The Best Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu
Yes, you can trek to Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail crowds. The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is a less traveled, high altitude alternative that combines physical challenge, authentic Quechua culture, and hidden Inca sites over 5 days.
This 5-day experience is designed for fit hikers who want more than the classic route. You will cross multiple passes over 4,500 meters, camp next to high altitude lakes, explore rural villages, and visit archaeological sites that few travelers see. It ends with a guided tour of Machu Picchu on Circuit 2 and a scenic train ride back to Cusco.
We are a licensed local tour operator based in Cusco with over 15 years of experience leading alternative treks to Machu Picchu. All treks are led by professional, English speaking, licensed guides certified in wilderness first aid, with a full support team of chefs, horsemen, and porters.
What to Expect on the Ancascocha Trek
- Distance: Approximately 44 km or 27 miles over rugged mountain terrain, cloud forest, and Andean Puna
- Altitude: Peaks at 4,959 m or 16,269 ft at Inca Chiriaska Pass, average camping at 3,700 m to 4,000 m
- Culture: Full immersion in Quechua culture with visits to remote farming communities
- Campsites: Private camps next to high altitude lakes like Soroccocha and Ancascocha
- Machu Picchu: Guided visit on Day 5 with Circuit 2 ticket included
- Support: Duffle carried by horses, 4 season tents, hotel in Aguas Calientes on night 4 included
Main Challenges
- Several very high passes over 4,500 m, including Inca Chiriaska at 4,959 m
- Long hiking days of 8 to 9 hours on Days 2 and 3
- Weather and altitude that change quickly from sun to snow
- No lodges, full camping for 3 nights with cold nights below zero
Highlights
- Huayanay Pass at 4,650 m and Inca Chiriaska Pass at 4,959 m, the highest point of the trek
- Archaeological sites: Qanabamba, Paucarcancha, and Inca Raqay
- Ancascocha Lake and Soroccocha Lake with views of Apu Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay, and Veronica
- Humantay Lake turquoise water on Day 1
- Machu Picchu Circuit 2 guided tour and scenic train to Ollantaytambo
Who Is This Trek For?
This trek is for fit hikers who are used to high altitude and enjoy less crowded trails. If you are looking for a true alternative to Machu Picchu that combines history, culture, and nature while pushing your limits in the backcountry, this is for you. Previous experience above 4,000 m is highly recommended. Not suitable for beginners.
Looking for something less adventurous, check our Machu Picchu tour by train or Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 2 Days.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pampa – Pampa Japonesa – Soroccocha
Welcome to Day 1 of the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu. This day offers stunning landscapes in the heart of the Andes.
Cusco to Soraypampa: Early morning pickup at 5:00 am from your hotel in Cusco. Then a 3.5 hour scenic drive to Soraypampa with your guide and driver. On the way you will see Apu Salkantay and local villages like Izcuchaca and Limatambo. The drive itself is a highlight.
Humantay Lake: On arrival in Soraypampa you will have a nourishing breakfast. Then start the hike. The first part is a loop to Humantay Lake with its famous turquoise water, 2.5 hours round trip back to Soraypampa. Then continue 1.5 hours uphill to Salkantay Pampa for lunch with glacier views.
Soroccocha Campsite: After lunch, 1 hour uphill by switchbacks to Soroccocha at the base of Apu Salkantay. Your team will welcome you with hot drinks and appetizers as you settle into your tents, followed by a delicious dinner.
Stats Day 1: Level Moderate. Distance 12 km or 7.5 miles. Lowest altitude 3,900 m or 12,795 ft at Soraypampa. Highest altitude 4,000 m or 13,123 ft at Soroccocha campsite.
Day 2: Pampa Japonesa – Inca Chiriaska – Millpo – Yahuarmaky
The most demanding day with 5 high passes and breathtaking views.
Wake up with a hot drink served to your tent, then a hearty breakfast to prepare for the day ahead.
Inca Chiriaska Pass, highest point of the trail: Hike to Chiriaska Pass at 4,959 m or 16,269 ft. Take time for photos of the magnificent mountain views. Then follow a section of original Inca Trail towards Apu Salkantay with strong historical importance and beautiful landscapes.
Four more passes for the day: The rest of the day is a test of endurance with unparalleled views of the Andean highlands.
First, Tocto Pass at 4,821 m or 15,816 ft.
Second, Calacocha Pass at 4,667 m or 15,311 ft.
Third, Cruz Casa Pass at 4,600 m or 15,091 ft.
Fourth, Millpo Pass at 4,399 m or 14,432 ft.
