Inca Quarry Trail: A Quieter Alternative to the Inca Trail

We will pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 am and drive about 1.5 hours to Warocondo. During the ride, you’ll enjoy views of the snowcapped Salkantay and Veronica mountains, sacred to the Incas, as well as stunning upper and lower valleys with colorful landscapes.

Our first stop is Warocondo, where you can buy last-minute supplies like water. This town is famous for its delicious lechones (roasted pork), considered the best in Cusco. We’ll then continue past quinoa plantations to Soqma, where the hike begins.

After an hour of trekking, you’ll see the beautiful Perolniyoc waterfall. Along the way, your guide will point out medicinal plants used by local farmers, and you can pick some to brew your own tea. The trail then climbs uphill to Q’anabamba and Willkarakay, where your guide will share insights about the area.

From there, it’s a short hike to the campsite, where you’ll enjoy lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, your guide will introduce you to a local family, giving you the chance to learn about their traditions and culture.

Hiking Facts:

Altitude Gained: 715 m (2,345 ft)

Altitude Lost: 99 m (324 ft)

Hiking Distance: 4 km (2.48 miles)

Hiking Duration: 4–6 hours

Lowest Elevation: 3,000 m (9,743 ft)

Highest Elevation: 3,700 m (12,149 ft)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Along the journey, you’ll encounter stunning Inca ruins. Marvel at the views of Q’anabamba and Willkarakay from a distance, and take time to explore the fascinating ruins of Patallaqta up close.

Your day begins with an early wake-up call and a warm cup of coca tea brought to your tent by one of our porters. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we set off from the campsite toward the first pass, Pukaqasa, standing at an impressive 4,380m (14,370 ft). The trek to this point takes approximately 3.5 hours. Once we reach the pass, we’ll descend for about 30 minutes to meet our chef for a well-earned lunch.

Re-energized, we continue our hike with a gradual uphill climb for two more hours, leading us to the second pass, Kuychicasa, at an altitude of 4,450m (14,600 ft). This day marks the longest leg of our journey to Machu Picchu, but it’s also the most rewarding, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks that make every step worth it.

The final part of the day is a two-hour descent to our campsite at Cachicata (3,600m – 11,811 ft). Along the way, we’ll visit a small yet fascinating Inca ruin known as Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. We aim to arrive at the campsite around 5 p.m., where you can rest and reflect on the incredible sights and achievements of the day.

Distance and Elevation Details

Altitude Gain: 796 m (2,611 ft)

Altitude Loss: 1,416 m (4,645 ft)

Hiking Distance: 15 km (9.32 miles)

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Lowest Elevation: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)

Highest Elevation: 4,450 m (14,600 ft)

Difficulty Level: Demanding

Inca Ruins: Visible from a distance

This challenging hike offers stunning views and a unique opportunity to spot ancient Inca ruins along the way, making it a rewarding adventure for seasoned trekkers.

Today, we will visit the fascinating Cachicata Stone Quarry, a sprawling site that once supplied stones for the construction of Ollantaytambo. Here, you’ll witness the incredible craftsmanship of the Incas, with massive, half-finished stones scattered throughout the area—silent remnants of their extraordinary work. The site also features Inca mummies, burial houses known as Chullpas, adding layers of history to this remarkable location.

After a guided tour of the quarry, we’ll begin our descent along the original Inca ramp, a stone pathway ingeniously built to transport the massive rocks to Ollantaytambo. The descent takes approximately three hours, leading us back to the town where we’ll enjoy a final meal prepared by our chef.

Once in Ollantaytambo, you’ll have time to explore the charming town or, if you wish, visit a local bar. Here, you can try Chicha, a traditional corn beer considered sacred by the Incas, served by local women. In the afternoon, we’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night, resting in preparation for the next stage of our journey.

Quick Facts:

Altitude Gain: 81 m (265 ft)

Altitude Loss: 402 m (1,318 ft)

Hiking Distance: 7 km (4.35 miles)

Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours

Lowest Elevation: 2,700 m (8,858 ft)

Highest Elevation: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Inca Ruins: Today’s journey includes exploring the fascinating ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Day four is the highlight of the journey: the unforgettable Machu Picchu. We’ll start early, catching the first bus to the site to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the ancient ruins.

Your guide will lead a two-hour tour, sharing the fascinating history and key highlights of Machu Picchu. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the ruins at your own pace. If you’ve pre-booked the Huayna Picchu hike (an additional $15 per person), you can embark on this exhilarating climb for stunning panoramic views.

Once your visit is complete, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus will take you back to Cusco, and we’ll ensure you’re transferred safely to your hotel.

Saying Goodbye to Peru

The final day of our adventure is here, and it’s time for heartfelt goodbyes. Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading to Cusco airport via private transfer. If you’re not joining us for the Rainbow Mountain Trek extension, feel free to schedule your flight from Cusco at any time today.
Meals: Breakfast

Please note: Tour Leaders Peru reserves the right to adjust itineraries as needed based on weather, conditions, health, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you embark on a trek to the stunning Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. This hidden gem, often referred to as the “painted hills,” offers a breathtaking journey through snow-capped peaks, dramatic desert landscapes, vibrant mineral hues, and herds of alpacas.

Your day begins with an early 6:00 AM departure, followed by a scenic three-hour drive through traditional villages and panoramic views of the Andes, arriving at the trailhead at 15,000 feet in the heart of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. From here, you’ll begin a gradual ascent through a colorful valley and a unique stone forest on your way to the summit.

At the peak of the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding Andean landscape, including the majestic Ausangate Glacier, towering at 21,000 feet. This glacier, one of the most sacred peaks (Apus) in Incan culture, adds a sense of wonder to an already extraordinary experience. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as this is one of the few places in Peru where you can spot wild vicuñas and Andean camels alongside llamas and alpacas. You’ll have ample time to soak in the stunning scenery, take photos of the vibrant mineral-streaked hills, and embrace the serene beauty of the region.

The descent will be unhurried, with opportunities to pause and appreciate the landscape before returning to Cusco. Back at your boutique-style hotel, you’ll have the evening free to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventure.

Hiking Details

Duration: 3.5 hours
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Maximum Altitude: 16,000 feet
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel, Cusco (Shared Rooms)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Farewell, Peru

As your adventure comes to an end, it’s time for heartfelt goodbyes. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head to the airport via private transfer. Flights can be scheduled from Cusco at any time that suits your travel plans.
Meals Included: Breakfast