3 day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu

Starting at Per Person : $ 470.00

Summary 3 day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu

  • 100% Operated by Inti Sun Trek, we never put you with other tour operators.
  • Porters that will carry your personal belongings (up to 6kg/ 12lbs) – no extra fee
  • You will hike only with your day pack which is way more comfortable than carrying a big bag!
  • Small intimate group, will provide you a big adventure
  • Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco
  • Hike through the Vilcabamba Mountain Range and pass through stunning landscapes, varying from the tropical Cloud Forest, to the high Andes on this beautiful
  • Camp the first night, surrounded by stunning views of the snow-capped peaks mountain.
  • Pass through different micro-climates. Your scenery will constantly be changing.
  • Experience the most popular itinerary of the Alternative Treks.
  • Enjoy more the nature than big groups of tourist.

Peru

3 day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 3D / 2N

Highlights

inca quarry 3d 2n

Overview 3 day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 1:
Cusco – Socma – Perolniyoc – Charcahuaylla

We will pick you up at 5:00 a.m. from your accommodation in Cusco. We will drive in a private van for 1 1/2 hours to the peaceful village of Rafca (2800m). Then, we’ll continue driving for another 30 minutes to the village of Socma (3000m), which is the starting point of the trek, where we will stop to have breakfast and meet our horseman.

Day 2:
Charcahuaylla Chanca chupo pass – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo – Inca quarry of Cachicata – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we will continue trekking for 1.5 hours across the high plateau to reach the to Huayna Negra pass, the hightest point of the trek, located at 4,300m/14190ft. From this point, we can soak in the spectacular views of the valley below and then hike down for 2 hours to a site the Incas called Inti Punku (meaning Sun Gate).

Day 3:
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Early in the morning, you’ll take a bus to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. In the citadel of Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and learn all about the Incas and the citadel. Then, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, which you can enjoy to take pictures and/or do the optional hike up to Huayna Picchu (must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance)

New Regulations

In January 2019, changes to the Machu Picchu visitation rules were implemented. Now, entrance tickets to the citadel are sold for specific time slots, starting at 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.

With this new entry system, visitors board the bus to Machu Picchu one hour or 30 minutes before the visitation time printed on their ticket. This way, they do not have to endure unnecessary queues in Machu Picchu Pueblo, nor do they contribute to crowding at the entrances to the Inca city.

Meanwhile, visitors who wish to walk to Machu Picchu must depart one and a half hours before their designated visitation time.

In January 2021, new visitation routes or circuits were introduced at Machu Picchu with the aim of preserving the archaeological site for future generations. Each visitor follows a circuit according to the type of entrance ticket they have purchased, whether it’s for visiting Machu Picchu only, Huayna Picchu mountain, or Machupicchu mountain.

For more detailed information about the different circuits and specific entrance schedules, we invite you to read this link on Schedules and New Circuits for Visiting Machu Picchu or to contact us directly. We can provide you with all the necessary information and address any questions you may have.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Socma – Perolniyoc – Charcahuaylla

Highlight of the day: Takes us to the hypnotizing Perolniyoc Cascade, a wonderful opportunity to stop, take photos and have a snack.

We will pick you up at 5:00 a.m. from your accommodation in Cusco. We will drive in a private van for 1 1/2 hours to the peaceful village of Rafca (2800m). Then, we’ll continue driving for another 30 minutes to the village of Socma (3000m), which is the starting point of the trek, where we will stop to have breakfast and meet our horseman. We will start our hike up a lush valley of scattered farmhouses and crop terraces. After 40 minutes of walking, we will see a tall waterfall where we can pause to refresh ourselves amidst the cool spray, or enjoy a refreshing shower and dip beneath the falls. After this we will continue hiking for another hour and visit the little-known Inca ruin of Qorimarca, perched at mid-altitude on a shelf high above the Socma valley. Qorimarca was probably built by the Incas to control the agricultural production of the surrounding valley. We will continue our moderate hike up for 40 more minutes until we reach Rayan nicyuc where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we will continue walking up for 3 hours until we get to first campsite, Charcahuaylla (4100m/ 13,540ft), and have dinner

Day 2: Charcahuaylla Chanca chupo pass – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo – Inca quarry of Cachicata – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Highlight of the day: tthe highest point of the trek. From this point, we can soak in the spectacular views of the valley to a site the Incas called Inti Punku

