The Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days, also known as the Cachicata Trek, is a beautiful alternative route for travelers who want history, mountain views, quiet trails, and a deeper connection with the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu.
Hike past the mysterious Ñaupa Iglesia, visit the Perolniyoc waterfall, cross high Andean passes, reach the Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo, explore the ancient Cachicata Inca Quarry, enjoy a fresh lunch, and finish with a guided visit to Machu Picchu. It is peaceful, cultural, scenic, and perfect if you want an off-the-beaten-path trek without the crowds of the Classic Inca Trail.
Tour Type Group / Private
Activities Trekking, Culture, Adventure
Average Group Size 12 persons
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation Camping, Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Hiking Distance 37 km / 23 mi
Destinations Machu PicchuOverview of Cachicata Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days
The Cachicata Inca Quarry Trek 4 Days is one of the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu for travelers who want a quieter route with strong history, beautiful landscapes, and a real local feel. This trail follows an ancient Inca stone route through the Sacred Valley, passing waterfalls, villages, mountain passes, Inca ruins, and the famous quarry that supplied stones for Ollantaytambo.
Your journey begins in the Sacred Valley with a visit to Ñaupa Iglesia, the village of Soqma, the Perolniyoc waterfall, and the Rayanpata Inca site before camping near Korimarca. On the second day, you cross high mountain passes and visit Inti Punku, the Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo, with stunning views of the Sacred Valley and Veronica Mountain.
On Day 3, you explore the Cachicata Inca Quarry, where the Incas cut and shaped massive stones for Ollantaytambo, enjoy a fresh lunch, and continue by train to Aguas Calientes. On Day 4, you visit Machu Picchu with your expert guide and return on the panoramic Vistadome train.
Travel in a premium small group with TreXperience, a 100% Peruvian local tour operator based in Cusco. We take care of the important details: comfortable transportation, expert local guides, quality camping equipment, fresh meals prepared by trekking chefs, fair support for horsemen and staff, Machu Picchu tickets, hotel, trains, and personal service from start to finish.
Tour Highlights:
- Visit Perolniyoc waterfall: Enjoy one of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in the Sacred Valley.
- Explore the Cachicata Inca Quarry: See where the Incas cut massive stones for the construction of Ollantaytambo.
- Reach Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo: Enjoy powerful views of Veronica Mountain and the Sacred Valley.
- Enjoy a fresh lunch in Cachicata: Rest and recharge with a satisfying meal prepared with care by our trekking team.
- Return by Vistadome train: End the journey with a scenic panoramic train ride through the Sacred Valley.
- Visit Machu Picchu: Finish the trek with a guided tour of Peru’s most iconic Inca citadel.
- Premium small-group service: Travel with expert guides, fresh meals, comfortable camping, hotel, trains, and responsible local support.
Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Racca – Soqma Waterfalls – Korimarca
Start with hotel pickup at 7:00 a.m. and drive to Racca. Visit Ñaupa Iglesia, hike through Soqma village, enjoy lunch prepared by your trekking chef, continue to the Perolniyoc waterfall, and camp near Korimarca.
Day 2: Korimarca – Charkahuaylla Pass – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo
Wake up with coca tea or coffee, climb to Charkahuaylla Pass, enjoy views of the Sacred Valley and snow-capped peaks, visit the Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo, and camp near Choquetacarpo.
Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Cachicata Inca Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Hike to the Cachicata Inca Quarry, learn about Inca stonework, enjoy a fresh lunch, continue to Ollantaytambo, and take the train to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Vistadome Train – Return to Cusco
Visit Machu Picchu early with your expert guide, explore the assigned circuit, return to Aguas Calientes, and travel back on the panoramic Vistadome train and private transport to Cusco.
* The assigned Machu Picchu circuit depends on official availability at the time of booking. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We strongly recommend booking early because the best circuits and schedules sell out first.
