Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu: A Journey of Adventure and Culture
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is an exceptional trekking route that combines breathtaking natural landscapes with ancient culture. Along this trail, you’ll enjoy unique views of the Red Mountain, snowy peaks, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and ancient Inca paths. These mountains are home to both wild and domesticated animals like alpacas, llamas, sheep, condors, and eagles, enriching the experience for adventurers looking to explore the majesty of the Andes.
This trek is designed for people who are passionate about hiking in remote mountains. Unlike the classic routes, the Ancascocha Trek includes visits to lesser-known archaeological sites such as Perolniyoc, Paucarcancha, and Patallaqta. As a less-traveled path, it is known as the “True Off-the-Beaten-Path” experience. Furthermore, National Geographic recognized the Ancascocha Trek as one of the world’s top 20 treks. Come and experience a journey of a lifetime!
Trek Details
We start the day by picking you up from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. in a comfortable van to drive approximately two hours to Soqma, a scenic village nestled in the mountains. Here, you’ll meet our team, including your mountain guide, chef, assistant chef, and muleteers. From Soqma, we embark on a two-hour hike to a beautiful waterfall, followed by an hour and a half climb to Perolniyoc Inca site, perched on a mountainside with views of rugged peaks, valleys, and the waterfall below. After exploring this stunning site, we continue up for 45 minutes to reach our campsite at Rayan (3,700 meters / 12,139 ft). After lunch, you’ll have free time to acclimate to the altitude. Feel free to explore the area and enjoy the breathtaking starlit sky, including the Milky Way.
We begin the day with an early wake-up call with coca tea or coffee. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll start hiking up to Kuychikasa Pass, which takes around 3.5 hours. This gentle ascent allows for short breaks to enjoy the Andes’ spectacular landscapes, including puna (high-altitude grassland), with the occasional sight of condors, eagles, and the magnificent snow-capped Veronica Mountain (19,226 ft / 5,860 m). From the Kuychikasa Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft), also known as “Rainbow Pass,” we’ll walk for 45 minutes to Chancachuco for lunch with panoramic views of sharp mountain ridges, red hills, and snow peaks. After lunch, we continue with an undulating trail, followed by a descent to the river, where we cross a local bridge and ascend for 20 minutes to our campsite at Ancascocha Escuela (3,700 m / 12,139 ft).
We start early at 5:30 a.m. with breakfast, then head towards Huayanay Pass, the highest point on this trek (4,650 m / 15,255 ft). The ascent is steady, with steep and rugged terrain covering 60% of the trail. Along the way, you’ll see Ancascocha Lake, red mountains, waterfalls, and even part of the original Inca Trail. At Huayanay Pass, enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Salkantay Snow Peak and the Vilcabamba range. We descend along a winding path to Quesca for lunch. Afterward, we hike through alpaca and llama herds before descending three hours to the Paucarcancha Inca archaeological site, where we’ll end the day with a guided tour.
On our final trekking day, we cover a portion of the Classic Inca Trail. During the four-hour hike from Paucarcancha to KM82, we pass by the impressive Pata Llaqta archaeological site, one of the largest Inca sites along the trail. We’ll then arrive at KM82, where our incredible team bids us farewell. From here, we drive to Ollantaytambo to catch a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a relaxing train ride of approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, arriving in time for a well-deserved rest at your hotel.
Today is dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Andes. Following an early breakfast, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour, where you’ll learn about this iconic archaeological wonder made of granite stones that appear almost white in color. For those who have pre-booked, an additional hike to either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu is available after the tour. We’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax, enjoy refreshments, and explore the town before catching the train to either Poroy or Ollantaytambo station. From the station, we’ll take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Emergency horse available if needed.
Nightly heaters (bags filled with hot water).
Emergency oxygen bottle.
Sleeping bag rental.
Trekking poles.
× Sleeping bag (available for rental).
× Breakfast on Day 1.
× Lunch on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes.
× Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef, and guide).
× Hiking poles (available for rental).
× Ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Reminders: Please note that any part of the program may change due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
We are committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience during your trek. To ensure your safety and comfort, please take note of the following:
Physical Condition: All participants should be in good physical health and capable of hiking for several hours each day at high altitudes. We recommend that you engage in regular exercise prior to your trek to prepare your body for the challenges ahead.
Acclimatization: Altitude sickness is a common concern when trekking in the Andes. We suggest that you arrive in Cusco a few days prior to your trek to acclimatize properly. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol during this period.
Packing Essentials: Be sure to pack light but include essential items such as a good sleeping bag, trekking poles, sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and personal toiletries. A detailed packing list will be provided in your pre-departure briefing.
Environmental Responsibility: We promote responsible tourism. Please follow the principles of “Leave No Trace” to protect the natural beauty of the areas we visit. Dispose of waste properly, respect wildlife, and stick to marked trails.
Insurance: We highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance that covers trekking activities, emergency evacuation, and medical care. This will give you peace of mind while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Peru.
Emergency Procedures: Your safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained in first aid and emergency procedures. In case of an emergency, we have protocols in place to ensure your safety and well-being.
Communication: While trekking, you may find that cell service is limited. However, your guide will have a satellite phone for emergencies.
Respect for Local Culture: As you embark on your journey, we encourage you to respect the local communities and their traditions. Engage with locals, ask questions, and show appreciation for their culture.
By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for an amazing adventure in the stunning landscapes of the Andes. We look forward to sharing this journey with you!
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
