The Inca Quarry Trail is the perfect alternative for those who like to explore much less crowded routes off the beaten path. Also known as the Cachicata Trail, it's a lesser-known but equally impressive alternative to the popular Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This trek takes you through the beautiful Andean landscape, Inca ruins, and an ancient quarry that supplied stones for the construction of Ollantaytambo, heading to Machu Picchu.
In addition, you will learn about life in the isolated Andean villages and the Inca culture, while enjoying diverse Andean landscapes, and spend an unforgettable final day exploring Machu Picchu. What are you waiting for? Book with us now!
Duration 4 Days 3 Nights
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
Our experience will begin early, when we pick you up from your Cusco hotel to drive to Racca. From there, we will hike about six hours, stopping at Ñaupa Iglesia, Soqma Village, the Perolniyoc waterfalls, and the Rayanpata Inca site before camping in Korimarca. The next day, we’ll wake up to coffee or coca tea and climb for roughly four hours to Charkahuaylla Pass. After lunch, we’ll visit the Inti Punku Inca site for sweeping mountain views, then camp at Choquetacarpo.
The penultimate day brings a 3-hour hike to the Cachicata Inca Quarry, one of the largest near Cusco. Lunch is a traditional Pachamanca barbecue. Continue to Ollantaytambo and board the train to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night. On the final day, catch the first bus to Machu Picchu for a guided visit through key temples and plazas, with free time to take the photos you want. Return on the Vistadome panoramic train and arrive in Cusco around 7:30 pm.
Tour Highlights:
- Visit the Perolniyoq waterfalls.
- Explore the Cachicata Inca Quarry and the Sungate of Ollantaytambo.
- Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca barbecue.
- Panoramic Vistadome Train included.
- Top off the tour with a full visit to Machu Picchu.
Inca Quarry Trail 4 days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Racca – Soqma Waterfalls – Korimarca
After being collected from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am, we will drive to Racca’s village to start the Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu. The first-day hike takes 6 hours, visiting Ñaupa Iglesia, Soqma Village, Perolniyoc waterfalls, and Rayanpata Inca Site. We camp at Korimarca village.
Day 2: Korimarca – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo
Wake up with a cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent, have breakfast, and we will begin a 4-hour ascent to Charkahuaylla pass (4.450 m / 14,599 ft). After lunch, we will visit the Intipunku Inca Site (Sungate) of Ollantaytambo and enjoy the snow-capped mountains' amazing views. Camp at Choquetacarpo.
Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Inca Quarry – Ollantaytambo town – Aguas Calientes
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will hike for 3 hours to Cachicata Inca Quarry, considered one of the largest Inca quarries near Cusco. Lunch is a special Pachamanca barbecue. Then, continue to Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a hotel.
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
On the final day, wake up early and take the first bus up to Machu Picchu. The guided tour starts exploring the best of Machu Picchu through Circuit 2; the stone Inca temples and grand palaces. You will have time to take the photos you want., then take the Vistadome panoramic train back to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 pm.
* Assigned circuit in Machu Picchu depends on availability at the time of booking. If tickets for Machu Picchu Circuit 2 are sold out, we will secure tickets for Circuit 1 or 3. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible. Entrance tickets are first‑come, first‑served, and the best circuits and schedules sell out first.
Included
- Pre-departure safety briefing
- Pickup and drop off from the hotel
- Exclusive group tour transportation with AC
- Entrance toll for Soqma community
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu - Circuit 2
- Bus tickets to Machu Picchu (Round trip)
- Vistadome panoramic train ticket (Return)
- Professional English-speaking Tour Guide
- Second tour guide for groups 9+
- Comfortable camping equipment
- Porta-potty, tables, chairs
- Sleeping foam mattress, pillows, hot water bags, extra blankets
- Duffle bags where you can put up to 7 kilos of personal stuff
- Horses to carry food and equipment
- Emergency horse in case you struggle
- Trekking chef, porters, horsemen
- 2-nights camping in the mountains
- 1 night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Pachamanca barbecue in Cachicata
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Snack every day
- First aid kit, Oxygen bottle, satellite phones
Not Included
- First breakfast
- Lunch on the last day
- Sleeping bag, air mattress and trekking poles (You can rent them with us)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance (Optional)
- Machu Picchu mountain entrance (Optional)
- Travel insurance
Machu Picchu Circuits included
- Circuit 2-A: This is the classic route to visit Machu Picchu. It allows you to visit the lower observatory, the Quarry, the Square of Temples, the Sacred Rock, the Twelve Niches, the Warehouses, and the possibility of having awesome views of Machu Picchu!