Included
- Pre-departure safety briefing
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel
- Comfortable tourist transportation for the full tour
- Entrance toll for the Soqma community
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu - Circuit 2 by default when available
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Vistadome panoramic train ticket for the return
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Second tour guide for groups of 9 or more
- Comfortable camping equipment
- Portable toilet, tables, and chairs
- Foam sleeping mattress, pillows, hot water bags, and extra blankets
- Duffle bag for up to 7 kg / 15 lb of personal belongings
- Horses to carry food and camping equipment
- Emergency horse for additional support if needed
- Trekking chef, porters, and horsemen
- 2 nights of camping in the mountains
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Fresh lunch in Cachicata
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
- Daily snacks
- First-aid kit, oxygen bottle, and satellite phone
Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Lunch on the last day
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, and trekking poles (available to rent)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance ticket (optional)
- Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket (optional)
- Travel insurance, strongly recommended
Machu Picchu Circuit Included
- Circuit 2: Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it offers one of the most complete Machu Picchu experiences, with important viewpoints and key sectors of the citadel.
If Circuit 2 is sold out for your date, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, depending on official availability. We strongly recommend booking early because Machu Picchu tickets and the best circuits can sell out in advance. For more details, visit our Machu Picchu Tickets and Circuits guide.
Extra Upgrades and Private Service
- Private service: Upgrade to a private experience for more flexibility, privacy, and personal pace.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$68 per person, 2-hour round trip.
- Machu Picchu Mountain – US$68 per person, 3-hour round trip.
You can only hike one of these mountains, and it is done after the guided tour in Machu Picchu. Advance booking is required because availability is limited.
Why Book with TreXperience?
- 100% Peruvian local operator: Travel with a Cusco-based team that knows Cachicata, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and Andean logistics from the inside.
- Expert local guides: Our guides are professional, experienced, and fluent in English and Spanish.
- Fair team support: We care for our chefs, horsemen, porters, drivers, and support staff with respect and fair treatment.
- Food on the trail: Enjoy varied meals prepared by our trekking chef, including a fresh lunch in Cachicata.
- Quality camping equipment: Sleep in comfortable tents with organized support and reliable gear.
- Panoramic train included: Return through the Sacred Valley on the Vistadome train for a scenic finish.
- Want a more cultural route? You can also choose our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days.
Cachicata Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Racca – Soqma – Perolniyoc Waterfall – Korimarca
The TreXperience team will pick you up from your hotel at around 7:00 a.m. and drive for about 2 hours to the Racca community in the Sacred Valley. Breakfast is not included on this first morning, so please have breakfast at your hotel before departure.
The Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu begins with a visit to Ñaupa Iglesia (2,967 m / 9,734 ft), one of the most mysterious Inca sites in the region. Your guide will share the history and meaning of this sacred place before we continue hiking toward the village of Soqma.
After about 2 hours of walking, we arrive in Soqma (3,188 m / 10,459 ft), where your trekking chef prepares a fresh lunch using local ingredients whenever possible. This is a good moment to rest, enjoy the valley, and learn more about daily life in this peaceful Andean community.
After lunch, we continue uphill for 2 to 3 hours toward the impressive Perolniyoc waterfall (3,460 m / 11,352 ft). The waterfall drops around 100 m / 328 ft into the rocks and is one of the most beautiful natural highlights of the route. From here, you can enjoy views of Soqma Valley, the Maras plateau, and surrounding snow-capped mountains.
We finish the day near the archaeological area of Korimarca, where our camp will be ready. You will have time to rest, enjoy hot drinks, eat dinner, and settle into the quiet rhythm of the mountains.
- Campsite Altitude: 3,611 m / 11,847 ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Duration: Around 7 hours
- Meals: Lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Korimarca – Charkahuaylla Pass – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo
Wake up with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea brought to your tent. Today is the most challenging day of the trek, but also one of the most rewarding. After breakfast, we begin a steady 4-hour climb toward Charkahuaylla Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft).
At the summit, you will have time to rest and enjoy wide views of the Urubamba mountain range, the Sacred Valley, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Your guide may also lead a traditional offering to the Apus, the sacred mountain spirits, as a respectful Andean moment before continuing the route.
