Inca Quarry Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days / 4 Nights
The Inca Quarry Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights is the perfect choice for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure while still experiencing the iconic Inca Trail. This exclusive route offers stunning natural beauty, including majestic ice glaciers, vibrant blue glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
Along the way, you’ll walk through the same paths as the ancient Incas, exploring sacred Inca religious sites that were once integral to their culture. The trek culminates in a breathtaking arrival at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, providing an unforgettable and immersive experience into the heart of the Inca civilization.
The Inca Quarry Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights offers the ultimate trekking experience, combining the stunning Inca Quarry trek, a cultural journey that immerses you in the local traditions and lifestyle, with the iconic Short Inca Trail. This unique blend delivers breathtaking views, unforgettable mountain camping, and the chance to walk through the Sun Gate for your first magnificent sight of Machu Picchu, Here’s what you can expect: Choose Cusco Journeys & Adventure for a guided experience that ensures a seamless, memorable journey. Don’t just take our word for it—check out our stellar reviews on TripAdvisor.
You will receive a comprehensive briefing with your guide 1 to 2 days before embarking on your Inca Quarry Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights. During this session, your guide will meet you at your hotel, where you’ll have the chance to ask any questions and make any final preparations for the adventure ahead. This ensures that you feel fully informed and ready for the trek. Our adventure begins with an early departure from Cusco as we drive for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft), the starting point of our Inca Quarry Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights. Here, we will meet the local horsemen who will assist us during the hike, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey ahead. We kick off the trek with a 1¾-hour walk that leads us to the Perolniyoc waterfall lookout, offering the perfect opportunity for stunning photos and a refreshing snack. The view of the Perolniyoc waterfall is truly spectacular, and it’s the ideal place to pause and soak in the beauty of nature. After taking in the scenery, we continue our hike for another 35 minutes to reach the Inca archaeological site of the same name, where we’ll have a brief but informative guided tour, learning about its historical significance. By now, it’s time to refuel with a delicious lunch at the site, preparing us for the next leg of our journey. After lunch, we begin the ascent to our first campsite, Rayan (3,700 meters / 12,136 ft), a 45-minute climb where we’ll rest and enjoy the evening surrounded by stunning mountain views. After an early breakfast, we begin the day with a challenging yet rewarding 3-hour ascent to Puccaqasa (4,370 m / 14,333 ft), the first pass of the trek. As we reach the top, we are treated to sweeping views of the Sacred Valley, providing the perfect opportunity to stop and capture the beauty of the landscape in photos. Following our time at the pass, we begin a 25-minute descent to our lunch spot, where we’ll refuel and enjoy a well-deserved break. After lunch, we continue our journey with a 2-hour hike, encountering alternating ascents and descents that lead us to the final 20-minute climb to the highest pass of the trek, Kuychicassa (4,457 m / 14,619 ft). Here, we take a short pause to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Once we’ve enjoyed the views, we begin our descent for 2 ½ hours, trekking downhill to the ancient site of Inti Punku (Sun Gate), located at 3,820 meters (12,533 ft). As we arrive, we are greeted by stunning vistas of Mount Veronica (5,682 m / 18,637 ft) and the Sacred Valley below. This spot offers a remarkable view of the landscape and serves as a connection to the past, as it marks the point where travelers once entered Machu Picchu. Finally, we take a 30-minute descent to our campsite at Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,808 ft), where we can relax and rest after an exhilarating day of hiking through both natural beauty and Incan history. After an early breakfast, we begin our day with a 1-hour downhill walk to the Cachiqata Quarry (3,525 m / 11,562 ft), the site where stones were once cut for the construction of Ollantaytambo. Here, we’ll take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history of this place, including how the quarry was abandoned during the Spanish conquest, leaving behind unfinished Inca stonework that can still be seen today. From the quarry, we will descend for approximately 3 hours, trekking towards Ollantaytambo (2,840 m / 9,315 ft). After arriving in the town, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. This will be our base for the night. After relaxing at our hotel, we’ll head out to explore the authentic Incan streets of Ollantaytambo, a charming town with narrow alleys and historical significance. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the local tourist restaurants. On Day 4, we begin our adventure early, departing from Ollantaytambo and heading to the train station, where we board the train to Kilometer 104. The train ride takes about 1.5 hours, and as the train makes an unscheduled stop, you’ll likely feel a sense of excitement knowing you’re about to embark on an exclusive section of the Inca Trail. Once we arrive at Km 104, we’ll disembark and pass through the Inca Trail checkpoint, marking the official start of our hike. Our first archaeological site is Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft), an important Incan religious and administrative center. After exploring the ruins, we begin our ascent, climbing Inca stone steps for about 2-3 hours while our guide shares insights about the local flora and fauna. We’ll pass a tall waterfall before reaching the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,700 ft), which means “Forever Young” in Quechua, named after a local orchid. At Wiñay Wayna, we’ll climb to the top of the ruins to enjoy a delicious lunch with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the site itself. The site features experimental terraces used by the Incas to grow a variety of crops, along with a temple dedicated to the rainbow and functioning water channels that still operate today. After our visit, we continue hiking for another 1 ½ hours along a relatively flat section of the trail, with minor ascents and descents. Around 2:00 pm, we’ll reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at 2,720 m / 8,920 ft, where we’ll have our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. From here, we descend to the ruins, then take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll check into our hotel. If time permits, the natural hot springs in the town provide a perfect way to unwind before dinner. On our final day, we start early to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. At 5:30 am, we head straight to the line to catch the first buses to the ancient citadel. As the sky begins to light up, we’ll ascend to the top of Machu Picchu, taking in the breathtaking views of the city. On a clear morning, the sunrise over Machu Picchu is truly magical, creating a moment you’ll never forget. Upon arrival, your expert guide will lead you on a 2-3 hour guided tour of the ruins. During the tour, we will explore key sites such as the Sun Temple, Royal Palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple, and the Sun Dial, each offering a glimpse into the ancient Incan civilization. This immersive experience will leave you with unforgettable memories of the mystical Lost City of the Incas. For those who have booked a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your guide will coordinate with you to ensure you visit the citadel in time for your scheduled mountain hike. For those not hiking either of the mountains, there are optional activities you can enjoy on your own (not included in the price). In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. Once at the train station, you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.
The Inca Quarry Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights is an exciting and challenging high-altitude adventure that requires careful preparation. To ensure a smooth and comfortable trek, especially since it starts early each day, it’s essential to pack the following items:
A group tour allows other trekkers to join your journey, meaning your group may have varying fitness levels and hiking speeds. However, all of our expert guides are skilled in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, no matter your pace. The Inca Quarry Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights is available any day of the week from March to January. It does not operate in February. The Inca Quarry Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights is available any day of the week from March to January. It does not operate in February. *A minimum of 3 participants is required to operate the tour. However, we guarantee that your group will be capped at a maximum of 8 people for a more personalized experience. Private tours are available and priced by party size. Important: The price includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules, so there is no need to hire an additional porter. Hotel Upgrades: Train Upgrades:
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Booking: Cancellations: ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE. Inca Trail Tours: Medical Information: Tours and Treks: Delays: Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!Overview
Overview:
Itinerary
Itinerary.
Pre-trek briefing:
Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan
Day 2: Rayan – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo
Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Inca Quarry – Ollantaytambo
Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Inclusions
Included:
Not included:
What to Bring for the Inca Quarry Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights
Prices
Group Price:$729USDPer person
Private Tour:
Discounts:
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Upgrades:
Rentals:
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
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