- 4 Days & 3 Nigths
- Up to 12
From:
View Itinerary
THE CLASSIC INCA QUARRY TREK 4 DAYS
The Historical Cachicata Inca Trek If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy an off-the-beaten-path trek to Machu Picchu, then the Inca Quarry Trail is an excellent alternative. Over the years, it’s managed to stay off the lis…
Duration
4 Days & 3 Nigths
Group Size
Up to 12
Distance
20.5 mi / 33 km
Difficulty
Moderate
Departures
Daily departures
Ideal For
For Everyone
THE EXPERIENCE
THE CLASSIC INCA QUARRY TREK 4 DAYS
ALTERNATIVE PERU TREKS · Cusco, Peru
The Historical Cachicata Inca Trek
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy an off-the-beaten-path trek to Machu Picchu, then the Inca Quarry Trail is an excellent alternative. Over the years, it’s managed to stay off the list of traditional tourist routes. That doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting, though.
This route is perfect for those looking to delve further into the Inca’s history and see firsthand how life in the Andes is for the locals who live in remote regions. You’ll get up close and personal with small communities and witness their day-to-day lives. On this route, you’ll also see some unique Inca sites that very few people get to see, even those from Cusco!
The Inca Quarry was recently included in the top six Alternative Routes to Machu Picchu by National Geographic, making it an excellent trek to choose from
Itinerary
Day-by-day information for this experience.
Day 01: Cusco | Soqma - Perolniyoc - Racaypata - Rayan
Refreshing Waterfalls and Inca History
Your adventure begins today bright and early when we collect you from your accommodation in the morning and drive for one and a half hours to the starting point of our trek. Our private transport is highly comfortable, and we’ll provide blankets if you want to get a little more sleep on the journey.
Once we arrive at the starting point, and after enjoying a great breakfast, you’ll meet the cooks and horseman and get to know your team. Then, we’ll begin our hike with a 3 to 4-hour stretch to the pretty Perolniyoc waterfall.
On the way, we’ll pass through the little town of Soqma, surrounded by corn, potato, and quinoa fields. After enjoying the beautiful valley landscape, you’ll get the chance to cool off or shower in the waterfall. When you feel refreshed, we’ll continue to the Racaypata archaeological site, which was built on a cliff and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding valley. All our guides are experts in Inca history, so you can expect a quality history lesson! We’ll also have our lunch there, and you’ll get to try the exquisite food prepared by our team in the middle of the mountains.
The afternoon is relaxing as we ascend one more hour to reach our campsite at Rayan (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). You’ll be able to rest for the remainder of the day and wander around the area before a tasty dinner. While you wait for your food, take the opportunity to observe the clear Andean night sky. You’ll see constellations and shooting stars before heading to the comfort of your tent to wind down for the night.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: 8 km / 4.97 mi
- WALKING TIME: 5-6 hours
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
- ALTITUDE OF THE CAMP: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
Day 02: Rayan | Puccaqasa - Kuichiqasa Pass - Sun Gate - Choquetacarpo
Stunning Views and Astounding Landscape
After an energizing breakfast, we’ll head uphill for 3 hours to the first summit of the hike at Puccaqasa (4,400 m / 14,436 ft). You’ll get the most incredible views of the Sacred Valley from here, and, of course, it’s the perfect spot to get some amazing photos.
Later, we’ll descend for around 25 minutes to our lunch spot for a well-deserved meal. Recharge your energies with more incredible food from our cooks before continuing with a 2-hour up and down hike. On the last 20 minutes of this stretch, you’ll head up to the highest point of the whole trek, the Kuychicassa Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). You can expect more wonderful landscapes from this height and observe snowy glaciers.
Afterward, You’ll head downhill to the Inti Punku or Sun Gate archaeological site (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). You’ll learn about the site while taking in spectacular views of La Veronica glacier (5,682 m / 18,642 ft) and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which you’ll likely visit sometime in Cusco.
Finally, there’ll be a 30-minute descent to our campsite in the Choquetacarpo sector (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). You can now rest for the evening and enjoy another tasty meal before bed.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate-Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 13 km / 8.08 mi
- WALKING TIME: 8-9 hours
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
- ALTITUDE OF THE CAMP: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Day 03: Choquetacarpo | Cachicata - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Quarry Visit and Understanding Inca History
A Just like every other morning, you’ll be greeted with a tasty, filling breakfast to get you going. We’ll then begin our 1-hour descent to the Cachicata quarries (3,520 m / 11,549 ft), where the stones were taken to build Ollantaytambo. Inside the site, you’ll enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the place and observe the cut stone blocks whose transportation was interrupted by the arrival of the Spanish. It’s fascinating to see the perfect cuts that the Incas were able to create with simple materials.
