Ancascocha Trail + Salkantay Trek 8 Days

Ancascocha, Cusco, Peru

Ranking

Code: ATMA8702

Duration

8D/7N

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

Español, Ingles

Overview

Ancascocha Trail + Salkantay Trek 8 Days, Glaciers, Inca Sites, High Altitude lakes, Original Inca Trail paths, Solitude, Coffee Plantation Tours…this trek has all of these things and more. We spend a lot of time discussing the merits of the Ancascocha and Salkantay treks and which is better for specific individuals. They are both incredible and it was unfortunate that a group couldn’t do both. That has changed now! This brand new trek combines our signature Ancascocha Trek with the most popular alternative trek to the Inca Trail. Of course on the final day of the trek you visit the magnificent city of Machu Picchu to cap it all off. We hope you will join us for this unique trek.

The Ancascocha Trail in the Peruvian Andes is a remarkable trail that, unlike other more popular trails, remains off the beaten track and away from crowds. Yet don’t be put off by its lesser known status.

Named by National Geographic as one of 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list, this stunning trek takes you past ancient Inca ruins and through traditional Andean villages such as Chillipahua and the trail’s namesake Ancascocha (3,700 m/12,136 ft). Here you may briefly share the trail with farmers, shepherds and their livestock tending to their daily lives, so far removed from the tourist crowds of Cusco.

Tour Ancascocha Trail + Salkantay Trek 8 Days

Your fitness will be stretched as you climb a number of big passes, including the highest point at the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,255 ft). The rewards for your efforts though are staggering, with panoramic views across the Andes, cascading waterfalls, crystal blue lakes and the towering 20,557 foot (6,266 m) Apu Salkantay. At all times, your guide and crew will ensure that the pace is suitable for everyone in the group, taking breaks for rest and food whenever needed.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Rayampata – Kuychiccassa – Chancachuco Valley

You will be picked up from your Cusco hotel around 5:00 am, and then drive for about 2 hours, until we reach the starting point for our expedition, at Soqma (3,205 m/ 10,512 ft),

Here is where our adventure in the Peruvian Andes begins. Our chef will prepare breakfast. Soqma is the place where we will meet the rest of our incredible team that will assist and guide us along the adventure.The first part of today’s hike will be on a gentle uphill section for 2 hours until you reach Perolniyoc, an amazing Incan site that we will take a tour of. This site has been recently excavated. Here, at the top of a beautiful waterfall, is where you will enjoy the most spectacular views of today. After this visit, we will be hiking uphill for another 1 hour, until we reach the location of our lunch spot at Rayampata (3,700 meters/9,350 ft.). After a great lunch, we will continue on the challenging part of today’s expedition, the 2 hour long, steep uphill trail that will take us to Kuychicassa pass(4,450 m /14,596 ft), and then into the Chancachuco Valley. Following a rest at the summit, we hike downhill for about 45 minutes until we arrive to our first campsite Chancachuco.

Shuttle to Abra Soqma: 1½ hour by bus from Cusco.
Hiking distance: 11 Km. / 6.8 mile.
Hiking time: 7½ to 8 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Climate: Cold in the night.
Acomodation: Camping
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 4450 masl. / 14599 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3205 masl. / 10512 ft.

Day 2: Chancachuco – Ancascocha Village – Huayanay Pass – Incaracay

You will be woken up with a cup of hot coco tea before leaving your tent to enjoy the stunning views of these beautiful highlands. We have breakfast, and then get ready to start an amazing hiking on an original Inca trail. The first section of trail is along a flat path with a few small hills, leading down to Ancascocha village. Today, depending of the weather and clouds you will get a good chance to see the mighty condors soaring. This part of our Inca trail gets very narrow on the right side of the mountains, with spectacular views. The hike from our campsite to the Ancascocha community will be about 3 hours. After Ancascocha village, we start hiking uphill to the Ancascocha lake 3,800m. We will stop here for our lunch right next to the lake and Huayanay glacier, with outstanding views of the mountains around. After this incredible lunch, we will hike on the inca trail that used to connect Cusco and the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu. From our lunch location it is two hours until we reach the top of Huayanay pass (4,650 m/ 15,298 ft). After reaching the summit, we will participate in a ceremony that is going to be our offering to the mountains and Pachamama. After enjoying the views at the pass we will start descending to our next camp at Incaracay (4,250m/13,990 ft). This will be another cold night and this will be a perfect place to see the stars in the sky.

