo break and time to appreciate the vast landscape, we descend for 1 hour along steep switchbacks to Inti Punku.
Inti Punku Sun Gate and Gourmet Lunch
Inti Punku, meaning Sun Gate in Quechua, offers a perfectly framed view of Veronica Mountain at 5682 m, a massive snowcapped peak sacred to the Incas. Here we enjoy our gourmet lunch combined with this impressive panorama.
Descent Through the Inca Quarry to Luxury Hotel
After recharging with a well-deserved meal, we continue our descent. The first hour is steep, then the trail becomes gentler for the final 2 hours as we enter the Kachiqata Quarry, also known as the Inca Quarry or Cachicata Quarry. This is the highlight of the trail. You will see enormous stones half carved, abandoned tools, and ancient ramps that show how the Incas transported these blocks to build Ollantaytambo.
We arrive in the late afternoon at the Veronica View Hotel in Ollantaytambo, our accommodation for the night. At the hotel you will be served a world class dinner. The hotel also offers a spa with swimming pool, jacuzzi, and sauna to relax your muscles after two demanding days in the backcountry. We encourage you to make the most of these facilities.
Day 2 Statistics:
- Main Stops: Quychicassa Pass, Inti Punku Sun Gate, Kachiqata Quarry
- Lowest Altitude: 3400 m / 11155 ft at Veronica View Hotel
- Highest Altitude: 4450 m / 14599 ft at Quychicassa Pass
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Veronica View Hotel – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Free Morning in Ollantaytambo
Today begins with a serene morning to be enjoyed at your own pace. You can use the hotel facilities, walk through the beautiful gardens with views of Veronica Mountain, or wander around Ollantaytambo town. This is one of the few remaining living Inca towns, with original Inca streets, water channels, and a vibrant local market.
Scenic Train to Aguas Calientes
Around noon we enjoy another gourmet lunch at the hotel, followed by a short drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo. We board the 1:27 pm train to Aguas Calientes. This scenic train ride follows the Urubamba River as it descends from the Andes into the cloud forest, offering beautiful views along the way.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will check into your hotel and have time to explore this small town at the base of Machu Picchu. We wrap up the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 Statistics:
- Main Attractions: Views of Veronica Mountain, spa and gardens at Veronica View Hotel, scenic train ride, exploration of Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty: Easy, this day is dedicated to rest and cultural exploration
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Machu Picchu Exploration
Finally, your time to explore Machu Picchu has arrived. We start very early again to get to the citadel in time to enjoy the sunrise. Your guide will take you on a 2 hour guided tour around Machu Picchu, sharing deep knowledge about the temples, plazas, houses, and ceremonial sites.
After the guided tour, if you booked in advance, you will have time to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain on your own. A guide for this extra hike can be booked as an add on. Please note that permits for these hikes sell out months in advance.
After exploring the Hidden City of the Incas, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes. There you will have free time for lunch on your own, souvenir shopping, visiting the hot springs, or simply resting.
Return Journey to Cusco
Our return to Cusco starts with the 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm train to Ollantaytambo. This train ride along the Urubamba Canyon offers a final chance to spot Wiñay Wayna perched high on the slopes.
Once in Ollantaytambo, our private driver will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco. We will drop you at your hotel around 7:00 pm, wrapping up an adventure of a lifetime.
