Discover the lesser-known, yet breathtakingly beautiful, Inca Quarry trek to Machu Picchu. This trek, also known as Soqma and Cachicata trek, takes you on an unforgettable journey starting from a remote village and leads you through high mountains, passing by the enchanting Perolniyoq waterfall. Along the way, you'll explore an ancient Inca Archaeological site called Qorimarka and the historic Inca Quarry Cachicata, where the Incas sourced rocks to construct Ollantaytambo.

Highlights:

1. Spectacular Scenery: Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the famous Sacred Valley, where snow-capped mountains adorn the horizon, providing a backdrop of natural grandeur throughout the trek.

2. Off the Beaten Path: This trek is perfect for adventurers seeking a more authentic and less crowded experience. Wander through nature and delve into the history of the Incas, away from the typical tourist routes.

3. Ancient Inca Treasures: Explore the remnants of the past as you visit the intriguing Inca Archaeological site of Qorimarka, gaining insights into the rich history and culture of the Incas.

4. Inca Quarry Cachicata: Stand in awe at the Inca Quarry, where ancient stones were quarried to construct the majestic Ollantaytambo, a testament to the impressive engineering skills of the Incas.

5.The Grand Finale: Conclude your epic journey by visiting one of the world's most spectacular wonders, the awe-inspiring Inca city of Machu Picchu.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Cusco - Soqma - Perolniyoq - Qorimarka

We will begin our adventurous journey at 5:30 am when we pick you up from your hotel. Our destination is Choquequilla, a small but significant Inca ceremonial place. After a short drive, we'll arrive at Rafqa, situated at an elevation of 2800m (9,186 ft). Here, our exhilarating hike commences, and we'll have the pleasure of meeting our friendly horsemen who will accompany us throughout the trek.

The first leg of our hike will take approximately one hour, leading us to the charming community of Soqma, located at an altitude of 3000m (9,842 ft). The picturesque views and cultural experiences along the way will make this hour fly by.

Continuing onward, we'll walk for another hour, and our efforts will be rewarded as we arrive at the stunning Perolniyoc waterfall, nestled at 3300m (10,826 ft). This will be an ideal spot for capturing memorable photographs and enjoying a well-deserved snack to refuel our energy.

Next on our itinerary is the Qorimarka Inca site, where we'll have the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins for about 30 minutes. This historical site offers a glimpse into the fascinating Inca civilization and its remarkable architecture.

After our enriching exploration, we'll head towards the base camp, and we plan to reach there by lunchtime. The base camp rests at an altitude of 3600m (11,811 ft), surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes that promise a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

During the entire trek, we'll experience a range of altitudes, from the comfortable 2800m (9,186 ft) to the exhilarating 3600m (11,811 ft) at the base camp. The total trekking distance is around 4 km (2.4 miles), and we anticipate completing the journey in approximately 4-5 hours.

Day 2: Qorimarka - Intipunku - Choquetacarpo

After a satisfying early breakfast, we'll kick-start our adventure with an invigorating hike. Our goal for the day is to reach the top of the first pass, Pukaqasa, which sits at an impressive altitude of 4400m (14,435 ft). The hike to the pass will take us approximately 4 hours, during which we'll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas and picturesque views of the valley below. The sense of accomplishment and the awe-inspiring landscapes will make this ascent truly memorable.

Once we conquer Pukaqasa, we'll take a moment to relish the stunning panoramas before making our way down for about 20 minutes to a well-deserved lunch spot. Here, we can replenish our energy while being treated to more captivating scenery.

After a refreshing break, we continue our trek for another 2 hours, leading us to a small but significant Inca site. This archaeological gem not only offers a fascinating glimpse into the Inca civilization but also boasts incredible views of the valley below and the magnificent Veronica Mountain, which soars to an astonishing height of 5750m (18,864 ft). The combination of history and nature's grandeur makes this stop a truly enriching experience.

