Explore and discover an excursion amidst nature in complete peace and tranquility. The Ancascocha trek is one of the most exceptional routes to Machu Picchu, known for being less crowded yet equally spectacular. National Geographic named it one of the 20 dream hikes to complete worldwide.
On this journey, you’ll have the opportunity to explore rarely visited Inca archaeological sites, expansive fields cultivated for generations, and traditional Andean villages. Moreover, you’ll witness some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen, including beautiful crystal-clear lagoons, waterfalls, and the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
Prepare for a unique natural experience of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
The Classic Ancascocha Trek
The Ancascocha and Machu Picchu trail is a beautiful 5-day journey, ideal for those seeking a unique experience away from the crowds. Despite its proximity to the classic Inca Trail, this route, also known as the Hidden Inca Trail, is less traveled and offers spectacular views.
During the trek, you’ll be rewarded with impressive landscapes, including towering waterfalls, Inca constructions, and panoramic vistas. Additionally, you’ll pass through Quechua agricultural communities and traditional villages like Ancascocha (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). The highest point of the trek is the Abra Huayanay (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).
The journey culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the World’s New Seven Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour before returning to your accommodation in Cusco. Every detail is taken care of so you can enjoy every minute of this incredible experience.
What to Expect from this Trek?
- Walk through the glorious Andes in peace and tranquility, away from the crowds.
- Enjoy guided visits to different Inca sites along the way.
- Trek the Ancascocha trail, which is considered one of the best routes in the world by National Geographic.
- Visit Quechua agricultural communities that still practice ancestral customs.
- Observe Andean rural communities and their way of life, which are far from the nearest town.
- Contemplate the most marvelous and grand landscapes throughout the journey.
- End your trek with a visit to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New Wonder of the World.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco | Soqma – Perolniyoc – Racaypata – Rayan
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the starting point of the trek, Soqma, to begin your journey towards Perolniyoc Waterfall for a refreshing stop. Afterward, you will visit the Inca site of Racaypata and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, descend to spend the night in Rayan.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Lodging | Camp |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Walking distance | 8 km / 4.9 miles |
| Duration of the hike | 5- 6 hours |
| Minimum altitude | 3,000 m / 9,843 ft |
| Maximum altitude | 3,700 m / 12,139 ft |
| Camp altitude | 3,700 m / 12,139 ft |
Today, your exciting adventure begins. We will pick you up early from your hotel and travel for an hour and a half to the starting point of the trek, Soqma (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). Our transportation is exceptionally comfortable, and you can use the cozy blankets we provide to rest a bit more on the way if needed.
Before we set off, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet our chefs and muleteers, who will accompany us throughout the trek. The journey begins with three hours to Perolniyoc Waterfall. Along the way, you’ll admire corn, wheat, and quinoa fields. Once at the waterfall, you can cool off under the cascade or take fantastic photos.
After another hour of trekking, we will reach the Inca site of Racaypata, built on the cliffside with stunning views of the surrounding valley. Our guides, experts in Inca history, will offer you a wonderful lesson about their culture.
You’ll enjoy our first lunch and savor the excellent food prepared by our chefs amidst the mountains. In the afternoon, we’ll descend for about an hour until we reach our campsite in Rayan (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). Clear nights amid the Andes are stunning, and you can rest well while appreciating the beautiful constellations and shooting stars. After enjoying a delicious dinner, you’ll retire to your camp for a comfortable night.
Day 2
Rayan Abra Kuychiccasa – Chancachuco – Ancascocha
Early in the morning, you will ascend to Abra Kuychiccasa and enjoy spectacular views before lunch. In the afternoon, you will descend to the community of Ancascocha while enjoying marvelous landscapes. You will spend the night in the village.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Lodging | Camp |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Walking distance | 14 km / 8.7 miles |
| Duration of the hike | 8-9 hours |
| Minimum altitude | 3,700 m / 12,139 ft |
| Maximum altitude | 4,500 m / 14,764 ft |
| Camp altitude | 3,900 m / 12,795 ft |
When you travel with Salkantay Trekking, you don’t need to worry about setting your alarm clock. We will wake you up with a cup of hot tea or coffee. After that, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast with the rest of the group before we embark on our fantastic hike.
