Ancascocha Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

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Ancascocha Trek 5 Days 4 Nights is a remarkable alternative to the traditional Inca Trail Trek. This route is ideal for travelers who want to experience the stunning landscapes of the Andes, including the impressive Vilcanota Range and Mount Salcantay. One of the highlights of this trek is hiking a section of the famous Inca Trail, visiting two well-preserved Inca outposts along the way.

Listed as one of National Geographic Magazine’s 20 Dream Treks, the Ancascocha Trek 5 Days 4 Nights remains relatively uncrowded, making it perfect for those seeking solitude, adventure, and cultural immersion in the Peruvian Andes.

This trek offers a mix of high-altitude passes, lagoons, and remote valleys, where local communities continue to maintain centuries-old traditions. Hikers will enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, diverse ecosystems from high puna grasslands to lush cloud forests, and archaeological sites that reveal the legacy of the Inca civilization.

The journey concludes at the world-famous Machu Picchu, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience at one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the Andes.

Overview

The Ancascocha Trek 5 Days 4 Nights is an off the beaten path adventure for travelers seeking the best of the Andes: snow-covered peaks, deep valleys, pristine glacial lakes, and native wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. Along the way, you will encounter indigenous communities and Inca outposts, offering a blend of cultural and historical experiences.

This trek is challenging yet rewarding, combining high-altitude trekking with stunning scenery, authentic cultural encounters, and remote landscapes far from the crowds, culminating at the iconic Machu Picchu.

Highlights:

Off the beaten path: Quiet, uncrowded trekking route
Pristine wilderness: Glacial mountains, turquoise lakes, and high passes
Wildlife encounters: Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas
Cultural immersion: Indigenous communities and Inca ruins
Destination: Machu Picchu

The Ancascocha Trek is more than a physical challenge—it is a journey into the heart of the Andes, where breathtaking nature, ancient Inca culture, and rich history come together. Its remote and untouched trails and authentic experiences make it one of the most rewarding routes to Machu Picchu, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Racaypata – Rayan

Drive from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Soqma. Hike to Perolniyoc waterfall and ruins, then continue to Racaypata and camp at Rayan.

Day 2: Rayan – Kuychiccasa Pass – Chancachuco – Ancascocha

Hike to Kuychiccasa Pass with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. Descend to Chancachuco and continue to Ancascocha Lake for camping.

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay Pass – Qesqua – Paucarcancha

Ascend to Huayanay Pass, the highest point, then descend into Qésqua Valley, visiting Paucar Cancha fortress before camping.

Day 4: Qesqua – Paucarcancha – Kilometer 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Descend through valleys, explore Willcaraqay ruins, and reach Kilometer 82. Take transport to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes for overnight.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early morning visit to Machu Picchu for sunrise and a guided tour. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco, concluding the trek.

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Racaypata – Rayan

At the scheduled time, travelers will be picked up from their hotels, and we will drive through the Sacred Valley for about 1 hour and 40 minutes until reaching the village of Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft). This is the official starting point of the Ancascocha Trek 5 Days 4 Nights, where our horsemen will be waiting, ready to accompany us on this adventure.

We’ll begin by ascending gently through one of the side valleys. After about an hour and a half of hiking, we will arrive at the Perolniyoc waterfall, considered one of the most beautiful cascades in the Sacred Valley.

Here, we will take some time to rest and enjoy the scenery before continuing our uphill hike for another hour to reach the archaeological site of Perolniyoc, located above the waterfall. With our guide, we will explore the site and learn about its history and significance within the Inca culture.

After the visit, we continue walking for approximately one more hour to reach our first lunch spot and campsite. This first day of the trek is designed as part of the acclimatization process to high altitude, giving our bodies time to adjust while still enjoying beautiful landscapes and cultural sites.

After lunch, there will be time to relax and recover energy for the next day’s hike. We spend the night at the Rayan campsite (3,700 m / 12,136 ft).

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m/ 10,512 ft
Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
Distance to walk: 8 km/5 miles
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Rayan – Kuychiccasa Pass – Chancachuco – Ancascocha

After breakfast we will set up from the campsite, 3 hours of slow hike will let us to arrive to the highest point of the second day hike Puka kasa pass (4,450 m /14,596 ft), for many people this is the hardest section because the altitude but is the most spectacular day, we will see many of the snow capped mountains and the Sacred Valley in the other side.

Once we reach the mountain top you will feel proud of yourself surviving one the highest passes on this mountain range. After we enjoy all the wonderful and scenic views it’s time to head down to Chancachuco, it will take us 1 hour and a half to arrive to the lunch place.

As we make our way to Ancascocha village we’ll see some more snow capped peaks in front of us, Veronica Mountain (5,950 m/ 19,600 ft) will accompany us for many hours, after to turn some of the grassy hills we will enter in the Valley of Ancascocha, where the village is located.

We then go across the stream and hike uphill for another 2 hours to arrive in our campsite around Ancascocha Lake (4,090 m/13,100 ft.), the coldest night for the whole trip.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Highest Elevation: 4,450 m/ 15,250 ft
Campsite elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Qesqua – Paucarcancha

After breakfast, we will continue with our Ancascocha Trek 5 Days 4 Nights; we will start our hike up-hill for 2 hours until we reach the highest point of Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu which is called the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/ 15,300 ft.), The views along the way are very impressive.

It is amazing how the Incas managed the difficult geography of this area to build the Inca Trail. After enjoying the magnificent views from the pass, we will hike down into the valley until we reach Incaraqay where a delicious lunch will be waiting for us. If we are lucky we will see the condors flying around Huayanay pass.

