Itinerary for Ancascocha trek Peru

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Village of Rayan

At the appropriate time, the guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel in Cusco and then you will travel across the high Anta plain, following the Road to Ollantaytambo. After approximately one hour of drive by van you will reach out Soqma village (3200 m). At this point you will meet the muleteers for your trip, after a short stop for a light breakfast you will start the Ancascocha adventure.

Our trek begins following a picturesque trail towards the beautiful waterfall of Perolniyuc, which is a very unique and peaceful place to enjoy a great moment in the nature. Passt this point there is an uphill section, leading to the Inca site of Perolniyuc. Where the guide will explain you all about the Incas.

Lunch spot is not far away from this lovely Inca site. In the afternoon you will go uphill to the end of the Rayan village for the camp. This first day hike is not very difficult. So it serves as part of acclimatization to the altitude (3400m).

• Hiking time: approx. 5 hours
• Hiking distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles
• Campsite altitude: 3,400 m / 12,000 ft.
• Accommodation: camping

Day 2: Rayan Village – Ancascocha

On the second day, you start the hike from the camp uphill towards Kuychi kasa pass. After a few hour following the farmers trail you will reach out the mountain top. There will be amazing views of the Sacred Valley and Vilcanota mountain chain. This area is isolated and you won`t see many groups of hikers, except some tourist doing the Inca quarry trek.

After to enjoy the great mountain scenery, you will continue the Ancascocha trek, along the trail leading to Chancachuco valley. The amazing views of Mt Veronica will accompany us for several hours. After to walk through grassy pastoral hills you will enter in Ancascocha Valley. Where our crew is waiting for us with a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon you will approximately 2 hours to get to the campsite close by Ancascocha Lake. This section of your hike will be on parts of the old Inca pilgrimage Trail to Machu Picchu. Our campsite will be in a stunning spot with stunning views of Mt Huayanay and Lake Ancascocha.

• Hiking Distance: 10 km/8.5 miles
• Hiking time: approx. 8 hours
• Campsite altitude: 4,200m/13,779 ft
• Accommodation: camping

Day 3: Ancascocha – Paucarcancha

After a nice breakfast at the camp, you will start the ascent to the highest point of the trek. Huayanay Pass with astounding views of the mountains around, specially the towering Mt Salkantay the second tallest in Cusco region. If we are lucky enough we will spot Andean Condors soaring around the pass. From here you will begin the descent to Inca-Raqay, a lovely small valley, which has nice reddish hills and snow-capped mountains on the sides.

lunch will be serve by our expert chef and then you will keep descending through some alpine hills. You will get to the tree-line and fine the authentic Andean village of Qesqa. Walking a few more hours down the valley you will arrive to the Campsite. This area is already in the proximity of Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. So you may see some hikers from Salkantay trek or Inca Trail in the lower part of the valley.

• Hiking time: approx. 9 hours
• Walking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Campsite altitude: 3,300 m/11,562 ft

Day 4: Paucarcancha – km 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes Town

The day begins with a descent down to the beautiful Inca site of Paucarcancha, a resting station for travelers heading to different places. After to explore this stunning site, you will follow the course of Cusichaca River and then join to the famous Inca Trail. You will walk the beginning part of the classic hike to Machu Picchu in opposite way.

On the way to km 82 you will see 2 interesting sites and also meet the Inca Trail hikers. At you arrival to Piscacucho our chef will serve you a delicious lunch and then you will be transported to Ollantaytambo. From here you will catch the train to connect with Aguas Calientes town. At your arrival to the train station you will be escorted to the hotel and get ready for the next morning.

• Hiking Distance: 11 km/ 8.5 miles
• Hiking time: approx. 5 hours
• Weather: warm.
• Accommodation: hotel

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

At a very convenient time, you will take the bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu  for an in-depth guided tour of this wonder of the world. You will explore some of the great Inca temples.

After to walk around it will be the time to go to the bus station. Then you will descend to Aguas Calientes and return to Ollantaytambo by train. At you arrival to the train station our transfer will pick you up, to drive you back to the hotel in Cusco.

Included for Ancascocha trek Peru

• Pick up by the guide at the hotel in Cusco, the morning of trek departure.
• Transfer to Soqma Village, the trail-head for this adventure trip.
• Expert experienced tour guide
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu & Archaeological Sites
• Wranglers and horses to carry all the camping equipment (tents & food)
• Horses will carry your personal belongings (6 kg) – at no extra cost!
• Duffle bags for your personal gear
• Four breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners.
• Thermal-rest mat (1/2 inch/1.25 cm thick)
• Boiled water to refill your water bottles
• Some snacks for the hike
• Oxygen tank and first aid kit
• Vegetarian food (optional)
• Dining tents and personal tents
• 3 hours private guided tour within Machu Picchu ruins
• Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes Town
• Expedition train return to Ollantaytambo then by bus to Cusco (you can upgrade to Vista dome upon request)
• Taxes included

Not included for Ancascocha trek Peru

• Sleeping bags – you can hire it in our office.
• Day 5 lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Hiking poles ( you can hire it in our office)

PACKING LIST FOR THE TREK

• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1.5 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Camera, films and batteries
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first day
• Your own medical kit with a special medications that you might require on the trek.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
• Walking sticks or poles
• Binoculars (optional)

optional items:

• Hiking poles rental 20.00 USD a pair
• sleeping bags 25.00 USD each
• personal tent 30.00 USD

Ancascocha trek booking