Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu - Orange Nation Peru

Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu

5 Days

From

677

/ Per Person

The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is an incredible trail! Earning its nickname as the Hidden Inca Trail or even more apt the Super Inca Trail. The trek follows a path that takes you through lush green towering mountains, deep blue icy lakes, pristine waterfalls and so much more natural splendor.

Visit the small Inca archeological site of Inka Rakay. Indulge your senses at the summit of Aqocasa pass (4 686m) with its intense rusty-red color. Enjoy the Huayanay glacier that towers above the most picturesque landscape you will ever experience in your life. Yellow and purple blossoms color the plains, find hundreds of species of butterflies and other exotic fauna and the night skies are perforated with the undiluted light of a million stars. To around off this once in a lifetime adventure, encounter enroute isolated indigenous communities still maintaining a very simplistic lifestyle living off the land alone and speaking the ancient Inca language, Quechua.

Finally step into your guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site and New 7 Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu!

 

Service Level:

Spacious and luxurious camping facilities. Private chef for the group. Emergency horse. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver. One night mid-tier accommodation with the option to upgrade.

Difficulty:

Challenging due to the high altitude and the 7 steep passes you have to conquer. Highest pass is at a staggering (4 959m/ 16 270ft). Sufficient acclimatization and pre-trek training is essential.

Travel Style:

Adventure, hiking, trekking, camping and mid-tier hotel accommodation.

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

You will be picked up from your hotel at 5am, at which point we begin the 3.5 hour drive to Soraypampa. On the way we pass through the charming indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo. The snow-capped Salkantay peak is our constant companion throughout the journey.

Once we arrive at the Soraypampa trailhead we pause to enjoy a hot breakfast, prepared by the groups private chef. Views of Humantay and Salkantay mountain glaciers will help you to get excited for the hike to come.

Today there is one goal in mind- taking on the 2.5 hour hike up to the famous Humantay Lake. The route is steep, but the view is more than worth it. We head back down the mountain, taking roughly 1.5 hours to do so, before arriving at Salkantay Pampa where lunch is waiting for us.

After lunch, we continue trekking for another 3 hours before arriving at our campsite at the base of the most impressive mountains in the area, Salkantay Mountain (6,264m/20,551ft) and Humantay Mountain (5,217m/17,116ft). The campsite is called Pampa Japonesa or Japanese Plain (4,600m/15,091ft).

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch– Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After a hearty and delicious breakfast, we start the long hike, assisted by mules and emergency horses as we cross several high mountain passes. The first pass is Inca Chiriaska (4,959m/16,269ft), with amazing views of well known mountain peaks of Salkantay and Mt Veronica.

From here, we walk along an original portion of the Inca Trail until you arrive at the Tocto Pass (4,821m/15,816ft), where the trail heads towards the towering Salkantay Mountain.

We continue for the next 4 hours, passing over the Calacocha pass (4,667m/15,311ft), the Cruz Casa pass (4,600m/15,918ft) and the Millpo Pass (4,399m/14,432ft), where we descend to our campsite at Millpo.

You can look forward to a number of stunning glacial lakes at the foot of our many mountain passes. This route has some of the most spectacular landscapes in Peru.

After a long day of breathtaking views and the successful crossing of 4 mountain passes, it is time for well-earned afternoon tea and appetizers, which will be ready at camp when you arrive.

Your tents will already be set up so you can settle in before your gourmet dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch– Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After a hot breakfast, we prepare ourselves for another day of mountain passes. After about an hours walk, we come to Chusqenay pass (4,630m/15,190ft), shortly followed by the Rumi Inca pass, continuing upwards to the Valley of Yahuarmaky.

After a short rest and taking some time to enjoy the views, we continue on our trek until we reach the pass of Aqocasa (4,686m/15,374ft). This section should take about 1.5 hours. This mountain is a reddish sandy mountain and from the top of this pass we get a view of the Classic Inca Trail.

We can also see Salkantay, Humantay and Huayanay Mountains. Way off in the distance, we can see the Veronica Mountain, also known as Wacay Willka. We pass by a small archaeological site called Inka Raqay and can take a moment to explore the ruins.

