The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is an extraordinary trail located near the city of Cusco, but off the beaten path. It is considered one of the 20 dream treks in the world by National Geographic and is highly rated as one of the best treks. This route offers breathtaking views of traditional villages and imposing peaks such as Salkantay and Veronica. Along the way, you will also encounter several archaeological sites, such as Paucarcancha, Tarapata, Huillcarakay, Llactapata, Kanabamba and Salapunko, all of which are part of the traditional Inca trail.

Our trip begins early at 5:00 am from Cusco, and we take a 1 hour and 45 minute drive to the village of Soqma (3,200m/10,512ft) where our trek from Ancascocha to Machu Picchu begins. Here, we meet our team of riders and enjoy breakfast before beginning the trek. We hike for 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Pirolniyoc, a beautiful waterfall where we stop to enjoy the views before walking another 40 minutes to the Inca site.

We then continue for 45 minutes to reach Rayan, our lunch spot located at an altitude of 3,700 masl/9,350 ft. After lunch, we begin a 4-hour hike uphill to the Kuychiccasa pass (4,450 masl/14,596 ft), where you will enjoy exceptional views of valleys such as Chancachuco and parts of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Afterwards, we will walk downhill for 45 minutes to reach our campsite, where you can enjoy views of the stars at night.

In total, you will walk for 9 hours, covering 18 km. The level of difficulty is moderate, and you will have breakfast, lunch and dinner. The minimum altitude is 3,205 masl and the maximum altitude is 4,450 masl.

Difficulty level:: Moderate
Altitude:: 4450 m
Distance traveled:: 18 km
Approximate walking time:: 9 h

Physical Level

1, Easy

We will start the day with a cup of coca tea and a nutritious breakfast. We will then begin our 45-minute hike up and down trails to enjoy a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Veronica, which is located at an altitude of 5900 masl (19,100 ft). After that, we will walk uphill for an hour until we reach the Ancascocha Lagoon, where we will stop for lunch.

After lunch, we will continue climbing for two hours to reach the Huayanay pass, which is the highest point of the entire trek at an altitude of 4,650 masl (15,290 ft). Along the way, we will encounter an original Inca cobblestone road with breathtaking views. Then, we will spend three and a half hours walking downhill until we reach the Inca site of Inca Raccay. In the afternoon, we will arrive at the community of Muyu Muyu, which is located at an altitude of 3850 masl (12,628 ft).

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Maximum elevation: 4,650 m/15,298 ft.
Camp elevation: 3,850 m/12,628 ft.
Walking distance: 18 km/10 miles
Approximate walking time: 10 hours
Difficulty level: Challenging

Physical Level

1, Easy

After breakfast, we will begin our descent to the ruins of Paucarcancha, which will take about 2 hours. You will have the opportunity to explore this fascinating Inca site before continuing our hike to the community of Huayllabamba, where we will join the classic Inca trail. We will arrive at the Tarayoc site at noon, where we will stop for lunch. After a brief rest, we will walk to the Inca site of Patallacta, the most amazing and largest Inca village.

Continuing along the Vilcanota River, we will arrive at km 82, where we will say goodbye to our muleteers and take the transport to Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes and check into the hotel. You will then work with your guide to plan your visit to Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch: 3850 masl/12,629 ft Minimum altitude: 2,750 masl/9,158 ft Distance to be covered: 7 hours/14 km Difficulty level: Easy

Difficulty level:: Easy
Altitude:: 3850 m
Distance traveled:: 14 km
Approximate walking time:: 7 h

Physical Level

1, Easy

This is the most important day of the trek, as you will visit one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. You will have to wake up early at 4:00 am to have breakfast and line up at the bus station for Machu Picchu. We will take one of the first buses to the citadel and pass the checkpoint at 6:00 am. Once inside, we will go up to the Guardian’s House, a famous place to take pictures of Machu Picchu. Then, you will start a 2-hour guided tour of the most important sites.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to visit other sites such as the Inca Bridge and the Sun Gate. If you have booked any of the mountains, you will be able to climb them according to your reservation schedule. You will have to get off Machu Picchu by noon at the latest, as it is not possible to stay all day in the archaeological complex.

In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then take a bus to the city of Cusco, where you will arrive at approximately 7:00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast
Maximum elevation: 2,400 masl/ 7,680 ft.
Lowest elevation: 2,000 masl / 6,400 ft.
Walking distance: 3 hours/ 6 km
Difficulty level: Easy

Physical Level

1, Easy