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Ancascocha Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days

4 Days and 3 Nights
Multi-day hike
-16%
From$660$564
-16%
From$660$564
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Reservations for the great year 2024 - 2025 have already started, more than 50000 clients with reservations secured!

Are you thinking about taking a trip to Machu Picchu? What are you waiting for, make your reservation now and secure the best place to see Machu Picchu completely and live an unforgettable experience!.

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Spanish, English
Departure city: Cusco, Peru
Ends in the city: Cusco, Peru
Group Size: 12 PER GROUP
Availability: Daily Departures
Trip Styles: Hiking
Max Altitude: 4650 M. / 15255 FT.
Lodging Type: Camps & Hotel
Difficulty: Moderate
Overview

Ancascocha Trek 4 Days

The Ancascocha Trek 4 Days is one of the least known and travelled, and therefore less crowded, excursions among the tourist circuits of Cusco. However, it was declared by National Geographic as one of the 20 dream walks on its list of the best walks in the world, and with good reason.The Ancascocha Trail in the Peruvian Andes is a spectacular trail that remains off the beaten path even given its proximity to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The Ancascocha Trek, often called the Super Inca Trail or even the Hidden Inca Trail, a far more strenuous yet less traveled and more rewarding path.
We’ll cover a portion of the Classic Inca Trail during the third day of walking (yes, the one that needs reservations a year in advance). After a few days of solitude, you may be surprised to see many hikers suddenly. However, there’s nothing to worry about as they go in another direction.We’ll visit Machu Picchu, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, on the last day.

You’ll notice that nothing compares to the most famous archaeological site in South America despite all the beauty you have already seen so far. You’ll have a 2-hour guided tour and the possibility of climbing the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (subject to availability). After completing the tour, we’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes and then train to Cusco. Don’t worry about a thing; we’ll drop you off at your hotel’s door to arrive.

Why Take the Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu?

  • At (Peru Hike), your safety, fun, and comfort will always be our main concern. Therefore, your guide will ensure that the pace of the excursion is adjusted to each member of the group. They’ll take a break whenever necessary. Our camps will be ready before your arrival.
  • We use high quality equipment to ensure your maximum comfort. We are extremely proud of our kitchen team. Our chef and his assistant will surprise you with the delights they are able to make in the middle of the mountain. You’ll never go hungry because the menu is specially designed to ensure you have enough energy for each day of hiking.
  • Highlights of this excursion include guided tours of ancient Inca archaeological sites, extensive cultivation fields where generations of peasants have tilled the land, and traditional Andean towns such as Chillipahua and Ancascocha. However, the real reward of this route is the impressive views of the majestic mountains.
  • However, no reward comes without effort. It’s a challenging walk that will take us above 4,600 m. in the Huayanay pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft). Therefore, we recommend that all our passengers have an excellent physical condition.
  • Enjoy unique landscapes, beautiful and crystalline blue lagoons, raging waterfalls, and the imposing Apu Salkantay (6,266 m / 20,551 ft) constantly dominate the scene.
Itinerary

DAY 1Cusco – Soqma – Kuychiccasa Pass – Chancachuco Valley

Visit places
Cusco
Soqma
Perolniyoc cascade
Racaypata
Kuychiccasa Pass
Chancachuco Valley Camp

After meeting you at your hotel, we leave Cusco early in the morning and drive 1h 45m to Soqma (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). This is the starting point of our trek and where we meet the horsemen (and horses) that will be our porters during the hike.

The hike begins with a 1h 45m hour walk to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout. The waterfall is breathtaking, and you can even take the short climb down to the base of the falls for some fantastic photo opportunities (and cool down if the weather is hot)! Then, hiking for a further 45 minutes we visit the Inca site of the same name. Perched on a cliff-top with spectacular views of the surrounding valley, your guide will share some of the history of the site and the Incas and you will be free to wander through the ruins, imagining life 500 years ago.

Next we make a steep ascent for around an hour to reach our lunch spot, Rayan (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). Here you will sample for the first time the incredible culinary skills of your chef, with a chance to rest, relax and refuel for the afternoon’s hiking.

The afternoon begins with a challenging 3 hour uphill hike to reach the Kuychiccasa pass (4,500 m /14,764 ft). Passing the rustic houses of the farmers, at every turn you will see sumptuous views of the snow-capped peaks of the ‘Nevadas’, wild llamas, sprawling valleys, and if we are lucky, a passing condor (the largest bird in the Andes with a wing-span of up to 10 feet across!).

As we reach the top of the pass (perhaps a little breathless) we take a break to soak in the magnificent views of the Chancachuco Valley on one side and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other.

