The Ancascocha trail to Machupicchu alternative Trek in the Peruvian Andes situated in the Cordillera Vilcabamba's remote eastern fringe, best hikes by Nat Geo, but worthy addition to the growing list of alternative Inca trails.
is a spectacular trail that remains off the beaten path even given its close proximity to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. “GET UP. GO. EXPLORE
ALL DEPARTURES 100% GUARANTEED - IF YOU'RE BOOKED, YOU'RE GOING
BRIEFING: The day before the trek, you will meet with your guideat our EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU office and meet all the members of your group. Your guide will explain to you about the trek, route and all the necessary recommendations will be provided to you. This will take approximately 40 minutes, where you will receive your duffel bags that will be carried by the horses along the tail.
OVERVIEW
The Ancascocha Trail 5D in Peru is one of the most spectacular in the world. It is listed among the 20 dream hikes by the National Geographic among their best hikes all over the world. 
it is strenuous and follows an off-beaten path. However, every mile along the way is a beauty to behold. It is challenging and strenuous, mainly due to the high altitudes, altitude gain, and the hiking length.Also known as the Super Inca Trail or Hidden Inca Trail is not travelled by many. If you are looking for pristine wilderness, off beaten paths and an engaging trek, then the Ancascocha Trail is the one for you. This trek will take you in one of the most quiet treks for 3 days and one day you will be able to hike on the classic Inca trail to the end of the trek. The probable highlight and last day of the trek will take place exploring the “Lost city of the Inca”, Machu Picchu and traveling back to Cusco by train.
Ancascocha trek highlights - This trek is recommended for people who like solitude and exploring the less popular route to Machu Picchu.
Multi-Day Adventure
Hike the remote Ancascocha Trail
Includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu climb
Deluxe camping and accommodations hotel included
Deluxe vistadome train
Nutritious meals and snacks
Top 20 National Geographic ranked, world-wide hike
Start any day
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan
Distance: 8 Kilometers / Miles
Leaving Cusco early in the morning, you will drive for around two hours to Soqma, which is the starting point of the trek. If you are going through a tour company, you will meet with our Explore Adventures staff- horseman here who will join you for the hike. we begin the trek in directiojns to Perolniyoc cascade lookout. This is great point for capturing photos and snacks. There is a waterfall at this location that is simply breathtaking.
You will then hike for more 40 minutes aprox, and stop for lunch.
Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 2: Rayan – Chancachuco – Ancascocha Valley
Distance: 16 Kilometers / Miles
From Rayan be prepared for an uphill trek that will take around four hours. You will view incredible snow capped peaks, valleys, and llamas. If you are lucky enough, you might even see a condor, regarded as the largest bird in the area. The next stop is at Kuychicassa pass at an altitude of 4,450 meters. Here, you can take a break as you enjoy the stunning views of the Sacred Valley on one side and Chancachuco Valley on the other side of the pass.
From there, you take a descent that will take an hour or so until you can find a nice spot for taking lunch. After you have taken lunch, you can decide to take a thirty-minutes hike to following a narrow trail with beautiful sceneries of Mt. Veronica. Alternatively, you can take a 4-hour walk down to Ancascocha. This is a great place for camping.
Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours
Day 3: Ancascocha Valley– Huayanay pass – Muyu Muyu community
Distance: 13 Kilometers /7 Miles
Ancascocha 4Views of a well preserved Inca and nearby glacier are the highlights of the day. Ascend towards Huayanay Pass at an elevation of 4,650 meters, a hike that will take four hours. This is the highest point of this trail characterized by a zigzag, steep trail uphill. On the way, you will see the magnificent waterfall that flows into Ancascocha Lake.
After that, you will ascend into deep greener vegetation. This section allows you clear views of the Inca Trailto Lost city of the Incas, appear in the distance. Below are the beautiful valley and the quechua communities living there. we will camp at Muyu Muyu community.
Approximate walking time:8 to 9 hours
Day 4: Muyu Muyu – Paucarcancha – Kilometer 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Distance: 13 ½ Kilometers /7 ½ miles
From Muyu Muyu we will descend for 2 hours until the Inca site of Paucarcancha. We will have a comprehensive tour of the site.
After the tour we will hike downhill for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the start of the classic Inca trail. Along the way we will be able to see the Inca site of Llactapata. This is the first site on the Classic Inca Trail. Our chef will make us a delicious lunch at Kilometer 82.
After lunch we will be picked up by private van at Km 82 and transported to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft) where we will catch the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes.
When you reach Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel room. The natural hot springs in town are a great place to relax if there is time before dinner.
