Tour Guides in Ancascocha

Ancascocha Trek Itinerary – National Geographic Recommended Inca Trail

Feb 18, 2023 | Ancascocha Trek, Peru Travel Blogs | 0 comments

Ancascocha Trek Itinerary to Machu Picchu is only offered by a few travel companies because it is so off of the beaten path. It is less traveled than the original Inca trail and is considered one of the “World’s Best Hiking Trips” by National Geographic. 

Inca ruins and quantity villages are attractive aspects of this trek and the beautiful mountain views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges provide the opportunity to encounter dramatic landscapes.

This Ancascocha Trek itinerary is a tour for 7 Days that combines high Andes hiking and amazing history.  Wonderful cultural elements, and rare solitude on arguably the best route to Machu Picchu!

Visit  Peru begins in one of the ancient Inca capital  Cusco or (Qosqo) in the Inca language. We set off this adventure trip on a picturesque trail around Huayanay Peak 4,650 m / 15,300 ft. Passing through the forest to the alpine. Meadows and crossing the Ancascocha Pass 4625 m to reach the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. On this memorable 7-day hike in Peru, are likely to see a few other trekkers.

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A Good Level of Fitness Is Recommendable Due To This Adventure.

But the extra effort pays off.

This Ancascocha trek Itinerary offers mind-blowing vistas and takes in a variety of ecosystems. From cloud forests and alpine peaks to glacial lakes and tropical jungles. On the Ancascocha trail to Machu Picchu. The trail goes through very remote Andean communities. Where locals try to keep living in happiness moving their llamas and alpacas as they’ve been doing so far.

This trail forms part of the network of the classic Inca Trail. Which is connecting Machu Picchu to the other towns located in the highlands. Therefore, we’ll have the chance to witness ancient Incan ruins along the path to Machu Picchu. Inca remains that are still covered by shrubs and waiting to become uncovered by the National culture institute of Peru (INC).

If you are even more Adventures and have a longer time to hike. You have a chance to continue hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 7 days. As the trail gets to the same path so this would be even more an unforgettable adventure for you.

Ancascocha Tour Highlights

Embark on this breathtaking journey and make memories that will last a lifetime. Book your Ancascocha Trek Expedition today!

The 7D/6N Andean trail is perfect for those looking for a stunning trek. Off the beaten track with few crowds and plenty of opportunities to explore untouched nature. With spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, and rolling hills. and majestic valleys, Ancascocha Lake is ideal for camping and birdwatching, Variety of activities is available.

including biking, horseback riding, and hiking, End your journey at the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the world’s greatest wonders

Experience a trek like no other and join us on this unforgettable trail! Questions? When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The Ancascocha Trek Itinerary to Machu Picchu

Embark on an adventure like no other and join us on the Ancascocha Trail Itinerary. Lesser-known trail in the Peruvian Andes that has been praised by National Geographic as one of the 20 dream hikes for its stunning landscapes. Here are some key features to make this journey unforgettable:

Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu Itinerary is a stunning 7D/6N journey through the Peruvian Andes. Experience ancient Inca ruins, traditional villages, and local life far away from the hustle of Cusco. Trek past Chillipahua and the namesake Ancascocha (3,700 m/12,136 ft), sharing the trail with farmers and their livestock tending to their daily routines. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Conquering The Highest Point In The Andes

The Ancascocha Hike to Machu Picchu will push your limits, but it’s worth every step! You’ll climb over several passes, with the Huayanay Pass standing tall at 4,650 m/15,255 ft! But the result is worth it. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Andes, beautiful waterfalls and lakes, and an unforgettable view of Salkantay Glacier standing proud at 6,266 m/20,557 ft.

You won’t have to worry about keeping up though – your guide and crew will ensure you take all the rest and food breaks you need along the way.

Ancascocha Trek Itinerary – The First Two Days of Hiking

you will arrive at camp to find your high-quality REI tent already pitched (complete with mattress and pillow), your gear in place, and your crew preparing a sumptuous dinner. After a night under the most incredible starlit skies, you will be woken right on time with a cup of steaming hot fresh coffee or tea, before sitting down for a nutritious and energizing breakfast. All you need for the days hiking ahead.

This exciting adventure is perfect if you’re looking for an immersive travel experience that’s full of breathtaking sights and unforgettable memories.

On this journey, you’ll be able to explore ancient Incan ruins, trek across rugged terrain, and take in stunning views of the magnificent Andes mountain range. ( Vilcanota Range ) Your days will be filled with challenging hikes, awe-inspiring scenery, and wonderful encounters with local people along the way.

At night, rest in cozy campsites surrounded by lush rainforests and get ready to wake up early for some truly spectacular sunrises.

On The Third Day

you’ll have the chance to enjoy a refreshing hike along a portion of the Classic Inca Trail, ending up at the beautiful Landscape.

Prepare to see some fellow hikers on the Inca Trail journey!

Your incredible journey starts with breakfast and a breathtaking view of the Andes glaciers. Ascending to Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,298 ft) for 4 hours on a zigzag trail uphill will take us along an original cobblestone Inca Trail that leads to a magnificent waterfall near Ancashcocha Lake. After taking in this stunning sight from the highest point of our trek, we’ll descend for 45 minutes to the remarkable Inca site called Incarajay where we will enjoy lunch.

From here, the journey takes a long plunge into lush vegetation. Along this stretch of the trail, you can admire awe-inspiring views of both the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and numerous villages in Qésqua Valley. We will also pass by Muyu Muyu (3,850 m/12,628 ft), an adorable little community along our route.