Hiking distance: 13 Km. / 8.1 mile.
Hiking time: 8½ to 9 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Climate: Cold at the beginning of the biking and very hot in the night.
Acomodation: Dry Mountain Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl. / 15255 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 4250 masl. / 13990 ft.

Day 3: Incaracay – Accoccasa Pass – Quelwaccocha – Queraccasa Pass – Yawarmaki

We will wake up early and have breakfast. Today´s hike starts with a moderate 40 minute climb through the highlands until we reach the Accoccasa pass (4640m/15,223 ft). This hike is close to snow-capped mountains and fascinating views of the last remaining glaciers in our region. Today, you will feel like you are Indiana Jones when you are exploring these new lands that even the indigenous communities don’t know about it. This is the real “off the beaten path”. After enjoying the amazing views from this pass, we will hike downhill for 1 hour to our lunch spot called Quelwaccocha. After lunch we will hike for 2 hours uphill until the second high point of today’s hike which is the Queraccasa pass. From the pass we will hike up and down for 1 hour until we reach our campsite at Yawarmaki (4,400m/14,435 ft).

Hiking distance: 11 Km. / 6.8 mile.
Hiking time: 6½ to 8 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Climate: Cold in the night.
Acomodation: Dry Mountain Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 4640 masl. / 15223 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 4400 masl. / 14435 ft.

Day 4: Yawarmaki – Tocto – Inca Chiriaska Pass – Salkantaypampa

After a delicious breakfast we will begin the challenging portion of today’s hike with up and down sections lasting 3 hours until Tocto where we will stop for lunch. We will pass through places where we might have the opportunity to see a variety of plant and birdlife and if we are lucky we might also spot the wild pig.

After lunch a 4 hour uphill hike will lead us to Inca Chiriaska pass (4850m/15908ft), This is the highest point of our entire trek from where We will have amazing views of the Salkantay, Umantay and Ausangate glaciers. After a 15 minute break we will continue on the trail.

The portion of the trail leading to our next camp site is downhill for two hours and takes you through beautiful mountains and the grasslands of the high Andes. We will pause along the way to admire the majesty of Salkantay mountain and the lakes that we can see on our way to our camp at Salkantaypampa (4100m/13451ft).

Hiking distance: 15 Km. / 9.3 mile.
Hiking time: 8½ to 9 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Climate: Cold in the night.
Acomodation: Dry Mountain Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 4850 masl. / 15908 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 4100 masl. / 13451 ft.

Day 5: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Colpapampa

This is the day where we will join to the classic Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu and we will see hikers going in the same direction as we are. After breakfast we are going to hike for 3 hours uphill to the highest point of the regular Salkantay trek, the Salkantay pass (4,650 m / 15,252 ft). At the top we are going to enjoy the other side of the Apu Salkantay and talk about the significance of the mountain in Inca culture and why this spot is venerated. Our next task is a 2 hour downhill hike to Huayracmachay (3,800 m/12,464 ft), where we will have lunch. After lunch we will hike downhill for an additional 4 hours until we reach our camp for the night, Colpapampa (2,850 m/ 9,350 ft). During this section we are going to pass from the highlands to the cloud forest and finally into the rain forest.

Hiking distance: 17 Km. / 10.5 mile.
Hiking time: 8½ to 9 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Climate: Cold in the night.
Acomodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl. / 15252 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl. / 9350 ft.