It is the most popular option as it allows you to visit almost the entire archaeological complex. If tickets for the Machu Picchu Circuit 2 are sold out, we will secure tickets for Circuit 1 or 3. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible. For more details, visit Machu Picchu Entrances & Circuits 2026.
Extra Upgrades and private service
- Private service: You can upgrade to a private experience. Contact us for special pricing.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $68 per person (2 hours round-trip).
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $68 per person (3 hours 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 for both hikes.
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Expert: Get the best prices and best service with a 100% Peruvian company
- Expert Tour Guides: Our tour guides are professionals and fluent in English
- Our Porters: At TreXperience, we set the highest standard for our porter welfare on the Trail
- Food on the trail: The food we provide during our trek is always of high quality and great variety
- High-Quality Equipment: We provide high-quality camping gear
- Panoramic Trains: We provide Panoramic trains Vistadome
- Want more? We also offer the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Cachicata Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Racca – Socma – Korimarca
TreXperience team will pick you up from your hotel at 7:00 am and drive for 2 hours to the Racca community in the Sacred Valley (you must have breakfast in your hotel for this tour). The Quarry Trail trek starts by visiting the ancient Inca shrine of Ñaupa Iglesia (2,967m / 9,734 ft). This is, by far, one of the most mysterious Inca sites in the whole region. Then, continue hiking for 2 hours to the community of Socma (3,188 m / 10,459 ft), where lunch will be prepared by your trekking chef using fresh local products.
After lunch, explore the village, interact with the local villagers, and understand their humble lifestyles and cultures. The second part of our trek is a 2 to 3-hour hike uphill to Perolniyoc waterfall (3,460 m / 11,352 ft) with a fall of around 100 m / 328 ft, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cusco, with a drop of 328 feet into the rock. The views from this location of the Socma Valley, Maras Plateau, and snow-capped mountains are spectacular. The campsite is near the archaeological site in Korimarca village (3,611 m / 11,847 ft)
- Campsite Altitude: 3,611 m / 11,847 ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Duration: 7 hours
- Meals: Lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Korimarca – Intipunku – Choquetacarpo
Wake up bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea. Today is the most challenging and yet the most beautiful day of your TreXperience! After breakfast, it’s a 4-hour uphill hike to Charkahuaylla pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft). You can take a well-earned break at the summit and enjoy the fantastic views of the Urubamba mountain range’s snow-capped peaks and the mystical Sacred Valley of the Incas. At the same time, your tour guide performs a traditional offering ceremony to the mountain Apus (mountain spirits). Afterward, continue the trek in the mountains to the Andean lake of Marcacocha (4,000 m / 13,100 ft). This is a perfect place to break for lunch.
Next, you will hike for 2 hours to Apu Buena Negra (4,370 m / 14,300 ft), the second and last mountain. Upon reaching the summit, your efforts will be rewarded with one of the region’s most spectacular views. Then, continue downhill for two more hours to Intipunku or Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo (3,900 m / 12,796 ft), a beautiful doorway that overlooks the majestic Veronica mountain (5,893 m / 19,334 ft). Our campsite is just a few minutes further at Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft).
- Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Highest altitude: 4450 m / 14599 ft
- Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
- Duration: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Cachicata Quarry – Ollantaytambo town – Aguas Calientes
Choquetacarpo campsite is a perfect place to enjoy the sunrise with a cup of coffee. After breakfast, hike for 3 hours to Cachicata: the Inca Empire’s biggest quarry. Here, your tour guide will teach you all about the incredible techniques of the ancient Inca stone masons as well as about their lives and customs. You’ll be amazed by the enormous rocks that the Incas would transport and carve without the help of modern technology. This site was abandoned together with Machu Picchu and many other Inca sites during the Spanish invasion.
As we follow the ancient Inca route used to transfer the rocks to Ollantaytambo, we’ll stop for a Pachamanca Barbecue lunch and interact with local villagers in the Cachicata community. Here, our private bus will be waiting to take us to Ollantaytambo to explore these ancient streets and the water channel that has been in use since Inca times. After dinner, take the 7:00 pm train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel.
- Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Duration: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 4: Discover Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco
On our final day, get up early and prepare for the highlight of your tour. After breakfast in the hotel, we will take the first bus to Machu Picchu. You will explore the temples, palaces, and streets through circuit 2. After the guided tour, take some time to take the photos you want or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked as far as possible).
Once you finish exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch (Not Included). In the afternoon, take the Vistadome Panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo and a private van back to Cusco. Drop off at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
- Duration of Guided tour: 3 – 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Difficulty: Easy
Price for the Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu
Prices for this small-group tour vary depending on the room type you select: single, double, or triple, based on the number of travelers with you. For those traveling with a large party or seeking an exclusive adventure, we offer a private Inca Quarry trek to Machu Picchu, tailored specifically to your preferences, in private form. Feel free to contact us for any special requests, even after booking.
Price per person:
- From US$ 750 - Adults
From US$ 720 - Children and students
Student Discount
- US$ 30 off
Applies to all travelers under 17 years old and students under 25 with a valid university ID. The ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
- ISIC cards are not valid.
The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate. 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 remainder can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
- Contact us to see alternative payment options.
Before you book
- Check your desired travel dates and contact us, or visit the official Machu Picchu tickets website to check the availability of entrance to the Inca Citadel.
- Your passport must be valid and have at least 6 months' validity from the date of your entry into Peru.
- Be in good physical condition for walking.
How to book
To book this tour:
- Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select the tour option of your choice (group or private service).
- Fill in all the requested details with your passport data.
- Finally, enter your credit/debit card details and make the payment.
- Our team will contact you shortly to reconfirm your payment and give you more information.
Camp gear for rent
- Sleeping bags: You can rent it from us at 25 $ USD per person
- Inflatable mattress: You can rent it from us at 20 $ USD per person
- Trekking poles: You can rent it from us at 20 $ USD per person
Cachicata Quarry Trail Packing List
You don't need to bring all your bags on the tour. During the pre-departure briefing (the day before), TreXperience will provide you with a duffel bag to store all your clothing and personal items for use during the experience. The rest of your luggage should be left in your Cusco hotel storage.
If you're heading to another hotel after the tour, you can leave your large suitcases with us. Upon returning to Cusco, you can pick them up and head to your new hotel.
- 1 duffle bag up to 7 kg (15 lb) for your personal belongings. It will be provided by us. TreXperience porters will carry it from camp to camp, but you won’t have access to it during the day. Whatever you need while hiking must go in your daypack.
- 1 Daypack up to 5 kg (11 lb) for items you’ll need during the active walking hours. You are responsible for carrying it at all times with the day’s essentials: water, snacks, light clothing, sunscreen, etc. You will need to bring one of your own. We recommend a 25- to 35-liter backpack with a rain cover. Large backpacks are not allowed in Machu Picchu; if needed, you must leave them in the lockers. This rule is based on size, not capacity, so if yours is slightly larger but not bulky, it’s fine.
Essentials
On the Cachicata Quarry trail, you’ll hike through remote mountains with no phone service and no shops nearby. Bring the right gear so you can enjoy the trek. These items are important, and every hiker should buy or rent reliable, good-quality equipment.
What to wear?
For the Quarry trek, wearing layers is the best choice. The weather can change quickly as you move through different zones, from cold mountain passes to warmer valleys. Choose light, breathable layers that are easy to add or remove as conditions change.
