Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan
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, 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 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
- Walking distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours
- Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Day 2: Rayan – Ancascocha
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 snowcapped mountains and the Sacred Valley 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 snowcapped 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
- Walking distance: 18 km/ 11.2 miles
- Estimated walking time: 9 to 10 hours
- Difficulty of the hike: Challenging
Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Qesqa community
After breakfast, 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.
After lunch we will continue Hiking for 3 hours downhill until we reach the community of Qesqa. On the way down, we will see views of the mountain peak of Huayanay and Salkantay in the distance, Qesqa community is located to the tree line, so the night here will not be too cold as the earlier campsites (3,650 m/11,910 ft).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Walking distance: 15 km/ 9 miles
- Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours
Day 4: Qesqa – Kilometer 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
The day begins with a delicious breakfast. We will continue descending through the valley for approx. 2 hours until we arrive to Paucarcancha, which is an extraordinary Incan fortress. You will learn the Incan history about this beautiful site and then have free time to explore on your own. After we visited Paucarcancha, we will start the final hike for 4 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
- Walking distance: 13 km/ 8.2 miles
- Estimated walking time: 6 hours
- Difficulty of the hike: Easy
DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
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 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.
- Wayna Picchu: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the top of Mt Wayna Picchu to admire the immensity of Machu Picchu from a different angle.
- Montaña Machu Picchu: This is the second hike option, which requires 3:30hours to finish the hike up and down.
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.
What’s included for Ancascocha trek:
- All transfer included.
- Pre-departure briefing
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco, the morning of trek departure
- Horseman’s and horses to carry our camping and kitchen equipment
- English Speaking Professional Guide
- 4 Season tents, with 2 to 3 people capacity.
- Therma-Rest self-inflating mattress
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 suppers included
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (day 4)
- Return Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from the Train Station to your hotel in Cusco
- One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes Hotel (last night)
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Not Included for Ancascocha trek:
- Sleeping bag.( you can hire it in our office)
- Walking poles( you can hire it in our office)
- First day breakfast and Lunch at Aguas Calientes on the last day.
- Tips (Cook, horseman and guide)
- Insurance of any kind, international airfares, domestic flights,
- bottled water, snacks, laundry, phone calls
- entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain
Note: if you want to hike up to Wayna Picchu or Montaña, we kindly suggest you to book it in advance, because the spaces are limited for more information contact us.
