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Tour Map
The Ancascocha hike in the Peruvian Andes is a remarkable trail that, unlike other more popular trails, remains off the beaten path and away from the crowds.
Don’t be put off by its lesser-known status, though: after all, National Geographic named it one of the 20 dream hikes on its list of the world’s best hikes.
This impressive hike takes you past ancient Inca ruins and traditional Andean villages such as Chillipahua and the namesake trail, Ancascocha (3,700 m/12,136 ft).
Here you can briefly share the trail with farmers, shepherds and their livestock going about their daily lives, so far from the tourist crowds of Cusco.
We leave Cusco early in the morning and drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Soqma (3,205 m/10,512 feet). This is the starting point of our hike and where we will meet the horsemen (and horses) who will be our porters during the hike.
The hike begins with a 1 hour 45 minute walk to the Perolniyoc waterfall viewpoint. The waterfall is stunning, and you can even take a short climb to the base of the falls for fantastic photo opportunities (and to cool off if it’s hot). Then, walking for another 45 minutes we will visit the Inca site of the same name. Located atop a cliff with spectacular views of the surrounding valley, your guide will share some of the history of the site and the Incas and you can wander freely through the ruins, imagining life 500 years ago.
We then make a steep climb for about an hour to reach our lunch spot, Rayan (3,700m/12,139ft). Here you will get your first taste of your chef’s incredible culinary skills, and have the opportunity to rest, relax and recharge for the afternoon walk.
The afternoon begins with a challenging 3-hour uphill hike to reach Kuychiccasa Pass (4,450m/14,599ft). Passing the rustic farmers’ houses, at every turn we will see sumptuous views of the snow-capped peaks of the ‘Nevadas’, wild llamas, vast valleys and, if we are lucky, a passing condor (the largest bird in the Andes) . with a wingspan of up to 10 feet wide!).
When we reached the top of the pass (perhaps a little out of breath) we took a break to enjoy the magnificent views of the Chancachuco Valley on one side and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other.
From here it’s an easy 45-minute downhill hike to reach our overnight camp in the Chancachuco Valley (4,312 m/14,147 ft). Here, with camp already set up when you arrive, you can change into warmer clothes and lie back to watch the sky gradually fill with the most incredible display of stars (cloud permitting!) before joining your guide and companions. walk to enjoy a good rest. deserved dinner.
On the second day you will be woken up with a fresh cup of coffee or tea, followed by a full breakfast that will give you energy for the next morning.
We begin with a 45-minute rolling hike followed by a 20-minute climb up a narrow trail that follows a stream with beautiful views of Mount Veronica (5,822 m/ 19,100 ft).
We then took a 2.5 hour walk downhill to reach the small community of Ancascocha (3,700m/12,139ft), in a small but beautiful forested valley with a stream running through it.
After lunch we continue our ascent towards the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,255 ft). This is a strenuous 2 hour climb along a steep switchback trail that takes us to the highest point of our hike. Throughout this section you will see an original Inca Trail paved with cobblestones.
After taking some time to enjoy the amazing views from the summit, we embarked on a 3-hour descent into greener vegetation. Throughout this section we will have a distant view of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu as well as fascinating views of the communities of the Quesqa valley. We will also pass through the small Inca site of Incaracay.
Finally we will arrive at our camp, located in the Quesqa valley (3,850 m/12,631 feet). Once again, your chef will serve you a fine dinner as we reflect on the sights and sounds of the day.
On our last day of walking we will descend from the Quesqa Valley for 2 hours until we reach the Inca site of Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,278 feet).
We then join a section of the Classic Inca Trail and do an easy downhill walk for 5 hours until we reach KM 82, which is the official start of the Classic Trail. Along the way we can see the Inca site of Llactapata. Lunch will be served at KM 82.
In the afternoon, we will take you to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft) and this place is where we are going to camp. If you still have some energy, you can explore the quaint town before enjoying dinner. Be sure to go to bed early, as tomorrow we will begin our final adventure along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After having passed Ancascocha trek.
You will enjoy an early breakfast at 5:30 am to go to the train station in Ollantaytambo. As you travel along the tracks, you will be surrounded by wonderful scenery and gain a different perspective of the mountains you have been hiking the previous days.
After about an hour and a half, you will arrive at KM 104, from where our incredible trek along the historic Inca Trail will begin. This morning, we will start with an uphill hike for about three hours until we reach the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2650 m / 8694 ft), the most important citadel along the original Inca Trail. You’ll enjoy an in-depth history lesson and a delicious lunch as we gaze at towering mountains rising through the trees and deep valleys.
In the afternoon, we will continue walking towards Puerta del Sol (2,720 m / 8,924 ft). From this incredible vantage point, we will get our first incredible views of the magnificent Inca City of Machu Picchu. This is the official end of the Inca Trail and the place from where the Incas would have first seen the amazing fortress when they arrived.
We will end our first day by heading to Aguas Calientes by bus. We will check into our hostel and enjoy dinner at a restaurant. You’ll have to go back to bed early to get up before dawn tomorrow.
After a very early breakfast at your hotel, we take one of the first buses (5:30 am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Your guide will give you a 2-hour walking tour of this impressive site, named as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included in the price of the hike.
If you have chosen to climb the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, you can begin the hike once your guided tour is finished. The ticket price for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain is also included in the price of your hike. If you choose not to climb the mountain, you will have plenty of free time to explore Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus.
Returning to Aguas Calientes, you will board the expedition train to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From here you will travel in a private van to Cusco and back to your hotel. Your arrival time in Cusco will depend on the time of your train ticket.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and easy as possible. In this section, you will find quick answers to all those questions you had about the Ancascocha to inca trail & Machu picchu 5 days in one place. Please read the following information carefully; will help you with any questions about our services.
All briefings take place at your hotel at 6:30 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another schedule at the (Peru Travel Luxury) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there they will give you a small canvas bag, in which you will store all the belongings that you intend to take on the walk and that will not be in your backpack.
You will receive a canvas case or duffle bag during the briefing. The muleteers will carry them along the road and deliver them to you when you arrive at each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 feet long x 36 cm / 1 foot wide.
A maximum of 8 kg is allowed per canvas bag, in which you can put your clothes or personal items that you need to do this hike.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Travel Luxury company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
My wife and I had an amazing time and were very well looked after on our trek with Peru travel luxury company and our guide Fred. He is probably one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and very knowledgeable. We had the experience of our lives! Do not hesitate to book any trip with Peru Trek. We have traveled the world and he is the best!
