Cachicata Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu – 4 Days Journey Through Time & Nature

Your unforgettable journey begins at 7:00 am as the TreXperience team picks you up from your hotel for a scenic 2-hour drive through the enchanting Sacred Valley, heading towards the tranquil Racca community. (Don’t forget to enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel!) Your adventure starts with a visit to the sacred and enigmatic Inca shrine of Ñaupa Iglesia (2,967 m / 9,734 ft), a mystical site that whispers the secrets of the ancient civilization. Standing amidst its sacred stones, you’ll feel the energy and wonder that make this one of the region’s most mysterious locations.

The trek continues with a 2-hour scenic hike to the charming community of Socma (3,188 m / 10,459 ft), where you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch prepared by your personal trekking chef, using only the freshest local ingredients. This is not just a meal—it’s a cultural experience, offering a taste of Peru’s rich culinary heritage.

After lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the village, connect with its warm-hearted inhabitants, and learn about their humble way of life, deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions.

The day’s adventure doesn’t stop there! The second part of the trek takes you on a 2 to 3-hour uphill journey to the majestic Perolniyoc Waterfall, a hidden gem that plunges an impressive 328 feet into the rugged rocks below. Surrounded by lush greenery, with panoramic views of the Socma Valley, the expansive Maras Plateau, and the towering snow-capped peaks, this is a moment where nature’s grandeur truly unfolds before you. As the sun sets, we set up camp near the fascinating archaeological site in Korimarca village (3,611 m / 11,847 ft), where you’ll drift off to sleep under a star-filled sky, ready for the next day’s adventure.

• Campsite Altitude: 3,611 m / 11,847 ft
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Duration: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the warmth of a hot cup of coffee or coca tea, ready for the most challenging yet rewarding day of your TreXperience adventure. After a hearty breakfast, prepare for a 4-hour uphill trek to the summit of Charkahuaylla Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft). As you ascend, feel the excitement build with every step, knowing that at the top, you'll be greeted by jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped Urubamba mountain range and the mystical Sacred Valley of the Incas. Take a well-deserved break at the summit and absorb the beauty surrounding you. Here, your guide will lead a traditional offering ceremony to the Apus—the revered mountain spirits—a moment of spiritual connection and reflection in this sacred landscape.

The trek continues as you descend towards the serene Marcacocha Lake (4,000 m / 13,100 ft), where you’ll enjoy a much-needed lunch by the water’s edge, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. The adventure doesn’t stop there, as the next part of the journey takes you on a 2-hour hike to the summit of Apu Buena Negra (4,370 m / 14,300 ft), the second and last mountain of the day. Reaching the top, you’ll be treated to one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region—an experience that makes every step worth it.

From here, descend for two more hours to the Intipunku (Sun Gate), a striking doorway offering an unforgettable view of the majestic Veronica Mountain (5,893 m / 19,334 ft). As you take in the grandeur of this sacred peak, you’ll feel a deep sense of accomplishment. Just a few minutes further lies your campsite at Choquetacarpo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where you’ll rest, reflect, and recharge for the next day’s adventures.

• Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Highest Altitude: 4,450 m / 14,599 ft
• Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
• Duration: 8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Begin your day at Choquetacarpo campsite with a breathtaking sunrise over the Andes and a steaming cup of coffee to fuel the adventure ahead. After a hearty breakfast, set off on a 3-hour hike to the remarkable Cachiccata Quarry, the largest quarry of the Inca Empire. As you explore this awe-inspiring site, your expert guide will unravel the mysteries behind the advanced stone-cutting techniques used by the ancient Inca stonemasons—who transported and carved these colossal stones without modern tools. You’ll be captivated by the history of this quarry, a site abandoned during the Spanish invasion but still standing as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Inca civilization.

Following the original Inca route once used to transport stones to Ollantaytambo, you’ll stop for the last picnic lunch at Cachicata Village. After lunch, a private bus will transport you to the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have time to wander the ancient streets and admire the intricate water channels still in use today. As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious dinner before boarding the 7:00 pm train to Aguas Calientes, where your comfortable hotel awaits for a restful night before the grand finale at Machu Picchu.

• Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
• Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.5 miles
• Duration: 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Difficulty: Easy

Rise with the excitement of knowing today is the highlight of your journey! After an early breakfast at your hotel, we’ll catch the first bus to Machu Picchu, arriving just as the morning light casts its magic over the ancient citadel. As you step through the gates, prepare to be awestruck by the majestic temples, palaces, and stone streets of this legendary city—an iconic symbol of Inca civilization.

Your expert guide will bring the history of Machu Picchu to life during a 2-3 hour guided tour, unveiling the secrets and stories behind its awe-inspiring structures. You’ll explore the sacred temples, royal residences, and ceremonial plazas, all while surrounded by panoramic views of the lush Andean mountains.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to soak in the beauty of Machu Picchu at your own pace. For those seeking an extra adventure, you can opt to climb the towering Huayna Picchu or the scenic Machu Picchu Mountain (advance tickets required), offering even more spectacular vistas of the ancient city and the surrounding peaks.

Once you’ve fully immersed yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch (not included). In the afternoon, board the luxurious Vistadome Panoramic train for a scenic journey back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco. You’ll arrive at your hotel around 7:30 pm, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your incredible adventure.

• Duration of Guided Tour: 3-4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy