QUARRY TREK
Embark on the Quarry Trek, a thrilling journey that takes you deep into the Peruvian Andes, following the same paths the Incas once traveled.
Challenge yourself as you hike through rugged trails, cross breathtaking mountain passes, and explore ancient archaeological sites, all while surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes.
Each step brings a new sense of adventure, with every turn revealing hidden waterfalls, sacred Inca ruins, and breathtaking panoramic views of towering peaks.
Feel the excitement as you ascend to Kuychiqassa Pass at 4,465 meters, where the majestic Veronica Mountain dominates the skyline with its snow-capped peak.
Discover the Cachiccata quarry, where skilled Inca stonemasons once worked tirelessly, carving and transporting massive stones to build their legendary empire.
Experience the magic of the Q’orimarca archaeological site, an important Inca resting place, where history, nature, and culture merge in a truly unforgettable setting.
At night, relax under a sky illuminated by thousands of stars, while enjoying a delicious meal prepared by skilled cooks using fresh local ingredients.
Wake up to the crisp mountain air, feeling energized and ready to continue your adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Finally, reach the ultimate destination, Machu Picchu, where you will stand atop its ancient terraces, absorbing the energy of this incredible Inca wonder.
The Quarry Trek is more than just a hike—it’s a life-changing journey that challenges, inspires, and connects you with the rich history of the Andes.
Language
The tour is guided in Spanish and English.
Altitude
2,430 m.s.n.m
Transportation
Private minibus: Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Difficulty
Moderate to challenging (requires good physical condition due to altitude and trek duration).
Itinerary
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq’a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and snack break. Continue to the campsite, which is 3700 meters above sea level. After lunch, set off to explore the Q’orimarca archaeological site, which was used as a resting place during the Incas time.
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. After early breakfast three-hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4370 metres high). Enjoy the amazing views of the valley and all the Urubamba mountain range, then we have a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, make the two-hour hike to Kuychiqassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4465 metres. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called wayraqpunku where we find the sun temple (Sun Gate), with views of Veronica(5735 m.o.s.l.) snow caped mountain, considered the highest mountain of all the Urubamba mountain range . Head to the campsite located at 3600 meters.
Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Before midday we will be finishing to hike arriving to Ollantaytambo town before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before the visit to Machu Picchu.
Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 6:00 am this morning to Machu Picchu The journey takes around 30 minutes, then enjoy your guided tour of Machupicchu (2 hours) once you finish the tour take the shuttle bus to aguas calientes town for lunch ( not included)and by the afternoon board your train to ollantaytambo and then bus to Cusco city.
Include
- Professional tour guide on quarry trek (4D/3N) and Machu Picchu
- Assistant guide in quarry trek (4D/3N) if the group exceeds 9 people
STAFF: - Cook (who will be in charge of meal preparation during the trek)
- Assistant cook (who will help the head cook if the group exceeds 9 people)
- horsmen (who help carry food, tents, passengers’ duffle bags, and other equipment needed during the trek)
ENTRANCE TICKETS: - Entrance to Machu Picchu
TRANSPORTATION: - Tourist Bus Cusco – sojma village.
- Train Services from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Caliente and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo + transportation in private minibus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Bus Tickets Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu and Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes
TRANSFERS:
- Arrival and departure transfers with previous flight coordination
ACCOMMODATION: - Camping (02 nights) and basic hotel with private bathroom (01 night in Aguas Calientes)
MEALS INCLUDED:
- 03 Breakfast
- 02 Lunch
- 01 BOX LUNCH
- 02 dinners.
Not Include
- Alimentación completa – Solo se incluyen 3 desayunos, 2 almuerzos, 1 box lunch y 2 cenas, por lo que algunas comidas pueden no estar cubiertas.
- Bastones de trekking – No se menciona su inclusión, por lo que podrían necesitar ser alquilados o llevados por el viajero.
