The Ancascocha Trek is a spectacular trail that is beautiful, strenuous, and off the beaten path. This trek takes 5 days/4 nights and ends in Machu Picchu. Ancascocha is very strenuous and challenging due to the
altitude gain, high altitudes, 7 steep summits, and length of hiking: 56 km/34.8 miles and goes up to 4,959m/16,270ft.The Ancascocha Trek, also known as the Hidden Inca Trail or the Super Inca Trail, is a strenuous and less traveled trek.
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Tour Details - Ancascocha Trek
Overview:
- Tour Type: Hiking, adventure, camping, culture
- Total Distance: 56 KM / 35 Miles.
- Good For: Those with a sense of adventure and in good shape
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Considerations: Enjoy the amazing beaten path , pristine wilderness, glacial mountains , lake and Machu Picchu
- Season: Open all year - January through December.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa – Pampa Japonesa
We will collect you from your hotel via our private transport and drive 3 hours to Mollepata (2,870m/9,416ft). In Mollepata you can purchase items you may still need (rain poncho, extra snacks, water, etc.). From Mollepata we will continue to drive to Soraypampa (3,840m/12,598ft), about 1 hour. Our hike begins from the village of Soraypampa, walking for one hour before we stop for lunch in Salkantaypampa. After lunch, we continue trekking for several hours until we arrive at our campsite for the night, Pampa Japonesa (4,600m/15,092ft). Our campsite is set at the base of two incredibly beautiful glacial peaks: Salkantay (6,264m/20,551ft) and Humantay (5,217m/17,116ft) Mountains.
- Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 12 km/7.5 Miles
- Time: 6 - 7 hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 02: Pampa Japonesa – Inca Chiriaska – Millpo
After breakfast we begin a long hike, including summiting multiple high passes. The first high pass is Inca Chiriaska (4,959m/16,270ft) with amazing views of the surrounding area. After the pass we trek along an original stone Inca Trail to reach the Tocto pass (4,821m/15,817ft). We then continue for approximately 2 more hours until we summit the Calacocha pass (4,667m/15,312ft). We then hike one hour to the summit of Cruz Casa pass (4,600m/15,092ft) and then another hour to the Millpo Pass. After summiting five passes today we finally begin hiking down to our campsite at Millpo (4,399m/14,432ft).
- Meals: Breakfast - Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 16 km/9.9 Miles
- Time: 8 - 9 hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 03: Millpo – Ancascocha
After enjoying an early breakfast and a cup of hot coca tea, we begin hiking for about 1 hour towards the Chusqenay pass (4,630m/15,190ft) after which we then descend to the Rumi Inca pass. Our hike continues up to the narrow Yahuarmaky valley. We begin an uphill trek for about 1.5 hours until summit the Aqocasa pass (4,686m/15,374ft) which is a beautiful, rich, rusty-red mountain. Using binoculars here you can view parts of the classic, famous Inca trail that links directly to Machu Picchu . You will also have stunning views of Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay Mountains and a distant view of Huacaywillka Mountain (aka Sacred Tears). From here it is a 3 hour hike down to Inka Rakay, a small Inca ruin site, and then another 1.5 hour ascent to the Huayanay pass (4,630m/15,190ft). We then descend 3 hours to our campsite at Ancascocha Lake (3,700m/12,139ft).
- Meals: Breakfast - Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 16 km/9.9 Miles
- Time: 8 - 9 hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 04: Ancascocha – Chillca
Today we begin hiking downhill from our campsite at Ancascocha Lake for about 5 hours to Camicancha, passing through Arequipapampa along the way. During our walk today we will pass by small villages with views of expansive Andean peaks and valleys, native plants (like chachacoma, qeuña trees, orchids, begonias, and bromeliads). We will stop for our hot buffet lunch in Camicancha with beautiful views of the valley. After we eat lunch we take private transport to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes. In Aguas Calientes we will check into our hotel and have a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant. If you wish you can choose to soak in the local hot springs.
- Meals: Breakfast - Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Distance: 12 km/7.5 Miles
- Time: 6 - 7 hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate & Challenging
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Today you will get to enjoy exploring Machu Picchu and experience her magical presence by taking the first bus at 5:30AM to the Machu Picchu archeological site. If you hurry you will get to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Take your time, making sure you tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is an unforgettable experience.
Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Or stay still and drink in the pure majesty of her presence, and enjoy the pure delight of the moment.
Here are a few of alternative activities that you might wish to indulge in on your own:
- Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (not included in your tour price and must be booked in advance.)
- You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku (free of charge)
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs (entrance fees required)
You will descend to Aguas Calientes when you are ready to eat lunch and later on board the Expedition train at 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Train Station and you will be driven back to your hotel in Cusco from Ollantaytambo in our private van arriving at around 8pm.
- Meals: Breakfast
INCLUSION
What Is Included
What Is Not Included
Extras
- Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Single supplement US$30 per night (for solo travellers with single room)
PRICES
Price & Availability
“This trek is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people.”
Prices:
Group Service
- US$ 685 PER PERSON (AMERICAN DOLLARS)
Private Service
- US$ 785 PER PERSON (AMERICAN DOLLARS)
***We require a minimum of 2 hikers in order to start the trek. For solo travellers- please inquire on the dates you are looking to trek.
TRIP NOTES
Essentials
- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT 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.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
For Your Duffel
Porters will carry up to 7 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.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- 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
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
Inside Your Daypacks
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. 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
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (IPhone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs