Immerse yourself in a unique experience that combines luxury and comfort with the grandeur of Andean nature. The Inca Quarry Trail, also known as the Cachicata Trail, is a recently discovered route that is less frequented and rich in both history and natural beauty. It allows you to escape the bustle of conventional tourist paths. Specifically designed for nature lovers and those who appreciate exceptional hospitality, this journey is ideal for both solo travelers and groups seeking an authentic and meaningful experience in the Andes. Over the course of three days of trekking, you will have the opportunity to delve into the traditional life of rural communities in the Sacred Valley of the Incas—an awe-inspiring setting surrounded by majestic mountains and impressive Inca structures. This route offers a genuine perspective on local culture, allowing you to interact with communities that still preserve their ancestral traditions. The trail will take you through breathtaking landscapes, where you’ll encounter a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, crystal-clear waterfalls, ancient Inca constructions, and unique panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. This route is distinguished by its tranquility, being one of the least-traveled paths to Machu Picchu, ensuring a more intimate and immersive experience with nature. Throughout the journey, you will stay in our exclusive eco-camps, equipped with geodesic domes that offer both comfort and seclusion in the heart of nature. Each of these camps has been thoughtfully designed to maximize your connection with the environment, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views of the starry sky, as well as the surrounding mountains and landscapes. At the end of the trek, you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you can relax in a high-quality hotel—ideal for unwinding and enjoying the final moments of your adventure. The next day, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, Peru’s archaeological gem and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This journey has been carefully crafted to offer an immersive experience in the nature and culture of the Andes, combining the adventure of a high-altitude trek with the comfort and exclusivity of premium services. If you’re looking for a trip that goes beyond the ordinary and connects you deeply with the history and beauty of Peru, the Inca Quarry Trail is the perfect choice.
DAY 1: CUSCO – SOCMA – RAYAN
Pick-up Time: 6:00 AM
Your journey begins with a prompt hotel pick-up by our TREKDOME team. Sit back and enjoy a scenic two-hour drive through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, you’ll witness the beauty of the Andean highlands, dotted with traditional villages, terraced fields, and majestic peaks.
Breakfast at the Hotel:
Before departure, fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel — a perfect start to energize your body for the adventure ahead.
• Ñaupa Iglesia Inca Sanctuary (3,000 m / 9,800 ft)
Your first stop is the mysterious sanctuary of Ñaupa Iglesia, an ancient ceremonial site tucked into the mountains. This sacred space was an important spiritual center for the Incas, blending natural rock formations with masterful stonework. Here, your guide will introduce you to the Andean cosmovision and the cultural significance of this mystical site.
• Private Transfer to Socma (3,200 m / 10,500 ft)
After exploring Ñaupa Iglesia, we’ll drive 20 minutes to the tranquil village of Socma, the official starting point of your hike.
• Hike to Perolniyoc Waterfall
Begin your trek with a moderate one-hour hike to the spectacular Perolniyoc Waterfall. With a dramatic 120-meter drop surrounded by lush greenery, this natural wonder is a hidden gem of the Sacred Valley — ideal for photos, exploration, or simply taking in the refreshing mountain air.
• Ascent to Racaypata Archaeological Site
Continue your hike with a gradual 1.5-hour ascent to Racaypata, an impressive archaeological site perched in the highlands. Here, your expert guide will share insights into Inca engineering, daily life, and spiritual beliefs, all framed by panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
• Traditional Andean Lunch
After your morning adventure, enjoy a gourmet outdoor lunch prepared by our talented camp chef. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this meal offers an authentic taste of Sacred Valley cuisine — from ancestral grains to Andean herbs and vegetables.
• Relaxation at the Campsite
Upon reaching our exclusive campsite near Rayan, take time to unwind in a peaceful Andean setting. Whether you rest, journal, or simply admire the landscape, this tranquil pause allows you to reconnect with nature.
• Overnight in an Ecological Geodesic Dome
As the sun sets over the mountains, settle into your eco-friendly geodesic dome — a unique blend of comfort and sustainability. Designed for immersive connection with the environment, each dome offers privacy, cozy bedding, and wide views of the starlit Sacred Valley sky. It's the perfect way to end your first day on the trail.
DAY 2: RAYAN – PUCCACASA PASS – INCA QUARRY – ÑAWINPATA
A Challenging Yet Unforgettable Day: High Mountain Pass and Ancient Inca Engineering
Day 2 is the most demanding segment of the trek—but also the most spectacular. We’ll begin the day early with a warm cup of coca tea or freshly brewed coffee to energize us for the journey ahead. After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll begin our ascent to the Pukakasa Pass, located at an impressive 4,450 meters (14,599 feet) above sea level. The hike to the summit takes approximately 2.5 hours, offering a steady but rewarding challenge.
Upon reaching the pass, we’ll pause to rest and take in the breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Urubamba mountain range and the vast expanse of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. At this sacred spot, your guide will lead a traditional offering ceremony to the Apus—the mountain spirits revered in Andean cosmology—an intimate and spiritual moment that deepens your connection to the land.
We’ll then continue for about one more hour to reach our lunch spot, where a delicious and well-deserved meal will be served in a scenic setting. After lunch, the trail rewards us with even more stunning vistas before we begin our descent toward the Cachicata Inca Quarries—one of the highlights of the trek.
