The Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu is an incredible adventure that combines breathtaking mountain scenery, Inca culture, and unique experiences in the Andes. This moderate-to-challenging trek guides you through valleys, snow-capped peaks, and the famous Sun Gate (IntiPunku), offering unforgettable views of the night sky and the Milky Way from your campsite.
Along the trail, you will explore the ancient Inca Quarry, where stones were extracted to build Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive Inca towns still inhabited today. You will also visit ceremonial sites, including Inca doorways and hidden mummies that locals continue to honor with offerings.
The trek provides stunning panoramas of the grand Veronica Snow Peak (19,226 ft / 5,860 m) and offers cultural immersion in Ollantaytambo, known as “The Last Inca Living City.” This route is recommended for travelers seeking both adventure and history, and it has been highlighted by National Geographic Magazine as one of the must-do hikes on the way to Machu Picchu.
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Rayan
Day 2: Rayan – KuychiKasa Pass – Yanakaka – IntiPunku (Sun Gate) – Choquetacarpo
Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Inca Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Trek Details:
“Small and Private Groups”
Inquire now to secure your permit for this once-in-a-lifetime journey!
We will pick you up from your hotel around 6:00 AM in a clean and comfortable van. The drive to Soqma, located in the heart of the Andes Mountains, takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival, you will meet our experienced team: your Mountain Guide, the Chef and Assistant Cook, and the Muleteers who take care of all the trekking equipment.
From Soqma, the hike begins towards the waterfalls. This section takes approximately 2 hours, with gentle inclines and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, we continue for 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the Perolniyoc Inca site, perched on a mountain shoulder. Here, you will explore the ruins surrounded by rugged mountains, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
After visiting Perolniyoc, we hike for another 45 minutes to reach our campsite at Rayan (3,700 meters / 12,139 ft). Enjoy a hearty lunch and some free time to acclimate to the altitude. You can take short walks around the campsite to explore the area. At night, look up and marvel at the Milky Way of the Incas, a stunning display of stars, constellations, and the clear Andean sky.
We start the day early with coffee and a healthy breakfast at the campsite. Then we head off to Kuychikasa Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft), the highest point on this trek. The hike takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, with gentle inclines and small resting platforms along the way. Your Mountain Guide will organize mini-breaks so you can fully enjoy the breathtaking Andes scenery.
Above the tree line, you will enter the Puna region, home to ichu grass and wildlife such as Condors, Eagles, and of course the Grand Veronica Snow-Capped Mountain (19,226 ft / 5,860 m). From Kuychikasa Pass, also known as “Rainbow Pass” in Quechua, you will have stunning panoramic views. Our lunch spot is just 25 minutes downhill from the pass, offering a perfect place to rest and refuel.
After lunch, we continue along an undulating trail to Yanakaka, where dramatic mountain ranges unfold before you. In the distance, you can spot IntiPunku (Sun Gate) perched atop a steep ridge, overlooking the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo. The descent from Yanakaka takes about 2 hours, leading to the Inca channel and the Sun Gate, with Veronica Snow Peak towering above.
We aim to reach the Sun Gate during the golden hour, creating ideal conditions for photography. This moment is perfect for capturing stunning shots for your social media or personal memories. From here, the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo are visible in all their glory. Finally, we hike 30 minutes downhill to our campsite at Choquetacarpo, where you can relax and enjoy dinner in a truly incredible setting.
After a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore the Inca Quarry and the nearby ceremonial site, where the Mummies are still honored today (3,525 m / 11,562 ft). From this location, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, making it a perfect spot for photography and cultural immersion.
After exploring the historic quarry, we descend into the valley (2,840 m / 9,315 ft) to catch a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town. The landscapes change dramatically along the way, offering a glimpse of lush mountains, rivers, and the surrounding Andean scenery.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll enjoy dinner at a reputable local restaurant and spend the night in a cozy, clean hotel, preparing for the unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
Today is the highlight of your journey: a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu, an Inca city high in the clouds, built with granite stones that shine like white marble.
You will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour with your expert Mountain Guide, learning about the history, architecture, and culture of this incredible site.
If you choose, you can take an optional extra hike to either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.
After the visit, you’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a coffee, lunch, or a Pisco Sour while waiting for your scenic train ride back to Poroy or Ollantaytambo.
Once you arrive in Cusco, we’ll pick you up at the train station and drop you off at your hotel, completing your unforgettable Inca Quarry Trail adventure.
Guides & Team
Transportation
Accommodation & Equipment
Meals
Tickets & Fees
For a safe and enjoyable trek, packing the right gear is essential. Here’s a detailed list of items you should bring for your multi-day adventure:
Packing carefully ensures a comfortable, safe, and memorable trek. Remember that weather can vary significantly along the route, from warm sunny valleys to cold high mountain passes, so being prepared for all conditions is essential.
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
Group Service (minimum 2 people)
Private Service (minimum 2 people)
Group vs. Private Treks: What’s the Difference?
