Inca Quarry Trail Trek 4 days

Not only it offers you the magnificent andean scenery that you may expect on any trek in the Cuzco region, but it also visits three lesser known archaeological sites on the way.

The likelihood of running into other travellers is very small, which adds to the remoteness and the experience of the hike.
This trek passes by two local communities which offer great opportunities to communicate with native people and grasp a better understanding of the harshness of living in the Andes.
It’s not a walk in the park! While anyone of reasonable fitness can complete this trek, it also offers that challenging element and sense of achievement that makes it all worth at the end.

OVERVIEW

GROUP SIZE: Small Groups from 2 – 8 people (could be 2, 4, 5…), a small group will make your experience different with a personalized attention from the whole team, where you can also enjoy the route according to its rate hike.

DAY 1: CUSCO – RAF´QA – SOQMA – Q´ORIMARCA
DAY 2: Q´ORIMARCA – INTI PUNKU – CHOQUETACARPO
DAY 3: CHOQUETACARPO – KACHIQATA QUARRY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Highlights

100% peruvian company and & direct local Tour Operator based in Cusco
OFF the beaten track designed trekking itineraries!!
Meeting people of remote Andean villages along the Trek.
Inflatable mattresses, 1 walking stick, small pillows and the transfer from the airport to your hotel are included for every trekker for free…. Most of our treks are a bit cold because of the high altitude, so we will provide you with a thick warm blanket to put over the sleeping bag, even we will give you some hot water bottles to put into your sleeping bag to sleep better.
Our tours and treks: We offer you the unique experience to pass by little known remote places. Our adventure hikes and tours are especially and carefully designed and you will find many of them ONLY on this site of course we trek OFF the beaten tracks, following the best routes to Machu Picchu
All our treks are only and strictly operated by SAM Travel Peru with our professional staff.
Our food: Our cooks will prepare the most delicious fresh food on the trek with a lot of vegetables and meat. Actually our food has been highlighted by our clients. Also vegetarian meals are available without any extra charge!!!
Hotel: We do include 2 stars hotel at Aguas Calientes like Hostal “Machu Picchu”, Hostal “ El Presidente” or Andean Terra. They all include private rooms, hot showers, private bathrooms, towels, soaps, breakfasts, wi-fi, and storage. Of course these hotels can be upgraded to another hotel like La Cabaña, El Mapi Inn, or Inkaterra.

What is included

Private transport Cusco-Rafqa, bilingual guide, cook, mule drivers, mules and support saddle horses, camping equipment (double-, dining-, kitchen- and toilet tents, mats, etc.), meals, 1 night’s hotel in Aguas Calientes, bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, entrance fees to the archeological sites and to Machu Picchu , train round trip Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.

What is not included

Sleeping bag, meals not mentioned in itinerary, extra services such as tips and entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes – Optional upgrades

SEASON: April to November
DURATION: 4 Days / 3 Nights
FITNESS LEVELactive (heights, long distances)
DEPARTURES: Daily (Check entrance permits to Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary)

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Rafq’a – Soqma – Q’orimarca

We leave Cusco early in the morning and drive for 2 hours to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas used to venerate the moon. A short drive from here takes us to Rafq’a, the starting point of our trek and the meeting point with the horsemen that will join us during the hike. After an 1hour walk, we reach the small community of Socma. A further 60min walk takes us to the Perolniyoc cascade. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack.
From here we continue on to our campsite at 3700 meters above sea level. All going well, we should reach our campsite by lunch time. In the afternoon we set off to explore the Q’orimarca archaeological site which used to serve as a check point during the times of the Incas.

Meals: Lunch/Tea Time/Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping Facilities
Maximum Altitude: 3700mts
Distance: 11km
Time: 6 hours approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Q’orimarca – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo

This is the most challenging but most rewarding day of the hike. A 3 hour walk leads us to the top of the first pass, known as Puccaqasa (approx 4370mts). After enjoying the great view of the valley below, we walk down for 30min to our lunch spot. Rested and full of energy again, we take on a 2 hour hike to the highest pass of the trek: Kuychicasa (4450mts). From here we head down for 2 hours to a site that the Incas called Inti Punku,(meaning Sun Gate) with imposing views over the valley below and the Veronica Mountain raising over the horizon. Our campsite is a stone throw away at Choquetacarpo (3600mts)

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/Tea Time/Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping Facilities
Maximum Altitude: 4457mts
Distance: 13km
Time: 7 hours approximately
Difficulty: Moderate / Difficult

Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Kachiqata quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today is all downhill hiking. The first stop is at the Kachiqata quarry where we witness the work the Incas could not complete due to the Spanish conquest. Approximately at midday we finally arrive to the town of Kachiqata, the end of this challenging and fascinating trek. From here we visit Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon we travel by train to Aguas Calientes where we overnight at a private hostel.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Accommodation: Hostel (private room and bathroom)
Maximum Altitude: 3700mts
Distance: 11km
Time: 6 hours approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We leave our hostel after a very early breakfast to take the bus for the journey up to Machu Picchu vestiges. Once inside the citadel, we are provided with a 3 hour guided tour with plenty of free time for further exploring, taking photos and eventually climbing Huayna Picchu or going up to the Sun Gate. Then we head back to Aguas Calientes and at 2:55 or 4.22pm, we take our return train to Ollantaytambo with a bus connection to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

Meal: Breakfast
Maximum Altitude: 2,440m/8,052ft
Difficulty: Easy

INCLUSIONS

What is included

Briefing departure at the office
Transportation from your hotel to Raf qa (beginning of the trek)
English speaking professional mountain guide with degree in Archaeology
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Admission ticket to Machu picchu archaeological complex
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
Hostel with private room and bathroom in Aguas Calientes
2 person Igloo tents (large and comfortable) and inflatable pad mattress.
Delicious meals during the 4 days as indicated in the itinerary
Cook and cooking equipment
Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules)
Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Boiled water to fill in your bottles

What is not included

Sleeping bag (minus 8 ºC) ($20 for the whole trek)
Lunch and Dinner on the 4th day
OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel or train: VISTADOME Train to Cusco instead of Expedition Train, Please add US$57
Tips for your crew: guide, cook, horseman (SAM Travel Peru staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip, tips are optional but of great appreciation for them)

What you should bring

Backpack
Sleeping bag (Minus 8ºC )
Sturdy hiking boots
Warm clothes and trekking pants, not jeans
Layers for variable temperatures especially at night
Flash light with extra batteries
Camera, extra film & batteries
Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses
Thermals: wool socks, gloves
Scarf and woolen hat for cold nights
Insect repellent
Rain poncho: a good rain jacket
Extra plastic bags especially in wet season
Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
Bathing clothes for the hot springs (optional)
Water bottle: water purifying tablets optional
Energy snacks such as chocolate bars, dried fruits
Personal medical kit with a simple whistle
Original passport and ISIC student card if applicable
Extra money for souvenirs drinks and tips
Trekking poles

PRICE

US$547 per person

PERSONAL PORTER INCLUDED

The prices INCLUDES the MACHU PICCHU entrance fee of 179 Peruvian Soles (S/.152 + S/.27 sales tax) which is about US$60, bus from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (US$12), round-trip tourist train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo Expedition Service (US$140), Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (US$15), Hotel at Aguas Calientes (US$57), portable camping TOILET and all local sales taxes (18%).

SAM Travel Peru does not have hidden charges in the trek prices

DISCOUNTS

Student Discount: US$25 (Requires “ISIC” Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$20
Under 10’s Discount: US$30

EXTRAS

Sleeping bag US$20
Walking poles US$15
OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel and Train… VISTADOME Train to Cusco instead of Expedition Train, Please add US$57 per person

Group Discount

If there are at least 4 people in your group, you will automatically get $30 per person group discount.

“All our treks are only and strictly operated by SAM Travel Peru with our professional staff”

IMPORTANT

“Please have a look at the following informations; it will help you clarify all your queries and questions about our services and the treks to Machu Picchu”

WELCOME TO CUSCO: You will be welcomed on your arrival at Cuzco airport, please ensure that you provide your full flight arrival details at least 14 days prior the trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with your name at the arrival terminal.

The rest of the day is at your leisure until 6pm when your SAM Travel Peru representative will meet you at the lobby of the hotel, who will give you all the information about your trek or tour.

DEPARTURE: Any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers

GROUP SIZE: Small Groups from 2 – 8 people (could be 2, 4, 5 .); a small group will make your experience different with a personalized attention of the whole team, you will also enjoy better the route according to its rate hike.

NOTE: Big groups can be organized by request.

TRAIN SCHEDULES: At the end of the Trek or Tour we will take the 2:55pm or 6:35pm train leaving from Aguas Calientes. It takes 2 hours until Ollantaytambo and then we will transfer you back to Cusco and your hotel. Train tickets depends on availability.

HOTEL: For treks that include an accommodation in Aguas Calientes, we stay at “Hostal Machu Picchu” or “El Presidente Hotel” which is a very nice place to rest after several days of walking! In comparison to other companies, we will not be staying in basic shared rooms or sharing showers. Our hotels depend on availability.

However, if you would like to have a better accommodation, just let us know the one of your preference and we will let you know how much the extra fee will be.

HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN: Please, if you are thinking of climbing Huayna Picchu mountain you must book it at the same time as your trek or tour to Machu Picchu. Only 400 people can hike Huayna Picchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour inMachu Picchu around 10 .00 am. The price is $25 per person… more information:

HORSES, COOK & ASSISTANT COOK: On this trek we provide horses and mules to carry the food, the camping equipment and your belongings up to 7 kilos.

NOTE: We included an emergency horse for the group, which can be ridden if you feel exhausted or if you are ill (only for alternative treks)

OUR GUIDES: They all speak english fluently and of course all of them speak Spanish and Quechua (the Inca Language). They are all able to communicate with natives from the area and of course they will have lots of history to share with you.

MEALS: The food provided by the porters and cook is nothing short of amazing. Trekkers can expect a breakfast of omelettes or pancakes, a ‘takeaway’ snack pack of fruit or chocolate to eat mid morning, a two course lunch of soup and meat with pasta or rice, afternoon tea on arrival at camp with biscuits and popcorn and a three course dinner. Breakfast and dinner are accompanied by hot drinks (tea, coffee, chocolate) and lunch usually by cordial (other drinks e.g. soft drinks or beer are at your own expense and can be priced on the trail). All food is prepared, served and cleared away by the cook and porters and the quality of the meals is quite something when you consider that all the ingredients and basic cooking equipment has been carried in. Trekkers will certainly not feel hungry and special dietary requirements can be catered for if specified in advance. You will be able to buy bottled water on day 1 and 2 of the trek at various points along the way, after this you will refill your empty bottles from boiled water provided by the porters. Boiled water will be provided during the trek whenever it is possible to make camp.

OUR EQUIPMENT: We provide 4 men tents for only 2 people and INFLATABLE MATTRESS for everyone. Our dining equipment includes a spacious dining tent, tables and chairs, plates and utensils.

Please note that if you are more than 1.95 meters / 6´4″ tall then you won´t be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own one.

CULTURE SHOCK RATING: The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English isn’t common and the food will be quite different to home. It’s important to observe some of the local customs in order not to cause any offense. Many of the locals’ standards of living may be confronting.

SPENDING MONEY: Every traveller is different and therefore money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

TIPPING: If you’re happy with the service, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations.

Of course you are free to tip more or less depending on your perception of the service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive an excellent service.

WEATHER: The wet season in this region is from December to March when heavy rains can cause disruptions to ground transport. SAM Travel Peru will monitor any situation that arises and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to natural weather occurrences.

TRANSPORT: Train, Minibus

EMERGENCY CONTACT:

Telephone: (+51) (84) 630690, Telefax: (+51) (84) 630690 Cell Phone:(+51) (84) 992 126 224 (in english and spanish)

Address in Cusco: Luis Vallejo Santoni (Manco Ccapac H-9), 3er Piso – Santiago – Cusco – Peru

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: (From 9:00am to 12:00pm) – ( From 15:00 – 20:00):

HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU: The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is 7kg/15p max. While you hike, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cuzco.

Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.

During the trek, you will need a back pack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sun cream, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litres capacity back pack is big enough.

- - Sleeping bags can be hired locally for approximately US$20.
  - Hiking poles can be hired locally for approximately US$15
  - Rain ponchos can be purchased in Cuzco for a couple of dollars.

FITNESS: The Inca Trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important but the Inca Trail is the kind of trek that anyone with a positive attitude and determination can do. Obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will admire the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do some extra walking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip.

Many people worry whether they will be able to cope physically but complete failure is rare and would usually only result from severe altitude sickness or from a person lacking even the basic level of fitness. People of all ages (from teenagers to pensioners) complete the trek and age itself is not a barrier if you have a positive mind and live an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, we recommend visiting your doctor who will be able to provide you with more information.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require you to be covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation for a minimum. We strongly recommend that your policy also includes personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the trip until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by our local representative.

If you have a credit card insurance, our local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving Perú.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? Yes, We are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we follow the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. To this end, we have trained all our local staff that knows, understands, feels and respects the place and the people.

ARE WE RESPONSIBLE?: Yes, We try to treat our hikers, our porters and all the local people from the villages with the upmost respect. We travel in small groups to give personalized tours to each traveller, we pay good salaries to our porters and follow the porters´ law. We provide all our porters with their hiking gear such as shoes, pants, jackets, t-shirts, hats, sleeping bags and most importantly, with health insurance.

STORAGE DURING THE TREK: During the trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (briefings are normally set for the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group, you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 7kg (14pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it in our office.

BOOKING: This trek is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people. Nevertheless you still need to book in advance especially for Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu.

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