The Inca Quarry to Machu Picchu is an alternative hike to the Inca trail and is largely unknown. A great hike if you want to stay away from the crowds and get closer to nature and Andean traditions. Journey through the high Andean jungle, down beautiful valleys, over mountain passes, by Inca ruins and waterfalls.
A 4-day 3-night adventure, the Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu takes you to the quarry that supplied the massive stones used to build the impressive city of Ollantaytambo. Have the unique opportunity to visit some remote Andean villages. Ask your guide to teach you some Quechua, you may get the opportunity to practice with the locals on the trail.
There are many different hikes to Machu Picchu. The Classic Inca Trail is by far the most famous and crowded hike to Machu Picchu and can sell out very quickly especially during the busy tourist season. The Inca Quarry Trail however, does not have any limit on the number of daily hikers which means you’ll be guaranteed to hike the trail no matter the time of year.
Being one of the newest trails to Machu Picchu the Inca Quarry is rarely hiked. It’s likely you’ll see no other hikers on the trail for the entire 4 days which is great for hikers who prefer to stay away from crowds. Get the opportunity to visit the quarry where the stones for Ollantaytambo were harvested. There are also various Incan ruins along the hike some of which still contain mummies sacrificed to the mountain spirits many years ago.
Most of the multi-day hikes in the area your day will start early with your guide picking you up from your hotel at 5am. From Cusco it’s a two-hour drive to the trailhead near the small Andean community of Soqma. Have breakfast and ready your day bags for the adventure ahead.
The first place of interest on the hike is a beautiful waterfall by the name of Perolniyoc. Take some pictures maybe splash your face and continue on the trail. After enjoying the falls, you and your group will continue until coming to another remote Andean community called Rayan. At Rayan you will have lunch and take a short rest. From Rayan have to cross the mountain pass of Puccaqasa (4300m) before finally arriving at the first campsite.
Start the morning early with a cup of hot coffee or tea and get ready for the day ahead. The first place of note arrive at is the mountain pass of Quychicassa (4450m). Take a brief rest and enjoy the great views of the surrounding landscape.
From the mountain pass hike another hour to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate. Please keep in mind this is not the same famous Inti Punku of Machu Picchu. At the Sun Gate. Ollantaytambo there will be incredible views of Mt Veronica off in the distance. Make sure to get all the pictures you can before continuing on the trail until arriving at the Inca Quarry. At the Inca Quarry your guide will tour you through the site and explain the history and purpose of the Quarry including the techniques used to cut and move the massive stones. The next campsite is not far only a half an hour or so from the Inca Quarry.
***PLEASE NOTE: There are authentic mummies still in their burial chambers make sure to ask you guide if you can take a peek inside!!!
Wake up bright and early and start the two-hour hike down to the city of Ollantaytambo. At Ollantaytambo you will have lunch and catch the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the picturesque scenery as you make your way through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you have some time to explore the small town and have a soak in the relaxing hot springs. Once you have explored all you can have dinner with your group and check into your hotel for the night.
This is it wake up early to take the first bus to Machu Picchu in order to catch the sunrise. Once you have entered into Machu Picchu the guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu. Ask as many questions as you can think of as the guides are very passionate and full of valuable knowledge.
If you have a ticket for one of the mountain hikes this is the time to start it. After you have explored the Machu Picchu to your hearts content take the bus down to Aguas calientes where you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo there will be a private van waiting to take you directly to your hotel either in Cusco or Ollantaytambo. You should arrive back to your hotel around 7:00pm.
The Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu is a great alternative to the classic Inca Trail and is a great option if you’re looking to get away from the hordes of tourists and visit some of the least know but still impressive Incan ruins. On this trek cross high mountain passes get great views of the surrounding Andean landscape and have the opportunity to see authentic Incan Mummies still in their original resting places. If you’re looking to hike something a bit different and off the beaten path the Inca Quarry trail to Machu Picchu is a great option!