We then hike through open mountain landscapes toward Marcacocha Lake (4,000 m / 13,100 ft), a peaceful place for lunch. After eating and resting, we continue for about 2 hours to Apu Buena Negra (4,370 m / 14,300 ft), another high viewpoint with powerful mountain scenery.
From there, we descend for about 2 hours to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo (3,900 m / 12,796 ft). This stone doorway frames beautiful views of Veronica Mountain and the Sacred Valley. It is important to know that this is the Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo, not the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.
After enjoying the views and photos, we continue a short distance to our campsite at Choquetacarpo, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and rest after the strongest trekking day.
- Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,450 m / 14,599 ft
- Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
- Duration: Around 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Cachicata Inca Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Choquetacarpo is a beautiful place to enjoy sunrise with a hot drink. After breakfast, we hike for about 3 hours toward Cachicata, one of the most important Inca quarry sites near Cusco.
At the Cachicata Inca Quarry, your guide will explain how the Incas cut, shaped, and transported massive stones for the construction of Ollantaytambo. You will see unfinished blocks, worked stones, and the remains of an incredible engineering process that was interrupted during the Spanish invasion.
As we follow the ancient route once used to move stones toward Ollantaytambo, we stop for a fresh lunch and time to rest before continuing the descent. This is one of the best moments to appreciate how the quarry, the trail, and the living community connect with the history of the Sacred Valley.
After lunch, we continue to the Cachicata community and then take private transportation to Ollantaytambo. You will have time to see its ancient streets and water channels, still used since Inca times. After dinner, we take the evening train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a 3-star hotel.
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Duration: Around 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Day 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Vistadome Train – Return to Cusco
On the final day, wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking the bus up to Machu Picchu. After walking through waterfalls, high passes, ancient quarries, and the Sacred Valley, this is the perfect finale to the journey.
Your guide will lead you through the assigned Machu Picchu circuit, sharing the history, architecture, temples, terraces, water systems, and sacred spaces of this extraordinary Inca city. We prioritize Circuit 2 whenever available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits.
If Circuit 2 is sold out for your travel date, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, depending on official availability. If you booked Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance, you may do the optional hike after the guided visit.
After exploring Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes and have time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, board the Vistadome panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, usually around 7:30 p.m.
- Guided Tour Duration: 2 to 3 hours in Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
- Difficulty: Easy
Important: Hiking times, train schedules, Machu Picchu entry times, circuits, camps, and return times may vary depending on weather, trail conditions, official regulations, availability, and group pace.
Price for the Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu
Join one of our premium small-group departures for a scenic and well-organized Cachicata Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days. This experience includes transportation, professional guiding, camping equipment, fresh meals, lunch in Cachicata, scheduled entrance tickets, hotel in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu ticket, Vistadome train return, and a carefully planned route through Soqma, Perolniyoc, Inti Punku, Cachicata, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu.
Prices are per person in USD and may vary depending on the room type you select: single, double, or triple, based on the number of travelers in your party.
Small-Group Tour:
| Traveler Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Adults | From US$ 750 |
| Children and students | From US$ 720 |
Private Tour:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Private Cachicata Inca Quarry Trek | Contact us for a personalized quote |
Private service is ideal for couples, families, groups of friends, and travelers who want more flexibility, a more personal guide experience, and a schedule adjusted to their travel pace.
Student and Child Discount
- US$ 30 off per person
This discount applies to travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their student ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply. Please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$ 200 per person to reserve your spot.
- The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
- Contact us if you would like to verify alternative payment options.
Before You Book
- Machu Picchu tickets, train schedules, hotel availability, and circuits depend on availability at the time of booking.
- Your passport must be valid and match the information used for your train and Machu Picchu tickets.
- You should be in good physical condition and comfortable walking at altitude.
- If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know when you make your reservation.
How to Book
- Click the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select the tour option that best fits your travel style: small-group or private service.
- Fill in all requested details using your passport information exactly as shown on your passport.
- Enter your credit or debit card details and complete the payment.
- Our team will contact you shortly to confirm your payment and send the final tour details.