Day 4 Statistics:
- Difficulty: Easy, focused on exploration and sightseeing
- Lowest Altitude: 2040 m / 6690 ft in Aguas Calientes
- Highest Altitude: 2430 m / 7972 ft at Machu Picchu
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop off in Cusco by private transport
- Private transport from Cusco to Socma trailhead and from Lamay to Ollantaytambo
- Train tickets Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Expedition service
- Bus tickets Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return
- Professional licensed English speaking guide specialized in high altitude trekking
- Professional trek chef and porters and horsemen for equipment
- Entrance fee to Perolniyoc archaeological site and waterfall
- Entrance fee to Kachiqata Quarry also known as Inca Quarry
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Circuit 2
- 1 night camping in 4 season tents for 2 people with sleeping mats and dining tent
- 1 night at luxury Veronica View Hotel in Ollantaytambo with spa and pool
- 1 night in 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom
- All meals during trek 3 breakfasts 2 lunches 2 dinners plus snacks and tea time
- 1 dinner in Ollantaytambo and 1 dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Boiled water daily for drinking
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen for high altitude safety
- Pre trek briefing at your hotel the night before
- Duffel bag for personal gear up to 7 kg
Not Included
- Travel insurance mandatory for trekking up to 4500m
- Lunch on Day 3 and lunch on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes
- Sleeping bag rental 15 USD per trek
- Trekking poles rental 15 USD per pair
- Hiking boots and personal clothing and gear
- Extra hikes Huayna Picchu 69 USD or Machu Picchu Mountain 69 USD require separate ticket
- Hot springs entrance in Aguas Calientes 4 USD
- Any transportation not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips for guides cooks and porters optional but appreciated
Price – Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Trek Details: $547 USD per person | Personal pack horse included for 7 kgs | Eureka 4 person tents for every 2 trekkers | Small group 2 to 8 people | Licensed local operator Cusco
Price Per Person – Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- Standard Price – 2 or More People: $547 USD
- Includes extra pack horse for 7 kgs personal gear, we provide duffel bag for your belongings. Includes large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers, professional guide, chef, entrance tickets, 1 night camping, 1 night Veronica View Hotel, 1 night Aguas Calientes, trains and buses
Discounts – Valid ID Required at Booking
- Students 18 to 25 Years Old: -$30 USD
- Student card must show university name, student name, photo, expiration date. Copy required at booking for government approval
- Youth Under 18 Years Old: -$30 USD
- Discount for travelers under 18. Please send copy of passport at time of booking
- Child Under 11 Years Old: -$40 USD
- Discount for children under 11. Please send copy of passport at time of booking
- Group of 5 or More: -$30 USD
- All group members must book together at the same time to receive group discount
Extras – Optional Rental and Upgrades
- Sleeping Bag -10C: $20 USD
- Per person per trek, clean and warm, recommended for cold night at Puccaqasa camp 4100m
- Air Mattress Therm-a-Rest: $20 USD
- Per person per trek, insulated inflatable mattress for better sleep at altitude
- Walking Poles – Professional Pair: $15 USD
- Per pair per trek, professional extendable poles with rubber tips, essential for Puccaqasa 4400m and Quychicassa 4450m
- Personal Tent – Solo Trekkers: $30 USD
- Private tent for solo trekkers who prefer not to share Eureka 4-person tent
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD
- Per person, optional hike inside Machu Picchu citadel, done on your own after guided tour. No guide included, guided extra available on request for extra cost. Must be requested at booking, subject to availability
- Single Supplement – 3 Star Hotels: $40 USD
- Per person for 2 nights, private room at Veronica View Hotel and Aguas Calientes hotel for solo travelers
Key Information
- Included in $547: Personal pack horse for 7 kgs, duffel bag provided, Eureka 4 person tents for every 2 trekkers, private transport Cusco to Socma, professional licensed local guide, chef, horsemen, all camping equipment, 1 night camping, 1 night luxury Veronica View Hotel with spa, 1 night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, meals 3 breakfasts 2 lunches 2 dinners, entrance to Perolniyoc, Kachiqata Quarry and Machu Picchu Circuit 2, bus and Expedition train tickets. Depart any day with minimum 2 people. Licensed operator Cusco for 10+ years
