Ancascocha Trek

USD 750 4 days 3 nights

Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging

Maximum group size
6 people

Total distance
40 km / 24.9 mi

Height difference
2.0 to 4.7k m / 6.6 to 15.5k ft asl

Ancascocha Trek

Official local tour operator of the Inca Trail

Ancascocha Trek

4 days

3 nights

For four days, this trek offers a complete immersion in the stunning natural beauty and rich history of the Peruvian Andes. If you are passionate about discovering new and off-the-beaten-track places, this less-travelled route is your best choice. From the majestic Perolniyoc waterfall to the serene and picturesque landscapes and Inca archaeological sites, each day brings a new adventure alongside an expert guide who will lead you through challenging ascents, panoramic views, and unique cultural experiences.

* Altitude sickness is a common experience for all visitors in Cusco. To minimize symptoms, it is advisable to spend one or two days in the city before starting the hike.

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Maximum group size: 6 people

Total distance: 40 km / 24.9 mi

Height difference: 2.0 to 4.7k m / 6.6 to 15.5k ft asl

Price

USD 750

per person based on 2 people

DAY 1

Soqma – Rayan – Chancacucho

Distance

15 km – 9.3 mi / approx. 5 to 6 hours

Altitude

3,520 to 3,904 m / 11,549 to 12,480 ft asl

Difficulty

Moderate

Lunch: Rayan 3,650 m / 11,811 ft asl

Campsite: Chancacucho 3,780 m / 12,401 ft asl

Your day will begin with pickup from the hotel to embark on an exciting trekking adventure. You will be transferred to the charming village of Soqma, where you will have breakfast before starting the hike. The route will take you through the stunning archaeological complex of Perolniyoc, situated at 3,520 meters above sea level. Here, you will be amazed by the majestic Perolniyoc waterfall, a spectacular cascade of crystal-clear water approximately 100 meters high, famous for its beauty reminiscent of a bridal veil.

After exploring this natural wonder, the hike will continue for approximately 4 hours through picturesque landscapes and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. Then, you will arrive at the quaint village of Rayan, where you will enjoy lunch prepared by the group’s chefs.

The adventure will then continue with a hike of approximately 4 hours until you reach the Chancachuco campsite, located at an altitude of 4,249 m asl.

There you will dine under the impressive starry sky of the Andes, spend a peaceful night and continue the journey the next day.

DAY 2

Chancacucho – Quesqa – Sallac

Distance

18 km – 11.2 mi / approx. 8 to 9 h

Altitude

2,800 to 4,650 m / 9,186 to 15,256 ft asl

Difficulty

Challenging

Lunch: Quesqa 3,850 m / 12,631 ft asl

Campsite: Sallac 2,800 m / 9,186 ft asl

Wake up early to make the most of the day. Breakfast will be served before starting the journey. Then, you will begin the ascent to Huayanay Pass, at 5464 m asl, from where you will have a view of the impressive Ancascocha Lagoon at 3700 m and the Incarakay archaeological site, part of the Inca Trail.

During the trek, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of the region, including species like the condor, Peru’s national symbol. After about 5 hours of hiking, you will reach the Qesqa community for lunch at noon.

Subsequently, you will continue to the archaeological site of Paucarcancha, at 3,133 m asl, a historical place used as an Inca lookout post. Finally, you will arrive at the Sallac campsite to enjoy dinner and spend the night under the starry sky.

DAY 3

Sallac – Km 82 – Aguas Calientes

Distance

22 km – 13.7 mi / approx. 8 to 9 h

Altitude

2,040 to 2,800 m / 6,692 to 9,186 ft asl

Difficulty

Easy

Lunch: Km 82 at 2,600 m / 8,530 ft asl

Campsite: Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m / 6,692 ft asl

The day begins with breakfast before facing another day of trekking. The trek starts from the Huillca Raccay archaeological site, located at 2,792 m asl. From here, panoramic views of Patallaqta can be enjoyed at an altitude of 2591 m asl. This area is steeped in the rich history of the ancient Incas and offers a fascinating insight into their architecture and way of life. The trail continues to km 82, where the group stops around noon to enjoy lunch prepared by the talented team of chefs. After lunch, there is the option to explore the ruins of

Ollantaytambo, an impressive archaeological site showcasing the mastery of Inca engineering. Visitors can marvel at the agricultural terraces, temples, and meticulously carved stone structures.

Additionally, you can choose to visit Pincuylluna, which were Inca storage facilities used to dry and preserve food. Moreover, it is possible to visit the corn museum to learn about the cultural and dietary significance of this crop in Incan civilization. For those looking to try a more local experience, chicherías offer the opportunity to taste traditional chicha, a fermented corn beverage.

In the afternoon, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, a picturesque town located at the foot of Machu Picchu. Here, you can relax and prepare for the exciting visit to the Machu Picchu citadel the following day.

DAY 4

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Distance

4 km – 2.5 mi / approx.3 h

Altitude

2,040 to 2,430 m / 6,692 to 7,972 ft asl

Difficulty

Easy

Lunch: Km 82 at 2,600 m / 8,530 ft asl

Campsite: Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m / 6,692 ft asl

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will board one of the early buses heading to Machu Picchu. Around 20 minutes later, you will arrive at the impressive Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to explore this fascinating archaeological spot, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Surrounded by the majesty of the Andes peaks, Machu Picchu captivates with its unique architecture and intricate network of terraces, temples, and Inca dwellings. You will enjoy panoramic views and immerse yourself in the rich history of this ancient citadel accompanied by the guide. In the afternoon, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, from where you will take transportation back to Cusco, concluding this 4-day trek.

Included

Private transfers from the hotel – Soqma / Km 82 – Ollantaytambo – hotel
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
Bus tickets: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Round-trip train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Pre-hike briefing with a professional guide
Tent with space for 4 people, but only with 2 occupants
Bathing tent
Foam mattress base
Our professional chefs prepare meals that incorporate elements of the Western diet as well as traditional Peruvian delicacies
Porters (for equipment and items) carry camping equipment, food, and kitchen equipment. If desired, you can hire a porter.
Dining tent with tables and field chairs and a kitchen tent for the cook
Cook and kitchen equipment
Oxygen bottle
First aid kit
Snacks: Nutritious and energy bars, assorted nuts, and chocolates
Seasonal fruit
Water to fill bottles each morning
04 breakfasts, 03 lunches, and 03 dinners (optional vegetarian or vegan food upon request)

Not included

Sleeping bag (20 USD)
Walking sticks (10 USD)
Lunch on the last day
Optional personal horse
Entrance to the hot springs
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (70 USD)
Other meals
Insurance
Tips
Personal expenses
Other unspecified extras

Notes

What to bring on the Ancascocha Trek for 4 days:

A lightweight backpack for the journey
Flashlight and batteries
Rain gear (jacket and pants) or rain poncho
Special trekking footwear, waterproof boots recommended
Warm clothing, including jacket, fleece liners, gloves, scarf, and hat. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
Camera, film, and batteries (batteries deplete faster in cold weather conditions).
Hat or cap to protect from sun, rain, and cold
Sunscreen and after-sun lotion or moisturizer for face and body
Insect repellent containing a minimum of 20% DEET
Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolates, raw fruits, etc.
Water bottle for the first morning
Personal first aid kit with any special medications you may need
Small towel or sarong
Swimwear (if you intend to swim in the hot springs)
Sufficient cash for snacks, tips, and souvenirs
Original passport and ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
Walking sticks with rubber tips (we can rent them for you)

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