Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu
5 days

We leave Cusco in our tourist transport for a 1 hour and 45 minute ride to Socma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft). From there our trekking adventure begins and we also meet the horsemen who will be our porters during our Ancasqocha to Machu Picchu tour.

Our first destination is the impressive waterfall of Perolniyoc that we will arrive after approximately 1 hour of walking and we will be able to refresh ourselves with its crystalline waters. Then we continue uphill until we reach the archaeological site of Raqaypata - Perolniyoc and explore the site and then taste our lunch.

After a short rest we climb uphill until we reach the place called Rayan (3,700 meters).

• Schedule: 6:00 - 17:00 hours.
• Feeding: Lunch and Dinner.
• Camp: Rayan.
• Lowest altitude: 3,205 m / 10,512 ft.
• Highest altitude: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft.
• Approximate hiking time: 4 to 5 hours (8 km / 5 miles).
• Difficulty level: moderate.

We wake up and have breakfast to continue our hike for 4 hours up to the Kuychiccasa pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft) with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains. We will also be able to see typical fauna of the area such as alpacas and if we are lucky we can be amazed by the flight of the Condor.

After a rest and enjoy beautiful views of the sacred valley, we descend for an hour to the Chancachuco Valley (4,312 m / 14,147 ft) for lunch.

After our lunch and a brief rest we climb to have beautiful views of the snow-capped Veronica (5,822 m / 19,100 ft), from there we descend for 4 hours to the community of Ancascocha (3,700 m / 12,139 ft).

• Schedule: 06:30 - 17:00.
• Feeding: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
• Camp: Ancasqocha (3,700 m / 12,136 ft).
• Highest altitude: 4,450 m / 15,250 ft.
• Approximate hiking time: 8 to 10 hours (16 km / 10 miles).
• Difficulty level: Challenging.

After a comforting breakfast, we begin the trek to the highest point of our Ancascocha Machu Picchu trek for 4 hours to the Huayanay pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft).

Along this section, we will see an original Inca trail. On the way we will also have the opportunity to see a beautiful waterfall that feeds the Ancascocha lagoon. We then descend for 45 minutes to the Inca site of Incarakay where our delicious lunch awaits us.

From there our hike is easier for 3 hours to the community of Quesqa Valley and the Inca site of Paucarcancha (3,133 m / 10,278 ft). It is a lower elevation and has lush vegetation, and we will have the option of seeing the Classic Inca Trail in the distance. Upon arrival at Paucarcancha, your guide will give you a tour of the Inca site.

• Schedule: 06:30 - 17:00 Hours.
• Feeding: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
• Camp: Paucarcancha.
• Highest elevation: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft.
• Approximate hiking time: 8 to 9 hours (15 km / 9.3 miles).
• Difficulty level: challenging.

After breakfast we descend for 6 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the official start of the Classic Inca Trail. Along our way we will be able to appreciate the Inca site of Llactapata, the first Inca site on the Classic Inca Trail. Our chef will have a delicious lunch waiting for us at kilometer 82.

After our lunch, we transfer to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), to make our trip on a scenic train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,692 ft).

In Aguas Calientes, after settling into your hotel, the town's natural hot springs are a great place to relax if there is time before your dinner.

• Schedule: 06:30 - 20:00 hours.
• Feeding: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
• Accommodation: hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Lowest elevation: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft.
• Highest elevation: 3,133 m / 10,278 ft.
• Estimated hiking time: 6 hours (12 km / 7 ½ miles).
• Difficulty level: Easy.

Después de nuestro desayuno en el hotel tomamos un autobús muy temprano (5:30 am o de acuerdo a horario de ingreso a Machu Picchu) hacia una de las maravillas del mundo, para ver el magnífico amanecer. Una vez allí, visitaremos Machu Picchu por dos 2 horas a pie por los principales lugares de este sitio Inca. Después de tener visita guiada, tendrá tiempo libre para visitar por cuenta propia como para tomarse fotografías.

Si usted ha elegido hacer la excursión a la Montaña Huayna Picchu o Machu Picchu Montaña ingresará a las 10:00 am.

Finalmente, debe volver a Aguas Calientes, donde va a almorzar para luego abordar el tren hacia Ollantaytambo o Poroy. Desde la estación de trenes a Cusco y lo dejamos en su hotel. La hora de llegada en Cusco depende de la hora de su ticket de tren.

• Schedule: 05:30 - 20:00.
• Feeding: Breakfast at the hotel.
• Lowest elevation: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft.
• Highest elevation: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft.