The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, is a remarkable trail that remains off the beaten path. It is listed as one of National Geographic’s 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list. The trek wanders through traditional villages like Chillipahua and its namesake Ancascocha (3,700 m/12,136 ft). Along the way, it humps over big passes, including the high point at the Huayanay Pass (4,550 m/ 14,925 ft), and takes in views of towering 20,551 foot (6,266 m) Apu Salkantay.
The Ancascocha trail to Machu Picchu is considered as one of the most scenic and beautiful treks in Cusco region and it does not require trek permits from the government office; so it is open to everybody.
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is not a popular route; APU PERU TREK offers this alternative trek to the Classic Inca Trail in 4 days of hiking and one day for visiting Machu Picchu. But fit people can also do it 3 days of hiking instead of 4. On the last part of this trek we will hike the beginning section of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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 Trail to Machu Picchu, 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.
In the afternoon 3 hours of uphill will let us to reach the pass called Puka kassa (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 snow capped 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 our campsite.
The second day Ancascocha trail trek starts after a delicious breakfast we will set up from the campsite of Chancachuco, as we make our way to Ancascocha village we’ll see some more snow capped 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 to the beautiful Ancascocha Lake (4,090 m/13,100 ft.), which gave name to the village and this spectacular trek, hiking 2 hours on an ancient Inca Trail will let us to arrive to the highest point of Ancascocha Trail 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 Inca Raqay 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 campsite (3,650 m/11,910 ft.).
The day begins with a delicious breakfast. We will continue our Ancascocha trail trek descending through the valley for approx. 2 hours until we arrive to Paucar Cancha, which is an extraordinary Inca fortress. You will learn the Incan history about this beautiful site and then have free time to explore on your own. After we visited Paucar Cancha, 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.
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 trail 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.
If you have booked Wayna picchu, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price.)
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.
Meals: Breakfast Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
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