In the morning, you will ascend for about two hours to Abra Kuychiccasa (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), where you will behold beautiful landscapes. You’ll see farmland, alpacas, sheep, and, if you’re lucky, the majestic flight of a condor against the backdrop of the snowy Andean mountains.
There’s no need to rush to the top; this isn’t a race. Remember, you’ll be at a high altitude, so going slow and steady is the best approach. We’ll take a break to appreciate the spectacular views of the Chancachuco Valley and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then, we’ll continue for another hour until we reach our lunch spot (4,350 m / 14,272 ft), where our chefs will wait for another exquisite meal.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue ascending, enjoying breathtaking landscapes and stunning views of the La Verónica Glacier (5,682 m / 18,642 ft). Then, you’ll descend for four hours until you reach the community of Ancascocha (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), which shares its name with the trail.
Our campsite is truly impressive, within a beautiful valley crossed by a stream of crystal-clear waters. Here, you’ll spend a comfortable night after a great day of hiking and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 3
Ancascocha | Abra Huayanay – Incaracay – Quesqa – Paucarcancha
In the morning, you’ll hike to the trek’s highest point, Abra Huayanay. Afterward, we’ll head to the community of Quesqa and the Inca site of Paucarcancha for a tour before spending the night at our campsite.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Lodging | Camp |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Walking distance | 14 km / 8.7 miles |
| Duration of the hike | 8 hours |
| Minimum altitude | 3,900 m / 12,795 ft |
| Maximum altitude | 4,650 m / 15,256 ft |
| Camp altitude | 3,120 m / 10,236 ft |
After another fantastic breakfast, you will continue your hike, ascending for an hour. You’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular landscapes, breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers, Inca archaeological sites, and the brilliant blue of Ancascocha Lagoon.
Next, you’ll ascend for two more hours to the route’s highest point, Abra Huayanay (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). After the strenuous effort, you’ll have plenty of time to rest at the summit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Then, you’ll have lunch at the Inca site of Incaracay.
In the afternoon, the hike will be much easier on your legs as you descend towards the community of Quesqa and visit the archaeological site of Paucarcancha (3,120 m / 10,236 ft). As the vegetation becomes greener and denser, you’ll notice the change in altitude. From here, you’ll get an incredible view of a section of the original Inca Trail in the distance, along with the picturesque and remote village of the Quesqa Valley.
Once at Paucarcancha, your guide will take you to learn more about the site and its significance to the Inca Empire before settling into your campsite. Of course, another delicious dinner will also be waiting for you.
Day 4
Paucarcancha | Piscacucho, KM 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
You’ll traverse the Classic Inca Trail in the morning to KM 82. Later, you’ll board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant before resting at a comfortable hotel.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Lodging | Hotel |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Walking distance | 13 km / 8.08 miles |
| Duration of the hike | 5 hours |
| Minimum altitude | 2,040 m / 6,693 ft |
| Maximum altitude | 3,120 m / 10,236 ft |
| Camp altitude | 2,040 m / 6,693 ft |
You’ll be glad to know that this day of hiking is the easiest of all and offers excellent photo opportunities. We’ll embark on a five-hour journey along the Classic Inca Trail to KM 82, where hikers typically start this route; we’ll be heading in the opposite direction. Along the way, we’ll pass through small villages and reach the impressive archaeological site of Llactapata. Across the river, you’ll see the Inca citadel of Canabamba.
At KM 82, you’ll enjoy your final lunch prepared by our skilled chefs before bidding farewell to the team that accompanied us during the journey. We’ll then transfer by private transport to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), a picturesque Inca town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, you’ll board the train bound for Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft) at the base of Machu Picchu.
During the journey, you can enjoy the mountainous landscape from a different perspective and have excellent opportunities to take photos to cherish as memories.
Day 5
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
You’ll start the day before sunrise to visit Machu Picchu. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours at the site. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, where private transport will await to take you back to Cusco.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration of the hike | 2-5 hours exploring |
| Optional Activities | Moderate to challenging (2-4 hours) |
| Altitude of the Machu Picchu citadel | 2,430 m / 7,972 ft |
| Altitude of Machu Picchu mountain | 3,000 m / 9,843 ft |
| Altitude of the mountain Huayna Picchu | 2,720 m / 8,924 ft |
Today, you’ll head to Machu Picchu, one of the World’s New Seven Wonders. To do this, you’ll need to set your alarm and rise before sunrise, have a quick breakfast, and beat the crowds to the Inca citadel to enjoy this magical place in peace before more visitors arrive.
