Overview
If you are looking to trek to Machu Picchu and you don’t like crowds, the Soqma hike is definitely for you. It is one of the newest routes in the Sacred Valley that has everything such as spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, Incan ruins, and valleys.
It is 2 full days of hiking, 1 night of camping, one night in a hotel, and a day tour to the most spectacular Inca site, Machu Picchu—a perfect hike for a short adventure to Machu Picchu.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL
- Enjoy the best memories with loved ones
- Trek with our passionate local guides and fully tour Machu Picchu
- Enjoy our premier camping gear
- Savor the Peruvian cuisine brought by our chefs to the mountains, all made from scratch
Details
- Type of tour: Historical, guided trip, train ride, trekking, camping, lodge-based
- Distance covered: 28 km (17.2 miles)
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights (1 night camping plus 1 night hotel)
- Lowest elevation: 2,792m (9,160 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4,200m (13,776 feet)
- Level of difficulty (1 to 10): 6-7 (10 being impossible)
Group size: Our hiking group sizes are very important to guarantee the quality of our service by giving you a personalized service. That is why we run with an average of 2 to 7 hikers.
Could you imagine trying to hike silently along an isolated trail, carefully not disturbing shy wildlife, with 15 or 20 other travelers? Or walking in a remote area to explore the pristine wilderness with dozens of other tourists by your side? We know meaningful nature encounters must be undertaken in small groups, which also makes the trip flexible.
Accommodation: This trek includes 1 night in tents. We use 3 seasonal roomy tents for 2 people. If you are a solo traveler, let us know so we can accommodate someone else or we will just bring a private tent only for you upon request.
Also, this hike includes 1 night in a hotel in Machu Picchu town before touring Machu Picchu.
Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS was a dream that came true in 2015 for Jose Condor, who has guided treks from 2004 until today and has been to Machu Picchu over 1,000 times. He started as a porter on the Inca Trail, then went to university for a tourism degree. Now, Peru by Locals has groups of top guides, both men and women, who have professional degrees and receive refresher training every year. These guides have trained with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER training since our treks take place in the wilderness and your health is our priority. Our guides are fully trained to assist with any of your needs while you are vacationing. We invest in our guides because we believe they are the main ingredient of any trip.
Location: This trip starts in Cusco city or the Sacred Valley upon your request. You will need to fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, then to Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, which is a small domestic airport.
Departures: This hike is operated entirely by PERU BY LOCALS. When you book your hike or take any tour package, you go with us; we don’t rearrange tours. We depart daily, year-round. The group size averages from 2 to 5 people, which allows us to give you personalized service.
We take bookings year-round, and this hike does not need to be booked a long time in advance. So, anytime you are ready, join us and reach out to us with any questions you have at our 24/7 number +51 989585967 or email us at info@perubylocals.com.
Itinerary
DAY 0: BRIEFING
The day before this adventure begins, your designated guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco to give you the final guidance on how to pack, what to pack, etc., at 5:30 pm in the hotel lobby.
DAY 1: WARM-UP DAY – CUSCO – SOQMA – PUKACASA
We start out with an easy first day. Leaving Cusco early, we drive to the Sacred Valley, heading for Socma village. Today’s hike takes us through lush valleys as we make our way to the beautiful Perolniyoc waterfall, which lies below the Pata Wasi Inca archaeological site. We will pass fields cultivated with potatoes, corn, and quinoa. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to see a variety of birds and native plants and learn about the customs of the Andean people.
We stop at Rayan (3,650m / 11,975 ft.) to enjoy our first camping lunch, prepared by our chef—a delicious meal—followed by a nap.
We expect to arrive at the campsite around 4 pm, which is near the pass that offers us great views.
- Distance covered: 13 km (8 miles)
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 2,700m (8,858 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4,300m (14,107 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Lodging: Camping
DAY 2: PUKACASA PASS – OLLANTAYTAMBO – TRAIN RIDE TO MACHU PICCHU TOWN
Early wake-up call with a nice cup of Peruvian coffee in the tents. We head towards the Cachicata Inca stone quarry to explore remnants of Inca burial houses and leftovers of carved rocks used for building the Incan temples of Ollantaytambo.
After a guided tour of the site, we’ll continue our way down to the lunch place, which will be ready by the time we arrive. After the great meal, we will hike down to Ollantaytambo train station to take a 1.5-hour train ride to Machu Picchu town.
- Distance covered: 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 2,792m (9,160 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4,300m (14,107 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Lodging: Hotel
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU TOUR AND SCENIC TRAIN RIDE BACK TO CUSCO
Today is the day to see the most amazing Inca structure, Machu Picchu. This is why we have a very early wake-up in the hotel to take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise. You take an early bus up to Machu Picchu, where you will have a two and a half-hour guided tour of different spots such as the main viewpoint, main temple, terraces, granaries, stone quarry, and others. This Premium Inca Trail package includes a full Machu Picchu permit that allows you to see all these sites.