After these challenges, descend to Millpo campsite. Your team will be waiting with tents ready, hot drinks and appetizers, then a hearty dinner.
Stats Day 2: Level Challenging. Highest altitude 4,959 m or 16,269 ft at Inca Chiriaska Pass.
Day 3: Millpo – Yahuarmaky – Ancascocha
Explore archaeological sites and continue over challenging high-altitude trails.
Chuqenay Pass: Morning starts with hot drink to your tent and breakfast. Then 1 hour along a mellow trail to Chuqenay Pass at 4,630 m or 15,190 ft. Continue towards Rumi Inca Pass, ascending through Yahuarmaky Valley.
Aqocasa Pass: After a short break, climb 1.5 hours to Aqocasa Pass at 4,686 m or 15,374 ft. From here you will see the Classic Inca Trail and Apus Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay and Veronica.
Inca Raqay and Huayanay Pass: Explore the archaeological site of Inca Raqay for a glimpse into Inca history. Then descend and climb again to Huayanay Pass.
Ancascocha Campsite: Finish with a 3 hour descent to Ancascocha campsite at 3,700 m. Hot drinks, appetizers and a well deserved dinner after 8 plus hours of hiking.
Stats Day 3: Walking time 8 to 9 hours. Level Challenging. Lowest altitude 3,700 m or 12,139 ft at Ancascocha Lake. Highest altitude 4,686 m or 15,374 ft at Aqocasa Pass.
Day 4: Ancascocha – Chillca – Aguas Calientes
A transition from Andean Puna to cloud forest with a scenic descent to Aguas Calientes.
To Camicancha: Hot drink and breakfast. Descend towards Chillca, then to Arequipa Pampa after 2 more hours. Pass tiny villages surrounded by abundant flora. Trail becomes easier as you get closer to Camicancha at 2,930 m or 9,612 ft. Here you can continue hiking to Chillca or be picked up by our van.
Train to Aguas Calientes: Around 4:00 pm board the train to Aguas Calientes. This ride along the Urubamba River through cloud forest is a highlight. On arrival, check into your hotel and meet for dinner in a local restaurant.
Stats Day 4: Level Moderate. Lowest altitude 2,040 m or 6,693 ft at Aguas Calientes. Highlight is the scenic Andean valley hike and train ride.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Machu Picchu exploration: Finally, time to explore Machu Picchu. Early start to arrive at the citadel for sunrise. Your guide will lead a 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu on Circuit 2, sharing knowledge about buildings, plazas and temples.
After the guided tour, if booked in advance, you can hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain on your own. If you want a guide for this extra hike, you can book it as an add on.
Then return to Aguas Calientes for lunch not included, souvenir shopping, hot springs visit, or rest.
Back to Cusco: Return starts with the 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm train to Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba Canyon with views of Winay Wayna high on the slopes. Your driver will be waiting in Ollantaytambo to drive you back to Cusco. Hotel drop off around 7:00 pm, wrapping up an adventure of a lifetime.
Stats Day 5: Level Easy, focused on exploration and sightseeing. Lowest altitude 2,040 m or 6,690 ft at Aguas Calientes. Highest altitude 2,430 m or 7,972 ft at Machu Picchu.
Included
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa trailhead and return from Camicancha to Ollantaytambo
- Expedition train Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Bus tickets up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco on last day
- Licensed professional guide fluent in English and Spanish, Wilderness First Aid certified
- Assistant guide for groups over 6 people
- Chef and horsemen and horses to carry camping equipment and duffel bag up to 7 kg per person
- 3 nights camping in 4 season tents with sleeping mats, dining tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast, 3 star hotel
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, afternoon tea with hot drinks and snacks
- Boiled and filtered water daily, bring 2 liter bottle
- All high quality camping equipment, tents, tables, chairs and kitchen gear
- First aid kit, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter and satellite phone or radio
- All entrance fees for Ancascocha, Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu Circuit 2
- Leave No Trace operation and support to local Quechua communities
Not Included
- Sleeping bag rated to minus 10C to minus 15C, available to rent for 20 USD for whole trek
- Air mattress Therm-a-rest, available to rent for 20 USD per person per trek
- Walking poles professional extendable, available to rent for 15 USD per pair per trek
- Hiking boots, daypack, and personal clothing
- Travel insurance mandatory must cover trekking to 5,100 m and emergency evacuation
- Meals in Cusco and lunch and dinner on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu Mountain 75 USD per person, must be booked at time of booking
- Machu Picchu Mountain 75 USD per person, must be booked at time of booking
- Hot springs in Aguas Calientes 4 USD per person
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes from 60 USD per person
- Personal tent 30 USD if you want private single tent
- Tips for guides, cooks and horsemen, optional and appreciated
- Any transport not mentioned in itinerary
Price – Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
$677 USD per person. Personal pack horse included for 7 kgs. Large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers. Depart any day with minimum 2 people.