Day 6: Colpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba

After working hard in the previous days, we are rewarded with a more gentle hike today. We will have a fantastic breakfast and then hike 5 to 6 hours on gentle up and down segments. We will be hiking through the rain forest, following the path of the Santa Teresa river. We will have the opportunity to see multiple coffee plantations, banana plantations, and fields of passion fruit. Along this path you will also see the most beautiful waterfall along the trek.

We will reach Lucmabamba, our campsite for the evening, around noon. Here we will relax and enjoy a delicious lunch!

After lunch, we will do an incredible coffee tour at the plantation adjacent to the campsite. We will begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans, and picking our own beans. There are also several fields of tomatoes and avocados. We will pick vegetables that the chef will use for dinner that night.

After picking our beans, we will roast them and grind them. Finally, we will brew and drink our own coffee! It is a truly unique experience.

Hiking distance: 14 Km. / 8.5 mile.
Hiking time: 5½ to 6 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Climate: Warm
Acomodation: Dry Mountain Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 2850 masl. / 9350 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2050 masl. / 6725 ft.

DAY 7: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca Ruins – Hydroelectric – Aguas Caliente

We will wake up early and have breakfast. Today´s hike starts with a moderate 3 ½ hour climb through the rain forest until we reach the Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m/8,856 ft), where we will have a thorough tour. This is the location where you will have your first view of Machu Picchu in the far distance. You will also have a first look at the mountain you will hike tomorrow, Huayna Picchu!

Leaving Llactapata, we begin a 2 ½ hour descent to Hydroelectric, where we will have lunch. At 3 pm we will board the train for a 40 minute trip to Aguas Calientes.

On arrival at Aguas Calientes you will check into your hotel. Dinner will be at the finest restaurant.

Hiking distance: 13 Km. / 8 mile.
Hiking time: 6½ to 7 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Climate: Warm in the night.
Acomodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 3100 masl. / 10170 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 1800 masl. / 5905 ft.

Day 8: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After a very early breakfast at your hotel we take one of the first buses (5:30am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Your guide will then give a 2 hour walking tour of this breathtaking site, named as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is included in the price of the trek.

If you have elected to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains you can begin the hike once your guided tour concludes. The ticket price for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is also included in the price of your trek. If you choose not to climb the mountain you will have plenty of free time to explore Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus.

Arriving back in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From here you will travel by private van to Cusco and back to your hotel. Your arrival time in Cusco will depend on the time of your train ticket.

Distance Travelled: 8 Km. / 4.9 mile
Hiking time: 2 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Easy/Challenging*
Optional: Shuttle to Machu Picchu:25 minutes from Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu guided tour: 2½ hour.
Climate: tropical warm.
Shuttle to Cusco:3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Maximum Altitude: 2429 masl / 7972 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl / 6692 ft.

*The standard trek includes a permit to climb Huayna Pichu Mountain which is a fairly easy 1 hour hike. However, if no tickets are available (e.g. due to late booking) then a permit to climb Machu Picchu mountain will be issued. Note that this is a 2-3 hour strenuous climb up and down following very steep and narrow steps

What is Included?

Bilingual English speaking tour guide
Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek
Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Soqma
Four person tent for each 2 persons.
Inflatable Mattress and pillow
Kitchen tent
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Toilet tent with portable toilet
Chef and assistant chef
Wranglers, porters and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc) and eight kg (15 lbs) per hiker for your own belongings
Duffle bag for your personal gear
Emergency horse in case we need it
Eight breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners
Hot water for washing twice daily
Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
Private van transportation from Poroy to your hotel in Cusco
Permit to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
Entrance to Machu Picchu
One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)

Not Included:

Sleeping bag – you can rent one from us
Trekking poles
Day 8 Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Tips for the crew (guides, porters, cooks, wranglers)
Travel Insurance
Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Ancascocha Trek 8 Days Tour's Location

Ancascocha, Cusco, Peru

Tour Map Ancascocha Trail + Salkantay Trek 8 Days

Ancascocha Trek 8 Days FAQs

The weather in the region is pretty stable year-round, with the exception of rain versus dry season. Whenever your trek is, we will be able to give you advice on planning for the weather on your trek. This link on our website has lots of weather information!

