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Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days / 5 Nights
Experience the journey of a lifetime with our exclusive Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days 5 Nights adventure. This incredible trek combines two of the most iconic trails in Peru, the remote Ancascocha Trek and the historic Inca Trail into one unforgettable journey. As the only company in the Cusco area offering this unique trek combination, we ensure a seamless, authentic, and immersive experience through the heart of the Andes.
Ranked as one of National Geographic’s 20 Dream Hikes, this trail takes you off the beaten path into breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and traditional Andean villages. From the stunning Ancascocha trail to the awe-inspiring Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu, this trek offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Overview
Join us on the Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days 5 Nights—one of the most sought-after treks in South America. From the breathtaking Huayanay Pass to the ancient ruins of Paucarcancha and the majestic Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu, this journey promises adventure, cultural discovery, and memories that will last a lifetime.
As the only operator in Cusco offering this exclusive trek combination, we promise expert guidance, local support, and a seamless journey from start to finish.
A Unique Trekking Route: Combine the off-the-beaten-path Ancascocha Trek with the iconic Inca Trail for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Stunning Mountain Passes & Scenic Landscapes: Cross the famous Huayanay Pass and witness breathtaking mountain vistas.
Ancient History & Culture: Explore Inca ruins like Paucarcancha and connect with the ancient paths of the Incas.
Authentic Village Experiences: Visit traditional Andean villages untouched by modern tourism.
Recognized as one of National Geographic’s 20 Dream Hikes, this trek offers unforgettable scenery, cultural immersion, and history.
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary:
Pre-Trek Briefing
You’ll have a comprehensive briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days prior to your trek. Your guide will meet you at your hotel, providing the perfect opportunity to ask any questions, clarify details, and make final preparations for the Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days 5 Nights adventure.
Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan
We depart from Cusco early in the morning for a scenic 1 hour and 45-minute drive to Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft), the starting point of our trek. Upon arrival, we’ll meet the horsemen who will accompany us throughout the journey, as well as our chef, who will have a hearty and revitalizing breakfast ready to fuel our adventure.
Our hike begins with a 1¾-hour walk leading to the breathtaking Perolniyoc Cascade lookout an ideal spot to pause, take photos, and enjoy a light snack. The sight of the cascading waterfall here is truly awe-inspiring! From there, we’ll continue for another 35 minutes to explore the nearby Inca archaeological site bearing the same name. After a brief guided tour of this historic site, we’ll settle here for a well-earned lunch.
Refreshed and re-energized, we’ll make our way on a 45-minute ascent to our first campsite at Rayan (3,700 m / 12,136 ft), where we’ll set up camp for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast / 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
Approximate Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Dry Mountain
Day 2: Rayan – Chancachuco – Ancascocha Lake.
We begin our day with an early start at around 6:30 AM, embarking on a 4-hour uphill trek surrounded by stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks (nevadas), llamas grazing on the mountainsides, and expansive valleys. With a bit of luck, we might even spot a condor soaring overhead—the largest bird in the Andes, with an impressive wingspan of up to 10 feet.
Our journey leads us to Kuychicassa Pass (4,450 m / 14,596 ft), where we’ll pause to take in the breathtaking panorama of the Chancachuco Valley on one side and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other. After soaking in the views, we’ll begin our descent, hiking for an additional hour to a scenic spot where we’ll break for lunch.
After recharging, we’ll follow a narrow, 30-minute ascent alongside a sparkling stream, with spectacular views of Mount Veronica (5,822 m / 19,100 ft) dominating the landscape.
The afternoon features a 4-hour downhill walk through diverse terrain, bringing us to the picturesque small community of Ancascocha (3,700 m / 12,136 ft)—our campsite for the evening. Nestled in a beautiful, wooded valley with a stream running through it, Ancascocha offers a serene and tranquil setting to relax and unwind.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Highest Elevation: 4,450 m / 14,596 ft
Campsite Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
Distance to Walk: 16 km / 10 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 8 to 10 hours
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Dry Mountain
Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay Pass – Muyu Muyu Community – Paucarcancha
Today promises breathtaking scenery as we ascend toward Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,298 ft)—the highest point of the Ancascocha Trek and our Inca Trail journey. The ascent is a 4-hour climb along a steep zigzag trail, showcasing stunning mountain landscapes. Along the way, we’ll encounter a well-preserved original cobblestone-paved Inca trail and a beautiful waterfall that feeds into Ancascocha Lake.