Then, we descend to Inca Rakay, and climb up to Huayanay Oasis (4,630m/15,190ft). After a final downhill walk of 3 hours, we reach our campsite at Ancascocha, on Ancascocha Lake (3,700m/12,139ft).

Today has a total walking time of 8-9 hours. Once we arrive back at the camp, it is time to relax and enjoy dinner together.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch– Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After another delicious breakfast, we walk 2 hours downhill to Chillca and Arequipapampa. We pass small villages with views of Andean valleys with native trees and flowers. Some of the fauna you can expect to see are: chachacoma, q’euña, orchids, begonias, and bromeliads that decorate the landscape.

The descent becomes easier towards Camicancha (2,930m/9,612ft), where our van will pick us up. We will take the train around 4:00pm to Aguas Calientes where we will enjoy a celebratory dinner and spend the night in a comfortable hotel. You’ve earned it.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Intipunku Tambo
  • Difficulty: Easy

We have an early start today, so grab some breakfast in your hotel and get ready to catch the 5:30am bus up to Machu Picchu. This gives you time to watch the sunrise in the magical citadel- the perfect way to start your Machu Picchu tour.

If you have an advanced booking for one of the peaks in the citadel (either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) you will have time to complete the hike after the conclusion of your guided tour. Once you have had your fill of the citadel (either up the mountains or on the ground) you are free to head back down to Aguas Calientes using the shuttle bus.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you are free to explore as you wish, grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants (not included), visit the market for some souvenirs, or if there’s time, take a dip in the natural hot springs that gave the town its name.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm. Be sure to watch the mountains and the Urubamba river from out the window. When you arrive in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT:

  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $57 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.
  • The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes are subject to availability. Please advise us at the time of booking.

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR ANCASCOCHA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel (It can be done on any date before the trek)
  • Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure and drop off after
  • Private transport from Cusco to Mollepata (starting point of the trek)
  • Entry fee to Machu Picchu
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • English-speaking, professional guide
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
  • All camping equipment such as dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
  • 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy – Cusco
  • Dinner in Aguas Calientes in a restaurant (4th day)
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
  • Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen, 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bags, etc
  • Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness to ensure the trek is completed by all participants
  • Foam mattress and camping pillow
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED ANCASCOCHA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent for solo travelers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • Hotels before and after the trek
  • Flight tickets
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and horsemen of ORANGE NATION PERU

The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu its available on any date that is best for you, as long we have a minimum of 2 people.

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 12 people $ 677 USD per person

**** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs. We will provide you with a duffel bag, in which to put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag – $20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air Mattress – $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal Tent – $30 USD (Tent for solo trekkers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade – $57 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm )
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
  • Hotel single supplement –$35 USD for solo travelers
  • Hotel upgrades – Hotel Ferre 3* included (other 3* upgrades $60 USD) Hotel, US$110 for 4* hotel like el Mapi or $75 USD for 4*hotel like Tierra Viva superior room

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco only)
  • DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
  • EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the HORSE will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14lbs like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
  • BOILED WATER is provided at each mealtime
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
  • CAMPING PILLOW

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE ANCASCOCHA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

Original Passport: VERY IMPORTANT: (Must be the same as the one used to book the trek)

Valid University Card: (Only if you booked as a student)

Water storage: 2-3L (Camelbaks are encouraged)

Headlamp: Headlamp frees up hands for getting to essential items at night & late-night bathroom trips. (Backup flashlight & batteries are recommended)

Toilet paper: Make sure to pack your own. (You can find it in most small stores around the main square in Cusco)

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR ANCASCOCHA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs including your 2kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing suit for the thermal waters
  • Fleece / Thermals
  • Warm clothes, jacket
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones but you might prefer something larger
  • A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR ANCASCOCHA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

We highly recommend a small backpack of 30 to 40L for hiking during the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring reusable bottles, not disposable ones.
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or dry fruits
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu
From

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/ Per Person
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Welcome

Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

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