3-Day Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1 - Cuzco - Socma (3000m) - Perolniyoc (3200m) - Rayan-Niyoc Pass (3600m) - 1st Pass (4400) - Campsite (L/D)

Stop At: Centro Historico De Cusco, Cusco 08002 Peru
We will pick you up around 6:00 am from your Cuzco accommodation, and drive towards the town of Rafca (2800m). Then we continue driving for another 30 minutes until we arrive at the village of Socma (3000m), the starting point of our trek. There, we meet the muleteer that will join us during the hike. After a short break and packing our things, we will begin trekking towards the Inca site of Perolniyoc (3200m). After about 2 hours and a half, we will reach Perolniyoc for lunch, and visit the beautiful waterfall as well as the archaeological ruins that lie at the top of the valley. We will go on for another 30 minutes until we arrive at Rayan-Niyoc (3600m). We’ll carry on up the valley making our way to the first pass on the trek, located at 4,400 meters above sea level. This area is still cultivated by the local people despite the high altitudes and we will see local people caring for their fields. After walking about 4 hours, we will reach the pass, stopping to take in the panorama and catching our breath. Another short 20 minutes descent will bring us to our first campsite. Get a good night’s sleep after a long day of trekking. Prepare warm clothes for the night as it can get very cold due to the altitude of the camp (4300m).
Duration: 20 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping

Day 2: Day 2 - Campsite - 2nd Pass (4500m) - Inca quarry of Cachicata (3820m) - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (B/L/D)

Stop At: Hot Springs (Aguas Calientes), Signposted from main square, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Peru
Get an early start today as you enjoy a tasty breakfast and prepare for another long day of trekking. From our campsite, we will walk about 1 hour and a half across the high plateau to reach the second (and highest) pass of the trek, located at 4,500 meters. Enjoy spectacular views of the valley below before heading down for about 3 hours to a site the Incas called Inti Punku (meaning Sun Gate), which also offers imposing views over the valley and the Veronica mountain rising over the horizon. Soon after, we will arrive at Choquetacarpo (3600m) where we will stop for our delicious lunch. Rested and full of energy again, we continue our descent to the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3820m), where we can witness the work of the Incas. It was the quarry used by the Incas for the construction of Ollantaytambo and there are various points of interest including several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site, chullpas (burial houses) and a cave with Inca mummies still in place. After exploring this site, we’ll continue our way down the mountain for about 3 hours until the small town of Ollantaytambo, the ending point of this challenging and fascinating trek. From there, take the train to Aguas Calientes. You will be met by your guide at the train station to take you to your hotel and give you indications for the next day. Check in to your hotel, have dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest tonight.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 3: Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco (B)

Stop At: Machu Picchu, 08680, Peru
Waking up early, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning, entering the site as it opens. You will go on a 2-hour tour with your guide, during which you’ll learn about the Incas and the history of Machu Picchu. Enjoy some free time after the tour to walk around the site, take some pictures, and/or do the optional hike up to Huayna Picchu (must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance). Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo. Take a bus transfer back to Cuzco where you will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the accommodation of your choice.

DESCRIPTION OF MACHU PICCHU GUIDED SITE VISIT: The one and only, the most spectacular (and not to mention most popular) archaeological site in all of South America. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu walking you through the most important sites and covering the history of the place. Then you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure.

Take an OPTIONAL hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site for unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. You must purchase your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance for an additional cost in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00am and 200 more at 10:00am). Most trekkers are usually too tired to do this extra trek, but true adventurers shouldn’t miss out! Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.