As most of you lovelies know, I’m currently in Peru and I’ve been doing a lot of trekking (which I’ve already written about here.) So I wasn’t planning to write this post, because I didn’t want to bore you with more of the same old, same old.
But … I just couldn’t help myself. The trek was just too beautiful to keep to myself!!
So I thought I’d compromise and do a mini post, just sharing some of my fave pics, and a few details (in case you’re inspired to do a similar journey!) ? Thanks for indulging me and I hope you enjoy!
I hiked the Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu with Intrepid Travel. I paid for my trip and this post is in no way affiliated with Intrepid; however, this post does include various affiliate links. This means I make a small commission off any purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog! Oh – and all of my opinions are of course, honest and my own.
Like almost everyone going to Peru, one of my ‘bucket list’ items was to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. (My husband Mike already did the trek six years ago, but he was happy to do it again because he wanted me to experience it.)
Unfortunately, I um-ed and ah-ed a bit too long, and when I went to book the trek there were no permits left! (There are only 400 permits to hike the Inca Trail available each day and most people book months in advance.)
I was slightly devastated … but fortunately, a kind friend (who is also a travel agent) suggested I do the Quarry Trail with Intrepid Travel instead. I was a bit unsure (because the Inca Trail is, of course, the Inca Trail – and the Quarry Trail doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.)
But she pointed out that the Inca Trail, while obviously special, is also extremely busy. Mike confirmed this from his own experience; he described hiking in a line behind hundreds of other travellers and busy campgrounds. I have to admit this didn’t sound too appealing to me.
She then continued to point out that if we did the Quarry Trail, there was a good chance we wouldn’t see anyone but locals on the trek. Also it’s a shorter hike (only 30kms) but it reaches higher altitudes (4450m.)
I was sold. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was sure it would be beautiful.
And I was right.☺️
THE DETAILS:
We booked the 6 Day Inca Trail Extension with Intrepid Travel. The tour included 3 nights in hotels and 2 nights camping. We trekked 30kms over 3 days, but the final leg to Machu Picchu was done by train and bus.
After the tour we stayed at Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta in Cusco. It’s a bit out of the centre of town but probably our favourite guest house in Peru – so clean and comfortable.
All photos were taken with either my iPhone or my GoPro HERO4 Silver
(You all know I’m a minimalist and don’t buy too much, but I picked up my GoPro over Christmas and I love it.)
Thank you for indulging me and letting me share my memories with you! If you interested in doing the Quarry Trail and you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help. Thanks for reading! x
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photo credit : all by me!
Beautiful photos. Inca Quarry trail is a new alternative to hike the Inca Trail network (called “Qhapaq Ñan” – The Main Road). The Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu is another way of Inca Quary Trail that we recommend.
Regards!
Machula
Thanks for the lovely insights. Just wondering if there were any “elders” or people over 60 on your trip? Thanks!
Hi Adam, there weren’t any on my particular trip but as long as you’re an active hiker, I don’t think any “elder” would struggle fitting in. Physically, they’re long days, but the pace is slow and steady and there are frequent breaks. Socially, I think the type of traveller that chooses this “off the beaten track” type trek is generally the type who gets along with anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Lastly, the service, meals and facilities were all top notch (for camping) so about as comfortable as you can expect to be in this sort of environment.
I’ll add that I actually used to work for a small group hiking company that catered mostly to “elders” so I feel qualified to make this call 🙂
Hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you have any other questions 🙂
Looks like an amazing hike! I’d love to make it out to Machu Picchu one day.
It was definitely an awesome experience! Definitely add it to your bucket list (although I’m sure you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for the next few years when you move to the UK!) ?
It’s on our bucket list for sure. And yeah, we’ll be super busy exploring Europe the next few years!
I don’t know how I missed this! LOVE IT.
Thanks Daisy (for your sweet comment and your constant support!) x
Woooooooow! Great pictures Jen! Thanks for sharing with us ?
Thanks so much Lau, I’m glad you enjoyed it! x
One of these days, I tell you, one of these days! Lucky you. I think I’ll do the quieter trail myself, too.
Haha – there is so much on my one day list too 🙂 Definitely consider the quieter trail, it was beautiful + good for the soul. xx
Wow, Jennifer! Another memory for the books. Machu Picchu’s on my radar too but when I heard about how crowded it gets last year, it got moved to a lesser priority. XD Thanks for sharing & enjoy the rest of your trip!
Mike has now done both treks, and he said the Quarry trail was definitely more beautiful, but the Inca trail had more Inca ruins (as you would expect.) Regardless of the trek, I’d definitely more it up on your list 🙂 Thanks for commenting x
Whoa, SO beautiful! And no crowds of tourists! Also, I can’t believe how steep it looks — yikes!
It was definitely a workout! But worth it 🙂