Here’s what we suggest you wear:
What to put in the Daypack?
Below is a packing list for your daypack. You’ll carry it every day on the trail, so pick one that’s light, comfortable, and durable.
We recommend a 25–35L backpack with a rain cover. Large backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. If yours is too big, you’ll need to store it in the lockers. The rule is based on the bag’s physical size, not the liters, so a slightly larger pack is okay as long as it isn’t bulky.
What to put in the Duffel bag?
TreXperience will provide a duffel bag for items you won’t need during the day. Our porters will carry it during the trek. The weight limit is 7 kg (15 lb), including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring or rent them). These two items usually weigh about 3 kg total (around 2 kg for the sleeping bag and 1 kg for the air pad).
You’ll get your duffel bag at the safety briefing at our office the day before the trek. If you need it earlier, email us and you can pick it up in advance from our office in central Cusco.
What we provide you?
TreXperience includes the following items for the Inca Quarry trek.
What can you rent with TreXperience?
Forgot something? No worries, you can rent the following camping gear from us for an extra cost.
Cachicata trek to Machu Picchu Travel Information
Inca trail vs quarry trail
The Classic Inca Trail must be booked at least four to five months in advance. It is very popular and has a strict daily limit on spaces, with permits issued by the government. It is the only route that leads directly into Machu Picchu, and you should be in reasonably good physical condition to complete it. Additionally, this route always closes in February for maintenance.
The Inca Quarry Trail is open year-round and does not require government trekking permits. Only the payment of a small toll to the Soqma community, which is paid directly to the community, on the same day the tour begins.
Although it does not finish inside Machu Picchu, it allows you to trek an alternative, different route, with Inca ruins and unique Andean landscapes to reach Ollantaytambo, where you will take your train to Machu Picchu.
The Cachicata route usually sees fewer visitors and covers a shorter distance than other alternative hikes, so it is manageable even if you are not a highly experienced hiker.
Intipunku of Ollantaytambo or Machu Picchu
It is worth noting that the visit to the Inti Punku of Ollantaytambo is included in this tour (not the one to Machu Picchu)
The main difference is their location and historical function: the Intipunku of Machu Picchu is the "Sun Gate" of the main archaeological site, being the end of the Inca Trail and offering views of the citadel. In contrast, the Intipunku of Ollantaytambo is located in the community of Cachicata and is a checkpoint on an ancient route that led to Machu Picchu, offering views of the Sacred Valley and the Verónica Mountains.
How long should I acclimatize in Cusco before the trek?
It is essential to give your body time to adjust to the altitude before taking on a trek. Plan to arrive in Cusco at least two to three days in advance so you can adapt and reduce the risk of altitude sickness during the hike. If you have already spent time at high elevation elsewhere in Peru, it is still wise to set aside a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and take in the city before you set off.
Difficulty of Cachicata Trek
The Cachicata Trail is considered moderate in difficulty. While it involves steep ascents, descents, and high-altitude conditions, it is not as physically demanding as the Classic Inca Trail. A reasonable level of fitness and some experience with high-altitude trekking are recommended.
Machu Picchu tickets: circuits, time slots & one-way routes
Since June 1, 2024, the Machu Picchu entrances is organized into three circuits with ten one-way routes. You must follow the route printed on your ticket, and once you leave, re-entry is not allowed. We usually target Circuit 2; if it is sold out, we will secure the best option available for your date and time. Reserving early gives you a wider choice of circuits and morning entry times.
Circuit 1 focuses on elevated viewpoints.
- Option 1-A combines access to the citadel with the Machu Picchu Mountain hike and can take up to seven hours.
- Option 1-B visits the upper terraces for the classic photo angles with less time in the urban sector, and a maximum of two hours and thirty minutes.
- Option 1-C reaches Intipunku and operates only in high season, with a maximum of four hours.
- Option 1-D includes the short path to the Inca Bridge viewpoint, also high season only, with up to three hours.
Circuit 2 is the standard choice for most visitors because it concentrates on the citadel.
