The Inca Trail vs Quarry Trail (Which One Should You Hike?)

The Inca Trail vs Quarry Trail: The Key Differences And Similarities 

First of all, it’s important to mention that both of these sacred tours share the same common ancestor. 

The Inca civilization depended on both networks for their growth and daily activities. The Inca Trail was the main route which connected Machu Picchu to other towns and cities, whilst the Quarry Trail was a prime excavation site for giant stones that were used to build Ollantaytambo and other key sites.

Below we can look at the key differences between the Inca Trail and Inca Quarry Trail tours, which will help you to make up your own mind as to which is best for you.

The Four Day Inca Trail Advantages

• This is the classic 42 km hike that follows the same exact stone steps that the Inca once took to arrive to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail focuses more on visual history, where we’ll see a variety of ancient Inca ruins such as Intipata, Sayaqmarca and Wiñay Wayna. There’s also unique benefits of hiking this trail in both the dry season and the wet season.
• Although the Inca Trail is renowned for its long days of exploring, it’s actually at a lower overall altitude than the Inca Quarry Trail. This makes it easier to walk around – with a maximum altitude of 4215m (compared with the maximum altitude of 4434m on the Quarry Trail).

The Four Day Quarry Trail Advantages 

• The Quarry Trail also has a beautiful hiking route, however the first two days are much less busy with fewer if no tourists around. This is where we’ll visit areas like Cachicata, Pukaqasa and the Chullpas Burial Houses that were built by the Inca.
• Whilst both have lots of unique culture and traditions, the Inca Quarry Trail does offer a different-style outlook into daily life here in the remote Andes. Along the hike we will meet indigenous families, learn how local farmers use medicinal plants and even get to try the famous Lechones dish in Warocondo (roasted pork).

Why Both Treks Are Incredible Experiences

• First of all, it’s undeniable the amount of rich culture and history that both the Inca Trail and Quarry Trail offer. For this reason both have become famous hiking paths for tourists visiting Peru, where we can have an unforgettable combination of raw Andean culture, ancient ruins and incredible sceneries.
• Speaking of scenery, both routes will also reveal incredible landscapes and photo opportunities at every turn. This includes snow-capped peaks, towering Andean mountains and even high Amazon Jungle in some parts of the treks.

Which Is Better – The Inca Trail Or The Quarry Trail?

Overall both treks are incredible in their own right, so it’s very difficult to give an outright winner over the other. However each one does have their certain advantages and may be better for different types of travellers and hiking goals.

The Four Day Inca Trail Hike will be best for those who want the original experience of hiking to Machu Picchu like the Inca once did, whilst also camping along the route at unforgettable locations like Wiñay Wayna and Chaquicocha. It’s also perfect for seeing many other Inca ruins that are otherwise inaccessible without the permit – such as Sayacmarca, Intipata and Runkurakay. There’s also other specific advantages of this route depending on whether you visit during the dry season or wet season.

The Four Day Inca Quarry Trek is ideal for travelers who want a more authentic and less busy hiking route, and especially so if heading during the busier winter months for Cusco (between June and September). Whilst the scenery and included visit to Machu Picchu are similar for both experiences, the Quarry Trek will also see you explore lesser-known and unique attractions – such as the Chullpas burial houses as well as the stone forest that was used to build Ollantaytambo.

Overview Of The Inca Trail vs Quarry Trail 

And that’s all for this guide on the Inca Trail vs Quarry Trail.

Both of these fantastic hikes are located within the department of Cusco, and have the end destination of Machu Picchu after four days of hiking. However the experiences you’ll have on each do differ, and as we’ve seen in this guide it really depends on what you most want to see and the type of hiking experience that you’re after.

If you’re looking for the original bucket-list trip, then we highly recommend heading on the Four Day Inca Trail Trek. Not only will you have all meals, hiking equipment, permits and guided tours around the different ruins included, you’ll also have an experienced Inca Trail guide teach you many fascinating things during the trek itself.