Entry to Machu Picchu begins at 6:00 a.m., so we’ll board the bus from Aguas Calientes at 5:30 a.m. Upon entering, you’ll feel a sense of magic and mystery as you first behold the complex. Take a moment to reflect on how the ancient Inca culture could construct such a marvel on the mountainside.
After taking in this sight, our expert guide will lead you on an informative and exciting tour of the critical sectors, revealing the best-kept secrets of the Incas. Then, if you’ve purchased tickets in advance, you can climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Around noon, it will be time to return to the quaint town of Aguas Calientes. You’ll have time to choose a restaurant and enjoy a good lunch before heading to the train station to board the train to Ollantaytambo. The travel time depends on ticket availability at the time of booking.
Once we arrive in Ollantaytambo, our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Finally, you can enjoy a well-deserved and comfortable rest. On the way, you’ll reflect on the journey of a lifetime, which we’re sure you’ll never forget.
Other ways to explore Ancascocha?
At Salkantay Trekking, we offer other ways to explore the wonderful and magical destination of Ancascocha. Here’s information on different options to enjoy this experience.
Ancascocha to Machu Picchu: 4 days
The Ancascocha hike in the Peruvian Andes is a beautiful trail that has remained off the beaten path despite its proximity to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This option is ideal if you’re looking for a true adventure and want to avoid the large crowds of more well-known hikes.
Known as the Super Inca Trail or the Hidden Inca Trail, this route is more challenging, less traveled, and much more rewarding. After a few days of solitude, you’ll cross a section of the original Inca Trail and be surprised to see several hikers, though they’ll be heading in another direction.
You’ll stop at fascinating Inca archaeological sites and learn about this ancient culture along the way. You’ll also enjoy some of the most incredible landscapes in the Andes, surrounded by local flora and fauna that will accompany you during the journey.
You’ll end this adventure at the mountain by visiting the world-famous Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour through several sections, and, if you wish, you can climb one of the additional mountains: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu (subject to availability). Afterwards, we’ll ensure you return safely to your accommodation in Cusco. You don’t need to worry about a thing; we’ll take care of all the details so you can enjoy your trip.
Summary of your Itinerary
Day 01
Cusco | Soqma – Perolniyoc – Racaypata – Rayan – Abra Kuychiccasa – Chancachuco
We’ll start the day by hiking to Perolniyoc Waterfall before heading to the Inca archaeological site of Racaypata. After lunch, we’ll hike up to Abra Kuychiccasa before descending to our camp in the Chancachuco Valley.
Day 02
Chancachuco | Ancascocha – Abra Huayanay – Incaracay – Quesqa
In the morning, we’ll trek and enjoy incredible views of La Verónica Glacier. Then, we’ll head to the community of Ancascocha for lunch. Afterward, we’ll hike to the trail’s highest point before enjoying a relaxing descent to our camp in the Quesqa Valley.
Day 03
Quesqa | Paucarcancha – Piscacucho, KM 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We’ll start by hiking to the Inca site of Paucarcancha before descending for five hours along the Classic Inca Trail to KM 82, where we’ll have lunch. From Ollantaytambo, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 04
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Today, we’ll start early to avoid crowds at Machu Picchu. Once at the citadel, we’ll have an approximately two-hour guided tour. Later, we’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
Discover more details about this charming trek on our website: Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days.
Ancascocha Trek and Short Inca Trail: 5 days
If you love escaping the crowds and exploring one of the world’s most renowned treks, the combined itinerary of the Ancascocha Trek and the Short Inca Trail is perfect for you. This journey offers you the best of both worlds: for the first three days, you’ll enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Ancascocha Trek, followed by two days on the famous Inca Trail. This trip truly has everything: exploring the rural Andean regions and trekking ancient Inca paths built centuries ago.