Finally, as the day draws to a close, we will arrive at our camp, Choquetacarpo, nestled at an altitude of 3600m (11,811 ft). Here, amidst the serene surroundings of the Andean highlands, we'll rest and reflect on the day's adventures.

Throughout the day, we'll encounter a range of altitudes, from the challenging 4400m (14,435 ft) at the top of Pukaqasa to the comfortable 3600m (11,811 ft) at Choquetacarpo. 

The total trekking distance for the day is approximately 11 km (6.83 miles), and we expect the entire journey to take around 6-7 hours, including breaks and time to soak in the remarkable vistas.

Day 3: Choquetacarpo - Kachicata Quarry - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

On the third day of our expedition, we'll start with an early breakfast to fuel up for the day's adventure. Our journey continues as we descend to the captivating Inca Quarry Cachicata, located at an elevation of 3500m (11,482 ft). Here, we'll have the incredible opportunity to witness the remnants of the Quarry of Ollantaytambo. This historical site is adorned with massive stones that the Incas had meticulously worked on, intending to use them for the construction of Ollantaytambo. The quarry boasts several large buildings, showcasing quarried stones left half-finished, as well as intriguing caves where Inca mummies still rest. Exploring this quarry will transport us back in time and provide unique insights into the engineering prowess of the ancient Inca civilization.

After a captivating exploration of the Inca Quarry, we will continue our descent for around 2 hours, leading us to the charming town of Ollantaytambo. Resting at an altitude of 2900m (9,514 ft), this historical town marks the end of our fulfilling trekking journey. From here, we'll board a train that will take us to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train ride will offer stunning views as we make our way to this quaint town situated at an elevation of 2040m (6,692 ft).

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we'll settle into our comfortable hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner. As the day winds down, you'll have the option to relax and unwind at the town's thermal springs—an excellent way to soothe tired muscles after the trek.

Throughout the day's itinerary, we'll experience a range of altitudes, from the highest point of 3600m (11,811 ft) to the delightful town of Aguas Calientes at 2040m (6,692 ft). The total trekking distance for the day is approximately 7 km (4.34 miles), and we anticipate the journey to take around 4-5 hours, considering the time spent exploring the quarry and enjoying the train ride.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

We begin our last day of exploration with an early wake-up call. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we eagerly board one of the first buses to take us to the majestic Machu Picchu, situated at an altitude of 2400m (7,874 ft). The early start serves a vital purpose – it grants us a wonderful advantage. Being among the first visitors at the entrance of Machu Picchu allows us to experience the ancient Inca City in its most tranquil and peaceful state. The effort to rise early is indeed rewarded as we are treated to a serene ambiance and ample time to capture breathtaking photos and witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the iconic Machu Picchu. Our experienced guide will ensure we are directed to the classic spots for those picture-perfect postcard shots, including a vantage point that offers a panoramic view of the entire complex.

The guided tour of Machu Picchu with our knowledgeable guide will unveil the history and significance of this awe-inspiring archaeological wonder. We'll learn about the intriguing stories behind the most important buildings and gain insights into the enigmatic Inca civilization. Walking through the ancient pathways, we'll feel a deep connection to the past as we unravel the mysteries of this remarkable site.

After the insightful exploration of Machu Picchu, we'll take a scenic bus ride back down to Aguas Calientes, where we'll indulge in a well-deserved lunch to satisfy our appetite. The journey doesn't end here, as we'll then board the train to return to Ollantaytambo. The train ride offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes, allowing us to reflect on the magical experiences we've had during our time in Peru.

Upon arriving at Ollantaytambo, our private transport will be ready and waiting to take us back to Cusco, where our journey began. This will conclude our exhilarating adventure through the Peruvian Andes and the awe-inspiring historical wonders that have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable expedition, we carry with us cherished memories, newfound knowledge, and a profound appreciation for the natural beauty and ancient heritage that make Peru a truly extraordinary destination. Until we meet again for our next adventure, this unforgettable experience will remain etched in our souls.