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Inca Quarry & Sun Gate Trek 4 Days

0
  • Durations4 Days
  • Max Guests 12 People
  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Activity TypeMulti-day hike

Tour Description

Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu: An Unforgettable Adventure

The Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu is an extraordinary hike that blends rich Inca culture with stunning views of snow-capped mountains. This trek is perfect for those seeking a moderate yet rewarding challenge. Along the route, you will explore majestic mountain landscapes and valleys while enjoying a spectacular view of the Milky Way from our campsite at night.

During the Inca Quarry Trek, you will have the opportunity to admire an Inca doorway, also known as Inti Punku or “Sun Gate.” The trail is flanked by the grand snow-capped peak of Verónica, rising 5,860 meters (19,226 feet) in the background. Additionally, you will visit the Inca Quarry, where the Incas extracted stones to build the famous Ollantaytambo site, which is visible along the trek. In the heart of the quarry, you will find the mummies, a ceremonial site that still receives offerings from locals.

Before boarding the train to Machu Picchu, we will explore the charming town of Ollantaytambo, known as “The Last Living Inca City,” where you can appreciate the beauty of Inca constructions that are still in use by the local community. You will have the chance to experience daily life in this historic place.

Moreover, the Inca Quarry Trek offers rich biodiversity. During the hike, you may spot diverse species of flora and fauna, such as orchids, hummingbirds, and birds of prey. Expert guides will share their knowledge about the ecological significance of this region, as well as the legends and myths surrounding the Incas.

This trek is not just a physical journey but also an immersion in Andean history and culture. The landscapes change from snow-covered mountains to lush valleys filled with crops, providing an unparalleled visual experience. Nights at the campsite allow you to enjoy the mountain’s tranquility and the opportunity to share stories around a campfire.

The Inca Quarry Trek and Ollantaytambo are highly recommended by National Geographic, which describes it as “a hike you should take on your way to Machu Picchu.”

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Rayan
Day 2: Rayan – Kuychi Kasa Pass – Yanakaka – Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – Choquetacarpo
Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Inca Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Overall distance hiked: 32 km / 20 miles
Starting altitude: 3,205 m / 10,512 ft
Maximum altitude reached: 4,450 m / 14,599 ft
Lowest elevation: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft (Machu Picchu Town)
Overall trek difficulty: Moderate and challenging
Best time to go: March to November
Departures: Daily departures, minimum 2 and maximum 8 people.

Useful Tips:

  • Physical Preparation: It’s recommended to engage in cardio exercises and pre-trek walks to be fit.
  • Luggage: Bring appropriate clothing for variable climates, as temperatures can change dramatically between day and night.
  • Hydration: Stay well-hydrated during the trek and carry reusable water bottles.
  • Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique moments you’ll experience.

“Small and Private Groups”

Itinerary

DAY 1Cusco-Soqma-Perolniyoc-Rayan.

The day starts with a pick-up from your hotel at 6 AM in a clean and cozy van for a 2-hour drive to Soqma, nestled in the heart of the mountains. Here, we will introduce our team, which includes your Mountain Guide, the Cook, an Assistant Cook, and Muleteers. From Soqma, we will begin a 2-hour hike up to the waterfalls, followed by a 1.5-hour hike to the mountain shoulder where the Perolniyoc Inca site is located. We will explore this Inca site, surrounded by rugged mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. After our exploration, we will continue for another 45 minutes to the Rayan camping site (3,700 meters / 12,139 ft). Enjoy lunch and free time to acclimatize to the altitude. You can take short explorations around Rayan, and at night, you will marvel at the Milky Way above you, showcasing a starry sky, constellations, and more.

Highlights: Waterfalls, Perolniyoc Inca site, Milky Way.
Distance to walk: 4.9 miles / 8 km.
Approximate walking time: 4-5 hours.
Accommodation: Camping.
Starting Elevation: 10,512 ft / 3,205 m (head trail).
Camping Elevation: 3,700 meters / 12,136 ft.
Level of Difficulty: Easy.
Area: Dry Mountain.
Temperature: Cold, Warm, and Hot.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (Snack, Coca Tea Time).

DAY 2Rayan-KuychiKasa Pass-Yanakaka-IntiPunku (Sun Gate)-Choquetacarpo

We will wake you up with coffee and a healthy breakfast early in the morning to start the day as we head off to the Kuychi Kasa Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft). This is the highest point on this Inca Quarry trek. We will hike up to the Kuychi Kasa Pass for about 4 hours and 30 minutes. The trail is a gentle ascent with small platforms where we can snack. Along the way, your Mountain Guide will take many mini-breaks to enjoy the beauty of the Andes Mountains. You will be above the tree line, in the Puna region (Paramo), where you can see lots of straw (estipa ichu), which is prime habitat for wildlife, including condors soaring high, eagles, and the majestic “Grand Veronica” snow-capped mountain (19,226 ft / 5,860 m). You will enjoy stunning views of the Grand Veronica snow peak from Kuychi Kasa Pass, which means “Rainbow Pass” in Quechua. From the Rainbow Pass, you will see our lunch spot located 25 minutes down the trail.

