Ancascocha Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights

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Ancascocha Trek 4 Days 3 Nights, is a remarkable alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. The route is ideal for those that wish to experience the beautiful scenery of the Andes including the stunning Vilcanota Range, home to the impressive Mount Salcantay. The trek also includes views of high Andean lakes and traditional villages, home to descendants of the Incas.

This lesser-known trek is rich in both natural beauty and cultural significance. Along the route, hikers will pass through diverse ecological zones, from alpine meadows and cloud forests to rugged mountain passes that soar above 4,600 meters (15,000 feet). The variety of flora and fauna makes it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

Another highlight of the trek is the chance to hike a stretch of the famed Inca Trail, visiting two Inca outposts. In spite of being listed as one of National Geographic Magazine’s 20 Dream Treks, the Ancascocha Trek remains uncrowded and perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure in the Peruvian Andes.

Overview

The Ancascocha Trek 4 Days 3 Nights is a scenic and culturally immersive route through the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Perfect for adventurers looking for solitude and stunning landscapes, this trek combines physical challenge with breathtaking natural beauty and historical depth.

Along the way, travelers will encounter remote Andean communities, crystal-clear lakes, high mountain passes, and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Highlights:

Start the journey in Soqma and hike through remote valleys.
Cross the impressive Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft).
Discover the pristine beauty of Ancascocha Lake and surrounding peaks.
Walk part of the original Inca Trail near Km 82.
Visit Machu Picchu with a guided tour after the trek.

This off-the-beaten-path trek offers a unique blend of wilderness, heritage, and serenity—making it an unforgettable alternative to the traditional Inca Trail.

In addition to the natural wonders, hikers will enjoy cultural interactions with local families, opportunities to learn about traditional farming practices, and the rewarding experience of arriving at Machu Picchu after days of adventure in pristine mountain landscapes.

Itinerary

Pre-trek briefing:

One or two days before your Ancascocha Trek 4 Days 3 Nights, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a detailed briefing. This is a great chance to review the itinerary, check your gear, and ask any last-minute questions before your trek begins.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan – Chancachuco

At the scheduled time, our team will pick you up directly from your hotel. From there, we’ll drive for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes through the breathtaking Sacred Valley until we reach the remote Andean village of Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft), the official starting point of your Ancascocha Trek 4 Days 3 Nights adventure. Here, our horsemen and support team will be ready with all equipment and supplies.

The trek begins with a gentle ascent through a peaceful side valley. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, we arrive at the stunning Perolniyoc Waterfall, considered one of the most beautiful natural falls in the Sacred Valley. It’s a perfect spot to rest, take photos, and enjoy the cool mountain air.

From the waterfall, we continue uphill for another hour to reach the archaeological site of Perolniyoc, perched just above the falls. Your guide will provide insights into this lesser-known Inca ruin, its cultural importance, and the stories that shaped this ancient region.

Following our visit, we hike another hour to reach our first lunch spot, where a nourishing Andean meal will help us refuel for the afternoon climb.

In the afternoon, we face a challenging but rewarding ascent. A steady 3-hour uphill hike takes us to Puka Kassa Pass (4,450 m / 14,596 ft). Though this is the most demanding section of the day due to the high altitude, the scenery is absolutely spectacular. Panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the entire Sacred Valley unfold before your eyes. Reaching the top is a moment of pride and awe—you’ve conquered one of the highest passes in the region!

After soaking in the dramatic Andean vistas, we descend for about 1.5 hours toward our campsite at Chancachuco, where a warm dinner and well-deserved rest await.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Distance to walk: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Lowest Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate to Challenging.

Day 2: Chancachuco – Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Qesqa

After a hearty breakfast at the Chancachuco campsite, we begin day two of the Ancascocha Trek 4 Days 3 Nights heading toward Ancascocha village. Along the trail, the snow-capped Veronica Mountain (5,950 m / 19,600 ft) dominates the landscape, providing stunning views as we approach the valley.

As we descend into the Ancascocha Valley, the trail leads us across a gentle stream and then uphill for about two hours to reach the beautiful Ancascocha Lake (4,090 m / 13,100 ft). This serene alpine lake gives its name to both the village and the trek itself.

From here, we hike along a preserved section of the Inca Trail, gradually ascending for another two hours to reach the highest point of the trek: Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,300 ft). The panoramic views here are breathtaking, and if we’re lucky, we might spot condors gliding overhead.

After taking in the scenery, we descend into the Huayanay Valley and arrive at Inca Raqay for a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, we continue downhill for three hours to the Qesqa community (3,650 m / 11,910 ft). As we drop in elevation, the landscape becomes greener and more sheltered, offering a warmer night at the tree line.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance to walk: 15 km / 9.32 miles
Highest Elevation: 4,650 m / 15,256 ft
Campsite elevation: 3,850 m / 12,631 ft
Estimated walking time: 8-9 hours
Difficulty of the hike: Challenging

Day 3: Qesqa – km 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas calientes

After breakfast, we begin the final stretch of the Ancascocha Trek 4 Days 3 Nights, descending through a scenic Andean valley for about two hours. This peaceful path leads us to Paucar Cancha, one of the most fascinating and lesser-known Inca archaeological sites on the route.

