Ancascocha is a lesser-known but spectacular Cusco trek in the Andes of Peru, offering an alternative to the more popular Inca Trail. It is known for its natural landscapes, stunning views of the mountains and glaciers, lagoons and great variety of animals in the area. You will have the opportunity to have cultural encounters with the local communities. The trek takes you through remote valleys, high-altitude passes and ancient Inca ruins, all while providing a more intimate and less crowded experience than other trekking routes near Machu Picchu.
Highlights of the Ancascocha trek is the Scenic Beauty, the trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes and lush valleys. You will pass through spectacular mountain landscapes, including the Ancascocha Valley.

This hike is very different from the others, considered by National Geographic as one of the 20 most important hikes in the world for its great variety of landscapes in which you can admire different geographic points starting from the valleys of Sogma where you can see a large waterfall and an Inca construction, while observing from the highest points of the mountains the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the glaciers of Chicón, La Verónica and Huayanay.
Live a unique experience and get to know places that you can only see in this fantastic adventure in the Andes and end by exploring THE INCA CITY OF MACHU PICCHU.

Ancascocha is a lesser-known but spectacular Cusco trek in the Andes of Peru, offering an alternative to the more popular Inca Trail. It is known for its natural landscapes, stunning views of the mountains and glaciers, lagoons and great variety of animals in the area. You will have the opportunity to have cultural encounters with the local communities. The trek takes you through remote valleys, high-altitude passes and ancient Inca ruins, all while providing a more intimate and less crowded experience than other trekking routes near Machu Picchu.
Highlights of the Ancascocha trek is the Scenic Beauty, the trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes and lush valleys. You will pass through spectacular mountain landscapes, including the Ancascocha Valley.

This hike is very different from the others, considered by National Geographic as one of the 20 most important hikes in the world for its great variety of landscapes in which you can admire different geographic points starting from the valleys of Sogma where you can see a large waterfall and an Inca construction, while observing from the highest points of the mountains the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the glaciers of Chicón, La Verónica and Huayanay.
Live a unique experience and get to know places that you can only see in this fantastic adventure in the Andes and end by exploring THE INCA CITY OF MACHU PICCHU.

Day 1

Cusco – Ñaupa Iglesia – Sogma – Perolniyoc – Racaypata – Rayan

We will pick you up early from your hotel in our private transport and travel until we reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas where we will make our first stop to visit a ceremonial site but first we will make a 15-minute climb to visit Ñaupa Church. This place was used to perform ceremonies and rituals for Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Its constructions made from the same mountain will leave you fascinated. Then we will continue and return to our transport to travel for 30 minutes to the starting point of the hike, Sogma (3,000 m.a.s.l. / 9,843 ft.)
It is time to prepare our travel equipment, our backpacks and clothes that we will use during the day. Meanwhile our cook will be preparing a delicious breakfast and after enjoying the food we will begin our adventure.
We begin with a small climb until we reach the Perolniyoc waterfalls, where you can enjoy the view of this magical place and if you want you can enjoy and feel its cold waters. You can take photos and then we will continue climbing until we reach the archaeological center of Racaypata (3,600 m.a.s.l. / 11,811 ft.). While you rest you will be able to admire the entire valley and take panoramic photos of the farming centers and houses that are located below this incredible place that was used as a checkpoint for travelers coming from different places in the region. Learn about this place while you explore and take photos of all the buildings that are in the upper part of this valley.
Then we will continue walking and we will reach the lunch place where our cook friends will be waiting for us with a delicious buffet. Enjoy the Cusco and Peruvian food and then we will have time to rest. We will continue with the access and we will pass through small towns and you will see the local people working in the agricultural centers of potatoes, corn and others until we reach our camp, Rayan (4,000 m.a.s.l. / 13,1234 ft.). There our camping equipment, tents and duffel bags will be waiting for us. It will be time to settle in and after a rest we will have our first happy hour (cookies, popcorn, hot drinks, coffee, chocolate and more…). And then we will have our dinner and before going to sleep enjoy the sky full of stars. In all our camps you can admire the Andean sky and enjoy the tranquility of the place.