Approximate walking time:7 to 8 hours
DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco
After spending the previous night in a comfortable hotel, we can take the earliest bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, arriving around 6:00 am. After having an interesting 3 hours guided tour of the ruins, you will have some extra time to explore the ruins on your own. After enjoying the citadel, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will board a train in the afternoon that will take you back to Cusco, arriving to in the evening.
INCLUDED
With the Moonstone Trek Package you will receive:
Cultural Immersion Experience
Visit to Patabamba village
Home stay at the community
Explore the community with your guide and share the day in the lives of QUECHUAS.
Transportation and tickets
Private transportation from Cusco to trailahead
Round trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Transfer from Cusco train station back to your Cusco hotel
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
hotel in Aguas Calientes
Equipment
Sleeping liner and mat
Dining & bathroom equipment
Tents for two people (single tents available for extra cost)
Saddled horse (1 saddled horse for every six passengers)
First-aid kit
Tables and seats
First aid kit/Emergency oxygen bottle
Team
Professional, knowledgeable bilingual guide
A cook to prepare your meals
Mule handlers and mules
Food
High quality meals to provide the necessary energy for this challenging trek (including vegetarian options upon request)
In addition to three meals daily, you will be given revitalizing snacks
Hot drinks such as tea and coffee, as well as enough water for your canteens, water bottles, or hydration packs (collected from local streams and boiled while on the trek)
Not Included
Sleeping bag
Breakfast on the first day
Lunch on the last day
Tips
PRICE
Price per person $750.00 (Minimum 2 persons; departures all year except February)
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* We include duffle bags 8kls and a horse that will carry your personal belongings in all of our treks at no additional cost.
*Emergency horse available throughout the trek, in the event someone is not feeling well.
Discounts
- Student Discount (with valid ISIC card) – $25
- Under 15 Discount – $25
- Under 7 Discount – $35.
Rentals
- Hiking poles - US$15.00 (pair)
- Sleeping bag - 4 season - US$30.00
- Private Tent - US$30.00
- air mattress -$15
horses- Our service includes 8kg carried by our horses per person, but if you would like an upgrade:
Upgrades
Train upgrade to Vistadome: US$50.00 one way (Departing from Aguas Calientes) Train will be according to availability and Peru Rail schedules, if train route ends at Ollantaytambo, we will be there waiting for you in order to go to Cusco City. (Our service ends once you are at your accommodation at Cusco City)
Extras
Would you also like to hike Huayna Picchu? Sure you we can make it! Its price is US$65.00 per person and there are 2 turns (at 7am and 10am), Only 400 people can hike Huayna Picchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour in Machu Picchu, starting around 10:00 a.m. We recommend that you book your tickets in advance to let us know of your interest in Huayna Picchu. Machu Picchu Mountain is an alternative climbing mountain, which also offers fantastic views of Machupicchu. We recommend it if Huayna Picchu Mountain is full.
CANCELLATION:
- 1. Because of the strict regulations of the Machupicchu Park, once you have made your reservation, you cannot cancel the space that you have reserved. You also may not alter the name or date of the reservation. If you are unable to come on the date you have reserved, we cannot reimburse you.
- 2. The $200 deposit is non-refundable. We cannot reimburse the entrance fee to the Inca Trail because the permits are non-refundable and EXPLORE ADVENTURES purchases the tickets from Machupicchu Park when you reserve your spot.
- 3. If you cancel between 30 and 10 days before your trek, you must pay 50% of the total cost.
- 4. If you cancel between 10 and 3 days before your trek, you must pay 80% of the total cost.
- 5. If you cancel one or two days before your trek, you must pay 100% of the total cost.
- 6. In the exceptional case that you decide to head back once you have started the trail, you must pay extra expenses such as food and transportation. You may join the group in Machupicchu for the walking tour and use all of the services onward.
whyEXPLORE
Peru Behind The Scenes
Cultural Immersion Experiences,
Travel is about meeting the local people and experiencing different ways of life. That is why EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU immerses you in the local communities. Visit the most interesting and off the beaten track locations to experience the real Peru! Have a unique cultural adventure at local communities, COMMUNITY STAY and CULTURAL IMMERSION before each trek and take part of our tours.
We are a 100% locally owned and operated company!
EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU offers an assortment of adventurous treks and exciting tour packages in Peru, specially designed to appeal to most visitors' budgets that doesn't have a negative impact on the environment or adversely affect local communities. EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU employees are local, Peruvian people. We work to invest in our own country and develop social work to offer our people a better lifestyle and provide opportunities to keep growing. This is the main difference between local companies and foreign companies and associated companies.
Our Treks: Ancascocha Trek – Moonstone Trek – Huchuy Qosqo Trek – Salkantay Trek – Lares Llama Trek – Ausangate Trek – Choquequirao Trek
Optional Tours / Activities : City tour, Sacred Valley , Extreme Sports Cusco, Off the Beaten Track tours.
