Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days
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Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Discover the spectacular Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, a challenging five-day trekking adventure through remote Andean landscapes, traditional mountain communities and remarkable Inca archaeological sites.
Operated by Inca Land Adventures, this 5-day Ancascocha trekking tour combines high-altitude hiking, dramatic mountain scenery, camping in the Andes and a guided visit to the world-famous sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Your journey begins in Soqma and follows the trail through Perolniyoc, Rayan, Ancascocha Lake, Huayanay Pass, Incaracay, Quesqa Valley and Paucarcancha. After completing the mountain trek, you travel via Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes before exploring Machu Picchu with a professional guide.
With demanding mountain passes, remote trails and impressive views of the Peruvian Andes, the Ancascocha Trail is an excellent choice for adventurous travelers seeking an alternative trekking experience beyond the busy Classic Inca Trail.
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Location: Cusco region, Peruvian Andes
Trek difficulty: Challenging
Maximum altitude: Approximately 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
Accommodation: 3 camping nights and 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes
Departure: Cusco, Peru
Service: Private trekking service
Final destination: Machu Picchu
Book your Ancascocha Trek 2027 with Inca Land Adventures and experience the Andes through a locally operated trekking adventure with professional guides and a dedicated support team.
Please note: Ancascocha is an alternative trekking route to Machu Picchu, not the complete Classic Inca Trail. The itinerary, Machu Picchu entry circuit and train arrangements are subject to confirmation at booking.
Ancascocha Trek Highlights
Explore the Ancascocha Trail: Experience a challenging alternative trek through remote sections of the Peruvian Andes.
Visit Perolniyoc: Discover the archaeological site and surrounding mountain scenery near the beginning of your trek.
Cross high Andean mountain passes: Enjoy expansive views of rugged peaks and dramatic valleys along the route.
Discover Ancascocha Lake: Experience the high-altitude landscape around this beautiful mountain lake.
Walk ancient Inca pathways: Learn about the region's archaeological heritage with your professional trekking guide.
Explore Incaracay and Paucarcancha: Visit important archaeological locations along the established itinerary.
Experience the Quesqa Valley: Descend through changing Andean landscapes toward the final stages of your trek.
Travel through the Sacred Valley region: Connect the trekking route with Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
Visit Machu Picchu with a guide: Finish your five-day trekking adventure at one of Peru's most celebrated archaeological sites.
Enjoy a locally operated trekking experience: Travel with a Cusco-based team coordinating your guide, camping equipment, meals and transport.
Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Rayan
Trekking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Camping in Rayan
Meals: Lunch and dinnerYour Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel by road to Soqma, where you meet your professional guide and trekking support team before starting the hike.
The trail takes you through beautiful Andean scenery toward Perolniyoc, an archaeological site set against a dramatic mountain landscape. Take time to appreciate the surrounding valleys, traditional agricultural areas and the natural beauty of the region.
After exploring the area, continue along the mountain trail toward Rayan, where your trekking team prepares the campsite. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and rest beneath the Andean sky before the next day's challenging hike.
Highlights: Soqma, Perolniyoc archaeological site, Andean valleys and Rayan campsite.
Day 2: Rayan – Kuychiccasa Pass – Chancachuco Valley – Ancascocha
Trekking time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAfter breakfast, continue your Ancascocha hiking adventure through remote mountain terrain. The trail climbs toward Kuychiccasa Pass, reaching approximately 4,450 m / 14,599 ft, where you can appreciate sweeping views of the surrounding Andes.
Along the way, pass traditional farming areas and experience the changing landscapes of the highlands. Your guide will help you understand the local environment and the challenges of trekking at altitude.
Continue toward Chancachuco Valley before descending toward the Ancascocha area. Upon arrival at camp, enjoy a warm meal and time to recover after a demanding day on the trail.
Highlights: Kuychiccasa Pass, Chancachuco Valley, remote Andean scenery and Ancascocha.
Day 3: Ancascocha – Ancascocha Lake – Huayanay Pass – Incaracay – Quesqa Valley – Paucarcancha
Trekking time: Approximately 8–9 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 km / 9.3 miles, subject to route confirmation
Highest point: Huayanay Pass, approximately 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
Accommodation: Camping in Paucarcancha
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerToday is one of the most demanding and rewarding days of your Ancascocha Trek.