Day 2
Rayan – Kuychiccasa Pass – Chancachuco – Ancascocha

We will start the day at 6 in the morning (this time may change depending on how you feel) and we will wake you up with a hot coca tea and then you will have time to prepare your backpack and the things you need for the day. Then we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast before continuing with our adventure.
Once ready we will begin a climb of one hour and thirty minutes to reach the Kuychiccasa Pass (4,500 m.a.s.l. / 14,764 ft.). From this place you will be able to admire part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba mountain range with its snow-capped peaks, Picol and La Verónica. After a good rest and taking panoramic photos, we will continue walking for 20 minutes and begin to descend through the valley until we reach our lunch spot, Chancachuco (4,350 m.a.s.l. / 14,272 ft.).
You will have time to rest and then we will continue and descend to the Kamicancha valley and before arriving we will see more clearly the La Verónica glacier (5,890 m.a.s.l. / 19,324 ft.). We will arrive at the town of Ancascocha where our second camp will be.
Our tents will be ready for us to settle in and after a short rest we will have our happy hour and finish dinner and then go to rest and sleep.

Day 3
Ancascocha – Huayanay Pass – Incaracay – Quesca – Paucarcancha

We will wake you up with a hot coca tea in your tent and after packing your backpack we will enjoy an energizing breakfast to then start another day full of adventures and you will be able to enjoy great views, landscapes and lots of nature.
We will begin the hike towards the mountains and in an hour we will arrive at the famous Ancascocha lagoon. We will stop to admire this beautiful place and you will be able to take as many photos as you want, you will be able to see the waterfalls that come from the glaciers and then we will continue climbing a stone staircase and you will be able to see small lagoons and then we will arrive at the highest point of the hike, the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m.a.s.l. / 15,256 ft.). We will stop to rest and admire the beautiful landscapes of this magical place far from the big cities. Mountains and valleys adorn this place that was used by the Incas to reach different places in the region and transport their products on llamas to exchange them for other products. Then we will continue and arrive at an Inca construction called Incaracay. We will stop to rest and while we explore the place the guide will tell us the meaning and function of this archaeological center.
We will continue with the walk and we will pass near some houses with large corrals and you will be able to see a large number of alpacas and sheep. Pay attention because in this area you can see the sacred bird of the Andes, the Condor, flying over the mountains. We will continue advancing until we reach the town of Qesqa (3,850 m.a.s.l. / 12,631 ft.). We will arrive at a small valley with a beautiful stream and that will be our lunch spot. After enjoying the meal you will have time to rest and then we will continue advancing along the valley and the Inca Trail. On the way down we will see different ancient buildings and the landscape will gradually change and will have more vegetation.
After 3 hours we will arrive at Paucarcancha (3,120 m.a.s.l. / 10,236 ft.). In a small town where we will spend the night. After settling in and enjoying happy hour and dinner we will go to rest in our tents.

Day 4
Paucarcancha – Llactapata – Piscacucho, Km 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

After waking up with a coca tea and a good breakfast, we will visit the archaeological center of Paucarcancha. While walking through its buildings, you will learn about this place located in the middle of three valleys from where you can reach Cusco, the Salkantay glacier and Machu Picchu. Explore and take souvenir photos and then continue with our adventure and go down to the Huayllabamba valley and pass through fields of potatoes, corn, barley and more. You will see towns along the way and arrive at the connection of the famous 4-day Inca Trail that goes directly to Machu Picchu. Then we will go up and arrive at a beautiful viewpoint to see another incredible Inca construction, Llactapata. Located between the Kusipata Valley and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it was a very important administrative place and the view from this point is very beautiful and panoramic. Take as many photos as you can and then we will continue towards Chillca and then we will be able to see on the other side of the valley another Inca construction, Canabamba. While resting I will learn more about the Inca Roads and the functions they had and most importantly the system of water channels that each of these cities built hundreds of years ago had.
After 2 hours we will arrive at Piscacucho, Km 82. That will be the end of the tour. Our cooks will be waiting for us with lunch and before leaving the place we will say goodbye to them. We will board our transport and head to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m.a.s.l. / 9,160 ft.). We will go to the train station and on the way you will be able to admire the beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba River will be our companion throughout the journey while you will be able to see different Inca constructions such as terraces, agricultural centers, Inca roads and much more until we reach Aguas Calientes.
There we will go to the hotel to settle in and later we will go to the restaurant for dinner and then we will go to rest and sleep because the big day is tomorrow.

Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The most anticipated day has arrived. We will wake up early and after breakfast we will board the bus that will take us to the top of the mountain to begin the visit and the guided tour inside the park.
Congratulations. After walking through the Andes, valleys, rivers and admiring lagoons and glaciers, you finally arrived at the majestic Inca city of Machu Picchu. Known as one of the new 7 wonders of the world and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, feel lucky to have completed this wonderful challenge that many dream of doing. We will begin to take the first photos, we will locate ourselves in a strategic place to begin with the most important information about this archaeological center. The Inca History will be revealed and we will share with you the most important events about its discovery, importance and the most relevant about this stone city built on the mountains.
We will then continue the tour walking through its streets and houses, arriving at the quarry and the central square and then continuing to visit the most important points. We will talk about each of these places that were used by our ancestors as work centers, homes and ceremonial centers. Always taking photos for souvenirs. You will be able to enjoy the tour and feel the strength that only this great Inca city can share with the people who are there. Feel the connection with Mother Nature and surround yourself with the magic of this place located on the great mountains accompanied by a great flora and fauna that complete its great energy and survive through hundreds of years away from the outside world. (You will have the opportunity to climb the mountain of Machu Picchu or the mountain of Huayna Picchu after reserving the entrance ticket in advance). At the end of the tour in this magical city we will go to the exit to take the bus that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will have our last lunch and after sharing the experiences lived through the mountains for 4 days it will be time to go to the train station and head to Ollantaytambo where our private transportation will be waiting for us to take us to the city of Cusco and then directly to your hotel.
We are sure that after this experience listed as one of the 25 best hikes in the world you will be very happy to have experienced the sensation of having lived the adventure of your life in the middle of valleys, mountains, glaciers, tropical areas of the Amazon and finally getting to know the imposing Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Meals: breakfast
Walking time: 3 – 4 hours
Initial elevation: 2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.
Highest elevation: 2,430 m.a.s.l. / 7,972 ft.
Difficulty: easy

WHAT IS INCLUDED?
HIGH QUALITY AND SAFETY SERVICE
• Briefing:
One day before your trip you will meet with your guide to learn more about the itinerary you will take on this adventure. In addition to learning the most important information about the day to day of the entire trip. We will give you your duffel bag where you can put the extra things you will need during the trip. Remember that in this meeting you can talk about the different dietary options or restrictions you may have.
• Professional high mountain guides:
All our guides are graduates of the most important universities and institutes in Cusco. They are chosen for their great experience, responsibility, professionalism and above all for the great passion and pride they have for our history and culture. They will be proud to share with you everything related to our ancestors. They will make sure that your trip is unforgettable. Your safety is guaranteed from the moment we pick you up in Cusco until we drop you off at your hotel at the end of the trip.

• First aid kit:
Our guides are specialists in first aid, rescue and evacuation in case it is necessary. Because they have specialized training and have a certification from the international red cross. They are highly trained and will always have a first aid kit and oxygen for any emergency. Your safety is guaranteed with us.
• Camping equipment:
We have the best logistical equipment for our trips such as high mountain tents Eureka and The North Face (3 and 4 seasons). Made especially to withstand the most intense climates of the mountains. We also have dining tents, kitchen tent, kitchenware and utensils. So that you can spend comfortable moments at mealtimes.
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners.
Our high mountain chef is trained to cook and please you with the most delicious Peruvian and Cusco food. As well as the most delicious drinks, snacks and desserts that will leave you satisfactorily happy. Food options such as vegan, vegetarian or any restriction are not a problem for our cooks and will not have an additional cost.
• Snack:
Every morning before the walk you will be provided with a snack, fruits, cookies, chocolates, candies, so you can enjoy them during the walk.

• Water:
We have a water filter especially for use in the mountains. Every morning we will provide you with cold boiled purified water so you can fill your bottle or camel. You will have the option to refill more water at lunch and dinner time as you require.
Wake-up Tea.
Every morning you will be woken up with a hot drink of your choice, tea, coffee or coca. Our guide will bring this drink to your tent to start the day warm and then you will have time to list the things you will use during the walk.
Happy Hour.
In the afternoons after arriving at our camp we will have happy hour (hot drinks, tea, coffee, milk, chocolate), and some snacks (cookies, crackers, popcorn). At which time we can talk about the day and look forward to a delicious dinner before resting.
For Hygiene.
You will be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal for hand hygiene.
Transportation: Private door-to-door service.

We know that the most important thing in your vacations is your well being and safety and that is why we organize our trips with great care, because the most important thing for us is you.

Our experience offers you security, comfort, good service and the satisfaction of our clients is our letter of introduction. If you have any questions please write to us and we will be glad to help you so that all your doubts are clearly answered.

Passport.

This is the most important document. You must carry with you the original passport, with which you made the tour reservation. This document will be presented as required by the Machu Picchu park staff, especially to enter the Inca city, to board the bus, the train and to check in at the hotel.

On the trail.

Considered one of the 5 best treks in the world by the National Geographic Magazine, the Inca Trail is well known and preferred by travelers seeking to learn more about our culture and to visit archaeological sites built in the mountains, walk through valleys, enjoy the beauty of nature, admire glaciers and snow-capped peaks, reach the summits of these ancient constructions, admire the tropical areas and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that adorn this hike to reach the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The distances are strategically divided so that you can enjoy all the natural attractions of this magical place. Starting from the town of Piscacucho, kilometer 82 (2,700 m.a.s.l. / 8,858 ft.). Until arriving at the highest point, the pass of the dead woman (4,215 m.a.s.l. / 13,828 ft.). And the lowest place, Aguas Calientes village (2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.), in some places the hike will be challenging and we will give you the help and all the necessary recommendations to complete this incredible adventure.

Acclimatization.

Travelers arrive from different parts of the world, from different altitudes and even from sea level for this the recommendation is to arrive 2 or 3 days before to the city of Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l. / 11,154 ft.). The altitude, the flight time and the time change can affect you especially if it is your first time in our city. No special training is required for this adventure, but acclimatization is recommended before starting the hike. We have alternatives before you travel. Day hikes for better acclimatization, we recommend some of them.

City tour

Sacred Valley

Salt mines of Maras and Moray

Mountain of colors, Vinicunca

Colored mountain, Palcoyo

Waqrapucara

Seven lakes, Ausangate

Queswachaca, Inca Bridge

Important things to bring on the hike.

Very Important.

Original Passport

Student Card (students)

Cash (Souvenirs, Drinks, Snacks and Tips)

Water Bottles or Camelbaks

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Mosquito Repellent

WipesHand sanitizer

Hat

Snacks

CLOTHING

Pantalones de Senderismo (2)

T.Shirt (2-3)

Hiking Underwear and Socks Sets (4)

Warm Jacket

Thermal Fleece

Comfortable Hiking Boots

Waterproof Jacket / Rain Poncho

Wool Hat (Bennie)

Sneakers or Sandals (To use at the Camp)

Waterproof Gloves

Towel (Quick Dry)

EQUIPAMIENTO

Sleeping Bag

Trekking Backpack

Trekking Poles

Power Bank

Plastic Bags

Head Flashlight