After reaching Huayanay Pass, we’ll descend for about 45 minutes to explore the Incan archaeological site of Incarajay, where we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch. Following lunch, we’ll embark on a long descent into lush, green vegetation. Along this route, we’ll catch glimpses of the classic Inca Trail leading toward Machu Picchu and pass through the charming Muyu Muyu Community (3,850 m / 12,628 ft).
Continuing for another 2 hours of descent brings us to our campsite near the ancient Incan remains of Paucarcancha (3,133 m / 10,276 ft). This restored Inca settlement, historically used as a Tambo (a resting and administrative station), offers a fascinating glimpse into Incan history.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Highest Elevation: 4,650 m / 15,298 ft
Campsite Elevation: 3,133 m / 10,276 ft
Distance to Walk: 16 km / 10 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Dry Mountain
Day 4: Paucarcancha – Ayapata – Pacaymayu
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out on today’s adventure, beginning with a 25-minute downhill hike from Paucarcancha toward Huayllabamba (2,866 m / 9,400 ft)—the last village on the Classic Inca Trail. From here, we’ll embark on a challenging yet rewarding 4-hour uphill hike toward Llulluchapampa (3,700 m / 12,136 ft).
As we ascend, we’ll traverse a variety of ecosystems teeming with diverse vegetation, including the rare Queuña tree (Polylepis), a unique and iconic tree species found only in the high Andes. The hike culminates as we make our way to Warmiwañusqa Pass (4,215 m / 13,692 ft), famously known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This iconic point offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the trail ahead, making the strenuous ascent well worth the effort.
Here, we’ll pause for a well-earned break to take in the breathtaking scenery and appreciate the beauty of the deep valleys below. After our rest, we’ll descend along a beautifully restored section of the Inca Trail toward the Pacaymayo River, where our campsite awaits.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Minimum Elevation: 2,866 m / 9,400 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,215 m / 13,692 ft
Approximate Walking Time: 8 to 9 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Terrain: Dry Mountain
Day 5: Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna
After a hearty breakfast, we begin the day with a steady climb toward Runkuraqay (3,800 m / 12,464 ft), a unique circular, roofless stone structure believed to have been an astrological site and a checkpoint for Incan couriers. After a short tour, we continue our ascent to Chaquicocha Pass (3,950 m/ 12,959 ft).
From here, we’ll descend along the original Inca Trail, passing a small lake and the first hints of the lush cloud forest. This leads us to Sayacmarca (3,850 m / 12,551 ft), a well-preserved Incan site perched on a rock overlooking Aobamba Valley. Accessible only by a narrow stone staircase, it offers incredible views and insights into Incan life.
Continuing along the ridge, we’ll pause at Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), known as “the village on the edge of the clouds.” After descending through a tunnel and beautiful landscapes, we arrive at Wiñaywayna (2,700 m / 8,856 ft)—a stunningly restored Inca site known as “Forever Young.”
Tonight’s campsite is located in this serene cloud forest setting, offering a perfect spot to relax after an incredible day of exploration.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Highest Elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,856 ft
Approximate Walking Time: 9 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Andes and Cloud Forest
Day 6: Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We’ll rise early to embark on the final stretch of the Inca Trail, leading us to Inti Punku (2,400 m / 7,875 ft), known as the Sun Gate. This iconic point is the main entrance to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu and offers one of the most unforgettable views of the ancient city at sunrise. The trail is relatively easy, and after about an hour of walking, we’ll arrive at this magical spot.
From Inti Punku, we’ll descend for another 40 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu citadel. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the famous “classic photo” spot for some iconic snapshots before taking a short break. We’ll then begin our guided two-hour tour of the site to explore its incredible history, architecture, and surroundings. If you’ve opted to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, ensure you select the 10:00 AM time slot.
After exploring the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, we’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes. From there, we’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco will depend on the timing of your train ticket.
Meals: Breakfast
Maximum Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,856 ft
Minimum Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Distance to Walk: 6 km / 3.73 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 2 hours
Inclusions
What’s Included:
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup on the morning of your trek departure.
Private transport from Cusco to Socma (the trek’s starting point).
Ancascocha Route entrance fee.
Inca Trail entrance fee.
Machu Picchu entry fee – Circuit (1 or 2).
English-speaking professional guide for the entire trek.
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Comfortable 4-person tents (shared by 2 people) for a good night’s sleep.
