Ancascocha Trek To Machu Picchu

The Path of Ancascocha to Machu Picchu is a remarkable path that remains off the beaten path with many people. It is considered within the 20 most famous walks by National Geographic, in its list of best walks of the world. The walk traverses traditional villages where you can observe the customs, traditions and daily life of the Andean people, Ancascocha (3,700 m / 12,136 ft). Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful scenery including the high point in the Huayanay Pass (4,550 m), and take in views of the imposing Apu Salkantay of 20,551 feet (6,266 m). And enjoy part of the classic Inca trail.

INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE THE TRIP.

You will have a complete information with your guide of 1 or 2 days before starting this adventure to Machu Picchu. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and make final arrangements.

DAY 1: CUSCO – SOQMA – RAYAN – CHANCACHUCO VALLEY.

We leave Cusco early in our private transportation, 1 hour and 45 minutes to Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft). This is the starting point of our walk from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu and where we meet with our support team to accompany us during the trek.

We start the walk of 1 hour and a half to the viewpoint of the waterfall of Perolniyoc. This is a perfect opportunity to stop taking pictures and a snack. The waterfall that you will see in this place is impressive, we continue with the trek to visit the Inca site of the same name, where we will have a brief tour. A 1 hour walk is our lunch spot with spectacular views of the valley.

After an Andean lunch and rest, we begin an uphill trek of 4 hours with incredible views of the snow-capped Andes mountain range. Here we reach the Kuychicassa pass (4,450 m). From here it is a 45-minute walk downhill Easy to get to our camp.

Accommodation: camp

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Lowest height: 3,205 m / 10,512 feet

Highest height: 4,450 m / 14,596 ft

Walking distance: 18 km / 10 miles

Approximate walking time: 9 to 10 hours

Level of difficulty: moderate

DAY 2: CHANCACHUCO VALLEY – ANCASCOCHA – HUAYANAY PASS – MUYU MUYU COMMUNITY

After a succulent breakfast We begin our trek where we will be able to observe the mountains of the zone and beautiful landscapes of the place, snowy Veronica (5,822 m / 19,100 feet).

Then we have a 2 and a half hour downhill walk to reach the community of Ancascocha (3,700 m), in a small and beautiful Andean valley, where we will have a short break. From this place We will continue walking for 1 hour uphill, while enjoying views of a nearby glacier and well preserved Inca constructions. We will arrive at Lake Ancascocha where we will have our lunch.

After lunch we will continue our ascent to Paso Huayanay (4,650 m) for 2 hours, the highest point of our trek, along a steep zigzag path. Along this segment we find an original Inca Trail.

After enjoying the amazing view of the Zone, we will begin a descent of 3 and a half hours through an area of ​​green vegetation. During this stretch of the walk we will have views of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu that will appear in the distance, and fascinating views of the communities of the Qésqa valley. We will also pass by a small Inca construction. Then we will arrive at our camp in the Muyu Muyu community (3,850 m).

Accommodation: camp.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Highest height: 4,650 m / 15,298 ft

Campsite pitch: 3,850 m / 12,628 ft

Walking distance: 18 km / 10 miles

Approximate walking time: 10 hours

Level of difficulty: Challenging

DAY 3: MUYU MUYU – PAUCARCANCHA – KILOMETER 82 – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

This day we will enjoy the classic Incan road and Inca constructions along the way. From Muyu Muyu we descend for 2 hours to the Inca site of Paucarcancha. Where we will have a visit and time to explore the area.

After the visit we will have a 5-hour hike up to Km 82, which is the beginning of the classic Inca trail. Along the way we can see the Inca site of Llactapata. This is the first site in the Classic Inca Trail. At 82 km we will have a typical Andean lunch. After lunch we will board the train to the town of hot waters.

When you arrive in Aguas Calientes you will be checked into your hotel room. We recommend visiting the natural hot springs of the village are very good to relax if there is time before dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Highest height: 3,850 m / 12,628 ft

Lowest Altitude: 2,792 m / 9,158 ft

Walking distance: 13 km / 7 ½ miles

Approximate walking time: 7 hours

Level of difficulty: Easy

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Breakfast will be at the hotel, then board the bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu (5:30). We will arrive early to the city to see a magnificent sunrise. Once there, you will have a guided tour of 2 ½ hours, after which you will have time to explore the city on your own

If you have chosen to climb the mountain Huayna Picchu will begin the trek at 10 AM. The price of the ticket for Huayna Picchu is included in the price of your trip. After enjoying this wonder we will return by bus to the village of hot waters.

When you arrive to Aguas Calientes, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo. From this place is included the bus service to the city of Cusco and respective transfer to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Highest height: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft

Lowest Height: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft

 INCLUDED SERVICES:

  • Pre-departure information at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu.
  • Professional bilingual guide (additional guide for groups of nine or more)
  • Pick up from your hotel and transport to Soqma
  • Tent of four people for every 2 people.
  • Inflatable mattress
  • Kitchen tent
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • Cook in charge of preparing food
  • Arriero and horses to carry the whole equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
  • Horse to carry 8 kg of your personal equipment
  • Bag for your personal equipment
  • Emergency horse in case we need it
  • Three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners
  • Hot water every morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
  • Emergency oxygen bottle and medical equipment.
  • Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain
  • Round bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

  • Sleeping bag – you can rent one of us
  • Day 1 Breakfast
  • Day 4 Lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • Tips (guide, cook, muleteer)

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Original passport (if you have purchased a new one after making your reservation, bring both)
  • Sleeping bag synthetic or feather down (can be rented from us)
  • Clothing (trekking boots, warm wool jacket, tops, some t-shirts, socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, long pants, gloves, poncho, waterproof jacket)
  • Toiletries (toilet paper, wipes, personal towel)
  • Solar block, factor 50+ recommended
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses and sun hat
  • Camera with spare batteries
  • Book to read (you will have some time in each camp to read your favorite book)
  • Trekking poles (especially recommended for steep descents, can be rented from us)
  • Insect repellent

OPTIONAL RENTAL:

  • Hiking Sticks – US $ 20.00 (pair)
  • Sleeping Bag – US $ 25.00
  • Private Shop – US $ 30.00