Overview
Ancascocha trek – Overview
- First day: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan
- Second day: Rayan – Ancascocha
- Third day: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Quesqa Valley – Paucarcancha
- Fouth day: Paucarcancha – Piskacucho Km. 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Fifth day: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Useful Information of our Ancascocha trail package
- Starting Altitude: 3,205m / 10,512 ft
- Highest altitude: 4,518 m / 14,822 ft
- Walking Distance: 49 km / 30 miles
- Overall Ancascocha tour Difficulty: Challenging.
Itinerary
Ancascocha adventure – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan
We are going to pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m and begin your Ancascocha trek by coming down the mountain for 2 hours into the Sacred Valley of the Incas until we reach Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft).
Here we will enjoy a deliciously prepared breakfast by our professional trekking chef. Soqma is the starting point of our Ancascocha trek Peru and where we will meet the horsemen that will join us during this Machu Picchu Peru Hike.
After breakfast, we begin the first steps of our Ancascocha trek. Our first destination being the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout. These powerful waterfalls are breathtaking, as they are set high in the mountains, a picture perfect photo opportunity.
We will take a break here and soak in the view. After, we will hike 35 minutes more to our first Inca ruin site also named Perolniyoc. Here we will take a tour and learn the significance this site holds. This will also be our lunch spot.
Then, it is only a 45 minutes ascent to our camp for the night at Rayan (3,700 meters/9,350 ft). Rayan is a beautiful and tranquil home for the night, amidst the mountains. We will share a delicious and nourishing dinner and relax under the stars.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Snacks / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3,700m / 12,136 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,205 m / 10,512 ft
- Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
- Approximate walking time: 4 – 5 hours
Day 2: Rayan – Chancachuco – Ancascocha
We will wake up with a hot cup of coca tea and breakfast and begin hiking trail at approximately 6:00. Our day starts with a 3 hour uphill trek to the top, passing herds of llamas and if we are lucky we may spot a condor.
The condor is extremely significant in Inca culture, as well as the largest bird of the Andes with a wingspan that can reach up to 10 feet! Throughout our Ancascocha trail today we will have gorgeous views of the valley and snow-capped peaks surrounding us.
Once we reach Kuychicasa pass (4,450 m /14,596 ft) we will be peering down at the vast Chancachuco Valley on one side and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other.
Then we begin descending for another hour towards our lunch spot, where we will rest and rejuvenate.
After lunch, we will climb for 30 minutes by way of a narrow trail following a stream with beautiful views of Mount Veronica which towers at 5,822 m / 19,100 ft.
Then it is downhill for 3 hours to our campsite at Ancascocha (3,700 m /12,136 ft). Ancascocha is a small community in a gorgeous wooded valley with a magical stream running through it.
We will get to meet some of the locals and enjoy dinner and rest for the next day’s hike in our Ancascocha trek.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Snacks / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 4,450 m / 15,250 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
- Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
- Estimated walking time: 9 – 10 hours
Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Quesqa Valley – Paucarcancha
After a hearty breakfast we will continue on to our most challenging day of the trek. Throughout the day we will be surrounded by nearby glaciers and ruin sites, making every step well worth the effort!
We begin with a 3 hour ascent towards the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/ 15,255 ft), the highest point of our Ancascocha trek, which consists of steep switchbacks. Along the way we hike aside an original cobblestone paved Inca trail, with views of gorgeous and powerful waterfalls which feed into the Ancasocha lake. All while surrounded by the rich flora and fauna of the mountains.
We take time along the way to be sure to stop and capture the incredible views from the summit and catch our breath.
We will descend for about 3 hours to quesqa valley, here we will have lunch surrounded by the most incredible views.
After lunch, we embark on a long descent taking us to more vibrant vegetation, with views of the traditional Inca road in the distance. We will also be able to see a bird’s eye view of the communities throughout the Quesqa valley.
We then reach our camp for the night at Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,278 ft). Here we get to meet some of the local families and see how they live in the mountains. We will have a well deserved and nourishing dinner and a good night’s sleep.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Snacks / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m /15,298 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,850 m /12,628 ft
- Walking Distance: 15 km /9.3 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours
Day 4: Paucarcancha – Piskacucho Km 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After enjoying a nourishing breakfast whilst in the beautiful surroundings of Paucarcanca,we will descend for 5 hours until we reach KM 82, the beginning of the Classic Inca Trail. Along the way we visit 3 other ruin sites: Llactapata, Willcaraqay and Qanabamba.
These are the first sites on the Inca Route, each holding a unique purpose and architectural flare. You will get to explore and learn about the incredible ingenuity of the Inca and see structures thousands of years old carefully constructed in the Andean mountain.