Begin the hike toward Ancascocha Lake, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the high Andes. Continue ascending toward Huayanay Pass, the highest point of the trek, where the expansive mountain views provide a memorable reward for your effort.
After crossing the pass, descend toward Incaracay, where you stop for lunch. Continue into Quesqa Valley, following the established trekking route toward Paucarcancha.
At Paucarcancha, explore the archaeological surroundings with your guide and learn about the historical significance of Inca sites in this region. Your support team will prepare camp for the evening.
This is a long, high-altitude trekking day. A good level of fitness, proper acclimatization and a steady walking pace are essential.
Highlights: Ancascocha Lake, Huayanay Pass, Incaracay, Quesqa Valley and Paucarcancha archaeological site.
Day 4: Paucarcancha – Km 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Trekking time: Approximately 6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast and lunch; dinner according to the final package confirmationAfter breakfast, continue from Paucarcancha along the route toward Km 82, the starting area of the Classic Inca Trail. Enjoy the final walking section of your mountain adventure before meeting your transport arrangements.
Continue to Ollantaytambo, where you board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to rest. The town offers restaurants, cafés and shops where you can prepare for the following morning's visit to Machu Picchu.
Your guide will confirm the departure arrangements and the practical details for your visit to the archaeological sanctuary.
Highlights: Paucarcancha, Km 82, Ollantaytambo, scenic train journey and Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Accommodation: Not included after the tour
Meals: BreakfastWake up early and travel by shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu, according to your confirmed schedule.
Explore Machu Picchu on a guided visit with a professional guide who will explain the site's history, architecture and cultural importance. Discover the extraordinary relationship between Inca construction and the surrounding mountain environment.
Your visit follows the circuit and entry time assigned to your ticket. Additional mountain hikes, including Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, are subject to separate availability, applicable tickets and scheduling.
After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes and board your train to Ollantaytambo. From there, continue by arranged transport to Cusco, where your five-day Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu concludes.
Highlights: Guided Machu Picchu visit, Inca architecture, train journey and return to Cusco.
What's Included in the Ancascocha Trek 5 Days
Your Ancascocha Trek package with Inca Land Adventures includes the following services, subject to confirmation in your booking agreement.
Professional Trekking Services
Professional English-speaking trekking guide.
Pre-trek briefing in Cusco, scheduled before departure.
Hotel pickup in Cusco and transportation to the trailhead at Soqma.
Trekking support team, including porters, horse handlers and horses, as required by the operating plan.
Emergency horse support where available and appropriate for the route.
Camping Equipment
Four-season camping tents, generally shared by two travelers.
Inflatable sleeping mattresses.
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
Kitchen tent and toilet tent.
Camping equipment transported by the support team.
Duffle bag for personal trekking gear, subject to the operator's luggage allowance.
Meals and Drinking Water
Meals during the trek according to the final confirmed itinerary.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners as specified in the booking confirmation.
Cook and kitchen support team.
Hot water for personal washing at scheduled times when campsite conditions permit.
Drinking water during the trek, with refills arranged by the trekking team.
Transport and Machu Picchu Visit
Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Private road transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
One hotel night in Aguas Calientes on Day 4.
Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the confirmed circuit and entry time.
Round-trip shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, if confirmed in the selected package.
Guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Safety and Assistance
First-aid kit carried by the trekking team.
Emergency oxygen for use when medically appropriate.
Assistance coordinating emergency response if required.
Before booking: The final voucher must specify the exact number of meals, camping nights, hotel room arrangements, luggage allowance and all transport services. Only services confirmed in writing should be advertised as included.
What's Not Included
Unless explicitly stated in your booking confirmation, the following services are not included in the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu package:
International flights to and from Peru.
Accommodation in Cusco before or after the trek.
Meals in Cusco and meals not specified in the itinerary.
Personal travel insurance and high-altitude trekking coverage.
Sleeping bag rental.
Trekking pole rental.
Additional sleeping comfort equipment or upgrades.
Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
Personal expenses, snacks, drinks and purchases.