At this historically rich site, we’ll explore ancient tombs and unfinished structures, and marvel at the precise Inca stonework that still stands today. The quarries are a fascinating testament to Inca engineering, featuring massive ramps stretching over kilometers, once used to transport enormous stone blocks to Ollantaytambo, where temples to the Sun God were built.
The descent continues until we reach the campsite at Ñawinpata, a peaceful spot overlooking the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Verónica Glacier (5,893 m / 19,334 feet), glowing in the afternoon light.
As evening falls, we’ll unwind in the comfort of our eco-friendly geodesic domes, followed by a hearty dinner prepared by our camp chef. Surrounded by nature and the majesty of the Andes, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
DAY 3: ÑAWINPATA – SUN GATE – OLLANTAYTAMBO HOTEL
A captivating experience in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a land rich in history, agriculture, and culture. This fertile valley, renowned for its ancient Inca farming techniques, is dotted with vibrant cornfields and potato crops, a testament to the region’s agricultural legacy.
After enjoying a hearty and flavorful breakfast, we’ll begin our adventure with a scenic two-hour uphill hike. The trail winds through a tranquil valley teeming with native flora, including aromatic and medicinal plants that have been used in traditional Andean healing for centuries. As we ascend, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and spiritual energy of the Andes.
About an hour into the hike, we’ll arrive at the Cachicata Inca Quarry — a remarkable archaeological site that served as the main source of pink granite for the construction of the Sun Temple in Ollantaytambo. Here, you’ll learn about the sophisticated techniques the Inca used to carve and transport massive stone blocks, showcasing their advanced engineering and deep understanding of their environment.
After exploring the quarry and uncovering the secrets of Inca stonework, we’ll continue with a two-hour ascent toward the impressive Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This lesser-known viewpoint offers one of the most stunning panoramas in the region, with sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks, terraced valleys, and hidden Inca ruins that will leave you in awe.
We’ll take time to enjoy this unforgettable moment, then return to our campsite for a well-deserved and nourishing lunch. From there, we begin our descent toward the enchanting town of Ollantaytambo — often referred to as a “living Inca town” due to its original Inca urban planning, cobblestone streets, and ancient water channels that are still in use today.
Once in town, your guide will accompany you to your hotel, where you can rest, relax, and freshen up with a hot shower. In the evening, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. During the meal, your guide will provide an informative briefing on the Short Inca Trail, preparing you for the exciting journey ahead.
Hotel altitude
2000 m / 6,800 ft
Distance
12 km / 6.5 miles
Duration
6 hours
Meals
Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
Difficulty
Moderate
DAY 4: SHORT INCA TRAIL – CHACHABAMBA TO MACHU PICCHU
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take a short 10-minute walk to the train station, where we’ll board the 6:10 a.m. train to Aguas Calientes. The one-hour journey offers scenic views of the Sacred Valley as we make our way to Chachabamba (Kilometer 104) — the starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
Upon arrival, we’ll pass through the checkpoint, and our Incas Path team will provide you with nutritious and delicious snacks to fuel your hike. We’ll then begin our ascent along a stone-paved path surrounded by the Inca ruins of Chachabamba, vibrant orchids, and the lush cloud forest that lines the trail.
After approximately four hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, also known as “Little Machu Picchu.” Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour to learn about its history and spiritual importance in Inca culture.
Following the visit, it’s a short 5-minute walk to our lunch area, where you’ll enjoy a buffet meal. After a well-deserved 30-minute break to rest and digest, we’ll continue along a beautiful stretch of trail lined with medicinal and ornamental plants once used by the Incas.
About 1 hour and 30 minutes later, we’ll reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll be rewarded with your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Watching the sun begin to set over the citadel from this vantage point is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From there, we descend for around 40 minutes to the Machu Picchu checkpoint, where we’ll board a bus for the 30-minute ride to the town of Machu Picchu (also called Aguas Calientes).
Upon arrival, your guide will take you to your hotel so you can enjoy a refreshing shower and some rest. Later, you'll meet in the hotel lobby and head to a local restaurant for dinner. During the meal, your guide will go over the plan and details for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Today marks the most anticipated part of your adventure: the visit to the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your day begins early, with your guide meeting you at your hotel. Together, you'll take a short walk to the bus station to catch the first shuttle bus at 5:30 AM — perfect timing to witness the magical sunrise over the Andes as you ascend. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes, climbing a winding mountain road through cloud forest until you reach the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, you'll pass through the main checkpoint where your passport and entrance ticket will be verified. Once inside, your guide will lead you to one of the most iconic viewpoints — an ideal spot to capture panoramic photos of the citadel bathed in morning light.
You’ll then begin a guided walking tour following Circuit 3, one of the official visitor routes designed to showcase the site's most remarkable features. Over the course of 2 to 3 hours, your expert guide will bring the citadel to life, sharing insights into Inca engineering, culture, and spirituality as you visit:
After the immersive tour, you’ll descend to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, for a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. Later, your guide will accompany you to the train station for your journey back to Ollantaytambo, traveling through the scenic Sacred Valley.
At the Ollantaytambo station, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of around 7:30 PM — tired, inspired, and full of unforgettable memories.
Price per person