Did you know that 500 people per day hike the Inca Trail?
That’s quite a lot of people.
Now, we’re not judging but we DO want to let you know about an alternative hike Intrepid offers called the Quarry Trail. A trail where you won’t bump into a single other tourist. A trail that’s one day shorter than the Inca Trail (so you spend the night in a hotel, not a tent, before arriving at Machu Picchu). And a trail that boasts both a higher altitude and even more spectacular mountain scenery than the classic route. Oh, and did we mention it doesn’t require a pesky permit either?
It was exactly these reasons that led me to picking the Quarry Trail over the Inca one on a recent Intrepid trip to Peru. And although I love words so much I literally write for a living, I’ve got to tell you something: words. just. don’t. do. it. justice.
So, here’s what the 3-day hike was like, in (unedited!) picture form:
Quarry Trail day 1
A day of getting acclimatised to the altitude and getting to grips with the near-constant, picture-perfect mountain views. Highlights include hiking right by a waterfall and dazzling valley views from a reconstructed Incan ruin.
Ollantaytambo, the start point for the hike
Lush greenery, as the trail begins
Moments of peace and beauty
Stopping by a rural school to learn about Peru’s school system
The trail gets a touch more challenging…
A beautiful bonus: visiting a waterfall
There’s always time for a team photo
Incan ruins from afar
Hike break at the ruins
Taking in the views and getting closer to camp
READ MORE: YOUR ULTIMATE PACKING GUIDE FOR HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU
Time for a siesta!
The majestic dining tent
Getting comfortable, and never tiring of the views
Group photo with Intrepid’s amazing guides, chefs and horsemen
READ MORE: 6 REASONS TO TAKE THE QUARRY TRAIL OVER THE INCA TRAIL
Quarry Trail day 2
The longest day and one with PLENTY of uphill portions, this is equal parts challenging and utterly incredible. Not only will you pass altitudes higher than ones on the Inca Trail, you’ll also be trekking through ever-changing landscapes and passing jaw-dropping mountain vistas.
Early wake-up call but a tasty breakfast
Captivating early morning light
Chilly morning, before the sun comes out
Hiking day two in full swing
The ascent continues, but seeing the lunch dining tent helps!
Coca tea is a constant companion on the trail
Trek guide Edwind busy being the best trek guide ever
It’s hard to take a bad photo with landscapes like these
READ MORE: 10 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT PERU
Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek, at 4450 meters
The descent begins
The Peruvian Andes never lose their magic
A beautifully deserted road leading to camp
Night two of camping is faultless
A hearty, home-cooked chicken dinner
READ MORE: WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE MY INTREPID TRIP TO PERU
Quarry Trail day 3
Though it’s day that’s devoted to downhill, there’s still plenty of surprises in store before the two-hour post-hike train ride to Machu Picchu. Learn why the trail gets its name at Kachiqata Quarry (a rock quarry that the Incas never completed during the Spanish conquest), and enjoy the gorgeous descent back into Ollantaytambo.
After breakfast it’s time to say goodbyes to the talented chefs
Prepping for a half-day of downhill
There’s plenty of time to explore Kachiqata quarry
READ MORE: WHY TO VISIT NORTHERN PERU, HOME TO THE ‘NEW MACHU PICCHU’
Intrepid leader Edwind telling the group about the ancient quarry
Finally getting closer to hike end point, Ollantaytambo
Made it back to Ollantaytambo! Now time for the train to Machu Picchu
Useful additional reading:
-Everything you need to pack for the hike to Machu Picchu
-What it’s like taking the train to Machu Picchu
-How to make the most of under 1 day at Machu Picchu
-A Lima city guide
-A Cusco city guide
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Ready to embark on this magical hike to Machu Picchu? Check out Intrepid’s wide range of trips to Peru.
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(All images taken by Rebecca Shapiro on Intrepid’s Quarry Trail hike.)