At the KM. 82, we will enjoy a deliciously prepared lunch by our trekking chef and say our thanks and goodbyes to our chef as this is our last meal together. Then you are going to be picked up by a local bus and transported to the beautiful Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft). Ollantaytambo is a town surrounded with visible ruins perched in the mountains. Here we are going to catch the train taking to Aguas Caliente.
The train ride in itself is a memory of a lifetime, taking you through the Andean mountains into the high jungle until reaching Aguas Calientes Town.
Upon arrival, we will check you in to your hotel and then you have time to explore this lovely town by visiting the artisan markets or relax at the natural hot springs.
In the evening, we are going to enjoy dinner at one of the best restaurants in town.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel
- Maximum Altitude: 3,850 m / 12,628 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,792 m / 9,158 ft
- Walking Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
- Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco!
Today is the day we have all been trekking for! We will wake up early and have breakfast at the hotel. Then we will catch one of the first buses up the mountain winding through the beautiful cloud forest. We will get to Incan Citadel just in time to welcome the sun and have some once in a lifetime photo opportunities.
Then we will take a 2 hour guided tour of from our expert guides, bringing you to all the most important sites including temples, water fountains. Throughout the tour, you will learn how this incredible masterpiece citadel was built thousands of years ago and the significance that each area holds.
After the tour you will have time to explore on your own or if you have elected climb Huayna Picchu (the Young Mountain) or MachuPicchu mountain. Huayna Picchu is an approximate 45 minute climb up Inca built stairs and paths leading to ruins atop the mountain peering down at MachuPicchu. This is the perfect spot for a bird’s eye view photo of the spectacular Machupicchu below.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum Altitude: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft
- Minimun Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
Inclusions
Ancascocha trail Includes:
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide for this Ancascocha trek
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Briefing with your trekking guide 1 or 2 days before your Ancascocha trek
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in Cusco to your Hotel
- Professional Chef
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg. of your personal items.
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transportation by bus to Soqma
- Return transportation by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the Ancascocha trek when you need to bring your own)
- Hot water for washing.
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to refill the water bottles.
- 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know and request with no cost at all.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- kitchen tent
- Toilet tent
- a 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Hotel on Day 4 (in Aguas Calientes)
- Sleeping mattress
- Duffle bag for your personal gear
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu – round trip
The Ancascocha trek does Not Include:
- Lunch on Day 5
- Dinner on Day 5
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain-US$70
- Tips for the crew (guide, chef, wranglers)
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your Ancascocha trek Peru
What you need to take for the hiking destination.
- Original Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries
- Towel
- Wet wipes
- Swim suit
SPECIAL ADDITIONALS:
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Extra 7 kg of personal items (Included). Our Ancascocha trek include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your Ancascocha Adventure. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
Price
Ancascocha Trek – Prices
Prices: Group Service:
- US$680 per person
Prices: Private Service
- US$750 per person
Discounts for Ancascocha trek Peru:
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras:
- Hiking Poles US$15
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Single Tent Supplement US$25
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes US$90
- Vistadome Train Upgrade US$60
- Huayna Picchu Mountain US$70
- Machu Picchu Mountain US$70
FAQs
Ancascocha Trek National Geographic:
The Ancascocha was named by National Geographic as one of 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list. the Ancascocha trail has a lot going for it including that ever-popular appeal of being considered off-the-beaten-path.
Ancascocha Vs Salkantay Trail :
The 5 day Ancascocha trail takes you through the spectacular Andean Mountains to Machu Picchu visiting numerous Inca remain sites, all with the same incredible beauty as the Classic Inca Trail, however without the crowds. You will hike through small villages inhabited by Quechua speaking people who live by many of the same Inca traditions as thousands of years ago. In fact, you may even draw blank looks from people when you tell them you’re hiking it.
The Salkantay trek is an off the beaten path option for hiking to Machupicchu that’s less crowded (and more beautiful in our humble opinion) than the famous and wildly popular Inca Trail. We’ve compiled all the basics to help you get as prepped for your epic hiking adventure through the Peruvian Andes to the lost city!
This hike is known for being the most scenic route to the ancient city with everything from snow capped glaciers to mossy cliffs to lush rainforests.
Salkantay mountain is the highest peak of the Willkapampa mountain range, and one of the highest peaks in the Peruvian Andes at 6,271 m (20,569 ft). In between the tall, rigid Humantay and Salkantay glacier mountains there is a lush valley full of rainforest wildlife.
Ancascocha Vs Inca Trail:
Peru’s Ancascocha Inca trail is nothing short of a stunning alternative route to inca’s city along sections of the old Inca trails and remains surrounding Cusco. Offering a spectacular journey through the Andes, this challenging ancascocha trail may well be one of South America’s best-kept secrets (as far as hiking goes).
