Classic Inca Trail 4 Days Group Tour
From, per person
US$ 950
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- Cachicata Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Cachicata Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Duration4 days / 3 nights
DifficultyModerate
Max. altitude4,450 m
Group sizeMax 16
- Tour type
- Adventure and cultural
- Languages
- EN / ES
- Starts in
- Cusco
- Ends in
- Cusco
Overview
Cachicata Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N is a rewarding adventure for travelers who want a quieter, more meaningful route through the Andes before arriving at Machu Picchu. Also known as the Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu, this experience takes you through remote mountain landscapes, ancient pathways, waterfalls, and the historic quarry of Cachicata, creating a journey that feels both authentic and unforgettable.
Unlike more crowded trekking routes, the Cachicata Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N offers a deeper connection to the history of the Sacred Valley. Along the way, travelers discover archaeological remains, dramatic Andean scenery, and a trail that feels far more personal than the classic alternatives. The maximum altitude reached on this trek is approximately 4,450 m / 14,600 ft, making it an excellent choice for hikers looking for a high-altitude adventure with cultural depth.
Unlike more commercial trekking routes, the Inca Quarry Trail offers a stronger sense of cultural depth. The experience is not only about reaching the final destination, but also about everything that unfolds along the way: the mountain views, the archaeological remains, the ancient quarry, and the feeling of walking through places that still preserve a quieter rhythm of life. For travelers searching for a 4 day trek to Machu Picchu that feels more personal and less crowded, this route offers the perfect balance of scenery, history, and adventure.
- Cachiccata Inca quarry and Sun Gate
- Views over Ollantaytambo and the Veronica glacier
- Rayan Andean community
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day01
Cusco – Socma – Rayan community
You will be pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 am, two hours van ride from downtown Cusco where we will arrive to village of Soqma in order to start Cachiqata - Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu. Once arrived to the tra…
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Day02
Rayaniyoc – Sun Gate - Inca Quarry
Wake up with a cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent, and then have healthy energetic breakfast, and begin the 4-hour ascent to Charkahuaylla pass (4450m/14599ft), and in 30 minutes we will have our second organic lunc…
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Day03
Qhachiccata Inca Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, descend for 1 hour to Cachiccata inca Quarry considered one of the largest Inca quarries from where our ancestors the incas took the materials to build the impressive ollantaytambo…
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Day04
Machu Picchu – Return Cusco
On the final day, wake up early and take the first buses up to Machu Picchu. The guided tour starts between 7 to 8 am where our professional licenced tour guide, provide you exceptional introductions and then explore th…
What's included
Included
- Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek and Machu Picchu visit.
- Official Cachiccata (Inca Quarry) Trek trail permit.
- Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Muleteers and pack animals to carry camping equipment.
- Professional trekking chef (Master Chef) during the entire trek.
- Private transportation from Cusco to the trailhead.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Healthy organic breakfasts.
Not included
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bags.
- Air mattresses.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
- Tips for muleteers, trekking chef, tour guide, and driver (optional and voluntary).
- Personal expenses and extra services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Packing list and tips
- Original passport (checked at checkpoints, trains and Machu Picchu)
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Daypack of 25 to 35 litres
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Warm layers: fleece, down jacket, hat and gloves
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and toilet paper
- Some Peruvian soles in cash
- Swimsuit if hot springs are on the route
Recommendations
Arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize properly.
Bring your original passport for permits, train travel, and Machu Picchu entry.
Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
Dress in layers to adapt to cold mornings, warm afternoons, and mountain weather.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold nights in the Andes.
Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and snacks.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and small personal expenses.
Consider renting trekking poles for added stability on steep sections.
Follow your guide’s instructions and respect local communities and archaeological sites.
Important information and precautions
- This route goes above 4,000 m: spend at least two nights in Cusco before departure
- Tell us about any medical condition when you book; consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems
- Weather in the high Andes changes quickly: the guide may adapt the route for safety
- Pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed at the briefing
- Machu Picchu circuits and entry times are assigned by the Ministry of Culture based on availability at the moment of purchase
- Tickets are nominal: bring the same passport you used to book
- Train luggage is limited to one small bag of up to 5 kg per person
- Hotel pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed the evening before
- Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have very limited spaces: request them when you book
Route map
- 1Cusco
- 2Soqma
- 3Rayan
- 4Cachiccata Inca quarry
- 5Ollantaytambo
- 6Aguas Calientes
- 7Machu Picchu
Frequently asked questions
The Cachiccata Quarry Trek is considered moderate and is suitable for travelers with good physical condition. While it does not involve technical climbing, it includes mountain passes, stone paths, and altitude changes. Proper acclimatization is important, and previous hiking experience is recommended. Our guides maintain a steady pace and provide full support to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Cachiccata Trek is a quieter alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, with fewer hikers and more open landscapes. It focuses on Inca quarry sites, ancient terraces, waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and Veronica Mountain. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, this route offers a more peaceful trekking experience while still ending at Machu Picchu.
The best time to hike the Cachiccata Quarry Trek is during the dry season, from April to October. Weather conditions are more stable, trails are safer, and views are clearer. June to August are the busiest months and require early booking. March and November are good shoulder-season options with fewer travelers and occasional rain.
Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. This includes healthy breakfasts, organic buffet lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water. Muleteers carry the main camping equipment, allowing you to hike comfortably with only a light daypack throughout the trek.
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation. Although our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, having travel insurance offers additional peace of mind during this multi-day trekking adventure.
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