The Inca Quarry Trail: Exploring the archeological ruins of the Inca civilization leading to Machu Picchu

The Inca Quarry Trail explores the natural beauty and history within the Peruvian Andes as it leads to the Lost Citadel, Machu Picchu. It is a trek best suited for hikers who are fairly active and have an interest in discovering the archaeological sites that lay in the Sacred Valley. Leading trekkers through Choquequilla, Socma, K’orimara, Inti Punku, Choqetacarpo, Kachiqata Quarry, and Ollantaytambo the Inca Quarry trail showcases some of the best Inca ruins. Along the route to Machu Picchu hikers are also able to explore the Sacred Valley while crossing mountains and visiting Quechua villages. The trail covers 26 km through the 4 day and 3-night hike and reaches the height of 4,450 m above sea level which offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains. The Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu is best suited for hikers who are interested in exploring the natural beauty and history within the Peruvian Andes.

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When preparing for the Inca Quarry Trail, it is important to plan to go during the dry season and bring clothing for fluctuating temperatures. The dry season in Peru runs from May to September, the days are warm and the nights are cool, however when camping in the Peruvian Andes expect for the nights to become very cold. The temperature shifts can be dramatic and for this reason when packing bring clothing that can easily be layered or removed. Bring thermals for the evening and light weight exercise clothing for hiking during the day, bring a wind and waterproof jacket, proper walking shoes, and essential toiletries. 

Prior to departing on the Inca Quarry Trail, it is recommended to acclimatise to the altitude in the city Cusco. Most people feel the effects of altitudes over 2000m above sea level and the highest point that will be reached on this trek is 4,450m. Other popular ways to combat altitude sickness on the hike is drinking plenty of water, cocoa tea and chewing on cocoa leaves to provide relief. 

Beginning in Cusco, hikers will set out on the 4 day Inca Quarry Trail leading through ruins and the Peruvian Andes to reach the Lost Citadel. Prior to beginning the trek, a popular option is to visit a small ceremonial ruin called Choquequilla or Ñaupa Iglesia, this is a mystical site dedicated to Mother Earth where Incas worshipped the moon and the sun. After exploring the ruins, the Inca Quarry Trail begins by passing through the remote Quechua community of Socma on the way to the ruins of Q’orimarca. Socma is known for its sunning lookout over the Perdniyoc waterfalls where water cascades over 50 meters down rocks into the river below. After the waterfalls, the trail continues to Q’orimarca, an incredible archeological site that was used as a checkpoint for travelers and pilgrims on their journey to Machu Picchu during the Inca Empire. Here, visitors can explore the ruins of storerooms while seeing panoramic views of the Urubamba mountain range. After a full day of exploring, hikers will descend to a lush valley to set up camp for the night.

The following morning trekkers will make their way through the and Kuychicass pass to see the archeological sites of Inti Punku and Choqetacarpo. This is the most challenging day of the route, trekkers will first climb to the Puccagasa pass that sits at 4,370m before reaching the highest point on the trek of 4,450m at the Kuychicassa pass. After this the route descends while looking out towards Veronica mountain, to the Inca ruins of Inti Punku, which means Sun Gate and was built in honor of the god of sun ‘Inti’. After exploring the ruins, hikers will continue the incline to reach Choquetacarpo which are the remains of residences, which experts believe could have been used by stonemasons who worked in the Inca quarry. 

The third day of the hike on the Inca Quarry Trail leads hikers to explore the ancient quarry before finishing the trail in the historic town of Ollantaytambo. The remains from the Inca civilization of the Kachiqata quarry allows visitors to learn about ancient excavating techniques while exploring the quarries and natural rock falls. The quarries were used to excavate blocks of rocks to build the ancient town of Ollantaytambo. While walking through the cobblestoned lanes in Ollantaytambo, explore the historical town that was used as an Inca fortress before taking a train to Aguas Calientes to prepare for the final day of the hike at Machu Picchu. 

On the final day of the hike, trekkers will awake early from their hotel in Aguas Calientes to reach the stunning Inca ruin of Machu Picchu. In the Lost Citadel hikers will be able to explore the well-preserved remains of the Inca empire, before returning back to Cusco to complete the route of the Inca Quarry Trail.