Your best friend is the “generic” poncho. The ideal thing is a large poncho that will fit over your day pack.

You also need a rain coat. It is actually a good idea for your rain coat to be your outer shell (instead of a big winter coat). Then you can layer underneath it. We recommend this amount of rain gear even in the dry season, because it is so practical.

An umbrella is optional. If you want to bring an umbrella, and you have room for it in your duffle bag, it could be helpful to bring one.

There are an incredible number of fantastic hotels in Cusco. No matter what your budget, you will be able to find a comfortable hotel with great service and fantastic breakfast. We will send you our Cusco hotel recommendations. There are less than 15 hotels listed on that document, and there are over 400 hotels in Cusco. So just because a hotel is not listed on our recommendations does not mean it is a bad hotel!

Please visit this link on our website for more information about altitude sickness.

It is incredible. There is plenty of food at all times and the quality is amazing. Please visit this link on our website for more information about our food

Absolutely not. We can accommodate pretty much everything: vegetarian, gluten free, allergies and many others.

All hotels in Cusco offer free and secure storage for your belongings while you are on the trek.

To confirm a booking, a deposit of US $200 is required via PayPal. The remainder of the balance is not due until you arrive in Cusco for your trek.

The balance due can be paid with cash or with PayPal.

If you pay with PayPal, there is a 8% fee and the payment needs to be sent one week before your trek departs.

It is pretty simple. We just need the deposit and the following information:

Name
Nationality
Gender
Date of Birth
Passport Number

Yes. We will be there the day permits go on sale to get your permits.

The maximum group size is 12 hikers.

Our average group size is 3 to 6 trekkers. If you book a group together of 8 or more people, we will make it a private trek.

Huayna Picchu permits are included with all of our treks, with the exclusion of the following:

Ancascocha Trek plus Inca Trail 7 days, 6 nights
For the treks that don´t include Huayna Picchu permits, the price to hike Huayna Picchu is US $75 per person.

from $1.250,00

Date

12/10/2024

Adults

Age 18+

Children

Age 5-12

Machu Picchu Entrance ⇨$0,00 *
Include
Return Tourist Train ⇨$0,00 *
Include
Mountain Huayna Picchu ⇨$25,00
Mountain Machu Picchu ⇨$25,00
Buffet Lunch in Machu Picchu ⇨$35,00
Bus Up and Down ⇨$25,00
Vistadome Train 360º | Return ⇨$40,00
Sleeping Bag & Walking Sticks ⇨$60,00
Private Service ⇨$250,00

Ancascocha Trail + Salkantay Trek 8 Days

Duration

Tour Type

Group Size

Languages

Overview

Tour Ancascocha Trail + Salkantay Trek 8 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Perolniyoc – Rayampata – Kuychiccassa – Chancachuco Valley

Day 2: Chancachuco – Ancascocha Village – Huayanay Pass – Incaracay

Day 3: Incaracay – Accoccasa Pass – Quelwaccocha – Queraccasa Pass – Yawarmaki

Day 4: Yawarmaki – Tocto – Inca Chiriaska Pass – Salkantaypampa

Day 5: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Colpapampa

Day 6: Colpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba

DAY 7: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca Ruins – Hydroelectric – Aguas Caliente

Day 8: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

What is Included?

Not Included:

Ancascocha Trek 8 Days Tour's Location

Tour Map Ancascocha Trail + Salkantay Trek 8 Days

Ancascocha Trek 8 Days FAQs

What is the weather going to be like on my trek?

What kind of rain gear should I bring?

Where should I stay in Cusco?

What about altitude sickness?

What is food like on the treks?

I have a dietary restriction. Is that going to be a problem?

What will I do with my luggage when I am on the trek?

What is the payment process?

What is the booking process?

Can you guarantee me a permit for my Ancascocha + Inca Trail start date?

How big is my group going to be?

Is a permit for Huayna Picchu included in my trek price?

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