After breakfast, we will continue trekking for 1.5 hours across the high plateau to reach the to Huayna Negra pass, the hightest point of the trek, located at 4,300m/14190ft. From this point, we can soak in the spectacular views of the valley below and then hike down for 2 hours to a site the Incas called Inti Punku (meaning Sun Gate). Then, arrive to Choquetacarpo (3600m/11880ft) and continue the descent to the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3420m/11286ft). Here, you can see the work of the Incas as this was used by the Incas for the construction of Ollantaytambo. You will see several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site.We will have lunch facing a breathtaking mountain and valley panorama. After exploring this site, continue your way down the mountain for about 3 hours until reaching the town of Ollantaytambo. where you will have some time to rest and explore the historic town. In Ollantaytambo, we will catch the 7:00 p.m. train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will have a late dinner at a restaurant in the town and discuss with your guide what time you wish to wake up in the morning to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu. Your hostel in Aguas Calientes can be upgraded to a hotel if you prefer.

Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Highlight of the day: Exploring the amazing Machu Picchu and learning all of its secrets.

Early in the morning, you’ll take a bus to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. In the citadel of Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and learn all about the Incas and the citadel. Then, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, which you can enjoy to take pictures and/or do the optional hike up to Huayna Picchu (must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance). In the afternoon, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes where you will board the train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus transfer back to Cusco where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Price

 US $470 per person

Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 4

Please note: Our trek service begins and ends in your hotel in Cusco

For the Inka Quarry Trek, we will lend you with a duffel bag at the briefing for the trek the night before we depart to put all of your belongings. By using standardized bags, we will ensure that all of your belongings will fit properly on the horses. The duffel bags easily fit 8 kilograms /16 pounds per person including your sleeping bags.

However, You will still need to carry your day pack with all of your essentials like water, sunscreen, passport, etc

Returning train Included in the cost of this tour/trek is the Expedition train, which departs either at 6:20 pm or 7:00 pm and DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY.

Can I get an early train ticket?
We can also book an afternoon train that departs 2:55 p.m. or 4:22 p.m. at an extra cost of US $35 per person the train we will book DEPENDS ON AVAILABILITY.
Please, notice that 35 dollars extra you will pay also will cover your private transportation to bring you back from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco

There is also an option to upgrade your train to the Vistadome train which is the extra US $75 per person. Please let us know your preference at the time of booking the tour. Unfortunately, none of the trains go straight to Cusco—they run either to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. In either case, we will transfer you back by bus to Cusco.

Can I change my return train ticket by myself?
At the time of your tour, it may be possible to make changes to your return train ticket if you don’t want to take the 18:20 p.m train. You will have to take your train ticket personally to the train station in Aguas Calientes and ask them to change the return ticket for an early one. You will probably be asked to pay an extra administration fee, which will depend on the train service and departure time. Please notice that once you will change your returning train you will responsible to cover your own transportation back to Cusco

How long is the journey back to Cusco?
You will be traveling for approximately 3 hours before you arrive back in Cusco. First, you will travel for 1.5 hours by train to the Ollantaytambo train station. Then you will be picked up by your driver outside of the train station. The driver will be holding a sign with your name on it so that there will be no confusion. If you do not see the driver initially, wait for them outside of the train station. Once the driver has picked you up, you will travel for another 1.5 hours in a private van/car to your hotel/hostel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco will depend on train availability. You will receive your return train tickets once your guide has finished your walking tour of Machu Picchu.

Important Notice Regarding Student Discounts: 

The ISIC card is no longer valid for purchasing Machu Picchu or Inca Trail tickets with a student discount.

Students can still obtain this discount with their student identification card issued by the university where they study, which is the only valid document for this end at this time. For more information, please visit the following link: http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/items/estudiantes.html

