About this experience
This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience Machu Picchu through the Inca Quarry Trek, a culturally immersive route that reveals how the Inca Empire built its legendary stone cities. Unlike standard trekking routes, this journey follows ancient quarry paths where massive stones were carved and transported, giving travelers a deeper understanding of Inca engineering and history.
What truly sets this experience apart is the close interaction with local Andean communities, allowing you to witness living traditions, daily life, and ancestral knowledge still preserved today. Combined with little-visited archaeological sites and a comfortable train journey to Machu Picchu, this tour delivers a perfect balance of culture, exploration, and convenience, ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful and authentic way to reach one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
At a glance
- Duration: 96 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 96 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
Local guides to help you plan
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Guide
Plan the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with practical guidance on permits, the Km 82 route, timing, published access rates, and booking decisions.
Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco
A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar
What is included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Inflatable mattress and portable travel toilet.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- One-way bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu).
- Breakfast
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
- All private transport and transfers during the tour
- Hygiene products (small towel and soap).
- Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
- Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
- Personal Belongings Transport
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- Private Camping Facilities and Equipment (tents, tables, chairs, cooking utensils).
- Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
- Walkie-talkies, satellite phone, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times.
- Pickup and return to your hotel in the historic center of Cusco as part of the itinerary.
- Tourist train round-trip ticket (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes).
- Backpack cover.
Not included
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
- Gear: Sleeping Bag and Trekking Poles
- Clothing and personal hiking equipment
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco. The pickup time is between 04:00 and 04:30 am (We confirm the exact time the day before)
Languages and tickets
- English — Audio
- English — Guide
- English — Written
- Spanish — Audio
- Spanish — Guide
- Spanish — Written
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Salkantay Trekking
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
- Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure spaces.
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
- Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
- Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
- Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
- Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
The pickup time is between 04:00 and 04:30 am (We confirm the exact time the day before)
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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