Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 4 DaysMaximum Altitude15,322ft. / 4700m

Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 4 DaysDistance 19miles /30.5 kn

Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 4 DaysGroup size8 People max

Trek difficulty

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PRICE

$635

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The scenery on the ancascocha trek is breathtaking – you eye-ball snow-capped mountains, red valleys, meet local villagers and see the wild life is the best. This route is rather untrodden and you will not meet any other tourists,  even given its close proximity to the Classic Inca Trail but very different to the tourist-bustling treks to Machu Picchu, like the same classic Inca Trail or salkantay trek. You truly find peace on the Ancascocha trek. This is a challenging hike with steep mountains, camps at 12,300 feet and hiking to 14,900 feet – all incredibly rewarding and such a memorable experience.

The Ancascocha Trek (often considered the Super Inca Trail or even the Hidden Inca Trail), a far more strenuous, yet less traveled and more rewarding path. The Ancascocha Trek  takes 4 days wandering through traditional villages like Usutapampa and its lake name Ancascocha at 12,795 feet.

Starting altitude – 9186ft. / 2800m, Coldest night – Day 2 around 0°, Crowds: Few to None

Itinerary

Ancascocha Trek – Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Usutacancha – Sondorf – Quewllacocha

We drive for an hour and a half from the city of Cusco until Limatambo, part of the Usutacancha community, in the quiet valley of Sondorf. Here we will meet our horsemen and horses, these guys are in charge of carrying the equipment along the route.

We gently begin to ascend the Lechería valley, along the river of the same name and across fields of crops and livestock. The road becomes steeper until you reach a narrow and damp area which gives shelter to a spectacular Queuña tree, Andean native forest.

After we pass this area, the valley opens up again and we move to Huascapampa area where our Cook will be waiting with a great lunch. After a great lunch and little siesta we continue to our camp at Quewllacocha, a quiet area on the high Andean plain.

At night the sky usually is full of stars, great to watch the Andean constellations.

  • 5-6 hours walking, 3000-4000mt.

Day 2: Queyllacocha – Accojasa – Huayanay – Ancascocha

Today is a spectacular day and the most demanding of the entire route. We continue our ascent by the Andean highlands to cross two mountain passes, the first step of Accojasa (4700mt.) where the snowy peaks of Huayanay give us a spectacular welcoming surprise, rewarding gift after a challenging ascent.

After passing Huayanay (4600mt), second and last pass from our Ancascocha trek, we begin the descent for the rest of the walk, and arrive to the base of Mountain Huayanay. Taking advantage of this beautiful place we stop for a great lunch near the glacier of this stunning mountain.

Then we continue down into the valley of Ancascocha, with a spectacular view of Lake Ancascocha and the snowy mountains that surround this area, original traces of an ancient Inca trail, among other beautiful natural scenery. This is an area of condors and hopefully we can see some soaring. We will continue a little further to reach our camp close to Ancascocha Lake (400mt), amazing place to enjoy the peace and the tranquility of course with a great and delicious happy hour.

  • 5-6 hours walking, 4000-4700mt.

Day 3: Ancascocha – Chillca – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Today is all downhill until the end of our Ancascocha Trek, we leave the arid highlands and enter to a lush valley full of exquisite and abundant Andean flora and fauna, hummingbirds and hopefully, flock of parrots. We will see the confluence of three rivers and the wakay Willka Glaciar will surprise us with its spectacular beauty and awesome presence.

Gradually, the valley becomes a narrow canyon leading Sillque the river towards the village Camincancha in the Chilca valley, the end of our trek. From here we will take our transportation to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we board the train to Aguas Calientes Hotel.

  • 4-5 hours walking, 4700-2900mt.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early morning after a great breakfast in our hotel, we will try to catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu and see the inspiring view one of the new 7 wonders at sunrise. You will explore the Machu Picchu citadel with a professional tour guide for 3 hours, visiting the most important temples and palaces.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to climb Huayna Picchu, explore the city, or simply relax. In the early afternoon we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and catch the train back to Cusco.

INCLUSIONS

What’s Included in the Ancascocha Trek?