This well-preserved site showcases Inca engineering and strategic design. Your expert trekking guide will explain its cultural significance, after which you’ll have free time to explore and take incredible photos.

From Paucar Cancha, the trail continues toward Km 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This part of the trek takes approximately four hours and includes a stop at Willcaraqay, a scenic viewpoint that overlooks the stunning Inca site of Patallacta—famous for its agricultural terraces and dramatic mountain backdrop.

Upon arriving at Km 82, you’ll be greeted with a delicious, freshly prepared lunch by our professional trekking chef, celebrating your incredible achievement. Following lunch, we head by private vehicle to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,158 ft), a living Inca town where we catch the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Lodging: Hotel
Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/12,139 ft.
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Walking distance: 15 km/9.3 miles
Estimated walking time: 7 hours
Difficulty of the hike: Easy

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, ensuring you arrive in time to witness the magical sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas—an unforgettable sight you won’t want to miss.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead a two-hour tour through the most significant areas of Machu Picchu Citadel, explaining its history, architecture, and purpose. Explore the site’s three main sectors: the agricultural terraces, the residential area, and the religious sector, gaining insight into how the Inca civilization once thrived in this awe-inspiring mountain retreat.

After soaking in the spectacular views, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure, you may also explore the town, visit the local market, stop by the museum, or relax in the hot springs.

In the afternoon, board your train at 2:30 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., following the Urubamba River through the stunning Sacred Valley. As the train winds through the narrow canyon, keep an eye out for the spectacular Wiñay Wayna ruins, visible high up on the mountainside.

After a two-hour journey, you will arrive at Ollantaytambo, where a private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will drop you off at your hotel, concluding your incredible adventure.

Important Note: Machu Picchu archeological site is different from Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The mountain requires a separate permit for those wishing to hike it. If you are interested in adding this experience, please let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you.

Meals: Breakfast.
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft.
Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft.
Difficulty: Easy.

Inclusions

Inclusions:

Pre-departure briefing at your hotel (1–2 days before trek)
Pick-up from your hotel and private transport to Soqma
Bilingual English-speaking tour guide (additional guide for groups of 8+)
Expedition train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
One-way bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Tent.
Basic foam sleeping mattress.
Kitchen tent
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Professional chef
Wranglers and horses for carrying all group gear (food, tents, tables, etc.)
Personal duffle bag (6 kg allowance carried by horse)
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
Hot water for washing each day
Daily boiled and cold water to refill bottles
Emergency oxygen bottle
Basic medical kit
All local taxes.

Not included:

Breakfast on Day 1
Lunch and dinner on Day 3 (in Aguas Calientes)
Sleeping bag (available for rent)
Trekking poles or walking sticks (available for rent)
Entrance to Aguas Calientes hot springs
Personal energy snacks or hydration supplements
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permit ($75.00 USD per person)
Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
Tips for guide, cook, and porters (optional but appreciated)

What do you need to bring:

The ancascocha Trek 4 Days 3 Nights is like any other high altitude trek, so it is essential to be well prepared. As it begins in the dead of night morning, consider to pack the following Items:

Original passport
Light day pack with a change of clothes for the entire trek
Rain gear (jacket and pants or rain poncho)
Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots
Sandals or slip-on shoes for camp
Warm clothing for cold evenings and mornings
Headlamp or flashlight
Hat or cap (for sun, rain, and cold)
Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) and insect repellent (20% DEET)
After-sun or hydrating cream
Toilet paper (pack in, pack out)
Snacks (energy bars, biscuits, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
Water sterilizing tablets
Personal medical kit
Bathers/swimsuit (if swimming in hot springs)
Cash for tips, souvenirs, drinks, or snacks
Walking sticks/poles
Camera or smartphone for photos
Extra zip-lock bags for trash
Tissues or wet wipes
Extra pair of socks
Travel insurance
Lightweight, quick-dry towel
Sunglasses with UV protection

Prices

The Ancascocha Trek 4 Days 3 Nights available daily from March to January. Closed in February for maintenance and rainy season.

_{Group Price:}_$649^USD_{Per person}

Guaranteed departure with just two travelers – no minimum group size required for the Ancascocha Trek 4 Days 3 Nights to run.

Discounts:

18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)

Upgrades:

Hotel Upgrades:

Hotel Inkaterra (5 star hotel) – US $480 per person per night (double occupancy)
Hotel el Mapi(4 star hotel) – US $105 per person per night (double occupancy)
Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)

Train Upgrades:

Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo – One Way
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy – One Way

Rentals:

Hiking poles – US$20.00
Sleeping bag – US$25.00
Private Tent – US$30.00

Map

Terms & Conditions

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Cancellation By	Terms
91 days or more before departure	we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure	we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure	we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.

Inca Trail Tours:

Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.

Delays:

Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!

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Ancascocha Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights

Overview

Highlights:

Itinerary

Pre-trek briefing:

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan – Chancachuco

Day 2: Chancachuco – Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Qesqa

Day 3: Qesqa – km 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas calientes

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Inclusions

Inclusions:

Not included:

What do you need to bring:

Prices

Group Price:$649USDPer person

Discounts:

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

Upgrades:

Rentals:

Map

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation By

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