Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Extension
Start: Cusco Finish: Cusco
Duration: 5 Nights
Physical rating: High
Special diets catered: Vegetarians
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Group size: 1 - 16
Age range: 15-99 years
Tour operated in: English
Prices From:
Tour Overview
Retrace the steps of the ancient Inca civilisation on the Inca Quarry Trail hike. Explore Cusco's maze of ruins and cobblestone streets, and discover the fascinating colonial and Inca histories that have visually impacted this fascinating town. Rise early to join our expert local guides and porters for a challenging hike along the far-less-travelled Inca Quarry Trail. On the fourth day, transfer from Kachiqata to Aguas Calientes via train before traveling on to Machu Picchu. Watch the sun rise over the enigmatic ruins and get lost exploring these crumbling structures, an experience that is sure to take your breath away. This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will challenge and reward.
Highlights
Cosmopolitan, scenic and steeped in Incan heritage, Cusco is a dream to walk around. Marvel at the cathedral, explore colonial art and architecture or explore the incredible ruins nearby- Be treated to incredible sunrise views over misty Machu Picchu – just cross your fingers for clear skies!
- With a cook to prepare meals and porters to carry your equipment, you can focus on the walk and get the most out of your experience
- Hike to the mother of all Incan cities, magical Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins, plus free time to explore at your leisure
- Cusco's central market is a great chance to meet Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas and browse for weird and wonderful Andean specialties
Places You'll See
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Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru.
Today is free for you to explore Cusco until 6 pm when you meet your Intrepid representative at the lobby of your hotel. As this tour is a Short Break Adventure, you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader but, our local representative will brief you during this meeting. On this trip you will join other Intrepid travellers who are hiking this trek as part of longer Intrepid Group trips and may have been travelling together for a few days before you meet them. If you have time, check out the beautiful cathedral or perhaps the nearby ruins of Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo or Tambomachay. A Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) will grant you access into these sites.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Inca Quarry Trail
Location: Inca Quarry Trail
Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities)
Meals: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
While you're away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. The evening before you leave Cusco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Keep in mind that you won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.
Make a very early start (5.30am) and drive to Choquequilla. As breakfast is not available at your hotel this early in the morning, you will be given a "box breakfast" later in the morning. This box breakfast will consist of cereal bars, seasonal fruit, boxed juice, chocolate bars and a ham and cheese sandwich. Once in Choquequilla, visit 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 a food break. Continue to the campsite (3700 m above sea level). You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.
Notes: The Inca Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 26 km long in total and its highest pass is at 4450 m above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping, and on the third night you'll stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Inca Quarry Trail
Location: Inca Quarry Trail
Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities)
Meals: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. Your walk (approximately 3 hours) takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (4370 m). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, hike to Kuychicassa (approximately 2 hours), the highest pass of the trek (4450 m). From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku (Sun Gate), with views of the Nevado Veronica mountain. Head to the campsite which is only a stone’s throw away at Choquetacarpo.
Day 4: Inca Quarry Trail
Location: Inca Quarry Trail
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today’s hike is all downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, your trek comes to an end. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Inca Quarry Trail and Machu Picchu
Location: Inca Quarry Trail and Machu Picchu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: breaksfast
Today you will explore the incredible Machu Picchu ruins with a local guide. Your tour lasts approximately two hours, and there will be plenty of free time afterwards to explore on your own. When it's all over, return to Cusco for a well-earned shower and perhaps a Pisco sour.
Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 5.30 am along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes). If the skies are clear, take in spectacular views over the ancient city from the Sun Gate, before going on a guided walk around the ruins.
Notes: Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
Visiting Machu Picchu:
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals: breaksfast
Farewell your new friends as your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Check-out time is 9 am. Luggage storage can be arranged at the hotel if you're departing later.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (3 nights)
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Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
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4 day guided hike with porters' support
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Machu Picchu guided tour
Accommodation
- Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (3 nights)
Included Activities
- 4 day guided hike with porters' support
- Machu Picchu guided tour
Transport
- Minibus , Train
Your Peace of Mind Options
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a deposit of 200 GBP to secure a place on this tour, and the final balance is not due till 21 days before departure..
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Secure payments
All payments to TourHub are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.