Cachicata Quarry Trail Packing List
Pack light and practical for this 4-day trek. You will hike through high mountain areas, camp for two nights, visit Machu Picchu, and travel by train, so bring good layers, rain protection, comfortable hiking shoes, and only what you really need.
TreXperience provides a duffel bag for up to 7 kg / 15 lb of personal items. Your extra luggage should stay at your hotel in Cusco or in our storage if arranged before departure.
- Duffle bag: Up to 7 kg / 15 lb for overnight items, carried by the support team. You will not have access to it during the hiking day.
- Daypack: We recommend a 20 to 30-liter backpack with water, snacks, rain gear, warm layer, sunscreen, passport, camera, and personal medication.
Essentials
These are the most important items for the Cachicata Inca Quarry Trail, especially for altitude, changing weather, camping, train travel, and Machu Picchu entry.
What to Wear?
Dress in layers. The trail moves from cool valleys to high mountain passes and then down to warmer areas near Machu Picchu. Choose light, breathable clothing that you can add or remove easily.
What to Put in the Daypack?
Your daypack should be light but complete. Bring what you need while hiking because your duffel bag will only be available at camp or at the hotel.
What to Put in the Duffel Bag?
Use your duffel bag for overnight clothing, toiletries, sleeping gear, and personal camp items. Please keep it within the 7 kg / 15 lb limit so the support team can work safely and responsibly.
What We Provide
TreXperience includes the main trekking logistics, camping equipment, meals, transportation, hotel, train service, and safety support listed in the tour inclusions.
What Can You Rent with TreXperience?
Sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, and trekking poles are available to rent for an extra cost. Request rental gear in advance so our team can prepare it before your departure.
Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu Travel Information
This section gives you the essential information for the Cachicata Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days: route, difficulty, altitude, weather, Machu Picchu tickets, Inti Punku, lunch, camping, packing, and how this trek compares with other routes.
What makes the Inca Quarry Trail different?
The Inca Quarry Trail is an alternative trek to Machu Picchu that follows a quieter route through the Sacred Valley. It does not enter Machu Picchu on foot like the Classic Inca Trail, but it offers something very special: waterfalls, local villages, high passes, Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo, and the Cachicata Quarry, where the Incas cut stones for Ollantaytambo.
Choose this route if you want a less crowded trek with strong Inca history, mountain views, camping, and a final guided visit to Machu Picchu. If your priority is entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, consider the Short Inca Trail 2 Days or the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days.
Route and main places visited
This 4-day route starts in the Sacred Valley and includes Racca, Ñaupa Iglesia, Soqma, Perolniyoc waterfall, Korimarca, Charkahuaylla Pass, Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo, Choquetacarpo, the Cachicata Inca Quarry, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu.
The route is strongly connected with the history of Ollantaytambo and the movement of stones used for major Inca construction. For broader Sacred Valley context, see our Sacred Valley Guide.
Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo vs Sun Gate of Machu Picchu
This tour includes the Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo, not the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. Both names mean “Sun Gate,” but they are different places.
The Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo sits above the Sacred Valley near Cachicata and offers powerful views of Veronica Mountain and the valley. The Sun Gate of Machu Picchu is located on the Inca Trail and is used by hikers arriving on the Classic or Short Inca Trail.
Difficulty and physical preparation
The Cachicata Trek is moderate to challenging. It includes uphill sections, downhill trails, high mountain passes, and long walking days, but it is usually less demanding than the Classic Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek.
You should be comfortable walking several hours per day at altitude. Training walks, stairs, light cardio, and hiking with a daypack will help. Trekking poles are useful for the climbs and descents; see our guide on how to use trekking poles in the Andes.
Altitude and acclimatization
The highest point of this trek is around 4,450 m / 14,599 ft at Charkahuaylla Pass. Because of the altitude, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek, or 3 days if possible.
Drink water, eat light, avoid excess alcohol, and tell your guide if you feel dizzy, nauseous, unusually tired, or short of breath. For general health guidance, review the official CDC Travel to High Altitudes information.
