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Group Size:
2-10 People
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Destination:
MACHU PICCHU
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Departure :
Everyday
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Level :
Moderate
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Category :
TREK
Inca Quarry Trek (Cachichata Trek ) is a best option for escape the other crowded routes, interested in seeing Inca ruins as well as the natural beauty in of the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. you'll hike valleys, waterfalls, see Inca ruins, and camp in the great outdoors. You will get a chance to view the snow-capped mountains that are considered sacred to the locals. At the end of the trek, you will visit one of the most spectacular sites in the world the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The quarry of Cachicata was the place of extraction of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding areas. This place is 9 kilometers from the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and has three groups of quarries: Molle Pucro, Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest), shows evidence of having been in full operation when the Spaniards entered this area. And finally Kantirayoq or Cacchicata, where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced.
Useful Information
Starting Altitude – 3350 meters / 10990 feet .
Highest Altitude – 4500m / 14,764ft
Walking Distance – 25 km / 15.5 miles
- Meals - 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner, 2 tea times, 2 wake up te
Overall Difficulty – Moderate
STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The Community of Cachiccata consists of 80 families and a total of approximately 300 people.
The quarries of Cachiccata is one of the most important attractions, these quarries were widely exploited in the Inca period. From this mine they selected and transported the stones from the archaeological remains of Ollantaytambo. By means of own bearing and thrust techniques, the stones were transferred to this old center. On the way we can see giant semilabrated stones that were being transported. Near the quarries we can also visit some pre-Hispanic chullpas (ancient funerary tower).
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460
After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 1: CUSCO – PACHAR - SOQMA – CHARCAHUAYLLA
- DAY 2: CHARCAHUAYLLA – INTI PUNKU – CACHICATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
- DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Day 1: CUSCO – PACHAR - SOQMA – CHARCAHUAYLLA
We will come to pick you up at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco City, and we will drive along a road to the Pachar Valley close to Ollantaytambo. You will arrive at the starting point of your trek, Soqma village, after about 2 hours, where we will stop to have breakfast and meet our horseman. We will start our hike up a lush valley of scattered farmhouses and crop terraces. After 40 minutes of walking, we will see a tall waterfall where we can pause to refresh ourselves amidst the cool spray of the waterfall. After a picnic lunch, we will continue hiking for another hour and visit the little-known Inca ruin of Qorimarca, perched at mid-altitude on a shelf high above the SoQma valley. Qorimarca was probably built by the Incas to control the agricultural production of the surrounding valley. From here we will hike uphill for 3 hours until we reach our first campsite, in Charcahuaylla.
Day 2: CHARCAHUAYLLA – INTI PUNKU – CHOQUETACARPO – INCA QUARRY OF CACHICATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we will continue with our trek for 1.5 hours across the high plateau to reach the to Yana Orco, where we will have spectacular views of the valley. We will encounter a stunning view of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley as we reach the imposing gateway of Intipunku, an Inca temple thought to be dedicated to worshiping the snowcapped Verónica Mountain. Then, we will arrive to Choquetacarpo (3600m/11880ft) and continue the descent to the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3420m/11286ft). Here, you can see the work of the Incas as this was used by the Incas for the construction of Ollantaytambo. You will see several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site.We will have lunch facing a breathtaking mountain and valley panorama. We will continue our hike for 3 and a half hours downhill to Ollantaytambo, where you will have some time to rest and explore the historic town. In Ollantaytambo, we will catch the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will have a dinner at a restaurant in the town and discuss with your guide what time you wish to wake up in the morning. Your hostel in Aguas Calientes can be upgraded to a hotel if you prefer.
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we walk uphill to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. or take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Optional bus $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
- Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
- Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included
- Meals: Breakfast
- Tour: Two-hour tour with our guide in Machu Picchu
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES
Trek briefing with your guide. one night before the trek at your hotelProfessional trek guide - in different languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, and more) - Second tour guide for groups of 9 passengers to more.
Private Transport and professional driver (to the starting point of hike “at Soqma”)
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
All entrance tickets and permits for Cachicata Trek and Machu Picchu
Horses or mules and Indigenous horsemen to carry (camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food and fresh vegetables).
Train Ticket Service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Village (Expedition Tourist Train)
Train Ticket Service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calinetes Village (Expedition Tourist Train)
Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu (one way or return).
Machu Picchu guided tour (2 hrs) and extra time for you.
Personal items to carry 8 kg/17 lb. (so you just need to carry your day backpack with everything you will need during the day).
1 night camping
Spacious tents / Sleeping mat.
1 night in a Hostel in Aguas Calientes. based on sharing a room; either double, matrimonial or triple depending on availability. Hotel brand rooms all include private bathrooms with hot showers and Wi-Fi.
We provide a duffle for personal items.
One Cook
Excellent Meals (2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners)
Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all before rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request).
Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Boiled water provided from 2nd day (for drinking).
Wake up coca tea in your tent.
Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day
Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
Oxygen Tank & First aid kit
NOT INCLUDED
Breakfast on the first dayLunch and dinner on the last day
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (US$75)
Hot springs (US$7.00)
Sleeping bags
Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company
Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance.
Travel Insurance
Optional up – grades (train and hotel)
**Tips, for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)
What you need to take:
A backpackA beanie hat or ear warmer
Sun hat
Scarf
Gloves
A mid weight sweater
A longsleeve t-shirt
1 – 2 t-shirts
A lightweight suater or vest
A pair of long pants
Hiking shoes
An extra pair of shoe
2 – 3 pairs wool socks
A jacket
A small towel
Rain gear
1 – 2 pair shorts
Sunglasses
A small headlamp
Waterbottle
A toothbrust and other personal toiletries
Toilet paiper
Sun cream
Insect repelent
Camera and film
Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
Extra money for drinks.
Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
List of objects to take to the trek.
List of objects to take to the trek.
OUR PRICES:
Remember that!!! This walk is available everyday - We can depart any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date. Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days / 2 Nights prices are based on the number of people in a group.
Per person ( Eight, or more, trekkers)
“This trek to Machu Picchu is available everyday provided we have a minimum of 2 hikers”
Discounts:
- Student Discount: US$30.00 off per person, this discount only apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.Please send all to info@cuscodestination.com.
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
- Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy) Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)
Train Upgrades:
- Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
- Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Need to book in advance).
We rate this route as difficult and you’ll be walking along rough terrain. There are some difficult ascents and descents and you’ll be hiking many hours a day until you reach the site of resting place or camp.
You’ll be walking for about 6 or 7 hours approximately on an average day. If you want to get a good idea of how far you walk and for how many hours at a time, check out the our Choquequirao itinerary.
If you feel like you might need to ride a horse sometimes, you can rent an extra one during the briefing or when you book. Otherwise, you can also rent them at certain points along the route.
In the Cusco region there are 2 defined climatic seasons. The dry season tends to be from May to September, followed by a rainy season from October to April. It is possible to do the trek all year long, but we recommend avoiding January and February, as these are the wettest months.
The Inca Quarry route doesn’t tend to sell out in advance because not so many people hike it. However, we still recommend booking as far in advance.
If you leave it to the last minute, they may be fully booked on other routes and not have enough staff available to accommodate you on the Inca Quarry route.
Yes, But, we recommend that they be at least 10-years-old. The Choquequirao Trek is challenging in many parts and it would be too difficult for smaller children—you could end up carrying them a lot of the way. Or I could rent an extra horse for the child who will travel with us.
We like to keep our group sizes small so that you enjoy more quiet and get to spend as much time with your guide as you like to ask questions. You always enjoy front-row spots. The maximum number of people that will be in your group is 8 passengers.
Yes. when you’re traveling in another country, you like to keep in contact with friends and family. At the campsites we have wifi. However, but there is an extra charge of 10 soles for each device you connect.
Yes. At each campsite, you have the opportunity to charge your devices.
To avoid altitude sickness, give yourself time in Cuzco to acclimatize to the change in altitude. Two days minimum is recommended!!! Try to avoid alcohol before and during your trek, and make sure you eat lightly and drink plenty of water. Make sure to stay hydrated during the Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 Nights, don’t force yourself to walk faster than your body wants to, and take frequent breaks. Drinking coca leaf tea helps a lot, and you may wish to speak with your doctor about Diamox pills.
You can join us if you’re traveling by yourself but it must be on a day when we already have a tour planned. With the costs involved, we can’t start a new group with just one person. As long as two people are already signed up for a specific date, you can join their group.
We recommend to make your reservation in advance and we will guarantee your Spaces for this hike. Each reservation needs 50% of deposit as first payment. The final balance(50%) will be paid in Cusco(Briefing Day). About Payment you must choose where would you like to make the deposit: Payment system online:
- Paypal
- Western Union
- Peruvian Banking Account
We use the money from your deposit to make several important purchases, including the entrance fee to Inca Quarry Route, the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, bus tickets, and train tickets. In addition, making a deposit assures us that you will be coming on the trek, and are unlikely to cancel at the last minute. This helps us with knowing how much food to buy, how many of our guides to use for the trek, etc. The deposit is non-refundable once we receive it, because we will immediately use it to purchase the tickets mentioned above.
First, we will send you an email to confirm your payment. Then we will contact you to offer you different hotel or hostel options in Cuzco, as well as inform you of other tours you might be interested in.
Two weeks before your tour date, we will contact you by email to request the final payment. We will also ask you where you will be staying in Cuzco, to be able to pick you up on the day of your hike.
After we receive the final payment, we will send you an email confirming your tour date and informing you of important contact information for our tour agency, as well as some final tips to prepare for the trek.
Once we have purchased your tickets, with your security deposit, you can only change your start date if you pay an additional amount. This amount is usually around $150 USD. The reason for this is the tickets we purchase are non-refundable and non-transferable, so we are not allowed to simply change your tour date.
The high altitude means that it can be so cold, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year, so we recommend wearing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can buy hats, gloves, hand knitted, warm, economical and locally manufactured in Cuzco.
We recommend 400 soles or 110 USD dollars. This is because sometimes you can need money for water, snacks, extra drinks, any kind of emergency.
Having a good guide is an essential part of having a good trek. Because of this, CUSCO DESTINATION hires and works with some of the best guides in the business. Our guides are knowledgable in the areas of history, archaeology, ecology, and are natives of the Cuzco area.
Sleeping bags are not included, so we recommend carrying a compact three-season sleeping bag. If you travel between May and October, a 4-station sleeping bag is recommended. These can be rented with us. For approximately $ 20 for the duration of the walk. Foam mats are provided, however, some travelers also bring their own self-inflating mat (ie, a Thermarest).
Our Cook prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a walk of this nature. The menu generally includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other foods for breakfast. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
Tipping is at your discretion, but is always appreciated. If you enjoyed the service you enjoyed from your guides and support staff
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L., you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the route. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
| 91 days or more before departure | we will retain 50% of your deposit. |
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| 90 – 30 days before departure | we will retain 75% of the total tour cost. |
| 29 – 0 days before departure | we will retain 100% of the total tour cost. |
INCA QUARRY TREK:
Permits: Permits for the trek are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Inca Quarry trek to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L. may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
Thank you so much for choosing
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L.!!!
Cusco Destination Travel Agency E.I.R.L.!!!