During the first three days, you’ll hike through some of the most breathtaking landscapes imaginable: majestic mountains, beautiful glaciers, and vast panoramas will accompany you. Additionally, you’ll visit small communities far from large cities, where locals live and work the land as their ancestors have for generations. This is an excellent opportunity to experience rural life firsthand.
In the second part of your journey, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the Incas along the famous trail. As you approach Machu Picchu, you’ll visit historical sites and learn about its fascinating history. You’ll first glimpse the Inca citadel from the Sun Gate or Inti Punku, a view reserved only for those trekking the Inca Trail.
On your final day, you’ll enjoy a wonderful tour of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. You’ll uncover its secrets and feel the excitement as you immerse yourself in the magic of the Incas, marveling at this incredible human achievement. Undoubtedly, this will be an adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Summary of your Itinerary
Day 01
Cusco | Soqma – Perolniyoc – Racaypata – Rayan – Abra Kuychiccasa – Chancachuco
Today, we will head towards Soqma, the starting point of our journey. From there, we will hike to Perolniyoc waterfall, where you can refresh yourself with its waters. Afterward, we will visit the archaeological site of Racaypata and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will descend to our campsite in Rayan to spend the night.
Day 02
Chancachuco | Ancascocha – Abra Huayanay – Quesqa
In the morning, we will head towards Abra Kuychiccasa and enjoy incredible views. We will have lunch before descending to the community of Ancascocha. Later, we will ascend to Abra Huayanay, the journey’s highest point. Finally, we will descend to our campsite in the valley of Quesqa.
Day 03
Ollantaytambo | KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Today, we will board the train to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. During the journey, we will stop at Wiñay Wayna before continuing to the Sun Gate to appreciate the fantastic views of Machu Picchu from a distance. Then, we will go to Aguas Calientes for dinner and rest in a comfortable hotel.
Day 04
Ollantaytambo | KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Today, we will board the train to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. During the journey, we will stop at Wiñay Wayna before continuing to the Sun Gate to appreciate the fantastic views of Machu Picchu from a distance. Then, we will go to Aguas Calientes for dinner and rest in a comfortable hotel.
Day 05
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Today, we will rise early to avoid crowds and explore the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have a guided tour there for an hour and a half. Finally, we will board a train to Ollantaytambo, where private transport will await us when we return to Cusco.
Please find all the details about this fascinating hike on our website: Ancascocha Trek and Short Inca Trail: 5 days.
Recommendations for the Ancascocha Trek
Dear traveler, As you embark on the exciting adventure of trekking to Ancascocha, you will immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and rich Inca history. Proper preparation is crucial to ensure your experience is safe and rewarding.
Below are essential recommendations to guide you in physical preparation, necessary equipment, food, hydration, health, safety, and environmental considerations. With these tips, you will be ready to face the challenges of the trail and thoroughly enjoy this unforgettable journey.
Preparation:
- Ensure you are in good physical condition: The Ancascocha Trek is a challenging hike involving significant ascents and descents. It’s important to train correctly before starting the trek.
- Choose the suitable tour: Tour options range from 4 to 5 days. Select the tour that best suits your fitness level and budget.
- Pack appropriately: Bring suitable clothing and gear for the weather and altitude. You’ll also need enough food and water for the journey.
- Get travel insurance: It’s essential to have travel insurance that covers you in case of any medical emergencies.
During the hike:
- Acclimatize to the altitude: Take a couple of days to acclimate to the altitude before starting the hike. This will help prevent altitude sickness.
- Walk at your own pace: Feel free to walk at the same pace as other group members. Walk at your own pace and take breaks as needed.
- Stay hydrated: It’s essential to drink plenty of water during the hike, especially at higher altitudes.
- Be sun-safe: The sun can be powerful at higher altitudes. Use sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Respect the environment: Do not leave trash on the trail. Leave the place as you found it.
Dare to live a unique and enriching experience by following the route to Ancascocha! This challenging trek will take you through stunning landscapes and mysterious Inca ruins and allow you to connect with nature and yourself profoundly.
Despite the challenges, every step will bring you closer to the majesty of this hidden route, rewarding you with unparalleled views and an incomparable sense of achievement. Take advantage of the opportunity to embark on this adventure and discover the magic and mystery Ancascocha offers.
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