Cachicata Trek – 4 Days
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CACHICATA TREK
4-DAYS/3-NIGHTS
Known as the Inca Trail of the Cachicata Quarry, the Cachicata Trail is a lesser-known trek that offers a captivating alternative to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Compared to the popular Inca Trail, the Cachicata Trail offers a more secluded and tranquil trekking experience. You’ll encounter fewer tourists along the way, allowing for a deeper connection with nature and a sense of adventure. This hike takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, showcasing the natural beauty of the region, as well as Inca archaeological sites, such as the Ollantaytambo stone quarry. This route allows you to interact with local communities and experience their way of life, learning about their customs and traditions and gaining insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Andean people and the Incan culture. It is considered a moderate to challenging trek, with some steep ascents and descents, so it is important to be prepared physically and mentally, as the trail includes uneven paths and high-altitude sections. You’ll end your adventure spending an unforgettable day exploring Machu Picchu, one of the most enigmatic and spiritual places on the planet.
- Duration:
- Difficulty:
- Destination:
- Distance:
- Accommodations:
- 4 Days/3 Nights
- Moderate to Challenging
- Machu Picchu
- 42 kilometers/26 miles
- Camping/Hotel
Trip Details
ITINERARY
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
PRICE
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Racca – Socma – Korimarca
- 06:30 AM: Pick-up from hotel, 2-hour drive to Socma (3,188 meters/10,459 feet).
- Meet: Support staff, muleteers, and horses.
- Hike: 12 km / 7.5 miles uphill to Perolniyoc waterfall, views of Socma Valley, Maras plateau, and snow-capped mountains.
- Lunch: In Socma.
- Continue Hike: To campsite near Korimarca archaeological site.
- Meals: Lunch/Dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Camping
- Camp Altitude: 3,611 meters / 11,847 feet
Day 2: Korimarca – Intipunku – Choquetacarpo
- Early Morning: Coffee/coca tea and breakfast.
- Hike: 15 km / 9.3 miles, 4-hour uphill to Charkahuaylla pass (4,450 meters / 14,599 feet), rest, and enjoy views.
- Continue: To Marcacocha Lake (4,000 meters / 13,100 feet) for lunch, then 2-hour hike to Apu Buena Negra (4,370 meters / 14,300 feet), and descent to Intipunku.
- Campsite: Choquetacarpo.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Difficulty: Demanding/Challenging
- Accommodation: Camping
- Camp Altitude: 3,600 meters / 11,811 feet
Day 3: Choquetacarpo – Cachicata Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Morning: Coffee and breakfast, 3-hour hike to Cachiccata Quarry.
- Explore: The largest quarry of the Inca Empire, follow Inca route to Ollantaytambo.
- Lunch: Pachamanca in Cachiccata.
- Explore: Ollantaytambo town and its ancient streets and canals.
- Travel: Train to Aguas Calientes, stay in selected hotel.
- Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Camp Altitude: 2,040 meters / 6,692 feet
Day 4: Discover Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
- Early Morning: Breakfast at hotel, bus to Machu Picchu (2,400 meters / 7,752 feet).
- Tour: Guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore at leisure.
- Optional: Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required).
- Return: To Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), train to Ollantaytambo, private transport to Cusco, drop-off at hotel.
INCLUDED
- Private roundtrip transportation Cusco-Pumahuanca
- Professional bilingual English/Spanish guide
- Assistant guide for groups of 6+ people
- Entrance fee to Lares trek and Machu Picchu
- Private professional chef
- Horses for cooking/camping equipment and to carry 10 kg of your personal belongings
- Horsemen
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of Day 1)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners Vegetarian meals available upon request in advance
- Dining tent, tables, chairs
- 4-man tent for every 2 people
- Inflatable air mattress and pillow
- Oxygen tank
- First aid kit
NOT INCLUDED
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Lunch on Day 4
- Entrance fee for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional additional hikes)
- Gratuities for drivers, porters, and cook
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
- Passport
- Student card for discount (if you let us know in advance when booking)
- Sleeping bags (available for rent)
- Walking sticks (available for rent)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Hat
- Gloves
- Long sleeve T-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 35 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Camera
- Headlamp
PRICE
Price per person:
- 2 people 935 USD per person
- 3 people 885 USD per person
- 4 people 840 USD per person
- 5 people 805 USD per person
- 6 or more people 775 USD per person