Unforgettable Trekking Experience from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu

Trekking Experience from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu

Each time there are more different routes to get to Machu Picchu. 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?

Trekking Experience from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu

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:

Trip Itinerary:

Trekking Experience from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu

You will have thorough briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Ancascocha Trek 5 Days 4 Nights. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan

Trekking Experience from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu

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 Ancascocha trek 5 days 4 nights, 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 5 Days 4 Nights 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

Trekking Experience from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu

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 Peru 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

Trekking Experience from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu

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
Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Area: Dry Mountain

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

Trekking Experience from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu

The day 4th of Ancascocha trek, 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 Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, 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

Trekking Experience from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu

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

Plan Your Trip:

Want to see the incredible Ancascocha Trek for yourself? Don’t hesitate to contact us so that one of our expert travel advisors can start planning your trip today!