Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu - Orange Nation Peru

Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu

See photos
From $677
OVERVIEW

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!

 

More information Less information
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.
Physical Rating: 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.

ITINERARY

At 5am, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive in our private van for 3.5 hours to Soraypampa. Along the way we drive through the charming villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, with spectacular views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain as our companion. At the Soraypampa trailhead we fuel up with a hot breakfast prepared by our chef whilst being enchanted by the views of Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft) mountain glaciers.

Then, we begin our trek with a 2.5 hour hike up to see the famous turquoise Humantay Lake. We continue with a gentle ascent for 1.5 hours to Salkantay Pampa where our trekking chefs have our delicious lunch waiting in front of the beautiful glacier. After lunch, we continue trekking for another 3 hours before arriving at our campsite at the base of the most impressive mountains in this area, Salkantay Mountain (6,264m/20,551ft) and Humantay Mountain (5,217m/17,116ft). The campsite is called Pampa Japonesa or Japanese Plain at (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 with mules and emergency horses, crossing 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.

Also 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. It has been a day of breathtaking views and the successful crossing of 4 mountain passes. It is time for 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 walk for about an hour to Chusqenay pass (4,630m/15,190ft) and then on to the Rumi Inca pass, continuing upwards to the Valley of Yahuarmaky. After a short rest and time to enjoy the views, we continue until we reach the pass of Aqocasa (4,686m/15,374ft) in about 1.5 hours. This mountain is a reddish sandy mountain and from the top of this pass we get a view of the famous Classic Inca Trail, which leads to Machu Picchu.

We can also see Salkantay, Humantay and Huayanay Mountains and off in the distance, we can see the Veronica Mountain, also known as Wacay Willka. We get to enjoy exploring a small archaeological site called Inka Raqay. 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), a total walking time of 8-9 hours this day. It is time to relax and have dinner.

  • 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, such as 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.

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

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we are ready to get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical site out of history and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes around two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel during your tour.

After the tour, those people that have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to hike it on their own. When they have had their fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, a bus back down to Aguas Calientes will be waiting. Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting with numerous restaurants to choose from (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at 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
Prices

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

Inclusions

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

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

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Learn more

EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2022
Excellent based on 280 reviews based on 280 reviews
Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

Ready to Create a Unique Dream Travel in Perú?

Recommended for you

Here you have other options that will suit your needs from the Alternative trek

Chat with Us