INCA QUARRY TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

Day 1 Cusco | Socma - Rayanniyoc

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco relatively early in the morning and drive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the village of Socma, a short distance from Ollantaytambo. Before arriving in Socma, we will stop at a place where we can see and take pictures of some Stone Age petroglyphs.

Today's hike takes us through the valley behind Socma as we make our way to a small, pristine Inca site and a beautiful waterfall that sits at the top of the valley. Along our hike through the Inca Quarry trek, we pass potato, corn and quinoa fields nestled among the incredible mountains. Throughout the hike, we will have the opportunity to see a variety of flora and fauna: beautiful lush fields and trees and fascinating native birds. In addition, your guide will tell you about the customs of the Andean people of this region and teach you some Quechua (the Inca language) as we hike. After a relaxing morning walk, we finally arrive at our destination, the best Inca site of Perolniyoc. We will take a tour here and learn about the significance of this site. Afterwards, we will continue a little further to our campsite at Rayanniyoc (3650 m / 11975 ft). In the afternoon, we will visit one of the local families, and you will be able to practice the Qhechua you have learned in the morning. As for the Quechua, you have not learned it in one morning. Your guide will translate for you, making this a beautiful cultural exchange and learning opportunity for both you and the local people. In the evening, we enjoy a deliciously prepared dinner by our trekking chef, soak in the views and sleep in the middle of the mountains.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Snack / Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 3,700 m. / 12,136 ft.
• Minimum altitude: 3,300 m. / 10,827 ft
• Walking distance: 8 km. / 5 miles
• Approximate walking time: 3 - 4 hours

Day 2 Rayanniyoc | Sun Gate - Cachicata

We rise early with a cup of hot coca tea and breakfast to prepare for the longest day of the adventure. We continue up the valley, approaching the first pass of the Cantera Peru trek. The local people continue to care for this agricultural area despite the high altitude. One of the few plants that thrive strongly in this region is muña, the Andean mountain mint. Its aroma is enchanting, and the fragrance permeates the air, especially in the morning. The muña makes a lovely cup of tea, so, along the way, we pick some for later. In total, it's about 4 hours' walk to the pass (4,500m), where we stop to take in the stunning panoramic views, take some photos and catch our breath before continuing. It's only about 20 minutes to our lunch spot at an amazing viewpoint in the valley. After lunch, the walk becomes a little more comfortable as the terrain levels out as we reach the top of the mountain. We then walk through a remote area, a landscape with numerous burial mounds that look like burial mounds, but are actually glacial moraines. These piles of rock deposits come from glaciers dating back to the Ice Age - fascinating! In the late afternoon, we pass a beautiful Inca ruin site, Intipunku, which means Sun Gate in Quechua. Of course, we will rest here and take advantage of this amazing photo opportunity, with the valley below and the snow-capped mountains surrounding us. As we descend from the altiplano, our destination for the day is the Inca Quarry of Cachicata which rests at (3,6000 m / 11,808 ft). It is our home for the night, and we will share a lovely dinner at this tranquil camp.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Snack / Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 4500 m / 14,764 ft
• Minimum altitude: 3,600 m / 11,808 ft
• Walking distance: 13 km / 8 miles
• Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours

Day 3 Cachicata Trail | Ollantaytambo -QUARRY TRAIL MACHU PICCHU - Aguas Calientes

Today we wake up in the middle of the mountains and enjoy a delicious breakfast. In our day, we will explore the Cachicata trail and all it has to offer. Despite its proximity to Ollantaytambo and its incredible architecture and ingenuity, hardly anyone climbs here. Cachicata is an extensive site, as it was the quarry used by the Incas for the construction of Ollantaytambo. There are several significant sites, including large buildings, abandoned and half-finished quarries, chullpas (funerary houses) and a cave with Inca mummies still in place. We will take time to learn about the interesting history of this site.

After our hike through Cachicata, we will continue following the INCA TRAIL down the mountain, walking alongside the original platform that the Incas used to transport the stones to Ollantaytambo. In the early afternoon, we will arrive in Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train. We will then take a scenic train ride from the Sacred Valley of the Incas through the lush jungle to Aguas Calientes. Once we arrive in this charming town, we'll check you into your comfortable hotel, and then you'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax and explore. Aguas Calientes boasts bustling artisan markets and natural hot springs, with plenty to do to fill your afternoon. Then in the evening, we'll meet for dinner at a charming restaurant in town and return to the hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Minimum altitude: 2,840 m / 9,315 ft.
• Maximum altitude: 3,525 m / 11,562 ft
• Walking distance: 11 km / 7 miles
• Approximate walking time: 4 hours

Day 4 Machu Picchu - Cusco

We wake up early for our big day at Machu Picchu! After breakfast at the hotel, we will board the first bus up through the beautiful cloud forest to the ancient citadel itself. Upon arrival, we will begin our 2:30 hour guided tour with our professional guide. On the tour, you will visit various sites, all of which have importance in understanding the history of Machu Picchu and how the Incas lived thousands of years ago high in the mountains. You will visit temples, ceremonial sites, fountains and much more.

In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes by bus and then board the train that will take us back to Ollantaytambo. We will then have private transportation waiting for our arrival to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast

• Maximum altitude: 2,040 m. / 6,691 ft.
• Minimum altitude: 2,440 m. / 8,052 ft.