Ollantaytambo Quarries Trek 4 days /3 nights

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo

Early in the morning, our driver will take us to an ancient temple known as the Temple of Pachamama (Ñaupa Iglesia), a small ceremonial site where the Incas worshipped their deities. From here, you will head to a small community near the Qory Song'o hill (Golden Heart), where you will hike to the summit to enjoy breathtaking views of the Soqma, Perolniyoc, Pachar, and Huarocondo valleys.

Along the way, you will encounter sacred tombs, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your guide. Some original structures made of wood and leather remain intact, making this an exclusive experience for travelers. The trek continues to the Perolniyoc waterfall viewpoint, where we will stop for lunch before heading to the archaeological site of Q'orimarca, which once served as an Incan checkpoint. From here, we will continue to our campsite at 3,700 meters (12,139 ft) above sea level. The first day’s hike covers 7 km (4.3 miles).

Meals:

• Lunch

• Dinner

The Ollantaytambo Quarries Trail is accessible for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The trek spans 27 km (16.7 miles), with the highest point at 4,450 meters (14,599 ft). Horses will carry your equipment and camping gear. The first two nights will be spent camping, while the third night will be at a basic hotel. Double tents (for two people) and self-inflating sleeping pads will be provided. Porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.

Day 2: Q'orimarca Camp – Choque Tacarpo Camp

We will wake up early for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. A 3-hour hike will take us to the first mountain pass, Puccaqasa, at approximately 4,400 meters (14,435 ft). After taking in the breathtaking valley views, we will continue for a short hike before stopping for lunch.

Afterward, we will hike for 2 hours to Kuychicassa, the highest point of the trek at 4,450 meters (14,599 ft). From here, we will have a privileged view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and if we're lucky, we might even spot Andean condors. Next, we will descend to the sacred site known as Intipunku (Sun Gate), a place dedicated to the Huacay Willca mountain (Nevado Veronica), which was a highly sacred site for the Incas. From here, we will continue to our campsite in Choque Tacarpo at 3,600 meters (11,811 ft). This day’s hike covers 14 km (8.7 miles).

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

Day 3: Choque Tacarpo Camp - Ollantaytambo

We will wake up early for a mostly downhill trek. Our first stop will be the Cachiqata stone quarry, where you can see unfinished Incan stonework, including carved stones, Incan tombs, and stones that were in the process of being shaped. We will also visit an ancient Incan bridge.

After a short trek, we will arrive in Ollantaytambo and head to the train station for our journey to Machu Picchu. Before boarding the short train ride to Aguas Calientes, we will have some time to explore the town. We will spend the night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the following day.

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)

Early in the morning, we will take a bus to Machu Picchu according to our entry tickets. We will enjoy a guided tour of the main sites, including temples, palaces, and residential areas. Machu Picchu, a sacred site for the Incas, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Due to new regulations, Machu Picchu visits follow four predefined routes based on the reserved tickets. This will be an unforgettable day! After capturing endless photo opportunities, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. From here, we will board a panoramic train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.

Includes:

• Guided hikes

• Camping tent and inflatable sleeping pads

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu entry tickets

• Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

• Round-trip train tickets

• One-night hotel stay in Aguas Calientes

Not Included:

• Sleeping bag

• Trekking poles