Around 1 pm, we will take the scenic Vistadome train ride back to Cusco.
Services
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Transport to and from your hotel in Cusco
- Meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners). Our meals are based on fresh vegetables, meat, fruit, and grains
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc.)
- Chef who will be making all meals from scratch
- Boiled drinking water. There are no places to refill bottles, so you will need to bring canteens or camelback bottles, which our chef can refill when needed.
- Trekking guide, knowledgeable in history, tradition, fauna, and flora, and certified in WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER
- First Aid Kit, carried by your guide
- Camping gear (sleeping tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, air mattresses)
- Duffle bag for your personal belongings to be carried by the horses. You have access to a 17-pound (8 kg) bag for the horse where you can put your personal belongings for camp, sleeping clothes, sleeping bag, etc.
- Round-trip bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town
- Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
- One-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes town
- We will have hiking snacks available every morning to pack
SERVICES EXCLUDED
- Sleeping bag (can be rented for US$20). Our sleeping bags are washed after each use.
- Dinner on day 3, since you will be back in Cusco around 6 pm, you can pick a restaurant at your leisure.
- Gratuities for the guide, cooks, and horse riders. A recommended 15% of the total cost of the trek. More details on how it works can be provided by email or phone if needed.
Packing list
- Original passport – Please remember to bring your original passport, which should be the current one. If you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both (the one you used for booking your trip and the new one). The information you provided at the time of your booking must match your tickets for the Classic Inca Trail.
- Sleeping bag – Recommended to be at least -5°F. (If you don’t have one, you can rent from us for $20)
- Good hiking shoes – They should already be broken in. If you have acquired new ones, make sure to break them in before you come. They should be comfortable for your feet and possibly have ankle support.
- Warm fleece – The jacket should be warm enough for the nights and windbreaker-resistant.
- Few t-shirts – Made for hiking; as you will sweat a lot, you may consider bringing at least 3 or 4 of them: one for the hike, one for the night, and one clean for Machu Picchu.
- Socks – Bring at least 3 pairs.
- Sun hat – As some days can be hot and sunny, we recommend bringing a sun hat that can keep the sun off your face.
- Light long pants – Trekking pants are the best ones, especially those that you can zip off the legs. Plus, they dry fast.
- Clothes for sleeping – Warm long underwear; you can use your fleece to sleep in and consider bringing gloves, especially for the campsite.
- Headlamp – All the camps are dark, so you will need to bring your headlamp for organizing your stuff in your tent or going to the bathroom at night.
- Sunscreen – SPF 35+ recommended.
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles – They are very helpful and can take up to 30% of your body weight. A pair is recommended per person. If you don’t have them but want to use them on your trek, you can rent them from us as well – a pair costs US$15 for the four days.
- Camera – Take a camera with spare batteries or use your phone to take great pictures (batteries run down faster at high altitudes).
- Bug repellent – There are mosquitoes all year round, so make sure you pack your bug repellent.
- Water bottle – Machu Picchu National Park does not allow bringing plastic bottles. Please make sure you have a Nalgene bottle or camelbag. Before we leave the hotel in Cusco, make sure you have filled up your water bottle for the first day. You will be able to get more from us whenever you need it.
- Toiletries
- Prescription medicines – Please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking.
- Food restrictions – If you have any allergies or preferences, make sure you add them in the booking form.
- Book to read – You will have some spare time at every camp to read your favorite book or those about Machu Picchu, which may make your journey more interesting. (The following books are recommended by us: Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie, Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams)
Important information
OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO I MEET THE TEAM?
The day before the trek starts, your guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco at 5:30 pm for a pre-trek talk. Therefore, we recommend booking a hotel in the downtown area of Cusco. Once you have a place to stay, provide us with the hotel information.
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE? HOW CHALLENGING IS IT?
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging and covers approximately 28 km (17.2 miles) on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections. Day 1 is the most challenging for most people because the elevation and the rest of the trail are moderate.
HOW LONG BEFORE SHOULD I BOOK THIS TREK?
This trek does not require booking a permit long in advance, but since it includes Machu Picchu, we recommend booking at least a month in advance. This gives us enough time to put everything together for you to enjoy without worries.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK DURING THE YEAR?
Weather in the region is extremely variable, and you should pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through ten bio-zones ranging from high altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. During a sunny day, you can expect temperatures of about 18–25°C (65–77°F). However, on the second day, the weather is very unpredictable, and temperatures can drop to 6°C (42°F) during the day at the pass (but you won’t spend a lot of time up there).