At this point we will embark on a 3 hour descent into greener vegetation. During this stretch of the trek we will have views of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu appear in the distance, and fascinating views of the communities of the Qésqua valley.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Highest Elevation: 4,650 m/ 15,298 ft
Campsite elevation: 3,650 m/11,910 ft
Distance to walk: 14 km/ 9 miles
Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Day 4: Qesqua – Paucarcancha – Kilometer 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

The 4th day of the Ancascocha Trek begins with a delicious breakfast before we continue descending through the valley for approximately 2 hours until we arrive at Paucar Cancha, an extraordinary and well-preserved Inca fortress.

Here, you will learn fascinating details about Inca history from our guide, and then enjoy some free time to explore the site on your own and take photos. After visiting Paucar Cancha, we begin our final long hike, about 5 hours, toward Km 82. This last stretch is especially rewarding, as it follows the initial section of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Along the way, we will stop at the Inca ruins of Willcaraqay, from where it is possible to admire a panoramic view of Patallaqta, another remarkable archaeological site. Once we reach Km 82, our talented chef will be waiting with a well-deserved and delicious lunch to celebrate the completion of this section of the trek.

After lunch, we will be picked up by our private transfer and driven to the town of Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,158 ft.), where we board the scenic train that takes us to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Lodging: Hotel
Highest Elevation: 3,850 m/12,628 ft
Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m/9,158 ft
Distance to walk: 13 km/ 8 ½ miles

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – 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 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

Included:

Pre-trek briefing the night before the start of your trek.
Professional local guide during the hike.
Second tour guide for groups of 9 or more.
Private transport and professional driver to the starting point at Huancacalle.
All entrance tickets and permits for the Ancascocha Trek and Machu Picchu Citadel.
Horses or mules with experienced Indigenous horsemen to carry gear.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) to Ollantaytambo (Tourist Train).
Bus tickets (round trip) from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Citadel.
Personal luggage allowance: carry up to 6 kg / 13 lb.
3 nights camping with spacious tents and sleeping mats.
1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Duffle bag provided for personal items.
One cook to prepare meals on the trek.
Excellent meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners, including pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, and other high-energy foods suitable for trekking. Vegetarian, vegan, or special diet meals available on request.
Tea time before dinner: tea, coffee, cocoa, biscuits, and popcorn.
Boiled drinking water provided from Day 2.
Wake-up coca tea served in your tent.
Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent daily.
Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel provided.
Communication: Walkie-talkies used by guides throughout the trek.
Safety: Oxygen tank and first aid kit available at all times.
All local taxes included.

Not included

First breakfast & lunch on the last day.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (US$75).
Hot springs (S/10.00 soles).
Sleeping bags.
Walking Stick.
Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance.
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
**Tips, for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide).

What do you need to bring:

Clothing & Gear:

A good daypack (e.g., Eagle Creek Afar Backpack) for personal belongings
Lighter trekking boots
3 pairs of trekking pants
Layers for variable temperatures, especially at night
1 rain jacket
1 warm/winter jacket
Thermals: wool socks, gloves, scarf, woolen hat
4 pairs of underwear and 5 pairs of socks
4 t-shirts, 2 long-sleeve shirts
Swimwear for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
Flip flops for evenings at camp
1 lightweight sleeping bag liner

Documents & Essentials:

Original passport
Travel insurance
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips

Health & Safety:

Iron tablets and altitude sickness pills
Sun protection cream (SPF 35+)
Bug spray
Bandages or moleskin
Medication for stomach issues (e.g., Imodium AD)
Travel-size tissues and wet wipes
Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes

Equipment & Accessories:

Reusable water bottle or hydration pack (CamelBak)
Water (for the first day; water provided on the trek afterward)
Camera and extra film or batteries
Headlamp with spare batteries

Prices

The Ancascocha Trek 5 Days 4 Nights can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We do not run this trek in February.

_{Group Price:}_$709^USD_{Per person}

* We need a minimum of 2 people to run the tour. We guarantee that your tour will be limited to a maximum of 8 people.

Important: Price includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).

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:

InkaTerra (5 star hotel) – US $325 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 To Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

Overview

Highlights:

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Racaypata – Rayan

Day 2: Rayan – Kuychiccasa Pass – Chancachuco – Ancascocha

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay Pass – Qesqua – Paucarcancha

Day 4: Qesqua – Paucarcancha – Kilometer 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Racaypata – Rayan

Day 2: Rayan – Kuychiccasa Pass – Chancachuco – Ancascocha

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Qesqua – Paucarcancha

Day 4: Qesqua – Paucarcancha – Kilometer 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Inclusions

Included:

Not included

What do you need to bring:

Clothing & Gear:

Documents & Essentials:

Health & Safety:

Equipment & Accessories:

Prices

Discounts:

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

Upgrades:

Rentals:

Map

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation By

Terms

Contact Us

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Extra hikes

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Hotel Upgrade

Train Upgrade

Extra hikes

choose your add ons

Rentals

Hotel Upgrade

Train Upgrade

Extra hikes

choose your add ons

Rentals

Hotel Upgrade

Train Upgrade

Extra hikes

choose your add ons

Rentals

Hotel Upgrade

Train Upgrade

Extra hikes

choose your add ons

Rentals

Hotel Upgrade

Train Upgrade

Extra hikes

choose your add ons

Rentals

Hotel Upgrade

Train Upgrade

Extra hikes

choose your add ons

Rentals

Hotel Upgrade

Train Upgrade

Extra hikes

choose your add ons

Rentals

Hotel Upgrade

Train Upgrade