From here it is an easy 45 minute downhill hike to reach our camp for the evening at the Chancachuco Valley (4,350 m / 14,272 ft). Here, with the campsite already prepared when you arrive, you can change into warmer clothing and lie back to watch the sky gradually fill with the most incredible display of stars (clouds permitting!) before joining your guide and your fellow trekkers for a well-earned, hearty dinner.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation:Camps
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Walking Distance:16 km / 9.9 miles
  • Campsite Elevation:3,350 m / 14,272 ft
  • Highest Elevation:4,500 m/14,764 ft.

DAY 2Chancachuco Valley – Ancascocha – Quesqa Valley

Visit places
Chancachuco Valley
Ancascocha Lake
Quesqa Valley Camp

You will be woken with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, followed by a full breakfast to fuel you for the morning ahead.

We begin with a 45 minute undulating hike followed by a 20 minute ascent by way of a narrow trail that follows a stream with beautiful views of Mt. Veronica (5,822 m / 19,100 ft).

We then take a 2.5 hour walk downhill to reach the small community of Ancascocha (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), in a small but gorgeous wooded valley with a stream running through it.

Continuing uphill for 1 hour you will enjoy views of the nearby glacier and well preserved Inca remains, before reaching the beautiful crystal blue Ancascocha Lake where we stop for lunch.

After lunch we continue our ascent towards the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft). This is a strenuous 2 hour climb along a steep switchback trail which brings us to the highest point of our trek. Along this section you will see an original cobblestone paved Inca Trail.

After taking time to enjoy the incredible views from the summit, we embark on a 3 hour descent into greener vegetation. Along this stretch we will have a distant vista of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu as well as fascinating views of the communities of the Quesqa valley. We will also pass the small Inca site of Incaracay.

Finally we will reach our campsite, nestled in the Quesqa valley (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). Once again, your chef will serve an excellent dinner as we reflect on the sights and sounds of the day.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation:Camps
  • Difficulty:Challenging
  • Walking Distance:15 km / 9.32 miles
  • Highest Elevation:4,650 m/15,255 ft.
  • Campsite Elevation:3,850 m / 12,631 ft

DAY 3Quesqa Valley – KM 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Visit places
Quesqa Valley
Lllactapata
KM 82
Ollantaytambo
Aguas Calientes Hotel

On our final day of trekking we descend from Quesqa Valley for 2 hours until we reach the Inca site of Paucarcancha (3,120 m / 10,236 ft) where your guide will provide a comprehensive commentary about the site.

We then join a section of the Classic Inca Trail and make an easy hike downhill for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the official start of the Classic Trail. Along the way we will be able to see the Inca site of Llactapata. Lunch will be served at Km 82.

After lunch we will be picked up by our private local van and transported to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft) to catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Photo opportunities are endless as we carve through the valley floor into the lush green vegetation of the Aguas Calientes area.

After 2 nights in the mountains, your comfortable hotel room will be a welcome sight. The natural hot springs in town are also a great place to relax if there is time before dinner. We will take dinner together at a nice and quality local restaurant with an extensive menu (drinks not included) before retiring to the hotel to prepare for the early start on Machu Picchu.

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation:Camps
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Walking Distance:18 km / 11.18 mi
  • Highest Elevation:3,850 m/12,631 ft.
  • Accommodation Elevation:2,040 m / 6,693 ft

DAY 4Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Visit places
Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Train to Ollantaytambo
Cusco Hotel

After a very early breakfast at your hotel we take one of the first buses (5:30am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Your guide will then give a 2 hour walking tour of this breathtaking site, named as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is included in the price of the trek.

If you have elected to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains you can begin the hike once your guided tour concludes. The ticket price for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is also included in the price of your trek. If you choose not to climb the mountain you will have plenty of free time to explore Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus or walking.

Arriving back in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From here you will travel by private van to Cusco and back to your hotel. Your arrival time in Cusco will depend on the time of your train ticket.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Bus To Machu Picchu: 25 Mins there – 25 Mins back
  • Tour in Machu Picchu: 2-3 hours exploring
  • Machu Picchu Site Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
  • Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
  • Huchuy Picchu Mountain Elevation: 2,497 m / 8,192 ft
  • Sun Gate Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft

*The standard trek includes a permit to climb Huayna Pichu Mountain which is a fairly easy 1 hour hike. However, if no tickets are available (e.g. due to late booking) then a permit to climb Machu Picchu mountain will be issued. Note that this is a 2-3 hour strenuous climb up and down following very steep and narrow steps