One bus ticket for the journey from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Private transport from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
Professional Chef.
Excellent Meals (5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners).
Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all before rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request).
All necessary camping equipment, including dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent, and toilet tent.
All gear for porters and your trek cook.
Comfortable foam mattress.
Fully stocked first aid kit, including emergency oxygen.
Boiled drinking and washing water provided daily.
One duffle bag per person (6kgs).
Motorola Talkabout Radio, for communication.
Customer Service 24/7.
All applicable taxes.
Not Included:
Travel Insurance.
Breakfast on the first day.
Lunch on the last day.
Sleeping bag (you can hire it in our office).
Walking poles (you can hire it in our office).
Entry to Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu – $75 USD.
Extra expenditure during the trek, such as: soda, alcoholic drinks, extra snacks.
Optional upgrade (train and hotel).
Tips for Guide, Cook, and Horseman.
Packing List for the Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days 5 Nights.
The Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days 5 Nights is a challenging high-altitude adventure, requiring thorough preparation. To ensure a smooth and comfortable trek, especially since it begins early in the morning, make sure to pack the following essential items:
Essential Documents
Original passport.
Travel insurance.
Backpack and Gear.
A good daypack (such as an Eagle Creek Afar Backpack): This is essential for carrying your personal belongings during the trek.
Reusable water container or hydration pack (e.g., CamelBak) to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
Water for the first day hike (water will be provided from Day 2 onward).
Headlamp with spare batteries: For navigating camp during the evenings and early mornings.
Clothing
Lighter trekking boots: Sturdy yet comfortable for the rugged terrain.
3 pairs of trekking pants (avoid jeans): One pair for hiking, and one cotton pair for camp. Be sure to treat both with insect repellent before your trek.
Layers for varying temperatures: The weather can fluctuate greatly, so pack lightweight clothing for layering.
1 rain jacket: The first night can be as cold as -5°C (41°F), so a rain jacket is crucial in case of rain during the dry season.
1 warm/winter jacket: Essential for cold nights at higher altitudes.
Thermal wear: Wool socks, gloves, scarf, and a woolen hat to stay warm during chilly evenings.
4 pairs of underwear and 4 pairs of socks: Quick-drying options are ideal for trekking.
4 t-shirts and 2 long-sleeve shirts: Comfortable and breathable clothing for hiking and camp.
Sleeping Gear
Lightweight sleeping bag liner: Easy to pack and essential for a good night’s rest.
Personal Care
Travel-size tissues and wet wipes: For personal hygiene on the go.
Sun protection cream (SPF 35 or higher): Protect yourself from the intense mountain sun.
Bug spray: Insect repellent to avoid bites, especially in the forested areas.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other personal items needed for hygiene.
Medication: Bring Imodium AD or other stomach medication, as well as any prescription medications you require.
Health & Safety
Iron tablets or altitude sickness pills: Important for adjusting to the higher altitudes during the trek.
First aid kit: Bandages, moleskin for blisters, and other essential medical supplies.
Miscellaneous
Swimwear: For a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
Camera and film/memory card: Capture the breathtaking landscapes and memories of your trek.
Plastic bags: To keep wet or dirty clothes separate from clean ones.
Flip flops: Ideal for changing out of hiking boots in the evening and relaxing at camp.
Extra money: For souvenirs, drinks, and tips for your trekking team
Prices
The Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days 5 Nights is available for departures any day of the week, from March to January. Please note, the trek does not operate in February.
Group Price:$1189USDPer person
* A minimum of 2 participants is required to run the tour. We ensure that your group size will be capped at a maximum of 8 people.
Important: The price includes the transport of up to 6 kilograms of your personal belongings by mule (no additional porter hire needed!).
Discounts:
18 to 25 years old: $25 USD – Student card must include the university name, student name, photo, and expiration date. A copy of the card is required for the discount.
Under 18 years old: $25 USD – Please provide a copy of your passport at booking.
Under 11 years old: $30 USD – Send a copy of your passport at 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:
Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance).
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Need to book in advance).
Rentals:
Hiking poles – US$20.00
Sleeping bag – US$25.00
Private Tent – US$30.00
US$140 Personal Porter to carry extra 12 kg of personal items
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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Inca Trail Availability
Availability
2025
Feb.
2025
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2025
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2025
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2025
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2025
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2025
Ago.
2025
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2025
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Dic.
2026
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2026
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