After a delicious lunch, we will hike an undulating trail to Yanakaka, where you will enjoy the dramatic scenery of mountain ranges and the “Sun Gate” far down atop a steep mountain range, along with the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Ollantaytambo. From the Yanakaka gorge, we will hike down the trail for approximately 2 hours to reach the Inca channel and the remarkable “Sun Gate,” with the Veronica snow peak towering over the area. We will arrive there in the “Golden Light,” a perfect time for pictures, highly recommended for professional photographers. You will have the perfect shot for your social media. From the Sun Gate, the camping site, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Ollantaytambo are all visible. The camping site is 30 minutes downhill from the Sun Gate. Enjoy camping and dinner in this incredible location.

Highlights: The Grand Veronica Snow Peak, Sun Gate, Milky Way.
Distance to walk: 8 miles / 13 km.
Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours.
Accommodation: Camping.
Camping Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,808 ft.
Highest Elevation: 4,450 m / 14,599 ft.
Level of Difficulty: Challenging.
Area: Dry Mountain and Puna.
Temperature: Cold, Warm, and Hot.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Snack, Coca Tea Time).

DAY 3Choquetacarpo-Inka Quarry-Ollantaytambo-Aguas Clientes.

After a refueling breakfast, it’s time to explore the Inca Quarry and the ceremonial site where the mummies are located (3,525 m / 11,562 ft). The panoramic view from this site allows you to see Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After exploring the amazing Inca Quarry, we will head down to the valley (2,840 m / 9,315 ft) to take a panoramic train ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town. As always, the scenery changes significantly as you approach Machu Picchu Town. Dinner will be at a well-reputed restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in a cozy, clean hotel.

Highlights: Inca Quarry, Mummies, Sacred Valley of the Incas – Ollantaytambo.
Distance to walk: 7 miles / 11 km.
Approximate walking time: 5 hours.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Level of Difficulty: Easy.
Temperature: Chilly, Warm, and Hot.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Snack).

DAY 4Aguas Calientes-MachuPicchu-Cusco.

his hike is significant as you will experience our vibrant culture in the Andes Mountains of Peru, visiting the Inca city high in the clouds, the Machu Picchu archaeological site, built with granite rock that appears to be a white stone Inca city. You will enjoy a guided tour for 2 hours with your expert Mountain Guide. If you choose to hike an additional mountain, after the guided tour, you will have the option to trek either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. Afterward, take the bus down to Machu Picchu town, where you can enjoy a coffee, water, lunch, Pisco sour, beer, or anything you need while you wait for your train back to Poroy train station or Ollantaytambo train station. In both cases, we will pick you up from the train station to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Highlights: Machu Picchu.
Guided Walk: 2 hours.
Highest Elevation: 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu).
Level of Difficulty: Easy.
Area: Montane cloud forest.
Temperature: Chilly, Warm, and Hot (it can get hotter than 94°F).
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.

What is included

Price Includes
Extra Service
Price Excludes
  • Bilingual English speaking Mountain Guide.
  • Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
  • transportation to Soqma on day 1.
  • Tens 4 capacity for 2 persons.
  • Pad Mattress
  • Kitchen tent
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • Chef (The Cook and assistant Cook)
  • Muleteers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
  • Horse to carry 7 kg of your personal belongings
  • Duffle bag to store your personal belongings
  • 3 breakfast, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
  • Hot water for washing every day.
  • Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
  • Expedition train ticket from Ollantaytambo to MachuPicchu Town on day 3.
  • Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo on day 4.
  • Van transport from Poroy/Ollantaytambo to your Cusco hotel.
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
  • Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
  • Lodging in Aguas Calientes on night 4 of the trek (double occupancy).
  • Dinner in a very nice restaurant at Aguas Calientes on day 4.

Emergency horse in case we need it.

Heaters every night (bags filled with hot water).

Emergency oxygen bottle.

Sleeping Bag.(US$15.00)

Trekking Stick(US$15.00)

×   Sleeping bag (can be rented from us).(US$15.00)

×   Breakfast on day 1.

×   Day 5 lunch in Aguas Calientes.

×   Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)

×   Hiking poles (can be rented from us)(US$15.00)

×   Ticket for Huayna Picchu mountain or Machupicchu Mountain.

 

What to Bring for Your Trek
  • Original Passport: Please bring your original passport. If you’ve recently acquired a new one after making your booking, be sure to bring both documents.
  • Sleeping Bag: A down or synthetic feather sleeping bag is essential for your comfort during the trek. You can rent one from us for $15 USD.
  • Clothing: Pack the following clothing items to ensure you’re prepared for various weather conditions: Sun hat, Winter hat, Buff or bandana, Gloves, Long-sleeve t-shirt, Warm fleece jacket, Warm underwear, Lightweight long trekking pants, Rain jacket, Trekking boots, Socks
  • Toiletries: Don’t forget your personal hygiene essentials, including: Toilet paper, Wet wipes, Personal towel
  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s rays with a good sunscreen.
  • Headlamp: A reliable headlamp is essential for navigating in low-light conditions.
  • Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun with a pair of quality sunglasses.
  • Camera: Capture your memories with a camera, and don’t forget to bring spare batteries.
  • Trekking Poles: We recommend bringing trekking poles, especially for steep descents. You can rent them from us if needed.
  • Insect Repellent: Keep those pesky bugs at bay with an effective insect repellent.

Important Reminders: Please note that any part of the program may change due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.

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