The Machu Picchu area has a humid climate and tends to be warmer since it is located at a lower altitude and near the Amazon Jungle. The average temperatures at Machu Picchu are between 23°C to 25°C (73°F and 77°F), with the minimum temperature around 18°C (64°F). The Cusco area has only two well-defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, but there are also several sunny days. The dry season begins around March and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months. Paradoxically, at noon, the temperatures can reach 23°C (73°F), the annual highest temperature.
WHAT DO HORSES CARRY FOR ME?
You only carry a day-pack with everything you may need for a day’s hike (water bottle, rain gear, cameras, snacks). Horses carry the rest of your extra bag and will meet you upon arrival at the next stop. You will be allowed to put up to 8 kilos (17 pounds), which may include a sleeping bag (1.5 kilos / 3.3 pounds), sleeping pad (1 kilo / 2 pounds), extra clothes for the night such as long warm underwear, warm fleece, and others.
WHAT AM I GOING TO EAT ON THE TREK?
Our meals are based on organic food, and we pack fresh vegetables from the beginning.
Your lunch would be based on quinoa, pasta, vegetable soup, and the main course, usually a small buffet including rice, potatoes, white or red meat, and salad such as avocado.
Dinner is usually similar but comes with dessert.
Breakfast is based on eggs, omelets, pancakes, bread, cereals, oatmeal, and drinks. You will be very well-fed and may only want to pack very few snacks with you because we will also provide snacks such as fruit and a cookie for the way.
Note: We have options for vegetarians and vegans too – during the time of your booking, advise us so we know what to make for you on the trek.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I STAY IN CUSCO BEFORE THE TREK TO ADJUST TO THE ALTITUDE?
The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly. Given enough time, your body will adapt to the decrease in oxygen. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes one to three days at any given altitude. Cusco is at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,154 feet), so spending at least 2 days before any trek will help you a lot. You may also consider taking altitude pills. We often recommend to our clients DIAMOX or Acetazolamide, which are used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headaches, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet / 3,048 meters). It is particularly useful in situations where you cannot make a slow ascent. The best ways to prevent altitude sickness are climbing slowly, stopping for 24 hours during the climb to allow the body to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy the first 1 to 2 days. (Regarding any specific medications, please check about side effects, precautions, interactions, or overdose, or ask for advice from your doctor).
DO I NEED TO BRING MONEY ON THE TREK?
You should consider bringing money, as you may want to buy bottled water, snacks, Gatorade, beer, etc., from locals along the way, especially on day one, as well as if you are thinking of giving appreciation or tips to the porters and guides.
The last lunch at Aguas Calientes is not included, so you will need money for that as well. We recommend you bring soles rather than dollars; there are banks and exchange offices in Cusco where you can change any type of currency.
DO I NEED TO CARRY MY OWN MEDICINE OR FIRST AID?
Your guide will have a first aid kit at all times while you are on the trek, which includes painkillers, bandages, small bandages to prevent blisters, an oxygen tank, pills for diarrhea, and similar items. At any time during the trek, please feel free to ask for anything you may need. However, if you require any special medication or have a special medical condition, please contact your doctor to get the best advice before the trek.
CAN I RENT A SLEEPING BAG FROM YOU? WHAT TYPE SHOULD I BRING?
We rent sleeping bags that are specially designed for cold temperatures on the treks and offer sleeping bags suitable for up to -5 ºF (= -15°C). When booking your trek with us, you should request a sleeping bag if you need one, as it won’t be possible to rent one on-site.
If you have your own, make sure they are down and suitable for temperatures down to -5 ºF (= -15°C), or even better, made for colder temperatures than that – you don’t want to be cold.
HOW BIG WILL MY GROUP BE?
We are specialized in both small and large groups, but we prefer small groups because this way our clients receive personalized service, especially when you encounter many things on treks, such as Incan sites, flora, and fauna. Your guide spends a lot of time with you so you can learn more about our culture and history.
We limit the size of our groups on treks to up to 8 people.
Of course, if any situation requires more than 8 people in a group, that is not a problem for us at all. For example, a group of friends or family with more than 8 people can be accommodated in a single group.
HOW DO I GET WATER ON THE TREK?
You will be provided with boiled drinking water from day 1 to the end of your trek. However, make sure you have enough water for the first day (you can also purchase it on the way to the beginning of your trek). People usually drink about one and a half liters of water per day, some even more, so you need to bring water bottles for the first day to refill them. We recommend bringing Nalgene water bottles or camel bags to minimize waste. You will encounter locals selling bottled water along the way, but not everyone is responsible. Many people litter, which is unfortunate. We need to take care of our home and nature – that is why we recommend you refill your bottles when you can. Thank you for being part of our green home.
IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT?
In the Inca Trail, there is no minimum age limit. Any person who is prepared for trekking can do it. The Inca Trail is a challenging trek, so there is a requirement to be fit. That is why everyone considering trekking the Inca Trail should have a certain level of fitness – you don’t want to give up in the middle of the trek, as the Inca Trail is not like walking in the park, but it is also not impossible.