What to Pack for Inca Quarry Trail (4 Days)
Trek Details: 26km trek to 4450m at Quychicassa Pass | 1 night camping at 4100m + 1 night luxury Veronica View Hotel + 1 night Aguas Calientes | Moderate to challenging with licensed local operator Cusco
Essential Documents and Cash
- Original Passport (Mandatory)
- Original passport used for booking is required
- Checked at Perolniyoc, Kachiqata Quarry, and Machu Picchu entrance (2,430m)
- Name and number must match ticket exactly. If you renewed your passport, bring both
- Licensed guides verify documents during briefing in Cusco the night before
- Documents, Cash, and Extras
- Keep passport, Machu Picchu ticket, travel insurance copy in waterproof bag
- Cash in Peruvian Soles in small bills for tips for guide, chef, horsemen, lunch in Aguas Calientes, souvenirs, hot springs entrance ($4)
- Student card if you booked with discount
- Insurance must cover trekking up to 4,500m
Packs and Gear
- Backpack System (Duffel 7kg + Daypack 30L)
- Pack horse carries your duffel up to 7kg including sleeping bag and clothes (duffel bag provided free)
- You hike with daypack 30L for water 2L, rain jacket, warm layer, camera, passport, snacks
- Large backpack not needed and makes ascent to Puccaqasa (4,400m) harder
- Main luggage can be stored free at office in Cusco
- Sleeping Bag (-10°C – Rent Available)
- Suitable to at least -10°C / 14°F for cold night at Puccaqasa camp (4,100m)
- Rental available: $20 for 4 days (clean and warm with liner)
- Night temperature can drop to -5°C at camp. Essential for 1 night camping
- Trekking Poles (Highly Recommended)
- Highly recommended for steep ascents to Puccaqasa (4,400m) and Quychicassa (4,450m) and steep descent to Kachiqata Quarry
- Reduces impact on knees and improves balance
- Rental available: Professional extendable pair for $15 per trek with rubber tips to protect Inca trails
Footwear and Clothing
- Footwear
- Hiking Boots: High quality waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for 26km over loose rock, steep ascents to 4450m, and descents through Kachiqata Quarry (must be broken in to prevent blisters)
- Hotel/Camp Shoes: Comfortable shoes or sandals for camp evening and for hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- Clothing Layers
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking base layers and thermal underwear for sleeping at camp
- Insulating Layer: Fleece or down jacket for cold pass at 4450m and camp at 4100m
- Outer Layer: Waterproof windproof jacket and rain pants
- Trekking Tops & Bottoms: 2 quick-dry t-shirts, 2 long-sleeve shirts, 2 trekking pants (including one convertible to shorts), moisture-wicking underwear
- Weather changes fast from hot sun to freezing wind
- Warm Accessories
- Brimmed sun hat for strong sun at high altitude
- Warm wool hat for cold evenings at camp (4,100m) and early morning start
- Waterproof gloves
- 4 pairs wool or moisture-wicking hiking socks to keep feet dry
Hydration, Sun, and Insect Protection
- Hydration and Snacks (2L Minimum)
- Water bottles or hydration bladder with at least 2L capacity (very dry at high altitude)
- Boiled and filtered water provided daily starting from Day 1 lunch (bring reusable bottle)
- Bring energy bars, trail mix, coca candy, electrolytes
- Dehydration is main cause of altitude sickness at 4450m
- Sun Protection and Insect Repellent
- High SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses with UV protection (sun extremely strong at 4450m with no shade for hours on puna)
- Insect repellent with DEET useful for lower elevations near Ollantaytambo (3,400m) and Machu Picchu cloud forest (2,430m) where small mosquitoes are present
Electronics, Health, and Personal Items
- Electronics
- Headlamp with extra batteries essential for camp at 4100m (no electricity) and for 4:30 AM start to Machu Picchu on Day 4
- Camera with extra batteries and memory card
- Power bank (10,000 mAh minimum)
- Hotel in Ollantaytambo has charging, but camp does not
- Quick-dry towel for camp and hotels
- Health and Personal Items
- Personal medication including altitude medication (Diamox) if prescribed, blister plasters, hand sanitizer, toilet paper in zip-lock bag, wet wipes, small shovel if needed, toothbrush, toothpaste, small biodegradable soap
- Note: Guide carries oxygen tank and first aid kit for high altitude
