Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu
Activity Level : challenging
Overview
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is a less traveled path, alternative to the Inca Trail, but as memorable. A 5-day experience designed to blend physical challenges like high mountain passes, archeological sites, rural communities and several micro-climates. This is the perfect approach to Machu Picchu for those looking for a unique adventure.
What to Expect
- Approximately 44 km (27 mi) over rugged mountain terrain, cloud forest, and Andean Puna.
- Altitudes peaking at 4650 m / 15255 ft.
- Immersion in Qechua culture as we visit rural villages.
- Campsites next to high-altitude lakes.
- Machu Picchu guided visit.
Main Challenges
- Several very high passes over 4500 m.
- Long hiking days.
- Weather and altitude continuously changing.
Highlights
- Huayanay Pass at 4,650 m (15256 ft).
- Archaeological sites: Q’anabamba and Paucarcancha.
- Ancascocha Lake and the surrounding area.
- Machu Picchu and the scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo.
Who Is This Trek For?
This trek suits fit hikers, who are used to high altitude and enjoy the less crowded trips. If you are looking for an Alternative trek to Machu Picchu, combining history, culture and nature, while pushing the limits of your body in the backcountry. This is for you. Join us in this experience and visit hidden gems in the Andes, both natural and manmade.
Looking for something less adventurous, check our Machu Picchu Tours.
Day 1 Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pampa – Pampa Japonesa
Welcome to our first day on the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu. This day promises stunning landscapes in the middle on the Andes.
Cusco to Soraypampa.
This journey starts with an early morning. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5 am in Cusco. Then the driver, will take us on a 3.5 hours scenic drive to Soraypampa. On our way, we will spot Apu Salkantay and some local villages like Izcuchaca and Limatambo. This drive itself is a highlight.
Humantay Lake.
Once at Soraypampa, we will fuel up for the day with a nourishing breakfast. Later, we will start our hike. The first segment of the day will take us to Humantay Lake, characterized by its turquoise water. This segment will be a loop back to Soraypampa and will take us 2.5 hours.
From Soraypampa, we will continue for 1.5 hours ascending to Salkantay Pampa. Here, we will enjoy a tasty lunch served with a scenic view of the glacier.
Soroccocha Campsite.
After our lunch break, we will continue with the trek. This time with 1-hour uphill trek by switchbacks. Our goal for the day will be Soroccocha, at the base of Apu Salkantay. On arrival, our team will welcome us with hot beverages and appetizers, as we settle in our tents. A perfect reception before our delicious dinner.
Statistics of Day One:
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Lowest Altitude: 3900 m (12795 ft): Soraypampa.
- Highest Altitude: 4000 m (13123 ft): Soroccocha campsite.
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Day 2 Pampa Japonesa – Inka Chiriaska – Millpo – Yahuarmaky
The second day will bring a number of challenges over mountain passes, rewarded by breathtaiking views.
You will wake up with a hot beverage served to your tent by your guide. After, our team will serve a hearty lunch to prepare us for the day ahead of us.
Inca Chiriaska Pass, highest point of the trail.
Our second day of the Ancascocha Trek will be spectacular, filled with stunning landscapes and physically demanding challenges. To start, we will hike to Chiriaska Pass at 4959 m (16269 ft). There, we will take a break to capture some pictures of the magnificent views.
Then, we will join the trek again, following a section of the Inca Trail towards Apu Salkantay. The highlights of this segment will be the historical relevance and the alluring beauty of the landscapes.
4 more passes for the day: Tocto Pass, Calacocha Pass & Millpo Pass.
The second day of our trek will be a testament to our endurance and love for adventure, offering unparalleled views and a deep connection with the Andean highlands.
The rest of the day will be spent summiting several mountain passes.
- The first one will be Tocto Pass at 4821 m (15816 ft).
- The second Calacocha Pass at 4667 m (15311 ft).
- The third Cruz Casa Pass 4600 m (15091 ft).
- The fourth Millpo Pass 4399 m (14432 ft).
After completing these challenges, we will descend to our campsite, Millpo. Here, our team will be waiting with the tents ready, hoot beverages and appetizers. Once que settle in the campsite, our expedition team will serve a hearty dinner.
Statistics of Day Two:
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging.
- Highest Altitude: 4959 m (16269 ft): Inca Chiriaska Pass.
Day 3 Millpo – Yahuarmaky – Ancascocha
On our third day on the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, we will explore archeological sites and continue over the challenging high-altitude trails.
Chuqenay Pass.
As usual, the morning will start with a hot beverage served to your tent, followed by a nourishing breakfast. Then, the trek will take us 1 hour away, to Chuqenay Pass at 4630 m (15190 ft), along a mellow trail.
Next, we will continue towards Rumi Inca Pass, ascending through the Yahuarmaky Valley.
Aqocasa Pass.