  • Pick up from the Airport/Hotel
  • English Spanish speaking tour guide
  • Professional cook
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • Entrance fee to the Lares trek
  • 3 nights camping + 1 night hotel accomodation
  • Briefing the night before the trek
  • Duffel bag to pack your personal items up to 8kls
  • Horses to transport the camping equipment and food supplies
  • Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the trailhead
  • 4-man tent for every 2 people
  • Dinning tent
  • Kitchen tent
  • Train tickets, Expedition class two ways
  • Pick up from the train station and drop off into your hotel – Cusco
  • Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and viseversa
  • Meal: 3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Water: we will provide you water every day at breakfast time, at lunch time and at dinner time
  • Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain – depending on the availability

What is not Included?

  • Sleeping bag
  • Hiking poles
  • Inflatable Mattress
  • First day breakfast
  • Last day lunch
  • Extra expenses
  • Tips

PRICES

Ancascocha Trek – Prices

Inka Trail Explorer warmly welcomes to you, and we really want to make the best experience for you on this Ancascocha Trek. Our departure treks can be any day of the week, 12 months a year.

Price: USD 635 Per Person – group service

A group Service means that it is open to other trekkers to join you. Your group will have varying hiking and fitness abilities. All our Guides are experts on how to keep the trek moving and happy no matter how fast you go.

Private Tour Service is available and priced by party size

The Inca Trail is the best trek to Machu Picchu, even better if you do just with your friends or loved ones. Our private trek can start with any size and we will do all our best to make the best experience for you.

  • 2 Hikers: $710 per person
  • 3 Hikers: $690 per person
  • 4 Hikers: $665 per person
  • 5 Hikers: $645 per person
  • 6 Hikers: $620 per person
  • 7 Hikers: $590 per person
  • 8 or more Hikers: $565 per person

Student discount: $20 per student. To aply to student discount you shoud follow the below govenment requirements

Students from 18 to 25 years old get discount of $20

Students from 12 to 17 years old, they get discount of $20.

Children from under 11 years all they get discount of $20.

The Ministry of Culture has changed its regulations regarding student discounts for entrances to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail permits. For anyone wishing to obtain a student discount, the following requirements must be met: (1.- Must be under 25 years of age  2.- Must have a valid institutional student card with  A.- Photograph B.- Student´s full name C.- Expiry date in 2019 that includes the date of reservation and the date of visit to Machu Picchu). Please note ISIC cards or any alternative documents proving student status will not be accepted. Unfortunately, if you fail to meet any of the above criteria we will not be able to offer the student discount.

Some considerations

For example, if you book your trek at the age of 17 but, you turn 18 before you start your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.

Please send all documents to info@inkatrailexplorer.com

UPGRADES

Ancascocha Trek – Upgrades

Optional Rentals

  • Sleeping Bag US$25
  • Walking Pole US$8
  • Inflatable Mattress US$25
  • Single Tent Supplement US$30

Optional Upgrades

  • Vistadome train.- (One Way): $40 per person
  • Casa Andina Hotel.- $45 US p p shared ($110 for a single)
  • El Mapi Hotel.- +$50 US p p shared (+$120 for a single)

Huayna Picchu Mountain – Included in Price
Huayna Picchu, is a stunning mountain that sits directly behind Machu Picchu, this is the infamous sugar-loaf mountain which sits at an elevation of 2,720m and 300m above the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
There are some archaeological remains as the Moon Temple and other precincts that are interconnected with authentic trails, steps, tunnels and natural formatted caves which made the view more interesting, without any doubt, Huayna Picchu mountain can be the highlight of your trip to Machu Picchu.
The last stretch to get the summit is very steep, narrow, and in some parts, you are required to use your hands for balance. There are some stone ladders to climb up the cliff face along the way. if you have problems with the heights this may not be the hike for you. The summit itself is not flat but is instead rocky, therefore when the crowd picks up it can be a bit difficult to move around.

  • Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
  • Duration – The round trip can take between 1.5 to 2 hours in average.
  • Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 2,693masl, while the climb itself is 353m.

Huayna Picchu mountain can be climbed in 2 different sessions:

  • The first session: from 7am to 8am
  • The second session: from 10am to 11am

Machu Picchu Mountain – Included in Price
The climb up to Machu Picchu mountain is nearly twice as high as Huayna Picchu but has a more gradual ascent profile up to its summit at 1,850 feet (~620m) above the city ruins (3,051m above sea level).
The panoramic views are from another world. The Inca ruins, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi Mountains look so small behind the giant row of mountains that it makes you wonder if it is true what you are seeing. You will be astonished!
The awe-inspiring view is still composed by a bright blue sky, clouds and the Urubamba River snaking around colossal mountains covered with lush vegetation. What a gift from our mother nature!

  • Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
  • Duration – The round trip can take between 2.5 to 3 hours in average.
  • Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 3,000masl, while the climb itself is 600m.

Machu Picchu mountain can be climbed in 2 different sessions:

  • The first session: from 7am to 8am
  • The second session: from 9am to 10am

Additional free tour

If you are traveling with the family or friends and you are 4 or more people in your group, you automatically get for free one of our additional tours what you like more from the List down below. Plese, we do not include the entrance feeds, we include the transportation and a professional tour guide.

Do not worry single travelers, if you book any treks with us, you get a special discounts on any of our additional tours

  • Sacred Valley Tour
  • City tour

IMPORT INFO

Important Information

We know planning an adventure vacation is no small decision, so we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ve been doing this for quite a while, so we’ve got the answers to everything you need to know!

Upon your arrival in Cusco City
You will be welcomed by one of our transfers at Cusco airport and then you will be transferred into your hotel. Find out your transfer in Cusco airport holding our Inka trail Explorer. Please you should provide us your flight schedule before you leave home.

The briefing
Your guide will meet you in your hotel 1 or 2 days prior you start the trek, depending on your preference. your guide will explain everything concerning the trek in detail. This includes the Lares Trek schedule and a few tips on how to make your trek easier. You also will receive a duffel bag which is meant to contain all of your personal belongings.

Can I leave my Suitcase in your storage?
Usually most of the hotels in Cusco city offers a free storage but, definitely you can leave your suitcase in our storage while you go on trek or tour, we offer a free storage.

How do I Pay my final Balance?
Your final balance should be paid in cash and it can be done in American dollars or in the local currency (Peruvian soles). We kindly request pay your final balance at least 24 hours prior you start the trek. You also can pay your balance via PayPal 10 days prior you start the trek. To pay your final balance via PayPal, you need to log into your PayPal account using our e-mail address – peruinkatrailtours@gmail.com

Can I cancel my trip or change my departure date?
As soon as you make your confirmation by paying your deposit we proceed to purchase the Inca trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets. According the government regulations, the Inca trail and Machu Picchu permits or tickets cannot be canceled, changed of date or transferred into other traveler and unfortunately there is not a refund.

Do I need my Original passport when I travel into Peru?
Very important to bring the original passport with you. If you are a foreigner, you need a passport to enter Machu Picchu. Not just any passport. It has to be the passport you used to book your trip in Peru or buy your entry tickets to different attractions in Cusco – Peru.
If you renew your passport after you book your trip in Peru, you must travel with both the old and the new passports. You can send us via e-mail a copy of your new and old passports and we will be able to upgrade your new passport information.

How fit do I need to be to hike these trails?
As long as you enjoy hiking, you’ll love these trails – you’ll be hiking about eight miles a day, but there’s no rush, you can take it at your own pace. In fact, the slower the better I say, as that way you get plenty of time not only to enjoy your surroundings, but let your body acclimatize to the altitude as well.
We recommend doing plenty of exercise before you leave home, as the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy your hike. We suggest you try to go for a short walks or running 2-3 times a week. If you have access to some walking trails that go over hills then go and explore, Hit the gym if you can’t do outdoor activities.
That said our trips are designed for regular active people, so you don’t need to be a triathlete or anything – though if you are you won’t be bored!

What if I need a special diet?
We cater all the food restrictions you might have; we work with professional cooks who will take care of you. You also can specify your particular requirements when you fill up our booking form.

  • Vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • Vegetarian (no meat products)
  • Fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • No red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • Gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • Lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?
You should have full travel insurance cover – please be aware that some insurance companies require insurance to be purchased within 7 days of deposit payment. It is imperative for you to have medical cover and emergency repatriation and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that also includes trip cancellation and other travel mishaps (e.g. flight cancellations or delays, trip interruption, theft or loss of luggage and personal effects).

PACKING LIST

Ancascocha Trek – Packing List

Essentials

  • Passport
  • Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • headlamp
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support

In your Duffle Bag

Remember you are packing for 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. Horses will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

  • 2 wicking t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • 1 Fleece
  • Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights camping
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean
  • Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
  • Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
  • Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

Toiletries

  • Face moisturizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

In your Daypack

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend small one. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

  • Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
  • Sunhat
  • Wool hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
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