- Standard Price – 2 to 4 people$677 USD
Personal pack horse included, duffel bag provided
- Small Group – 5 or more people$647 USD
Book together at same time, $30 OFF per person
- Age 18 to 25 with university ID-$30 USD
Name of university, student name, photo, expiration date required, copy at booking for government approval
- Under 18 years old-$30 USD
Copy of passport required at time of booking
- Under 11 years old-$40 USD
Copy of passport required at time of booking
- Group of 5 or more-$30 USD
All you need is to book the trek together at the same time
- Sleeping Bag$20 USD
Per person per trek, clean and warm, minus 10C
- Air Mattress$20 USD
Per person per trek, Therm-a-rest mattresses
- Walking Poles$15 USD
Per pair per trek, professional extendable poles
- Personal Tent$30 USD
For solo trekkers only, single tent
- Vistadome Train Upgrade$67 USD
Return Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo at 14:55 or 15:20
- Huayna Picchu Mountain$75 USD
Please request when you book your trek, without guide
- Hotel Single Supplement$40 USD
3 star hotel for solo travelers in Aguas Calientes
- Transfer Airport to Hotel – FREEFREE
Cusco only, arrival day
- Duffel Bag and Liner Bags – FREEFREE
Included in trek price, duffel for 7 kgs
- Extra Pack Horse up to 7 kgs – FREEFREE
Will carry sleeping bag, mattress, clothes, duffel included
- Boiled Water – FREEFREE
Included daily along the trek for drinking
- Oxygen Tank – FREEFREE
Available along the trek for emergency
- Emergency Horse – FREEFREE
Can be ridden if you get tired or sick
- Camping Pillow – FREEFREE
Included for every trekker
What you need to pack for Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
44km over 5 high passes to 4,959m via Humantay and Ancascocha Lakes – 3 nights camping + 1 hotel
- Original Passport Required
You must carry the original passport used for your booking. It is checked at Ancascocha checkpoints and at Machu Picchu entrance. Name and number must match your Machu Picchu ticket exactly. If you renewed after booking, bring both passports. Our licensed guides verify documents the night before in Cusco.
- Clothing for Extreme High Altitude
You will cross Inca Chiriaska Pass at 4,959m where temperature drops below minus 10C at night. Bring thermal base layers top and bottom, 2 quick dry t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts, fleece, down jacket rated to minus 10C, 2 hiking pants, waterproof jacket and pants.
- Waterproof Jacket and Rain Poncho
Cloud forest and high Puna have rain even in dry season May to September. Bring waterproof jacket with hood and full rain poncho that covers your daypack. Afternoon storms are common at Ancascocha Lake 3,700m.
- Warm Layers for Cold Nights
Warm jacket down or similar for cold nights at Soroccocha and Millpo camps. Sun hat and woolen hat, gloves for higher colder altitudes over 4,500m, thermal underwear for sleeping, 3 pairs warm socks. Hot water bottle is provided free.
- Footwear for Rugged Terrain
Sturdy waterproof broken in hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for 44km over loose rock and moraine. Bring comfortable shoes or sandals for camp evenings at Soroccocha and Ancascocha.
- Backpack and Daypack
Horses carry your main duffel up to 7 kilos which we provide with liner bag. You hike with lightweight daypack 25 to 30 liters for water, rain jacket, passport, camera and snacks.
- Hydration and Snacks
Bring 2 liter reusable bottle minimum. We provide boiled and filtered water daily from Day 1 afternoon. Bring energy bars, chocolate and electrolytes for Inca Chiriaska ascent.
- Health and Personal Items
Personal medication, high SPF sunscreen and lip balm, insect repellent with DEET for lower valleys near Chillca, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and biodegradable soap.
- Trekking Poles and Headlamp
Trekking poles highly recommended for 44km and steep descents, rent 15 USD per pair with rubber tips. Headlamp with extra batteries essential for early mornings and cold nights, no electricity for 3 nights camping.
- Camera, Power Bank and Extras
Camera with extra batteries, power bank 10,000 mAh minimum, quick dry towel, small dry bag, swimsuit for Aguas Calientes hot springs on Day 5.
- Documents and Money
Bring original passport, student card copy if applicable, travel insurance copy, Peruvian Soles in small bills for tips, hot springs, first breakfast and last lunch.