Trip Info
Inclusions
Packing List
Before You Go
High Quality Service & Safety
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Experienced Guide speaks English and Spanish
  • A professional cook only for our group
  • Motorola Talkabout Radio, for communication
  • Medical Kit – First Aid Kit
  • One duffle bag per person
  • Customer Service 24/7
  • Extra oxygen
Private Camping Equipment
  • We also include a large tent with table and chairs for you to enjoy your meal without worry-free, and all the cooking equipment, carried by our porters and horses
  • We also included a portable toilet
Permits & Entrance Tickets
  • Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Circuit (1 or 2)
Transportation
  • Private transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek
  • Horses, and muleteers horses carry your 8-kg / 16-pound personal items.
  • Private transportation from the end of the walk to the Ollantaytambo train station
  • Day 3: Train Ticket from Ollantaytambo To Aguas Calientes
  • Day 4: Bus ticket to Machu Picchu round trip.
  • Day 4: Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Day 4: Private transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals
  • Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
  • Meals: vegetarian and vegan
  • Water to drink on the trail every day
  • Wake up tea, every morning
  • Tea Time or Happy Hour, every afternoon
  • Snacks on the trail daily
  • Products for hygiene
Accommodation
  • Personal Accommodation in Private Campsites
  • 4-Person, 4-season tents, destined for 2 travelers
  • 1 Polar sheet per person
  • Pillows throughout the tour
  • Rubber warmers, for the night
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Additional Included
  • PRO Air sleeping pad, Therma-Rest brand
  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking stick
What Is Not Included?
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for our staff
  • Additional costs or delays out of control of the management
  • Original Passport
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
  • Insect repellant
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and film with extra batteries
  • Torch with spare batteries
  • Daypack

Information Before leaving for the Ancascocha Trek 4 Days

We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about Ancascocha trek 4 days in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!

Briefing or informative meeting

All information meetings are held in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the Peru Hike offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there you will be given a small duffel bag, in which you’ll put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that won’t be in your day pack.

Duffel bag or canvas case

ou’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will take them on the way and will deliver them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 ft. Long x 36 cm / 1 ft. Wide.

A maximum of 5 kg is allowed for each duffel bag that includes the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes and other personal items.

Payment of Trek Balance (in Cusco)

The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.

It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. 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 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.

Any equipment that you are not going to 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 all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.

Pick up of guests

Peru Hike can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, 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 will take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to your arrival.
  • In Aguas Calientes you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. 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 2 hours.
  • Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Peru Hike clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Plaza San Francisco, in Cusco. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Plaza San Francisco takes 2 hours.
  • In San Francisco, depending on your hotel’s location, we will take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel in Cusco.

Group tours

Group tours are made up of different types of people. 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, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.

Strikes and demonstrations

Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent 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 excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations 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

You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.

3 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Pam M

Group Traveller

Our experience on the Ancascocha trek was AMAZING! We booked this trip through Action Peru and they were very professional. The trek passes many Inca ruins, small villages, lakes and also offers a trek in one small portion of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This is definitely one of the best treks to do in Peru and still off the beaten path. Our guide was Christian and he was brilliant. We loved our experience with this company!!

13 August, 2024

alex poorta

Group Traveller

We have just concluded our 4 day Ancascocha Trek with Peru Hike and we had a great experience with this local company. Our experience started with our first email and finished with our great guide Rox. He was an amazing tour guide during our 4 day trek and I would highly recommend him and his crew.

22 April, 2021

Alex Y

Family Traveller

This review is for the 4 day/3 night Ancascocha trek with (Peru Hike). I originally wanted to do the original Inca trail to Machu Picchu but am incredibly glad that we decided to do Ancascocha instead. This trek will take you on the Ancascocha trail for the first two days and then back along the beginning of the Inca trail on the third day and a train ride to the city by Machu Picchu. On the 4th day, you take a bus up to Machu Picchu to sightsee. So instead of hiking the Inca trail to end up at Machu Picchu, this takes you over a different part of the area.

The biggest reason why I loved this trek was that we were quite literally the only trekkers on the trail for the first two days. It was amazing to walk through the untouched lands, except for the people who live there. It felt as though we were exploring a land that very few people have crossed. Contrasting that with the Inca trail where we passed by tons of trekkers and porters along the way and it felt so much more crowded.

Odon, our guide, was exemplary. He knew so much about the area and its history. He knew all of the people who lived along the trail. His knowledge and wisdom felt unparalleled as a guide. Plus he has a great sense of humor and we got to joking a bunch along the way, which made the high-altitude trekking more bearable. Also he knows at a glance whether you will be able to make it through the high-altitude portions or if you will need assistance on the horse. After having done other treks with other guides, I’ve come to realize how special Odon is. Can’t say enough about him, he’s like the fun uncle in your family.

26 March, 2021
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