Student Price
The student discount is available for all students worldwide, as long as they meet the official requirements established by the Peruvian government. This discount applies only to the purchase of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
General Requirements for International Students
Student’s full name
Student’s photo
University name
Requirements for Peruvian Students
How to Request the Student Price
To receive the discount, you must send at the time of booking:
⚠️Important: If you send your student card after booking, you will not be eligible for the discount.
Why Our Prices Are Fair and Worth It
Our prices reflect the quality of the experience and the respect for our local team. By choosing us, your payment ensures fair wages for our Tour Guides, cook, porters, drivers and office staff, supporting sustainable and professional tourism. This way, you enjoy an unforgettable tour while helping tourism truly benefit the people who make it possible.
The Inca Quarry Trail offers a refreshing alternative to the crowded Classic Inca Trail. This route leads you through remote Andean mountains, hidden valleys, and breathtaking snow-capped peaks, providing a more serene trekking experience.
Along the way, hikers visit ancient quarries where the Incas extracted stones for Ollantaytambo and other historic sites. You’ll also discover ceremonial locations, sacred doorways, and rarely visited ruins, offering an authentic glimpse into Inca culture away from the main tourist paths.
The trail crosses high mountain passes, rolling hills, and lush cloud forests, giving opportunities to see local wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and soaring Andean condors. This journey combines adventure trekking with historical exploration—perfect for travelers who appreciate both nature and cultural heritage.
Arriving at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is one of the most scenic approaches to the ancient city. Hikers are greeted with panoramic views of the ruins, framed by towering mountains and lush valleys.
This entrance is ideal for witnessing the sunrise as it casts golden light over the citadel, making it a photographer’s dream. The Sun Gate was the original route used by the Incas, giving hikers a deeper sense of historical discovery.
The trail itself is moderate, with well-marked paths and chances to spot wildlife like llamas and condors. Entering Machu Picchu this way offers a more exclusive and immersive experience compared to the main entrance.
The Inca Quarry Trail & Sun Gate offers a moderate to challenging hiking experience, ideal for travelers with a good fitness level. Along the way, hikers will navigate mountain trails, gentle ascents, and occasional steep sections, reaching elevations of up to 4,450 m (14,599 ft).
This trek perfectly blends cultural exploration with breathtaking natural landscapes. You’ll pass through ancient Inca ruins, lush valleys, and high mountain scenery, with plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the views. Short breaks and guided pacing help you adjust to the altitude while enjoying the surrounding beauty.
Previous trekking experience is helpful, but even enthusiastic beginners can complete the trail if they move at a comfortable pace. The effort is richly rewarded with one of the most memorable perspectives of Machu Picchu, seen from the iconic Sun Gate.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book early for the Inca Quarry Trail and Sun Gate trek. Although this route is less crowded than the Classic Inca Trail, spots for guided treks, train tickets, and accommodations in Machu Picchu town can fill up quickly, especially during the high season (May to September).
Booking in advance ensures you secure your preferred dates, a knowledgeable guide, and comfortable lodging, while avoiding last-minute stress. Planning ahead also allows time to prepare physically and mentally for the moderate to challenging trek.
No prior trekking experience is required, though a moderate level of fitness is helpful. The trail features gentle climbs, uneven terrain, and some steep stretches, suitable for travelers with basic stamina.
Hikers benefit from expert guides, breaks for rest and acclimatization, and the opportunity to enjoy cultural and natural highlights along the way. With proper gear and preparation, the Inca Quarry Trail provides a safe and rewarding journey.
The Inca Quarry Trail & Sun Gate offers a unique and authentic trekking experience compared to the more popular routes. Hikers enjoy fewer crowds, allowing for a peaceful journey through the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley.
Along the trail, you will explore ancient Inca quarries, ceremonial sites, and the remarkable Sun Gate viewpoint, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
This route is perfect for travelers who want to combine cultural exploration with adventure, see diverse landscapes, and experience the natural beauty of Peru’s highlands in a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path setting.
Choosing this trek gives you flexibility, personalized attention, and the opportunity to capture unforgettable photos without the typical crowds of the classic Inca Trail.
The best time to hike the Sun Gate trek is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, you’ll enjoy clear skies, stunning mountain views, and less rain, which makes the trek safer and more comfortable.
The shoulder seasons (April and October) can also be a good option, offering fewer crowds while still maintaining relatively dry conditions. The wet season (November to March) is less recommended, as trails may be slippery, and heavy rain can affect visibility of the spectacular landscapes and Machu Picchu itself.
Planning your trek during the dry season ensures better photography opportunities, easier hiking conditions, and a more enjoyable overall experience.
The Inca Quarry Trekexperiences varied weather conditions due to the changing altitudes along the route. Hikers can expect:
Visitors should layer clothing, bring rain protection, and be prepared for rapid weather changes common in the Andes Mountains.
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