Inclusion

Included 3 day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu

  • Basic hotel night in Aguas Calientes double or triple rooms, private bathrooms, hot showers, wifi, and storage while you visit Machu Picchu
  • Weight allowances: 6kl/12lb per trekker (weights to be carried by horses and mules you will trek only with your day pack which is way more confortable than carrying a big bag!)
  • Horse (to carry tents and cooking equipment and the 6 kl/12lb of personal belongings)
  • Wrangler’s health insurance paid for by INTI SUN TREK
  • Transport: collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation to the starting point of the trek
  • A Professional tour guide who is fluent in English
  • Machu Picchu entrance fees
  •  Included in the cost of your tour is one-way bus tickets up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on the day you will visit citadel. However, bus tickets down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes after your walking tour in Machu Picchu are not included, in the interest of reducing your costs. You may either walk back down to Aguas Calientes (about one hour) or pay for the bus tickets at the Machu Picchu site exit.
  • Two hours walking tour in Machu Picchu
  • Personal tents: We use 4 men, tents that only need to be shared by 2 people. This allows some room to spread out and keep your duffels safely with you.
  • Sleeping mattress(pad)
  • Meals cooked by an experienced chef: breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks!
  • Delicious food rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking
  • All our food is prepared from organic vegetables and fresh ingredients
  • Vegetarian/special diet options available
  • Water (we will provide you with boiled and filtered cold water during the trek starting on  the second day. However, you will need to bring a container to carry your water in. Also, you need to ensure that you pack a sufficient amount of water for the first day of the trek.
  • We strongly recommend to bring your Camel Back and water canteen due to that government of Peru will not allow disposable plastic bottles anymore on the Inca trail and in Machu Picchu.
  • Expedition train from  Ollantaytambo to Agua Calientes on the second
  • Wake up tea: every morning at the campsites we will wake you up with a cup of coca tea and coffee
  • Daily snacks- day 1, and 2: our snacks consist of local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, Caramels we will give this snack at the beginning of each day trek
  • First aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle and a horse you may ride on if the altitude effects your ability to complete the trek
  • Dinner in Aguas Calientes on Day 2
  • Breakfast in Aguas Caliente on Day 3
  • Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Not included:

  • Sleeping bags
  • Breakfast on the first morning.
  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
  • Drink( coke, mineral water or cerveza) in the dinner in Aguas Calientes on the 3 day
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the final day
  • Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes (20 soles)
  • Tip for the guide. cook, and wranglers

packing list

What you need to bring:

ESSENTIALS:

  • Original passport
  • Sleeping bag
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack ( smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: we strongly recommend to bring your Camel Back and water canteen due to that government of Peru will not allow disposable plastic bottles anymore on the Salkantay Trek and in Machu Picchu.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Porters will carry up to 6 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

  •  2-3 wicking t-shirts
  • 2-3 hiking pants
  • 4 sets of undergarments.
  • 4 sets of hiking socks
  • 1 Fleece
  • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
  • 1 Rain jacket and pants
  • 1 sun hat
  • 1 wool hat
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Quick-dry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
  • Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
  • Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Face moisturizer
  • Bug spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

  • Water beginning from your second day will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or Camel Back. We recommend carrying about 2L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal
  • Sunhat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (iPhone)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Earplugs

FAQ

 

Equipment provided by Inti Sun Trek

We use only high quality camping equipment for our Peru treks such as Inca Trail, Salkantay trek, Lares Trek and alternative treks!! Inti Sun Trek provides for the treks in Peru, the tent, sleeping bag, dinning tent and toilet tent.Be assured that our equipment is of quality and resistant to all types of land.

We have specialists who choose carefully the tents and implements to be used during your trip to make it an unforgettable and pleasant experience.Below we will show you the characteristics and attributes of our camping equipment. Inti Sun Trek uses the best quality camp team and equipment, complying with the requirements of the specialist in outdoors ensuring in this way the comfort of our travelers according to the requirements of developing our activities in the mountains of the Andes.

View all equipment travel

Equipment you can rent from Inti Sun Trek

In addition to them, we offer rental items such as sleeping bags, small backpacks, inflatable mattresses, trekking poles, only which can be requested at the time of making your reservation.

  • Sleeping bag
  • Personal tent
  • Walking sticks (1 pair)
  • Inflatable air mattress
  • Day packs

These are available for rent from us

Packing List

This Inca Trail Packing List will help you to prepare for your outdoor adventure in one of the most stunning regions of South America.

Luggage for the Inca Trail Trek and Alternative trek is generally divided as follows:

  • 1.- Your main suitcase or backpack, can be left in the storage of the of Cusco hotel. most of the tourist generally stay at the same hotel before and after the trek
  • 2.- A small daypack that you will use to carry daily essentials such as a jacket, camera, water and sunscreen

We hope that this packing list for Machu Picchu will be useful for any trek you choose and you can do only a few small variations that can suite better for you

View all packing list

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