- Equipo personal de trekking – Mochilas, ropa térmica, botas de trekking y otros artículos personales no están especificados como parte del paquete.
- Saco de dormir – No se menciona su provisión, por lo que es probable que los participantes deban alquilarlo o traer el suyo.
- Propinas para guías, cocineros y porteadores – Generalmente no están incluidas en los paquetes turísticos y dependen del viajero.
- Bebidas adicionales – No se menciona la inclusión de agua embotellada, refrescos o bebidas alcohólicas.
Recommendation
NOTE:
The Quarry Trek distance is 26 kilometers long in total and its highest pass is at 4465 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping and the third night you will stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and camping inflatable matts will be provided. The horsemen will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
Prices
| PRIVATE TOURS ANDEAN DINASTY E.I.R.L | |||||||
| QUARRY TREK - MACHUPICCHU CLASIC 4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS | |||||||
| SERVICIO PRIVADO | |||||||
| N° PASSENGERS | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 A 12 PAX |
| PRICES PER PAXS US DÓLAR | 1180 | 967 | 838 | 796 | 767 | 757 | 740 |
Extras
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip visits places at high altitudes, and as a result, some people may experience altitude sickness regardless of age or physical condition. Please refer to the Medical and Health Information section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
- This journey involves extensive walking to visit the sites, and if you choose to trek the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, you will face strenuous hikes. We recommend this trip for those with a good level of fitness. It is important to bring comfortable footwear suitable for hiking. See the “Packing” section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
- For those trekking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, accommodation will be in campsites with basic facilities. Undoubtedly, this experience is not just about reaching the final destination (Machu Picchu) but about the incredible journey itself.
- According to Machu Picchu’s visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site in a single direction. Once the guided tour begins, exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. After the guided visit concludes, visitors must leave the site, and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not allowed. Please refer to the Itinerary for more details.
- Travelers who choose different ways to reach Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail, or Train) will not follow the same routes within the site. This means that you may not be able to take photos together overlooking Machu Picchu, whether traveling on the same booking or separate bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Quarry Trek typically lasts 4 days and 3 nights, although this can be adjusted depending on the itinerary. It includes transportation from Cusco, a professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), porters for the collective team, full meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks), tents and camping equipment, entrance to archaeological sites such as the Cachiccata Quarry and Machu Picchu, and return train transportation from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. It does not include personal expenses, tips, or personal equipment such as hiking boots, but we will provide you with a detailed checklist to help you prepare.
The Quarry Trek has a moderate to high difficulty level, with daily hikes that can reach between 5 and 8 hours, including mountainous terrain, uneven trails, and altitudes of up to 4,200 meters. Good physical condition, previous trekking experience, and acclimatization to the altitude of Cusco (3,400 meters) are required. We recommend training in backpacking before the tour, and our team will give you advice on how to adapt. If you have concerns about your health, please consult with us to customize your experience.
The cost of the Quarry Trek varies by season and group, but generally ranges from $450 to $650 USD per person for international tourists, and from 1,500 to 2,200 Peruvian soles for nationals, with possible discounts for students or minors. It includes everything mentioned, except personal equipment. We accept payments by credit/debit card, bank transfers, and in some cases, cash at our office in Cusco. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and take advantage of special rates.
We recommend that you bring comfortable trekking boots, thermal and rain gear, a sleeping bag, sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, identification documents (passport for internationals, DNI for nationals), a flashlight, and a day pack. It is also useful to bring cash for purchases in local communities or tips. Our team will provide you with a complete list of equipment and tips to acclimatize and enjoy the adventure. If you need to rent equipment, we can help.
It is not necessary, but it is an advantage. Our guides are bilingual and offer explanations in both Spanish and English, ensuring that both national and international tourists understand the history, culture and details of sites such as the Cachiccata quarry and Machu Picchu. If you speak another language, you can let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate or provide materials in other languages. The experience is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone.
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