WHAT TIME DO I GET BACK TO CUSCO ON THE LAST DAY?
You will be back in Cusco around 5 pm after the trek. If for any reason you have to be back in Cusco earlier than that, please inform us at the time of your booking or at least one month before your trek begins, as we need to purchase train tickets for the specified trains.
SHOULD I BOOK WAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN IN ADVANCE?
Wayna Picchu Mountain has a limit of up to 400 permits per day, which are divided into two groups: the first group from 7 am to 8 am and the second group from 10 am to 11 am. We recommend booking in advance, especially during the dry season or high season that runs from April to August. Consider booking 2 or 3 months in advance and email us for availability.
WHAT IS THE TOILET SITUATION LIKE ON THE TREK? SHOULD I BRING MY TOILET PAPER?
We will provide you with a portable private toilet tent, especially for day one, since there are no public toilets. Afterwards, you will be able to use proper toilets. In the case of toilet paper, you will need to bring your own. We recommend one roll for every two people, but if for any reason you need extra, your cook will have additional rolls for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask for it as they are always prepared for any emergency.
DO I NEED WALKING POLES?
Walking poles are recommended for everyone; they will help you a lot going up and down. Our expert guides say that they can take up to 30% of your body weight. A pair of them is recommended per person.
If you don’t have any but want to use them on your trek, you can rent them from us as well – a pair costs US$15 for the four days.
HOW BIG SHOULD MY DAY BACKPACK BE?
A thirty-liter backpack will be big enough to carry your belongings such as water, rain gear, and extra clothes.
HOW BIG ARE THE SLEEPING TENTS? HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SLEEP IN THEM?
Our tents are four-season and each is designed for 3 people, but we use them for 2 (2.30 m length / 7.55 ft, width 1.70 m / 5.58 ft).
Please email us if you are a solo traveler and let us know if you want to share a tent or have a private one.
CAN I PAY THE REST OF THE BALANCE WITH A CREDIT CARD OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN CASH?
We take the balance of the payment in cash, so you won’t need to pay extra fees. Of course, you can use PayPal or a credit card, but you will need to pay the fees, which are usually over 4.5%.
On the day of your briefing, when your guide meets you, one of our representatives will also meet you to collect the remaining balance for your trek.
PERUVIAN CURRENCY
The Peruvian sol is the currency of Peru, and it usually fluctuates between 3.3 to 3.8 soles to 1 US Dollar.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the national language of Peru. Additionally, 20% of Peruvians speak Quechua (the Inca language). Our guides are fluent in Spanish and English.
Why Peru by Locals
- Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours, catering to your interests when we plan your tour.
- We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
- We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
- Our staff consists of members who have decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
- All the management and staff at Peru by Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
- Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
- We are committed to protecting our environment.
- We are committed to creating jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and honor and treat all our employees with dignity.
- We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and equipment for poor local communities.
- We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit.
- We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to the education of those in need.
- Our trips are carefully designed to meet your needs, and we create diverse, unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length. We offer a wide range of tours and treks. We guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
- Peru By Locals organizes worry-free trips for you to enjoy fully.
Peru Small Group Specialists
Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, love food, or enjoy history and photography. They are suitable for all ages whether you are traveling alone, with friends, as couples, or with family.
Small groups are the best, and the average tour or trek group is around 4 to 8 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get a coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it is not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.
Price
Best Seller
Inca Quarry + Machu Picchu 3D/2N | Peru by Locals

If you are looking to trek to Machu Picchu and you don’t like crowds, the Soqma hike is definitely for you. It is one of the newest routes in the Sacred Valley that has everything such as spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, Incan ruins, and valleys.
Product Brand: Peru by Locals
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 560
Product In Stock: InStock
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GROUP SERVICE
Our tour groups are very important. We run tours with 2 to 8 people per group and open any tour dates with 2 guests. This service is considered semi-private for personalized experiences, so you can take advantage of your valuable time.
Accommodations
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and are in US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or call our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To assure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding balance will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- Once a tour date is opened with 2 guests, the travel date probably won’t be changed later.
- This is a great option to meet other travelers and hang out during the trip.
- The quality of service is the same as the private option.
- If for any reason one of you or others can’t continue the tour, the tours will proceed as planned from beginning to end.
PRIVATE SERVICE
Our private service can start from 1 person to any number you desire, and you can choose your travel date.
Accommodations
We run all our tours with 3-star hotels, but we can customize with 5-star hotels.
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and are in US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or call our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To assure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding balance will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- We cater to your needs with flexibility.
- Once a tour date is opened, it can still be changed if time allows at your requested time.
- This is a great option to spend time with your parents, family, and friends or travel for special occasions such as a honeymoon.
- The quality of service is the same as other tours.