Unforgettable Experience Ancascocha Trek

Each time there are more different routes to get to Machu Picchu (Unforgettable Experience Ancascocha Trek). The typical train ride to the foot of the Incan Citadel can be complimented with impressive hikes that last days throughout different areas of the region. One of them is Ancascocha, a demanding 5-day trekking 56 kilometers/35 miles long and close to 5,000 meters/16,404 feet above sea level to reach the marvelous destination: Machu Picchu.

If you like adventure, exploring basically virgin nooks and enjoy days in nature, this trekking is for you! Continue reading and find out all of the details.

Where does the Ancascocha Trek begin?

The majority of travel agencies begin the Ancascocha trek in Socma, a small town situated in the middle of Valle Sagrado and less than two hours from Cusco city. Socma is located 3,205 meters/10,515 feet above sea level, so beginning the first day, you will be in contact with altitude. To avoid altitude sickness you can take soroche pills or coca leaves.

Which are the stages of the Ancascocha Trek?

The majority of travel agencies that offer this hike divide the journey in five stages that can vary slightly depending on the tour. You will see landscapes you will never forget and explore Inca ruins that have been preserved for more than 500 years. Here is a summary of what awaits you during these days:

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan

At the scheduled time travelers will be picked up from the hotels, we then drive through the Sacred Valley 1 hour and 40 minutes to arrive to the village of Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft). Which is the beginning point of 5 days Ancascocha trek, the horsemen will be waiting for us at this village ready for this adventure trek.

We’ll gently make our way up one of the side valleys, covering about 1 hour and a half of hiking we will stop at the waterfall of Perolniyoc, which is considered one of the nicest falls around the Sacred Valley. We will continue walking for one more hour uphill to reach the archaeological site of Perolniyoc, located above the waterfall, after having the explanation of the Inca history with our guide, we will walk for one hour to arrive to our lunch spot and camp

This first day of Ancascocha Trek will be part of the acclimatization to the high altitude, so after lunch we can relax and have rest for the next day; we spend the night at Rayan campsite (3,700 meters/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
• Approximate walking time: 4 to 5 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Area: Dry Mountain

Day 2: Rayan – 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
• Approximate walking time: 8 to 10 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging
• Area: Dry Mountain

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Qesqua community

After breakfast,  we will continue with our Ancascocha Trail; 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 inca trail 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
• Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging
• Area: Dry Mountain

Day 4: Qesqua – Paucarcancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

The day 4th of Ancascocha trail,  begins with a delicious breakfast. We will continue descending through the valley for approx. 2 hours until we arrive to Paucar Cancha, which is an extraordinary Inca fortress. You will learn the Incan history about this beautiful site and then have free time to explore on your own. After we visited Paucar Cancha, we will start the final hike for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, this last part of our hike goes on the beginning section of the Inca trail, along the way to km 82 we will stop at the Inca Ruin of Willcaraqay from here is possible to observe Patallaqta another remarkable Inca ruin. At km 82, our chef will be waiting for us with a delicious lunch.

After lunch we will be picked up by our transfer and then transported to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft.) from where we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes.

• 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
• Estimated walking time: 7 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Easy

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After breakfast we will board the bus which will take us to the biggest energetic center of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of our itinerary the same professional tour guide from the Ancascocha Trek 5 Days 4 Nights; will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical place. We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own.

If you have booked Wayna picchu, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price):

• Visit the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle.
• Hike to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adventure for your next Machu Picchu visit. However in this case, the adventure is a little less strenuous, but a lot more death defying, not for people with vertigo.

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

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

What do you need to bring:

• A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to carry your personal belongings.)
• Original passport
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required
• Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
• 3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip.
• Layers for variable temperatures especially at night
• 1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit. A rain jacket can be helpful, because there are rainy days even in the dry season!
• 1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for cold nights).
• 4 pairs of underwear, 4 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried.) It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both really heavy hiking socks and lighter socks as well as the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or too hot.
• 4 shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
• 1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack. This definitely does its job!
• Travel-size tissues and wet wipes–The air is cold and damp, so your nose is going to run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues by the end of the trek. Also, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (if you even get a bathroom), so wet wipes are key.
• Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
• Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
• Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoor is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be helpful.
• Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel-back
• Water (Only for first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the hike).
• Camera and film
• A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
• Bandages or moleskin
• Flip flops to change into at night. Your toes will thank you!
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste/floss, shampoo/conditioner, brush/comb, Vaseline (great for potential blisters on the feet), feminine hygiene products, deodorant, nail clippers/file/tweezers, spare glasses and/or prescription, mini-eyeglass repair kit, contact lenses and supplies, hand sanitizer etc. Pack what you need, but pack light.
• Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can be helpful to help with aches and pains after  8-10 hours of hiking each day.
• Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
• Something to read in the evenings
• Extra money for drinks