Quarry Trail tours & trekking trips
The offbeat alternative to the Inca Trail
Everyone knows the Inca Trail – but on the Quarry Trail, you'll have the Andes almost all to yourself. Following an ancient Inca route once used to haul massive granite blocks, you'll climb lofty peaks, hike through remote communities and camp on wide-open mountain ridges that plunge into the valleys below – all alongside our legendary trekking crew who'll keep you safe and (very) well fed. You'll still visit Machu Picchu, but instead of arriving through the Sun Gate after four days of trekking, you'll arrive refreshed after a night in Aguas Calientes.
Our Quarry Trail trips
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Explore tailor-made tripsQuarry Trail highlights
On most of our trips, you’ll have some time before the trek to explore Ollantaytambo – an open-air living museum in the heart of the Sacred Valley where original Inca water canals and farming terraces are still used today. Meet locals at market stalls or visit one of the nearby villages to tuck into a pachamanca (earth oven) meal or take part in a Pachamama (Mother Earth) ceremony.
Walk through this ancient ceremonial doorway overlooking Ollantaytambo, where the snow-speckled Veronica – the tallest peak in the Urubamba range – is almost within arm's reach. It mightn't be as famous as Machu Picchu's Sun Gate, but at 3900 m above sea level, it's easily one of the most dramatic views in the Sacred Valley. And best of all, you won’t have to queue for a selfie.
Channel your inner mountain goat while tackling Kuychicassa – the Quarry Trail's highest pass at 4450 m. From the summit, take in the views of winding valleys, patchwork crop fields and Andean peaks stretching in every direction. The climb is one thing, but you won’t believe what you’ve scaled when you reach the grasslands below.
What better place to stop for a snack break than Perolniyoc – a pristine waterfall where fresh mountain water cascades 45 m down the rockface. Take the opportunity to catch your breath here and feel the cooling sensation of the mist on your skin.
Why choose us
We train our trekking team in-house to meet our rigorous safety standards. All our guides are certified and receive expert-led training in first aid, evacuation, survival skills and altitude sickness. We also carry oxygen cylinders on all treks for emergency use.
When you trek with us, you support local people who live and work in the Andean highlands. We take our crew’s welfare seriously, pay a fair wage and provide a safe work environment – including strict luggage weight limits for porters. We also invest in community initiatives to promote the long-term sustainability of the Andes and its traditional cultures.
We take care of the details, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. We’ll provide tents and sleeping mats, our porters will set up camp and carry the bulk of your belongings, and our cooks will prepare three delicious meals and snacks each day. You can also hire extra gear like hiking poles and sleeping bags from us.
We travel with respect for the places we visit and the people we meet along the way. As a B Corp, we’re all about balancing profit and purpose and using business as a force for good. We also give back to the communities we visit with the help of The Intrepid Foundation.
The people who make our trips great
Our guides are at the helm of your adventure. They don't just lead the way – they make sure everything runs smoothly, keep you safe and have a magical ability to know exactly when you might need a personal cheerleader. Most of our guides are Indigenous Quechua-speaking Peruvians, born and raised in the Cusco region or Sacred Valley. Their stories and deep knowledge of the Andes will add a whole new layer of meaning to your trek.
Our porters are truly the driving force behind our treks. They carry just about everything the group needs (tents, tables, chairs, cooking equipment, food supplies, your duffel bags – you name it) across the Andes' demanding terrain. They power ahead of the group so that by the time you arrive at camp, all that's left for you to do is relax. Honestly, without them, none of it would be possible. Like our guides, our porters are from rural Andean communities and are always happy to share their culture with you.
Think trail food is limited to freeze-dried meals in a packet? Not when you're with our chefs! The bread and butter of our trips, they keep everyone fuelled for long hiking days with three hot meals a day – including a three-course dinner – using local ingredients for a true taste of Andean cuisine. But the most impressive part is that they do it all in a makeshift kitchen. For many travellers, the food is a highlight of the trek – who knew you could have freshly baked cake at this altitude?
Life on the trail
So, what does a typical day on the Quarry Trail look like? As there are no permanent facilities, we'll provide everything you need for a safe and comfortable trek. At each camp, our porters will set up two-person dome tents and sleeping mats, along with a portable toilet tent and a communal dining area where you can relax with the group. There are no showers, but a bowl of warm water in the morning usually does the trick.
Check out the gallery below for a preview of life on the trail.
Prefer to take the train?
On most of our trips, you can skip the trek and take the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes – the gateway town to Machu Picchu. This also gives you more time to explore Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Just let us know which option you'd prefer.
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Inca Trail Express
Inca Trail Express
Inca Trail Express
Inca Trail Express
Inca Trail Express