Ancascocha Trek 6 Days + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

At the break of dawn, we’ll depart for Soqma Village 10,512 ft. After driving 1 hour and 40 minutes to the trailhead, our horses and muleteers will be ready with hiking gear in tow. Once breakfast is served, we’ll begin our journey through a lush valley toward Perolniyoq waterfall – an ancient Incan site perched atop the mountain! On your way up you can take some stunning photos at a nearby waterfall too. And don’t forget: while reaching your destination you won’t want to miss out on hearing all about this fascinating history from our Tour Leader!

After that, we’ll move on to our lunch destination where we can savor a freshly-made meal with an appetizer, soup, main dish, and dessert. We will have the chance to take in magnificent views while dining in our large tent. And of course, no meal is complete without tea (or Coca). All this awaits us for one hour!

After enjoying a delicious lunch, we will ascend for about two hours to Kuichicasa 14,596 ft and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes mountain range featuring some snow-capped peaks as well as the Sacred Valley below. After taking in the view from this first pass, it is then time to start descending for an hour towards our campsite Chacachuco 14,268 ft where all meals are included!

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m/10,512 ft.
• Highest Elevation: 4,450 m/14,596 ft.
• Distance: 7.45 miles / 11 km
• Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours Approx
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Jumpstart your day with a delicious breakfast at 6:00 am, and take off on an exhilarating adventure.

Trek through the highland plain for about three hours before arriving at the Ancascocha community, where lunch awaits you. Then embark on a two-hour uphill journey towards the second campsite 14,432 ft beside the stunning Ancascocha lagoon – all meals included!

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Include
Campsite elevation: 14,432 ft 
Hiking Distance: 7:45 miles / 12 km
Walking time: 7-8 hours Approx
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Area: Dry Open and Panoramic Mountain

At the break of dawn, we refuel with a nutritive breakfast at 6:00 am and then set off on our excursion to ascend up the switchback trail. The highest peak that lay ahead is Guayanay Pass 15,252 ft which overflows with spectacular views in all directions along with snow-capped peaks! After 2 hours of trekking uphill, we will take some snacks here before heading onward to our lunch spot.

After that, the path takes us further downhill to a lunch spot where we can pause for two hours while admiring Incan ruins and perhaps a few alpacas. In the afternoon, after taking our time with our meals, it’s onward through the picturesque highland valley until reaching Paucarcancha at 10335 ft in an additional couple of hours.

Get ready to trek the historical Inca path – all the way to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley, with glistening snow-capped mountains in the distance. During our stay near this campground, we will visit Paucarcancha Incan Site where we can expand our knowledge about Peru’s remarkable history while guided by our Peruvian Tour Leaders!

Physical Rating: 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner INCLUDE!
Lodging: Tents
Elevation:  Guayanay Pass 15,252 ft
Distance to walk: 8.70 miles / 14 km
Walking time: 8-9 hours Approx
Moderate – Challenging

As explorers, we traverse a winding path, filled with stones and puddles of mud. To ensure stability on the descent, it is highly recommended to bring along trekking poles. This journey will take us through an inter-Andean valley boasting pleasant weather until we connect to The Classic Inca Trail.

As we make our way along the classic Inca Trail, we’ll be able to take in breathtaking views of the valley and landscapes from various natural vantage points. Starting at Paucarcancha ruins, traverse through a section of this historic path until you arrive at kilometer 82 on the railroad – taking with you an experience that will remain embedded within your memory forever.

• From Wayllabamba, it is four and a half hours to get to the end of today’s walk.
• During the trek, we will discover Inca ruins, such as Patawasi, Patallacta, Canamarca, etc.
• At kilometer 82, our tourist vehicle awaits us to move to the town of Ollantaytambo.
• Today we rest in a 3-star hotel with hot showers. (Hotel Available for an upgrade – Contac Us)

Additional note depends on the evolution of the whole group’s walk. The guide will designate new camps or starting times of the walk to cover our entire expedition; we will adapt to the best decisions of the hiking guide and group decision explorers.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch, Dinner Include
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Hiking Distance: 6.83 miles / 11 km
Physical Rating: Moderate

The activities begin with the train service From Ollantaytambo Town to kilometer 104 of the railway line. At the beginning of the walk, we have the welcome sign to the sacred path of the Inca. We crossed the Chachabamba suspension bridge and then registered towards the Short Inca Trail at the entrance control. We have a gradual ascent until we reach the ruins of the Inca population of the Wiñayhuayna Inca site.