- Option 2-A offers a complete guided route through key areas such as Intiwatana, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor, plus scenic lookouts, lasting up to two hours and thirty minutes.
- Option 2-B covers similar highlights with views from the lower terraces, also up to two hours and thirty minutes.
Circuit 3 enters through the lower sector and pairs urban areas with mountain add-ons.
- Option 3-A includes Huayna Picchu and can take up to six hours.
- Option 3-B follows a designed route in the lower sector with gentler gradients, up to two hours and thirty minutes.
- Option 3-C visits the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon on the Huayna side in high season only, up to seven hours.
- Option 3-D adds Huchuy Picchu, a shorter hike in high season only, up to three hours and thirty minutes. Entries are scheduled hourly. Arrive before your time slot, use the restrooms before entering, carry only a small daypack, and remember there is no re-entry after you exit.
For morte information, you can visit the official website of Machu Picchu tickets.
Items prohibited from taking to Machu Picchu
Certain items are not allowed to ensure hiker safety, protect the environment, and preserve historical sites. The following are prohibited:
- Animals (except guide dogs): only guide dogs are permitted to protect wildlife and keep the trail clean.
- Alcohol and illegal drugs: banned to prevent poor decisions and accidents.
- Weapons (including guns, knives, and similar items): not allowed for everyone’s safety.
- Explosive or flammable materials: prohibited due to fire and explosion risks.
- Large tripods, drones, and professional video gear: restricted for privacy and congestion; special permits are required.
- Touching or climbing on ruins: forbidden to protect fragile structures.
- Large backpacks inside Machu Picchu: bring only essentials in a small daypack
Cachicata (Inca Quarry) Trek Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the 4-day Cachicata (Inca Quarry Trail) Trek:
Why take this Inca quarry trek to Machu Picchu?
Compared to more traditional treks in Peru, such as the Inca Trail, this trek doesn't require expensive permits that must be obtained months in advance. Only a small toll is paid to the Soqma community on the first day of the hike, for trail use rights. This payment is included in the tour.
Furthermore, it's an alternative trail to the Inca Trail, so there aren't many tourists, and you have the high passes, beautiful views of Apu Verónica, and Inca sites like the Cachicata quarry or the Inti Punku in Ollantaytambo just for you.
When is the best time to hike?
The best time to hike the Cachicata Trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The weather is generally sunny and dry during these months, making for more favorable trekking conditions. From November to March, this trail is available, and you can also book as long as you come prepared for rainy days.
Do I need a guide for the Cachicata Quarry Trek?
While a guide is not mandatory for the Cachicata Trek, it is highly recommended. A professional guide will provide valuable historical context, ensure your safety, and help you navigate the trails. Many trekkers book the trek through a tour operator, which typically includes a guide, transportation, camping equipment, and meals. You need a professional tour guide to enter Machu Picchu.
TreXperience will provide a professional English-speaking tour guide for the entire tour.
Are permits required for the Cachicata Trek?
Permits are not required for the Cachicata Trek. However, the only additional fee is a small toll for the Soqma community for the right to use the trail, paid directly to them on the tour’s start day.
In addition, booking your trek in advance is still essential, especially during the peak trekking season, to secure your spot with a reputable tour operator and ensure entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are available
What is the highest altitude on the Cachicata Trek?
The highest altitude on the Cachicata Trek is the Kuychicassa Pass, at approximately 4450 m (14,599 ft) above sea level.
How do I get from the Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu?
At the end of the Cachicata Trek, you will reach the town of Ollantaytambo. From there, you will take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. The following day, you will visit the famous site of Machu Picchu, either by bus or hiking up the mountain.
What is Pachamanca?
Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian dish consisting of meats, tubers, and other ingredients cooked in an underground oven and covered with various plants and spices. Its name comes from the Quechua words "pacha" (earth) and "manka" (pot), meaning "earth pot." It is an ancient culinary experience and ritual, recognized as a National Cultural Heritage, which represents gratitude to the earth and seeks community unity.