After, we’ll descend from the quarry for 3 hours until we get to the quaint town of Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), where we’ll have lunch. Once we’ve finished, we’ll head to the train station to board the Expedition service to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). Along the tracks, you’ll be able to observe the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley up close as you travel beside the Urubamba River. You’ll need your camera ready to take some great snaps!
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check in at your hotel to rest before dinner if you feel tired. If you still have some energy, you can explore the small town or head to hot springs, the perfect place to relax your tired muscles after three days of walking. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner in a top restaurant before going to bed early, as you’ll be up before sunrise to see Machu Picchu.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: 9 km / 5.6 mi
- WALKING TIME: 4 hours
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- ACCOMMODATION ALTITUDE: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Day 04: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
The Magical, Mystical Machu Picchu Awaits
The big day has arrived! Be sure to get up very early to avoid the crowds at Machu Picchu. We´ll board a bus in Aguas Calientes at 5:30 a.m. until we arrive at the sanctuary at 6:00 a.m. Once inside, we´ll watch the brilliant sunrise over the incredible citadel. We´ll observe the breathtaking views before enjoying a two-hour tour with our expert guide.
We’ll visit all the must-see sites of this majestic place, including the terraces, houses, temples, and lanes. We’ll also stop at the observatories to admire the greatness and real extension of this engineering feat. If you’re still up for it, it’ll be the perfect time to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains; if you have pre-booked tickets.
A little after midday, it’ll be time to make your way down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have some time to grab lunch in a restaurant of your choice before catching a train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will collect you and take you to your accommodation in Cusco. You can put your feet up and reflect on your fantastic adventure. We’re sure your heart will be soaring with the magic of the Incas for weeks, months, and even years to come!
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast
- DIFFICULTY: Easy
- ACTIVITY DURATION: 2-3 hours exploring Machu Picchu
- MACHU PICCHU CITADEL ELEVATION: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- OPTIONAL MOUNTAINS: Moderate to Challenging
- MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (3-4 hours)
- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (2 hours)
- HUCHUY PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 2,497 m / 8,192 ft (1.5 hours)
Inclusions
Services included and excluded from the trip.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entry Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 offers the most complete and popular route through the citadel, making it the most requested. Although included in this experience, availability is limited, so we strongly recommend booking at least three months in advance. If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we will arrange Circuit 3-B, which explores the lower area of the citadel, including the urban sector and key ceremonial sites. If this is also sold out, Circuit 1-B will be arranged, covering mainly the upper panoramic area with the iconic postcard viewpoint.
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
You’ll have an orientation meeting with your guide the evening before the tour. The meeting is at 5:00 p.m. in our office and, depending on the itinerary, in your hotel.
Experienced Tour Guide
Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Private Camping Equipment
- Tents: Spacious dining tents to enjoy your meals worry-free.
- Tables, chairs, and cooking equipment
- A Portable Travel Toilet
- Sleeping Pad
All equipment will be carried by our horses.”
One Duffle Bag
For the trek, you’ll receive a duffle bag to pack your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have specialized first aid training and attend mandatory training sessions every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit and oxygen to handle basic emergencies (altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). If needed, we will evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and ensure you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Extras Included in our Service
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the trail.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your tour.
Satellite Phone
Your tranquility is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital, or a friend can make you feel more secure. For that reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide carries a satellite phone to call any location worldwide and from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel at Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin, and triple rooms.
2 Nights Accommodation in Tents
Days 1 and 2: Salkantay Trekking uses the best camping tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g., Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents).
Meals
4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the trail
We’ll provide boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle which you can refill during each meal (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).
Wake up tea
You’ll wake up every morning at the camp with a cup of hot coca tea! It’ll be brought to your tent so you can warm up before you start the day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite!
Daily snacks on the trail
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag
To avoid the use of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we’ll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Hygiene Products
We’ll provide you with a small towel and soap to clean your hands before each meal.
Transportation
Transport
- Day 1: Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Soqma, the trek’s starting point.
- Day 4: One-Way Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Train Tickets
Day 3: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Personal Belongings Transportation
On days 1,2, and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Extras and important equipment
You will need a sleeping bag for camping. Trekking poles are optional but highly recommended. If you don’t have them, don’t worry; you can rent them from Salkantay Trekking.
- Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
- Walking poles (pair): US$ 20.00
Huayna Picchu Mountain
You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.
- The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.
