Day 1:
Cusco – Rafqa – Socma – Perolniyoc – Rayanniyoc (L/D)

Inca Quarry trail Machu picchu perolniyoqWe leave Cusco early in the morning and drive approximately 30min 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 where we meet the horsemen that will join us during the hike. After an approx. 1hr walk we reach the small community of Socma. A further 60min walk takes to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout. 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. After lunch we set off to explore the Q’orimarca archaeological site, which used to serve as a religious place during the times of the Incas

Day 2:
Rayanniyoc – Inti Punku – Choquetacarpo (B/L/D)

Inca Quarry Trail Trek Machu PicchuThis is the most challenging but most rewarding day of the hike. A 3hr walk takes us to the top of the first pass, known as Puccaqasa (approx 4370 meters). After enjoying the views of the valley below we walk down for 30min to our lunch spot. Rested and full of energy again we take on a 2hr hike to the highest pass of the trek: Kuychicassa (4450 meters). From here we head down for 2hr to a site the Incas called Inti Punku, (meaning Sun Gate) with imposing views over the valley bellow and the Veronica mountain raising over the horizon. Our campsites is a stone throw away at Choquetacarpo (3600m)

Day 3:
Choquetacarpo – Cachicata Inca Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (B/L/D)

Inca Quarry trail Machu picchu Day three is all downhill hiking. The first stop is at the Cachiqata 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 meet with our fellow travelers who opted to take the “Train Option” of this trip. The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening. Tonight we overnight at a simple but comfortable hotel.

Day 4:
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco (B)

Today we take a very early bus (5:30am depending on weather conditions) along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approx. 30 minutes). In Machu Picchu we join the travelers who opted to hike the Classic Inca Trail option of this trip before taking on a guided walk of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon we travel back to Aguas Calientes by bus, before boarding a train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo we travel by minivan to Cuzco. Depending on train schedule, expect to arrive to Cuzco anytime.