Ancascocha Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N

Ancascocha, Cusco, Peru

Ranking

Code: ATIT4302

Duration

7D/6N

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

Español, Ingles

Overview

Ancascocha Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , This spectacular trek is world renowned and we are the only company in the Cusco area that offers this combination Ancashcocha/Inca Trail trek. The Ancashcocha Trail in the Peruvian Andes is a spectacular 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 Ancashcocha (3,900 m/12,795 feet). Along the way, it humps over big passes, including the high point at the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/ 15,252 ft), and takes in views of towering 20,551 foot (6,266 m) Apu Salkantay. On day 4 of the hike we join the Classic Inca Trail. The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America – perhaps the world. It is a must-do and one of the biggest highlights of your trip to Peru. It offers astounding trekking along original paved Inca pathways and a range of spectacular Inca ruins along the way.

Tour Ancascocha Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N

The stunning scenery is breath taking. The trail spans through altitudes in the valley from 2,680 m (8,792 ft) to mountain passes of 4,215 m (13,825 ft). Finally it passes through the cloud forest to arrive at the majestic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu itself.

Pre-Trek Briefing: You will have a thorough briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your trek. Your guide will meet you at our office in Cusco and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.

Activities:

Levels of difficulty:

Maximum altitude:

Accommodation:

Departure day:

Includes:

Begins:

Ends:

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan

We leave Cusco early in the morning and drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft). This is the starting point of our trek and where we meet the horsemen that will join us during the hike. Additionally, our chef will be waiting for us here with a delicious and energizing breakfast.

We begin the hike with a 1 ¾ hour walk to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack. The waterfall that you will see at this location is breathtaking! We will then hike a further 35 minutes until we visit the Inca site of the same name, where we will have a brief tour. This will be our lunch site.

After a refueling lunch, we will ascend 45 minutes until our camp at Rayan (3,700 meters/9,350 ft)

Shuttle to Abra Soqma: 1½ hour by bus from Cusco.
Hiking distance: 8 Km. / 5 mile.
Hiking time: 4½ to 5 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Climate: Cold at the beginning of the biking and very hot in the night.
Acomodation: Dry Mountain, Camping
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 3700 masl. / 12136 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3205 masl. / 10512 ft.

Day 2: Rayan – Chancachuco – Ancashcocha

We depart camp at about 6:30 AM for a 4 hour uphill trek with incredible views of the “nevadas”/snow-capped peaks, llamas, valleys, and if we are lucky, a passing condor – the largest bird in the Andes with a wing-span of up to 10 feet across. Here we reach the Kuychicassa pass (4,450 m /14,596 ft) where we take a break and soak in the magnificent views of the Chancachuco Valley on one side of the pass and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other side.

Then we start our descent and hike for another hour until we reach the location where we will take our lunch break.

After lunch we ascend for 30 min by way of a narrow trail following a stream with beautiful views of Mt. Veronica (5,822 m/ 19,100 ft).

This is followed by a 4 hour walk downhill to reach the small community of Ancashcocha (3,700 m/12,136 ft), our campsite for the evening, in a small, gorgeous wooded valley with a stream running through it.

Hiking distance: 16 Km. / 10.1 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: 4450 masl. / 15250 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3700 masl. / 12139ft.

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Muyu Muyu community – Paucarcancha

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Muyu Muyu community – Paucarcancha
Views of a nearby glacier and well preserved Inca remains are the highlight of this day. After a hearty breakfast we are ready for this challenging day. Ascending towards the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/ 15,298 ft) for 4 hours, the highest point of our trek, which is a steep zigzag trail uphill, we find an original cobblestone paved Inca trail. On the way, we see the beautiful waterfall that feeds into the Ancashcocha lake.

After this stunning view, we descend for 45 minutes until the Inca site of Incarajay. We will have lunch here.

At this point we will embark on a long descent into greener vegetation. During this stretch of the trek we will have views of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu appear in the distance, and fascinating views of the communities of the Qésqua valley. We will pass by the quaint Muyu Muyu community (3,850 m/12,628 ft).

From Muyu Muyu it is a further 2 hour descent to our campsite next to the beautiful Inca remains of Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,276 ft). This camp is a unique Inca settlement recently restored that served as a “Tambo.” A Tambo was an Incan structure that was built for administrative and military purposes.

Walking distance: 16 km. / 10.3 miles.
Walking time: 7½ to 8 hours approximately.
Difficulty level: Challenging
Climate: Heat at the beginning and cold at night.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4650 masl. / 15298 cakes
Minimum altitude: 3133 masl. / 10276 cakes

Day 4: Paucarcancha – Ayapata – Llulluchapampa

Today we change pace as we join the classic Inca Trail. This is where we will say goodbye to our horsemen and the horses, and meet our porters.

