Over four unforgettable days you’ll hike to hidden waterfalls, remote Andean villages, and the
largest Inca quarry in the empire—finishing at the legendary Machu Picchu. Our team handles
every detail so you can simply hike, explore, and enjoy.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Cusco – Racca – Soqma – Perolniyoc Waterfall – Korimarca (3,611 m)
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi •
Hiking Time: ~7 h •
Campsite Altitude: 3,611 m / 11,847 ft
TreXperience will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 07:00 for a 2-hour drive to
the community of Racca in the Sacred Valley. After a short briefing, your Inca Quarry
Trek begins with a visit to the mysterious Inca shrine of
Ñaupa Iglesia (2,967 m / 9,734 ft), one of the most enigmatic
ceremonial sites in the region.
Continue hiking for about 2 hours to the village of Soqma
(3,188 m / 10,459 ft), where your trekking chef will prepare a delicious lunch
with fresh local ingredients. After lunch, explore the village, meet local families, and
learn about their traditional lifestyle.
In the afternoon, hike 2–3 hours uphill to
Perolniyoc Waterfall, a stunning cascade of over 100 m (328 ft)
dropping into the valley below—the perfect spot for photos. A final gentle walk brings
you to your campsite near the archaeological site of Korimarca
(3,611 m / 11,847 ft), with wonderful views of the Soqma Valley and surrounding
peaks.
- Campsite altitude: 3,611 m / 11,847 ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Duration: ~7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2 | Korimarca – Charkahuaylla Pass – Marcacocha – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo
Distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi •
Hiking Time: ~8 h •
Highest Point: 4,450 m / 14,599 ft
Wake up bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea served in your tent.
After a hearty breakfast, begin a 4-hour uphill hike to
Charkahuaylla Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft), the highest point of
the trek. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the snow-capped peaks of the
Urubamba mountain range and the Sacred Valley below.
Here, your guide will lead a traditional offering ceremony to the
Apus (mountain spirits), thanking them for a safe journey. Continue
descending to the Andean lake of Marcacocha (4,000 m / 13,100 ft)
for a well-earned lunch by the water.
In the afternoon, hike up to Apu Buena Negra
(4,370 m / 14,300 ft), the second high point of the day, with some of the most
impressive views of the entire trek. Then descend about 2 hours to
Inti Punku (Sun Gate), a beautiful stone doorway overlooking
Veronica Mountain (5,893 m / 19,334 ft). Your campsite at
Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) is just a few minutes
farther along the trail.
- Campsite altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Highest altitude: 4,450 m / 14,599 ft
- Distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Day 3 | Choquetacarpo – Cachiccata Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Distance: 7 km / 4.5 mi •
Hiking Time: ~5 h •
Overnight Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
Enjoy a peaceful sunrise at Choquetacarpo with a hot drink and breakfast. Then begin a
3-hour descent toward Cachiccata Quarry, the largest Inca quarry in the
Cusco region. Your guide will explain the impressive stone-working techniques the Incas
used to carve and transport massive blocks without modern tools.
This quarry, like Machu Picchu and many other Inca sites, was abandoned during the
Spanish conquest, leaving enormous stones scattered across the slopes. Continue along
the ancient Inca route used to transport these stones toward Ollantaytambo,
stopping en route in the community of Cachiccata to enjoy a traditional
Pachamanca barbecue and meet local villagers.
Our private bus will then take you to Ollantaytambo, where you can explore the narrow
streets and water channels that have been in use since Inca times. After an early
dinner, board the evening train (around 19:00) to Aguas Calientes,
where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
- Town altitude (Aguas Calientes): 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
- Distance: 7 km / 4.5 mi
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 4 | Machu Picchu – Optional Hikes – Return to Cusco
Guided Tour Time: 3–4 h •
Optional Hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (add-on)
On the final day, wake up early for breakfast at your hotel and take one of the first
buses up to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sky brightens, you’ll begin
with a short hike to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge,
enjoying incredible views of the citadel and, on clear days, a spectacular sunrise over
the Lost City of the Incas.
Then, join your guide for a 2–3-hour tour of the most important temples, plazas, and
viewpoints, learning about the history, architecture, and mysteries of Machu Picchu.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or, if pre-booked,
climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for
breathtaking panoramic views.
When you’re ready, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, enjoy lunch (not
included), and in the afternoon board the Vistadome panoramic train back toward Cusco.
A private transfer will take you from the station to your hotel, arriving around
19:30.
- Guided tour duration: 3–4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
- Difficulty: Easy (optional hikes are more demanding)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is the Inca Quarry Trek and what is the route?
The Inca Quarry Trek is a 4-day / 3-night trek. You start near Racca and Soqma, camp
for two nights in the mountains (Korimarca and Choquetacarpo), then spend one night in
a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu on the final day.
How difficult is the Inca Quarry Trek?
The trek is considered moderate to challenging. You’ll hike up to 15 km per day
with several ascents and descents, and reach a maximum altitude of 4,450 m
(14,599 ft). Previous hiking experience is helpful, and 2–3 days of
acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley are highly recommended.
What is the maximum altitude on this trek?
The highest point is Charkahuaylla Pass at 4,450 m / 14,599 ft
on Day 2. Your guide will set a steady pace, and we carry oxygen and a first-aid kit
in case you feel unwell.
Where do we sleep during the trek?
You’ll spend two nights camping in spacious tents at Korimarca and
Choquetacarpo, with comfortable mattresses, pillows, and warm blankets. On the
third night you’ll stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes with a
private bathroom and hot shower.
Can you cater for special diets?
Yes. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs at no
extra cost. Please tell us your requirements when booking so our trekking chef can plan
accordingly.
What happens with my extra luggage?
Any luggage you don’t need on the trek can be stored safely in Cusco. On the trail,
horses carry up to 7 kg of your personal items in a provided duffel bag; you only
hike with a daypack containing water, a jacket, camera, and daily essentials.
Do I need to book Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance?
Yes. Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have limited daily permits and often
sell out weeks or months in advance, especially in high season. If you want to add one
of these hikes, please request it when you reserve your trek so we can secure your
ticket.
What safety and hygiene measures do you follow?
We keep groups small, regularly sanitize vehicles and camping equipment, and provide
hand sanitizer to travelers and staff. Our team is trained in first aid and we carry a
full first-aid kit, oxygen bottle, and satellite phone. We also continue to follow
local health regulations regarding masks and group sizes when required.
When is the best time to hike the Inca Quarry Trek?
The best time is during the dry season from April to October, when you can expect
clearer skies and drier trails. The rainy season from November to March is greener and
quieter, but you should be prepared for showers and muddy sections.
How far in advance should I book?
For high season (May–September), we recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance,
especially if you want to add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. For low season,
1–2 months is usually sufficient, but booking earlier helps secure the best train times
and hotels.
