Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu is an off the beaten track trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This four days alternative trek gives you an orientation to the life of Incas. It takes you through the less trodden path of Incas through their stone quarry.
During the rule of Pachacutec, Cusco saw a rapid development. He built many notable sites like Machu Picchu, Choquequirao and Inkilltambo. Ollantaytambo, the administrative capital of Incas, houses some of the impressive stone work of Incas.
Most of these stones were brought from their largest stone quarry in Cachicata. On this four days Cachicata trek to Machu Picchu, you will be retracing the footsteps of Incas through the very same path through which they transported these stones.
On your trip to Cachicata you will see the remains of fine pink marble stones scattered in a dismay. This is a testament to the massive unfinished construction project in Ollantaytambo.
You will also be visiting the iconic sun gate or Inti Punku that nestles right above the quarry and offers stunning views of the Urubamba mountain range. Cachicata trek also takes you to the remains of the residents of architects and people who once worked in the quarry.
The trek is dotted with many Inca ruins, one of the unmissable ones is the Inca Canal. Here you will witness the advancement of Inca engineering.
Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu is a high altitude trek with the highest point at 4500 metres above sea level. We highly recommend you to spend at least three days and acclimate in Cusco before the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
3 Hours Before Flight Time
We will be leaving from Cusco quite early in the morning to go to Socma. It is a small Andean village that is a part of the Sacred Valley of Incas. The four days Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu begins here.
The first day of the trek is mostly up the hill. We will be hiking through the picturesque Andean farms and villages and along waterfalls.
It offers a distinct beauty at every turn. One of the most iconic sites of the trek is Perolniyoc. It is a beautiful community.
There is a beautiful waterfall here and views are out-worldly. You can spend the evening by taking a refreshing bath under the natural waters of Perolniyoc falls. We will be camping here for the night.
We will begin the day with a nutritious breakfast. Then we will hike up to the first and the highest pass of the Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu, Chancachuco Pass at 4400 metres above sea level.
The pass offers a breathtaking view of the highest and the sacred Andean peak – Ausangate,On our way, we will also be passing through many Andean farms where you will be able to spot the Andean camelids – Alpacas and Llamas.
From the pass, we will be descending to the community of Qeuñacacha where we will be camping.
You will be waking up to a beautiful view. After breakfast, we will hike down the hill to the Inca Canal. It originates from Marcocha Lake. We will be hiking to Intiwatana.
It is located at the edge of a high plateau. This is a sacred Incan site right in front of Veronica mountain. Here we will be visiting the Sun Gate.
We will then be hiking to the remains of the residence of architects who worked at the quarry. Here we will be stopping for lunch. After lunch, we will be hiking down the hill visiting different sectors of the Cachicata stone quarry.
Our local expert will be giving you a guided tour of the complex. We will then be descending further to Cachicata village, where we will be camping for the night.
At day break, we will be taking the first train to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo. Train station. The train ride offers beautiful views of the Urubamba river snaking through the villages. Once in Aguas Calientes, we will be taking a bus to Machu Picchu citadel.
Our local expert will be giving you a detailed two hours hour of the citadel. You will be visiting the main plaza, the ceremonial centre, agricultural terraces and other prominent sites in the complex.
After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. If you have booked to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will direct you to the respective entrance.
Once you have had your fill of the emblematic Inca citadel, we will be returning to Aguas Calientes where you will be boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will meet you on arrival and will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
