Your Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu begins early in the morning with a private pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
We travel through the Sacred Valley toward the small Andean community of Soqma, where we meet our trekking team and prepare for the adventure.
From Soqma, we begin hiking through a beautiful mountain valley surrounded by traditional agricultural fields and spectacular Andean landscapes.
As we gain elevation, we reach the area of Perolniyoq Waterfall, one of the hidden natural attractions above the Sacred Valley.
After enjoying the scenery, we continue along the trail toward the remote mountain landscapes that characterize the Ancascocha route.
The trail gradually becomes quieter as we move away from the communities and deeper into the Andes.
In the afternoon, we reach Rayan, where our support team will have prepared our first campsite.
Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before spending your first night surrounded by the mountains.
Today we enter one of the most spectacular sections of the Ancascocha Trek Peru.
After breakfast, we begin our ascent toward Kuychiccassa Pass.
The climb is challenging, but the higher we go, the more impressive the views become. From the pass, we can enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding valleys and mountains.
After reaching the highest section, we begin our descent toward Chancachuco Valley, where we stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue deeper into the Ancascocha region. The landscape becomes increasingly remote, with mountain peaks, open valleys and traditional Andean scenery surrounding us.
This is one of the reasons why Ancascocha is considered one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks to Machu Picchu.
We continue toward the Ancascocha Valley, where we set up camp for the nigh
Today is the most challenging day of the Ancascocha Trek 5 Days.
We start early and begin the ascent toward Huayanay Pass, one of the highest points of the route. The climb requires effort because of the altitude, but reaching the pass is one of the most rewarding moments of the trek.
At approximately 4,650 meters / 15,256 feet, Huayanay Pass offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After taking time to enjoy the scenery, we begin our descent.
As we lose altitude, the landscape gradually changes from high-altitude terrain to greener mountain valleys.
We continue toward Incaraqay, where we stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue toward Paucarcancha. This impressive archaeological site is strategically located above the valley and provides an important connection between the remote mountain trails and the historic routes leading toward Machu Picchu.
After reaching our campsite, enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest.
After breakfast, we visit Paucarcancha before continuing our descent toward the Sacred Valley.
The trail eventually connects with Km 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail.
This is a fascinating moment in the journey because the remote Ancascocha Trek connects with one of the world’s most famous trekking routes to Machu Picchu.
At Km 82, our private transportation will be waiting for us.
We continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important living Inca towns in Peru.
After lunch, we board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town located below Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, our team will assist you with your hotel check-in and provide all the information you need for your Machu Picchu visit the following morning.
After several days of hiking, enjoy a relaxing evening in Aguas Calientes.
Today is the highlight of your Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu.
After an early breakfast, we head to the bus station and take the short journey up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Your professional private guide will accompany you throughout the archaeological sanctuary.
During the guided tour, you will learn about the history, architecture, religious traditions and cultural significance of the Inca civilization.
The exact route inside Machu Picchu will depend on the circuit assigned with your entrance ticket. After the visit, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes.
You will have free time for lunch before boarding your return train.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
Your Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights ends in the evening when you arrive at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Return: Train to Ollantaytambo + private transfer to Cusco
A Remote Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu
The Ancascocha Trek is ideal for travelers looking for a quieter alternative to the Classic Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek.
The route passes through remote sections of the Andes where you will encounter fewer hikers and experience a stronger sense of wilderness.
Challenging High-Altitude Hiking
This is a challenging trek.
The route reaches approximately 4,650 meters / 15,256 feet at Huayanay Pass and includes several long ascents and descents. For this reason, proper acclimatization is essential.
We recommend spending at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before beginning the trek.
Changing Andean Landscapes
One of the most impressive aspects of the Ancascocha Trek is the variety of landscapes.
During the journey, you will experience:
High-altitude mountain passes
Andean grasslands
Snow-capped peaks
Deep valleys
Waterfalls and streams
Traditional agricultural landscapes
Remote communities
Ancient trails
The Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu
Responsible and Ethical Trekking
At Inka Power Peru, we believe that adventure tourism should benefit the people who make these experiences possible.
We work with local guides, cooks, horsemen and trekking support staff and promote fair working conditions and responsible tourism practices.
We also believe in respecting Andean culture, protecting the natural environment and creating meaningful connections between travelers and local communities.
When you trek with Inka Power Peru, you are supporting a locally operated Peruvian company committed to more responsible travel.
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is commonly operated as a multi-day route. This Inka Power Peru itinerary takes 5 days and 4 nights, including the Machu Picchu visit.
The Ancascocha Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek. The route includes steep ascents, long descents and elevations of approximately 4,650 meters.
The highest point of this itinerary is approximately 4,650 meters / 15,256 feet at Huayanay Pass.
Both are challenging. Ancascocha is particularly demanding because of its remote terrain, high mountain passes and limited infrastructure along parts of the route.
The routes have different types of difficulty. The Classic Inca Trail includes many stone steps and significant elevation changes, while Ancascocha is more remote and includes high-altitude mountain terrain.
Yes. We strongly recommend spending at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before beginning the trek.
Yes. This 5-day itinerary includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, bus transportation and a professional guided visit.
You spend three nights camping in the Andes and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
The Ancascocha route is generally much quieter than the Classic Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek, making it a good option for travelers looking for a more remote experience.