From Paucarcancha we will hike 25 minutes downhill to the last village on the Classic Inca Trail, Huayllabamba (2,866 m / 9,400 ft). This will be followed by a 4 hour uphill hike to Llulluchapampa (3,700 m/12,136 ft). On the way we will hike through many ecosystems, including the cloud forest. Llulluchapampa is our camp for the night. It is located very close to Dead Woman´s Pass.

Hiking distance: 8 Km. / 5.1 mile.
Hiking time: 4½ to 5 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Climate: Cold in the night.
Acomodation: Dry Mountain Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 3700 masl. / 12139 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2866 masl. / 9400 ft.

Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha

Your porters will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the day. Today is the longest day of the Inca trail portion of the hike and we will start early. We’ll hike for roughly 2 hours to the highest pass of the Inca trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters/13,829 feet). On reaching the pass we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River).

It’s another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch spot and a chance to refill our water bottles. After lunch we begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. It’s 2 hours to the pass and along the way we’ll stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, it’s another hour downhill hike to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (an otherwise inaccessible village).

We’ll stop here for a rest and have a tour of the site and then watch the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s then just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3,600 m/ 11,808 ft). After dinner we can do some stargazing and your guide will point out the fascinating Inca constellations. In the magnificent Southern Hemisphere sky, away from all the artificial lighting, this sky is something to behold!

Hiking distance: 16 Km. / 10.1 mile.
Hiking time: 6½ to 7 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Climate: Cold in the night.
Acomodation: Dry Mountain Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 4215 masl. / 13829 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3600 masl. / 11808 ft.

Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

After another fantastic breakfast we will hike for two hours until we reach Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m/ 12,073 ft). From this location we will have astonishing views of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu mountain. We will also have a guided tour of the Phuyupatamarca Inca site.

Now it is time to head into the rain forest! We will walk downhill for 2 ½ hours until we reach our camp. During this stretch of the trail we will visit Inti Pata. Many people feel that the most beautiful pictures of the entire Inca trail can be taken from this location! After Inti Pata it is a further 30 minutes to our campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m /8,792 ft). When we arrive at the camp we will have lunch. After relaxing for a short time we will visit the archeological site that bears the same name as the camp.

Wiñay Wayna is the largest and most beautiful archeological site on the Inca trail and means forever young in Quechua. We are one of the few companies that provide a guided tour of Wiñay Wayna.

Hiking distance: 10 Km. / 6.2 mile.
Hiking time: 5½ to 6 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Climate: Cold at the beginning of the biking and very hot in the night.
Acomodation: High Cloud Forest Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 3600 masl. / 11808 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2680 masl. / 8792 ft.

Day 7: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku (2,400 m/ 7,875 ft), an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and the sunrise in the Andes.

From Inti Punku it is a further 40 minute downhill hike to the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will go to the classic “photo” spot and take pictures once we arrive. Then there will be a short break prior to starting our tour of Machu Picchu. The tour will last two hours. If you elect to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, your hike will begin after the tour, at 10 AM.

When you are finished exploring the extraordinary city of Machu Picchu you will travel to Aguas Calientes by bus. You will then take the train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy/Ollantaytambo where our private van will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.

Distance Travelled: 5 Km. / 3.7 mile
Hiking time: 2 hour approximately.
Level of Difficulty: Easy*
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.

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
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
Emergency horse in case we need it
Seven breakfasts, six lunches, and six dinners
Daily hot water for washing.
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
Inca Trail permit
Entrance to Machu Picchu
Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Not Included:

Sleeping bag – you can rent one from us
Huayna Picchu mountain ticket – US $75
Day 7 Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Tips for the crew (guides, porters, cooks, wranglers)

Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail 7 Days Tour's Location

Ancascocha, Cusco, Peru

Tour Map Ancascocha Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N

Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail 7 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
Extra Porter 5-7 Kg. ⇨$80,00
Mountain Huayna Picchu ⇨$75,00
Mountain Machu Picchu ⇨$75,00
Buffet Lunch in Machu Picchu ⇨$35,00
Vistadome Train 360º | Return ⇨$40,00
Sleeping Bag & Walking Sticks ⇨$60,00
Private Service ⇨$250,00

Ancascocha Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N

Duration

Tour Type

Group Size

Languages

Overview

Tour Ancascocha Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N

Pre-Trek Briefing: You will have a thorough briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your trek. Your guide will meet you at our office in Cusco and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make any final preparations.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan

Day 2: Rayan – Chancachuco – Ancashcocha

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay pass – Muyu Muyu community – Paucarcancha

Day 4: Paucarcancha – Ayapata – Llulluchapampa

Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha

Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Day 7: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

What is Included?

Not Included:

Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail 7 Days Tour's Location

Tour Map Ancascocha Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N

Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail 7 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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