The Ancascocha trek 4 days, in the Peruvian Andes is a wonderful trail that remained off the beaten path despite its proximity to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you are looking for a true adventure and avoid large crowds on the most popular hikes, this option is perfect for you.
This route is sometimes known as the Super Inca Trail or the Hidden Inca Trail; it’s more strenuous and less traveled, but so much more rewarding. However, after a few days of solitude, you will pass a section of the original Inca Trail and be surprised to see so many other trekkers all of a sudden. Don’t worry though, as they will be heading in another direction.
Along the way, you will stop at fascinating Inca archaeological sites and learn all about the ancient culture. You will also be able to see the most incredible landscapes and walk through beautiful landscapes in the Andes. Meanwhile, you will be surrounded by local flora and fauna that will accompany you throughout the walk.
You will end your mountain adventure by heading to the world famous Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. You will enjoy a guided tour of all the important sections and then explore on your own or climb one of the additional mountains: Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability). Afterwards, we will make sure that you return safely to your accommodation in Cusco. You don’t need to worry about anything; We take care of all the details so that you can enjoy this trip, Ancascocha trek 4 days.
The day of the Ancascocha trek 4 days to Machu Picchu arrived,
Very early we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and we will drive 2 hours to Soqma (3205 m/10,512 ft). This is the starting point of our trek and where we will meet the riders (and horses) who will be our porters during the trek.
The walk begins with an ascent for 1 hour and 45 minutes to the viewpoint of the Perolniyoc waterfall. The waterfall is impressive, and you can even take the short climb up to the base of the falls for some great photo opportunities (and cool off in hot weather). Then, walking for another 45 minutes, we visit the Inca site of the same name. Perched on top of 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 will be free to wander through the ruins, imagining life 500 years ago.
We then make a steep ascent for about an hour to reach our lunch spot, Rayan (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). Here you’ll get your first taste of your chef’s incredible culinary skills, with a chance to kick back, relax, and recharge for the afternoon hike.
The afternoon begins with a challenging 3-hour uphill hike to reach the Kuychiccasa Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft). Passing the rustic farmer’s houses, around every corner you’ll see sumptuous views of the snow-capped ‘Nevadas’ peaks, wild llamas, sprawling valleys, and if we’re lucky, a passing condor (the largest bird in the Andes). .
When we reach the top of the pass (perhaps a bit out of breath) we take a break to soak in the magnificent views of the Chancachuco Valley on one side and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other.
From here it is an easy 45-minute downhill hike to reach our camp for the night in the Chancachuco Valley (4312 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 (clouds permitting!) then we’ll have a delicious dinner more than deserved after the walk.
We will wake you up with a delicious hot tea or coffee and then you will enjoy a hearty breakfast that will give you the energy you need to continue our adventure.
We’ll set out on a 45-minute undulating road followed by a 20-minute uphill climb so you can revel in the incredible views of the La Verónica Glacier (5,682 m / 18,642 ft). Then, we will descend for another 3 hours until we reach the community of Ancascocha (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), which gives its name to the trek. Here we will cross a small and beautiful valley that is crossed by a crystalline stream. It is a very picturesque area, to say the least.
We will then continue our trek with a 1-hour uphill hike that will reward you with absolutely stunning views of the surrounding glaciers, well-preserved Inca archaeological sites, and the beautiful blue Ancascocha Lake. Make sure you have your camera ready to capture some amazing shots.
We will enjoy a bite while our chefs prepare another of their delicious lunches before continuing to the highest point of the trail, the Huayanay pass (4650 masl/15,265 fasl). The ascent lasts 2 hours and you will also know a part of the original Inca Trail. You can expect some amazing views when you are that high up.
The descent from the pass is much more comfortable, and we will descend little by little with beautiful views around it. We will arrive at our camp in the Quesqa Valley (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) and relax while waiting for another amazing dinner. Afterwards, you will lie down to rest and continue tomorrow our Ancascocha trek 4 days to Machupicchu tour.
We’ll be up bright and early for another tasty breakfast before we set off downhill from the Quesqa Valley for two and a half hours. We’ll make our way to the Paucarcancha Inca site (3,120 m / 10,236 ft) through vegetation that becomes greener and thicker. From the archaeological site, you’ll be able to appreciate a part of the original Inca Trail in the distance and the remote communities of the Quesqa Valley. Inside the site, your guide will give you a tour and tell you about all the mysteries of the place.
After, we’ll descend for 5 hours along a part of the Classic Inca Trail towards KM 82, where the traditional Inca Trail begins. Along the route, you’ll be able to appreciate the Llactapata and Canabamba archaeological sites. We’ll eat our lunch at KM 82 and rest our legs for a while before we set off again.
In the afternoon, we’ll transfer you to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft) to board the train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). On this comfortable journey, you’ll enjoy a different perspective of the mountains you walked through earlier as you travel along the Urubamba River. You’ll also get some fantastic photo opportunities so that you will need your camera at the ready!
Once we get to Aguas Calientes, we’ll take you to your hostel to check in, where you can rest until dinner. Alternatively, and if you still have energy, you can explore the small town or head to the hot springs to relax your tired muscles. We’ll meet up for dinner in one of the best restaurants in town before going to bed early, as you’ll need to be up before dawn tomorrow.
The big day is finally here! Be sure to set your alarm before sunrise today, so we can beat the huge crowds at Machu Picchu. You will enjoy some breakfast at the lodge before taking the bus from Aguas Calientes at 5:30 am. The entrance to Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 am, and we like to be among the first groups inside.
As soon as you set foot in this magical place, you will get goosebumps, contemplating the incredible construction that the Incas built so many years ago with very few tools. You will be flooded with good vibrations as you feel the connection and balance between human beings and Mother Nature, or as the Incas knew her, Pachamama.
First, your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of all the important sections of Machu Picchu to discover the secrets of this mystical place. Afterward, you will have plenty of time to explore the site yourself or do one of the additional hikes up the mountain, Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain. Note that you must have tickets for these reserved in advance. If you don’t, you can also walk to Puerta del Sol or to the Inca Bridge. From any of these places, you get an incredible view of the entire fortress.
Around noon, it will be time to head back to Aguas Calientes. You will have some time to choose a restaurant of your choice for lunch before going to the train station to board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will be waiting for you to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco. And I finish our adventure of Ancascocha trek 4 days to Machu Picchu.
I recently returned to Peru for business and also opted to hike Machu Picchu again through the Ancacsocha trail, which is a wilderness area above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is an amazing trail, but also a very demanding hike due to the altitude. Thank you PERU TREK company team for a great second experience in Peru
PERU TREK has it marked! We arrived not really knowing what to expect and were treated like royalty. The guides make the experience in my opinion, Oddi did an amazing job connecting with each guest, sharing an insightful story about the trail and also joking with all of us along the way. Everyone in our group of 8 had smiles on their faces the entire time and we were all very sad to leave once it was over. I highly recommend choosing the PERU TREK company.
We couldn’t be happier with the service and the trip. Our guide Alex was very helpful and funny. He taught us a lot. The cooks Juan and Mario made very good food and were very friendly. We did have some unforeseen events, but the staff went above and beyond to make the trip a good one. This is the most amazing natural experience we have ever had. Thank you for having us PERU TREK!