Machu Picchu tickets, circuits, and rules
Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it offers one of the most complete visits to the citadel. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
Machu Picchu tickets are limited and assigned by date, time, and circuit. Early booking gives you a better chance of securing the best circuit and schedule. For details, read our Machu Picchu Tickets guide or check the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.
For visitor behavior, luggage limits, and restricted items, see our Machu Picchu Rules guide.
Camping, food, water, and lunch
This tour includes 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. TreXperience provides comfortable tents, foam mattresses, pillows, blankets, dining equipment, portable toilet, and camp support.
Meals are prepared by our trekking chef during the route. The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and daily snacks. On Day 3, after visiting the Cachicata Inca Quarry, you will enjoy a fresh lunch before continuing to Ollantaytambo.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meals can usually be arranged with advance notice. Please tell us your dietary needs when booking.
Weather and best time to hike
The best time for the Inca Quarry Trail is usually from April to October, when skies are clearer and trails are drier. Nights can still be cold, especially at higher camps.
From November to March, rain is more common and trails can be muddy, but the landscapes are greener. This route can operate year-round with proper clothing and flexible planning. For broader Peru planning, see our Best Time to Visit Peru guide.
Train, hotel, and return to Cusco
On Day 3, after finishing the trek and visiting Ollantaytambo, you take the train to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. One night in a 3-star hotel is included so you can rest before your Machu Picchu visit.
On Day 4, after Machu Picchu, you return by panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transportation to Cusco. Return times can vary depending on train schedules, traffic, weather, and official entry times.
Cachicata Inca Quarry Trek Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most important questions travelers ask before joining the Cachicata Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days, including route, permits, difficulty, altitude, Machu Picchu, lunch, packing, and private service.
Why choose the Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu?
Choose this trek if you want an off-the-beaten-path route with fewer crowds, Inca history, waterfalls, high mountain views, local villages, the Cachicata Quarry, Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo, and a final guided visit to Machu Picchu.
It is a great alternative if the Classic Inca Trail is sold out or if you prefer a quieter trekking experience with a strong Sacred Valley connection.
Is this the same as the Classic Inca Trail?
No. The Inca Quarry Trail is a different route. It does not enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, but it visits places the Classic Inca Trail does not include, such as Perolniyoc waterfall, Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo, and the Cachicata Inca Quarry.
If you want to hike the original route into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, consider the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days or the Short Inca Trail 2 Days.
Do I need a permit for the Cachicata Trek?
The Cachicata Trek does not require a limited government trekking permit like the Classic Inca Trail. However, this tour includes a local community entrance toll, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, bus tickets, train service, hotel, and trekking logistics.
Machu Picchu tickets are limited by date, time, and circuit, so we still recommend booking in advance.
How difficult is the Inca Quarry Trail?
The trek is moderate to challenging. Day 2 is usually the hardest because you climb to Charkahuaylla Pass at around 4,450 m / 14,599 ft. The route is not technical, but you should be comfortable walking several hours per day at altitude.
What is the highest altitude on this trek?
The highest point is Charkahuaylla Pass, at approximately 4,450 m / 14,599 ft. Because of the altitude, we recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek.
Does this tour include Machu Picchu?
Yes. Machu Picchu entrance, round-trip bus tickets, and a guided tour are included. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available. If it is sold out, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
For more details, read our Machu Picchu Tickets guide.
What kind of lunch is included in Cachicata?
On Day 3, after visiting the Cachicata Inca Quarry, lunch is included and prepared with care by our trekking team. It is a good moment to rest, recharge, and enjoy the local atmosphere before continuing toward Ollantaytambo.
What should I bring for the Cachicata Trek?
Bring hiking shoes, warm layers, rain protection, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, personal medication, headlamp, toiletries, camera, passport, and a light daypack. Sleeping bag, air mattress, and trekking poles are available to rent.
For general packing advice, see our Peru Packing List.
Can I make this a private tour?
Yes. Private service is a great option for couples, families, photographers, or travelers who want more flexibility with pace, timing, camp style, and guide attention. Private pricing depends on group size and availability.