- The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
Personal Hiking Clothing and Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is usual on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemic, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
Before You Go
Practical information to help you prepare for the journey.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
- City Tour
- Sacred Valley
- Maras Moray
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will carry them, and the horsemen will hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historical Center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time in the briefing session, but please keep in mind that the time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an old city, meaning it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are usually common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents, or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Packing List
Recommended items for a comfortable and well-prepared trip.
- Valid Passport
- Extra money (recommended soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak – (optional water purifying pills)aa
- Sunblock: factor 70 or more
- Personal Care Products
- Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
- Light footwear or sandals
- Trekking pants (*)
- Trekking socks
- Pair of thermal pants
- Shorts
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Waterproof or wool gloves
- Sun hat to protect neck and face
- Wool hat for the cold
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sleeping bag (-15°C)
- Trekking poles
- Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Flashlight
Pricing
Rates and important commercial information for this tour.
Starting From
US$ 695
per person
Frequently Asked Questions
General travel information for Inja Expeditions guests.
Booking with Inja Expeditions is simple. First, choose the tour or trekking experience you are interested in and send us your travel details, preferred date and number of passengers. Our team will confirm availability and provide the corresponding booking instructions. Once the required deposit or payment has been received, we will send you a confirmation with the details of your reservation. We recommend checking all passenger information carefully after receiving your confirmation.
For multi-day treks, the briefing allows you to meet your guide and review the most important details before departure. We will explain the itinerary, weather conditions, recommended equipment, pickup time, luggage arrangements and any specific considerations for your route. It is also a good opportunity to ask last-minute questions and make sure you are fully prepared for the experience.
For selected multi-day programs, luggage storage can be coordinated before departure. Travelers normally take only the items required for the trek and leave their main luggage securely stored until they return. Please confirm this service with our team before your departure, as arrangements may vary depending on the itinerary.
Water arrangements depend on the specific itinerary. For many multi-day treks, travelers should begin the first day with their own drinking water and additional safe water is provided or made available during the route. Your trip briefing will explain exactly how water is managed on your chosen trek. We strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle or hydration system.
Yes. We recommend carrying some Peruvian soles in cash, especially on trekking routes and in remote areas where cards may not be accepted. You may need cash for snacks, drinks, optional activities, local services, hot springs, tips or unexpected transportation. The amount you need will depend on the length and type of your trip.
Tips are completely optional and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive. If you feel your guide, cook, muleteers or support team provided excellent service, a gratuity is always appreciated. There is no mandatory amount, and our team can provide general guidance during the pre-trip briefing if you wish.
Group size depends on the tour, season and number of confirmed travelers. Inja Expeditions aims to keep groups comfortable so guides can provide personal attention and travelers can enjoy the experience without feeling part of an excessively large group. The expected group size can be confirmed before you book.
For trekking programs, you should carry a small daypack with the personal items you need during the day, such as water, sunscreen, rain protection, a warm layer, camera and snacks. Depending on the trek, Inja Expeditions may also provide or coordinate a duffel bag for additional belongings transported by the support team. Weight limits vary by route and will be explained before departure.
Electricity and internet access vary considerably between routes and campsites. Some accommodations or camps may offer charging points and limited Wi-Fi, sometimes for an additional fee, while remote sections may have no connectivity at all. We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank and downloading any important information before leaving Cusco.
A group tour allows you to share the experience with other travelers who have booked the same departure, making it a social and generally more economical option. A private tour is reserved exclusively for you and your companions, allowing greater flexibility with pace, attention from the guide and certain logistical details. Private tours are especially suitable for couples, families and groups of friends looking for a more personalized experience.
Bathroom and shower facilities depend on the route and the type of accommodation used each night. Some campsites provide basic bathroom facilities, while certain locations may offer hot showers for an additional local fee. On routes that include a hotel night, standard bathroom and shower facilities will normally be available. Please review your specific itinerary for exact details.
On certain trekking routes, especially Salkantay and Ausangate, horses may be available for assistance on specific sections of the trail. Availability depends on location, weather and local operators, so this service cannot always be guaranteed at every point of the trek. If you are concerned about your fitness or altitude, please let us know before departure so we can explain the available options.
Why you'll love it
Tour Highlights
Trek through the stunning Andean jungle landscapes and take in the astounding views.
See beautiful and unique flora and fauna in the zone and learn all about it.
Visit the quarry where the Incas got the stones to build Ollantaytambo.
Understand how small communities live in remote regions of the Andes and see them going about their daily lives.
Explore archaeological sites and uncover Inca secrets.
Take a grand tour of the mystical Machu Picchu.
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