After a two-hour trek from Muyu Muyu, we arrive at our campsite near the renowned archeological site of Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,276 ft), recently restored to its former Incan magnificence. This camp was initially a “Tambo,” a structure built by the Incans for both military and governmental functions you will get more info from our Tour Leaders in each archeological complex.

  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
  • Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
  • Highest Elevation: 4,650 m/ 15,298 ft
  • Campsite elevation: 3,133 m/ 10,276 ft
  • Level of Difficulty: Challenging
  • Hiking Area: Straw Mountain

Day 4: Paucarcancha – Ayapata – Llulluchapampa or Pacaymayu Campsite

Let’s leave the horses and horsemen behind today, as we set out on the Classic iconic Inca Trail. After a 25-minute descent from Paucarcancha to Huayllabamba (2,866 m/9,400 ft), our 4-hour uphill hike to Llulluchapampa (3,700m/12136ft) will take us through various ecosystems such as cloud forests. We’ll make camp at Llulluchapampa for the night – an unforgettable experience awaits!

Note: Camping sites are assigned by the NP government. If we have a chance, we may continue hiking forward to the next campsite named Pacaymayu; it all depends on camping site availability.

  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Highest/Campsite Elevation: 3,700 m/12,136 ft
  • Approximate walking time: 4–5 hours
  • Minimum Elevation: 2,866 m/9,400 ft
  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate
  • Area: Inca Trail Forest and Straw Mountain

Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha

Wake up call with a steaming cup of coca tea and get ready for the longest day of your Inca Trail Hike. We’ll start early, and climb for around two hours to reach our highest pass: Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters/13,829 feet). Take some time to bask in its stunning views before we descend into Pacaymayu Valley—also known as Hidden River. It will be an exhilarating journey!

It’s time to continue on our Adventure and take an additional hour and a half down the side of the valley where we can have lunch, refilled our water bottles, and prepare for another 2-hour trek up towards the second pass. During this part of our adventure, we will explore Runcu Raccay – a small Inca site – as well as witness two magnificent cascading waterfalls plunging from opposite sides of the mountain! Once at that destination point, it’ll be just one more hour downhill hike to reach Sayacmarca; an otherwise inaccessible village embedded in its beautiful surroundings.

After a brief rest, we will continue our journey to take in the picturesque Vilcabamba mountain range before being treated to an awe-inspiring sunset. From there, it is only a short twenty-five-minute hike until we arrive at Chaquicocha Campsite (Dry Lake), located at 3,600 meters or 11,808 feet above sea level. Once settled in for dinner and you’re done stargazing out of this world Inca constellations against the stunning dark sky of the southern hemisphere that offers nothing but pure beauty – revel in its magnificence!

  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Distance to walk: 16 km/10 miles
  • Highest Elevation: 4,215 m/13,829 ft
  • Campsite elevation: 3,600 m/11,808 ft
  • Level of Difficulty: Challenging
  • Hiking Area: Inca Trail Cloud Forest

Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna Campsite

Following a delectable breakfast, we will embark on an invigorating two-hour hike to Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m/12,073 ft) where you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu mountain. To top it off, our guide will provide a comprehensive tour of the Inca site itself.

Now, let’s embark on an exciting journey into the rainforest! We will be descending a hillside trail for two and a half hours until we get to our campsite. Along this path, you’ll have the opportunity to admire Inti Pata Inca Site – many consider it one of the most beautiful places along the entire Inca Trail. Then it is just thirty minutes more before arriving at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m/8792 ft) where we can rest and savor lunch after exploring its namesake archeological site.

Experience the magnificent beauty of Wiñay Wayna, the largest archeological site on the Inca trail that translates to “forever young” in Quechua. Definitely, you will get an exclusive guided tour in Winay Huayna.

  • Distance to walk: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
  • Approximate walking time: 5 hours
  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Maximum altitude: 3,600 m/11,808 ft
  • Minimum altitude: 2,680 m/8,792 ft
  • Level of Difficulty: Easy
  • Area: High Cloud Forest

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

Rousing ourselves in the pre-dawn hours, we will embark on our last stretch of the Inca Trail to arrive at Inti Punku – also known as Sun Gate – which is situated at a height of 2,400 m/7,875 ft. Here you can witness Machu Picchu’s magical entrance and take in an unforgettable sunrise amidst the majestic Andes Mountains! The pathway here is quite serene; it should only take us around one hour before we reach this captivating Bucket list place.

After the 40-minute downhill hike from Inti Punku to Machu Picchu, you will have a brief opportunity for taking photos at classic vantage points. Then our two-hour tour of this ancient citadel begins! Lastly, if you decide to ascend Huayna Picchu mountain, your journey starts promptly after 10 am following the conclusion of the guided tour.

After you’ve marveled at the awe-inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu, a bus will take you to Aguas Calientes. From there, board the train and your private van awaits at Poroy/Ollantaytambo station to bring you back to your hotel in Cusco. The exact time of arrival is contingent on the timing of your train ticket that we will purchase.

  • Minimum altitude: 2,400 m/7,875 ft
  • Distance to walk: 5 km/3.73 miles
  • Maximum altitude: 2,700 m/8,856 ft
  • Approximate walking time: 2 hours

Come and join us in our adventure to hike this amazing remote and historical trail to create an experience that changes your life–Ancascocha Trek adventure.

email us at tourleadersperu@gmail.com

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Cesar Conde

Cesar Conde

Position: Tour Leaders & Digital Creator

I’m Cesar Conde, owner of Tour Leaders Peru & Travel Advisor and my other side job is Nomadic Digital. I share my own amazing Tour Experiences, travel stories, guides, and itineraries for travelers like you and me!

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