The first two hours of hiking are refreshing, so it does recommend to bring enough water, sunscreen, and a bell hat. The rest of the trek is within the vegetation of the cloud forest until reaching Sungate, Machu Picchu, and the town of Aguas Calientes.

The panoramic views are unique and impressive throughout the hike; One hundred percent pleasant, we recommend the walk from Ancascocha crossing the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Hiking Distance: 

• Train service: We board the train takes us to kilometer 104.
• Walking Distance: 11 km
• Estimated duration: 04 1/2. Hours.
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Meals: BoxLunch
• Aguas Calientes village elevation: Overnight Aguas Calientes 2000 meters (HOTEL)

Start your morning off right with an in-depth exploration of Machu Picchu! With the luxury of taking our time while learning more about the Inca culture and theories behind this magnificent complex, we can get up early for breakfast before catching a shuttle bus ahead of the tourist train to occupy every second without interruption. It is truly unique to experience such stillness and mysticism in this remarkable place.

Our experienced Tour Leader takes us on a captivating journey that reveals the story behind the rediscovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and uncovers key details about its structures. We then have the opportunity to choose from several thrilling activities such as hiking up to Intipunku (the Sun’s Gateway), walking across an old Inca drawbridge, or engaging in more demanding treks around Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain depending on permit availability. Both peaks tower grandly over these amazing ruins!

We have the option to explore independently and imagine what life was like centuries ago at this incredible site. Later, we will take a train to Ollantaytambo followed by a bus ride back to Cusco arriving at our hotel around 7 PM. To cap off an amazing day of exploration, our leader will join us for dinner tonight in a classic local restaurant– breakfast is included but meals beyond that are not.

How Many Days Do You Need in Order to Hike In Peru

The Classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular combined routes. Each route varies in length from one to fourteen days, depending on the demand and availability of lodging along the way. All four journeys are one-way trips. You will generally travel back to Cusco using a combination of public and private transportation, depending on which tour company you use to make your trip reservations.

The One-Day Inca Trail Hike (1-day trek)

You can see Machu Picchu in one day if you’re short on time (but be prepared to wake up early!). You’ll take the train from Cusco to Kilometer 104, which is a location on the trail. Then, you’ll hike around 15 kilometers (9 miles) through the Sun Gate until you reach the Machu Picchu sanctuary. This option is great if you want to view Machu Picchu and experience a small section of the Inca Trail trek all at once.

The Lares Trek (3-day trek)

The Lares Trek, also known as the cultural alternative to the Inca Trail, is a three-day journey into the historical weaver communities on the eastern slopes of Machu Picchu. But don’t expect it to be a trip to the museum.

To glimpse into time-honored villages, you must earn access by obtaining passes that soar to over 15,000 feet and zigzag across Pumahuanca’s peak. On day four of your Lares trek, you may add another stop at Machu Picchu ruins.

Vilcabamba Traverse Route (1 – 2 week trek)

The trek to Machu Picchu is not for the faint of heart. At 65 kilometers long, this is regarded as one of the most difficult ways to see Machu Picchu. The route starts in Cachora and winds a mile-deep canyon to Choquequirao, or “Cradle of Gold.” The Vilcabamba Trail follows the same route that Hiram Bingham took when he rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, albeit via more isolated towns.

The Salkantay Route (1 – 2 week trek)

The Salkantay Trek is the only Inca Trail option that lets you sleep in a comfy bed and take a hot shower at the end of every day’s hike! Though it still requires reasonably fit participants, The Lodge Trek runs along the Salkantay Trail through the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range but permits nightly rest at fully serviced lodges placed along the route. Machu Picchu is reached by following the trail to an elevation of 15,000 feet.

The Classic Inca Trail Route (3 – 5 day trek)

The Classic Inca Trail Hike is the most popular trek of the four alternatives described in this piece. It begins at kilometer 82 along the route, at the village of Piscacucho. The first day is a moderate hike through the Andean foothills, crossing the Urubamba River and arriving at your campsite in Huayllabamba. On the second day, you’ll ascend what’s known as “Dead Woman’s Pass,” which is the highest point of the Inca Trail Elevation at 4200 meters (13,776 feet). After that, it’s all downhill to the Pacaymayo River campsite.