Feeling refreshed after our break, we will climb for 1.5 hours to Aqocasa Pass at 4686 m (15374 ft). From this area we will spot the Classic Inca Trail, the Apus Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay and Veronica.
Inca Raqay & Huayanay Pass.
A highlight of our day will be exploring the archaeological site of Inca Raqay, offering us a glimpse into the history of the Inca civilization.
After exploring Inca Raqay, we will descend and then climb once more to the Huayanay Pass.
Ancascocha Campsite.
To conclude our day, we will descent for 3 hours to our campsite at Ancascocha. There, our team will receive us with hot beverages and appetizers, before a well-deserved dinner, after 8+ hours hiking.
Statistics of Day Three:
- Walking Time: Approximately 8-9 hours.
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging.
- Lowest Altitude: 3700 m (12139 ft): Ancascocha Lake.
- Highest Altitude: 4686 m (15374 ft): Aqocasa Pass.
Day 4 Ancascocha – Chillca – Aguas Calientes
The fourth day of our Ancascocha Trek, will be a transition from the Andean Puna to the cloud forest. It will feature a scenic descent all the way to Aguas Calientes.
To Camicancha.
As usual, the morning will start with a hot beverage served to your tent, followed by a nourishing breakfast. The first of the day will be towards Chillca, following a descending trail. Then to Arequipa Pampa, after 2 more hours.
Afterwards, we will explore tiny villages along the trail, surrounded by abundant flora. Our trail will turn easier as we get closer to Camicancha at 2930 m (9612 ft). Here we will have the option to continue hiking to Chillca or be picked by our van.
Train to Aguas Calientes.
Around 4 pm we will take board the train to Aguas Calientes, this experience is highlight itself. Following the Urubamba River, you will be able to admire the cloud forest.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will check into our hotel and later gather for dinner in a local restaurant.
Statistics of Day Four:
- Highlight: The scenic hike through Andean valleys and the train ride to Aguas Calientes.
- Lowest Altitude: 2040 m (6693 ft): Aguas Calientes.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
Day 5 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Machu Picchu exploration.
Finally! our time to explore Machu Picchu has arrived.
This day we will start early, again, to get on time to the Citadel to enjoy the sunrise. Our guide will take us on a 2-hour guided tour around Machu Picchu, sharing with us all his knowledge about the buildings, plazas, temples and different rooms.
After, if you booked ahead, there will be time to hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. This will be on your own, but if you want a guide for this extra, you can book it as an add-on.
After our exploration if the Hidden Inca City, we will go back to Aguas Calientes. There, you will have time for lunch (not included), souvenir shopping, visiting the local Hot Springs or just rest.
Back to Cusco.
Our way back to Cusco will start with the 2:55pm or 3:20pm train to Ollantaytambo. This train ride takes us along the Urubamba canyon, where we will have the chance to spot Wiñay Wayna high in the slopes.
Once at Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting for us, ready to drive us back. We will drop you at your hotel around 7pm, wrapping up an adventure of a lifetime.
Statistics of Day Five:
- Level of difficulty: Easy: focused on exploration & sightseeing
- Lowest altitude: 2040 m (6690 ft): Aguas Calientes
- Highest altitude: 2430 m (7972 ft): Machu Picchu
Included
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Tents for camping nights.
- Hotel stay in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals and Drinks
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Guided Tours
- Professional bilingual guide(s).
- Entrance Fees
- Camping Equipment
- Additional Activities
- First Aid and Safety
Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Meals in Cities
- Personal Trekking Gear:
- Sleeping bags $15.
- Trekking poles $10.
- Hiking boots and other personal clothing.
- Additional Activities and Entrance Fees:
- Extra hikes such as Huayna Picchu (69$) or Machu Picchu Mountain (69$), which require separate entrance tickets.
- Entrance fees to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes ($4).
- Transportation:
- Any transportation not specified in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters.
- Visa Fees.
- Clothing
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Warm jacket (down or similar for cold nights).
- Hiking pants and casual pants for evenings.
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts.
- Thermal underwear.
- Sun hat and woolen hat for cold nights.
- Gloves, especially for the higher, colder altitudes.
- Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof and broken-in).
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for camp.
- Backpack and Daypack
- Backpack (if not using porter service).
- Lightweight daypack for personal items.
- Hydration and Snacks: minimum 2 liters.
- Health and Personal Items
- Personal medication.
- High SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF.
- Insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper and small shovel (if needed for nature calls).
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap).
- Accessories
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended).
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
- Camera with extra batteries and memory card.
- Portable power bank.
- Lightweight, quick-dry towel.
- Documents.
FAQS
Why choose our tour services
Small groups
Join a small group of like-minded travellers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
Philosophy & values
We are experts in the field of making dreams come true! With a unique experience in all of Cusco, wherever you want to go, we can take you there
Locally based guides
At Hotel Andenes del Inca, we have experienced tour guides. And they are all locals, which means they know the area you are exploring like the back of their hand.
