Ancascocha Trek 7 Days to Machu Picchu

Our Trip Begins in the city of Cusco, we will set out on an early morning drive for 1 hour and 50 minutes to Soqma Village (3,205 m/10,512 ft), where our amazing horsemen who will accompany us during the trek await.

To get everyone ready and energized before beginning their journey, they’ll be greeted by a delicious breakfast prepared with love by our talented Chef!

Our trek starts with a refreshing 1 ¾ hour hike to the magnificent Perolniyoc waterfall lookout. Don’t forget your camera and some snacks, as this scenic spot is ideal for capturing breathtaking photos and enjoying a quick snack.

We’ll then continue our journey by climbing for 30 minutes until we reach the Inca site of the same name, where we will have a brief tour before settling down for lunch at that location. After a much-needed refueling break, it’s time to ascend 45 minutes to our camp at Rayan Small Andean village (3,700 m/9,350 ft).

Meals Inclusion: Snacks/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• Accommodations: Camping
• Distance to walk: 8 km/5 miles
• Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m/ 10,512 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
• Approximate walking time: 4 to 5.5 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Area: Dry Andes Mountain

At around 5:30 a.m., we embark on an uphill journey that will take about four hours and offer breathtaking perspectives of snow-cap mountains, friendly llamas grazing in the Andes, and with luck – the majestic condor soaring overhead; it is truly impressive as its wingspan can span up to ten feet!

We make our way to Kuychicassa Pass (4,450 meters/14,596 feet) and pause for a moment to enjoy the breathtaking sight of Chancachuco Valley on one side and Sacred Incan Valley on the other. With their beautiful vistas spread before us (View Gallery), we take in this majestic experience with wonder!

As we commence our descent, a one-hour hike brings us to lunch. Afterward, the trail leading up Mt. Veronica (5,822 m/19,100 ft) offers stunning scenery; this climb lasts for 30 minutes and follows a streambed path along its narrow trackway.

Then comes an invigorating walk for 4 hours downhill that eventually guides us into Ancashcocha (3,700 m/12136 ft), where lush greenery drapes over the small valley’s tranquil creek banks—our campsite for tonight!

Meals Include. Snacks/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• Accommodations: Camping
• Approximate walking time: 8 to 10 hours
• Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
• Highest Elevation: 4,450 m/ 15,250 ft
• Ancascocha Campsite elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging
• Hiking Area: Straw Andean Mountain

Our 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.

Meals: Snacks/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• 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

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.

We will give you more details in our pre-departure briefing here in Cusco City.

Include Meals: Snacks/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• 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

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!

Meals: Snack/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• 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

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 of Winay Huayna.

Meals Include: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• 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

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.

Meals Include: Breakfast And Snak

• 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

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.