Hike Through The Inca Quarry To Machu Picchu 4D/3N

Definitely! The Cantera Inca tour is an excellent trekking option in Cusco. Not only will it take you through breathtaking trails and small villages full of living culture, but it will also allow you to visit and explore the world wonder of Machu Picchu. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to connect and share special moments with high-Andean villagers, who will welcome you with open arms and the warmth of their culture. You will learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and language. Without a doubt, the Cantera Inca tour is known as “The Ultimate Cultural Route” for a reason. Dare to live this unique experience!

The Cantera Inca tour is located among the mountains surrounding the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Cusco region of Peru. This alternative trekking route to the Inca Trail crosses a variety of stunning landscapes, including glacial lagoons, mountain passes, traditional Andean villages, and a range of endemic Andean ecosystems.

Absolutely! If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have any food allergies, just inform us when making your reservation. Our team of professionals will organize and coordinate suitable meal options for you at no additional cost.

It is highly recommended to bring your own snacks, which you can purchase in advance in Cusco or, as a last resort, in Ollantaytambo. During the first two days of trekking, you will only find small improvised stalls selling basic snacks and some rehydrating drinks. To buy from these places, it is important to carry cash in “Soles.”

There is no rule prohibiting children under 12 or adults over 60 from doing the Cantera Inca tour. However, as a responsible agency, BESTREKS recommends that children be at least 12 years old and that adults not exceed 55. That said, anyone can do the trek as long as they follow these recommendations:

• Minors must always be accompanied by a responsible adult to ensure their safety.
• If you are over 50, it is essential to be in good health, have physical endurance, and undergo a medical check-up before the trek.
• In both cases, a prior acclimatization of at least three days in Cusco is recommended.
• If you require any special personal medication, carry it with you at all times and inform the sales staff and guide before starting the trek.

Definitely yes. Not because it is an extremely difficult route, but because, although it is considered a trail suitable for the general public in good physical condition, the altitude can be a challenge.
Once your reservation is confirmed, you should start preparing for the altitude. Here are some recommendations for proper preparation:

• Do cardiovascular exercises: Strengthening your respiratory and cardiovascular endurance is important, as you will be ascending above 4,000 meters (13,100 feet), where lower oxygen levels will be a factor.
• Strengthen your muscles: Although your main luggage (up to 6 kg) will be carried by our horses and muleteers, you will carry personal items in a travel backpack. Additionally, you will walk approximately six hours each day, so it is advisable to strengthen your legs and back.
• Practice trekking or mountaineering: In the months leading up to the adventure, take hikes of increasing difficulty to adapt to the physical effort and familiarize yourself with similar activities.
• Prepare mentally: Many people overlook this aspect, but it is crucial. Remember that this is a challenge that involves both physical and emotional obstacles, so maintaining a positive attitude will be key to fully enjoying the experience.

Most people say that being in relatively good physical condition is necessary for the trek. The hike itself is not extremely difficult, but it is more about ensuring that you take all possible precautions to prepare for the altitude.

The Cantera Inca trek does not usually sell out because not many people do it. However, it is advisable to book as early as possible to ensure that the travel agency you choose can organize the trek for your desired dates. If you wait until the last minute, they may be fully booked on other routes and not have enough staff available for the Cantera Inca route.

The Cantera Inca trek is safe as long as you consider these factors and prepare adequately. Most tourists who take the trek enjoy it without serious incidents, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with altitude and changing terrain conditions. If you follow safety guidelines, the trek is an incredible experience.

The average trekking time per day is about 6-7 hours per person. In reality, the number of trekking hours depends on your physical condition, the other group members, and their habits (for example, enthusiastic photographers may take longer).
Our trekking guides on the Cantera Inca tour are also experts in planning according to the personal needs of the groups.

The Cantera Inca trek is relatively quiet in terms of crowds, so the weather and climate conditions are the most important factors to consider when choosing the best time to go.

• Dry season (May to October): This is undoubtedly the best time to do the Cantera Inca trek, as the chances of rain are minimal, making the trail safer and more comfortable. During these months, the weather is more stable, with sunny days and cold nights, which enhances the experience and allows for clear mountain views. Additionally, the trails are less slippery, and the terrain is easier to navigate.
• Rainy season (December to February): While it is not impossible to do the trek during the rainy season, it can be more challenging due to wet and muddy conditions.

The most common way to reach Cusco is by taking an international flight to Lima (Peru’s capital) and then a domestic flight to Cusco. First, take a flight from your home country to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, which is Peru’s main international flight hub.
Once in Lima, you can take a domestic flight to Cusco, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Several airlines offer this route, such as LATAM, Sky Airline, and Viva Air.
If you prefer not to fly, you can take a bus from Lima to Cusco, which takes between 20 and 24 hours. However, flying is recommended for convenience and time savings.

A minimum of 2-3 days in Cusco is recommended. If you arrive directly in Cusco, spend at least two days there before starting the trek. During this time, rest, take it easy, and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Light exploration, such as gentle walks around the city center, is recommended to avoid intense physical effort in the first days.

Ankle-supporting shoes are highly recommended, especially for those not used to long walks or difficult terrain. The steep slopes and uneven stone paths require stability, and good ankle support will help prevent sprains or injuries. High-cut boots are ideal for this.

Trekking poles are always useful for hikers as they relieve knee pressure. On mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, significant strain can be placed on the knees. Poles help distribute the effort, reducing leg strain and joint impact.

Any luggage not needed for the trek should remain in Cusco. Most hotels in Cusco are used to and prepared for storing luggage. If you have nowhere to store your belongings, you can leave them at our offices until the trek is over. We will ensure that your luggage is safely stored, so there is no need to worry.

Many of our passengers say that food is one of the highlights of their trip. Our professionally trained chefs do an excellent job preparing incredible meals throughout the trek. We prioritize nutrition to provide the energy needed for each day. Meals include a variety of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and you will also get to try some local dishes.
If you have any allergies or dietary preferences, just inform us before your trip, and we will ensure you are well-fed throughout the trek. Additionally, each afternoon, we provide snacks and drinks before dinner, so you won’t go hungry during the Cantera Inca trek.