Tips for the guide, cook, porters, horse handlers and other trekking staff.
Additional hotel nights or room upgrades.
Any services not explicitly listed under “What's Included.”
Optional Comfort Equipment
A comfort equipment package may be available for an additional charge. The current website lists a package at US$120, but its contents and 2027 price should be reconfirmed before publication.
Possible items include a sleeping bag, upgraded mattress, pillow and trekking poles, depending on the final package.
Please request written confirmation of all optional extras before making your reservation.
Price per person:2027
1 traveler $1,750
2 travelers $1,250
3 travelers $1,200
4 travelers $1050
5 travelers $1000
6 travelers $950
8 travelers $900
What to Pack for the Ancascocha Trek
The Ancascocha Trail reaches approximately 4,650 m / 15,255 ft, where temperatures and weather conditions can change quickly. Pack carefully for cold nights, strong sun, rain and long days of hiking.
Essential Documents
Original passport used for your Machu Picchu booking.
Travel insurance details and emergency contacts.
Cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses and tips.
Trekking Clothing
Broken-in waterproof hiking boots.
Moisture-wicking hiking shirts and trekking trousers.
Warm fleece or insulated jacket.
Waterproof jacket and rain trousers.
Thermal base layers.
Warm hat, gloves and hiking socks.
Sun hat or cap.
Personal Equipment
Daypack with a rain cover.
Reusable water bottles or hydration reservoir.
Headlamp with spare batteries.
Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
Personal toiletries and quick-drying towel.
Personal medication and basic blister-care supplies.
Camera, phone and spare batteries or power bank.
Recommended Extras
Trekking poles, particularly for steep ascents and descents.
Binoculars for observing Andean landscapes and wildlife.
Lip balm with sun protection.
Insect repellent where appropriate.
A suitable sleeping bag for cold high-altitude nights.
Confirm the operator's luggage allowance and which equipment is supplied or available for rent before departure.
Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu: FAQs
Is the Ancascocha Trek the same as the Classic Inca Trail?
No. The Ancascocha Trek is an alternative trekking route to Machu Picchu. Although the itinerary visits Inca archaeological sites and connects with the area around Km 82, it is not the same as hiking the complete four-day Classic Inca Trail.
How difficult is the Ancascocha Trek?
The Ancascocha Trek is challenging because of its long hiking days, steep ascents, remote terrain and high-altitude mountain passes. Good physical fitness and proper acclimatization in Cusco are strongly recommended.
How high is the Ancascocha Trek?
The itinerary identifies Huayanay Pass at approximately 4,650 m / 15,255 ft. Travelers should be prepared for cold temperatures, changing weather and the effects of altitude.
How many days does the Ancascocha Trek take?
This itinerary takes five days and four nights, combining three nights of camping with one hotel night in Aguas Calientes, followed by a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included?
The proposed package includes a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, subject to confirmation of the selected circuit, entry time and availability. Optional mountain tickets may require an additional payment.
What is the best time to hike the Ancascocha Trail?
The drier months, generally May through September, are often preferred for trekking in the Cusco region. Weather remains variable in the Andes, so travelers should prepare for rain and cold conditions at any time.
Can I book a private Ancascocha Trek for 2027?
Yes. Contact Inca Land Adventures to request a private Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu for 2027. Provide your preferred travel dates and group size so the team can confirm availability, services and the final price.
Do I need to acclimatize before the Ancascocha Trek?
Yes. Because the trek reaches elevations above 4,500 m, spending several days acclimatizing in Cusco or another suitable high-altitude destination before departure is strongly recommended.
What is included in the Ancascocha Trek package?
The package can include a professional guide, camping equipment, trekking meals, support staff, transport, train tickets, one hotel night and a guided Machu Picchu visit. Confirm the final inclusions and exclusions in writing before booking.
Optional Extras:
Comfort Package ($120): Sleeping bag (20°F/-7°C), inflatable Therm-a-Rest mattress, walking poles, camping pillow
Single Tent Supplement ($35/night)
Vistadome Train Upgrade ($80 return)
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb ($80 — request at bookin
5-Day Ancascocha Trail Itinerary: Remote Inca Trek to Machu Picchu
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