Ancascocha Trek & Classic Inca Trail 7 Days

This spectacular trek is world-renowned, and we are the only company in the Cusco area that offers this combination Ancashcocha/Inca Trail trek.

The Ancashcocha Trail in the Peruvian Andes is a spectacular trail that remains off the beaten path. It is listed as one of National Geographic’s 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list. The trek wanders through traditional villages like Chillipahua and its namesake Ancashcocha (3,900 m/12,795 ft). Along the way, it humps over big passes, including the high point at the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,252 ft), and takes in views of towering Apu Salkantay (6,266 m/20,551 ft).

On day 4 of the hike, we join the Classic Inca Trail. The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America – perhaps the world. It is a must-do and one of the biggest highlights of your trip to Peru. It offers astounding trekking along original paved Inca pathways, and a range of spectacular Inca ruins along the way. The stunning scenery is breathtaking. The trail spans through altitudes in the valley from 2,680 m/8,792 ft to mountain passes of 4,215 m/13,825 ft. Finally, it passes through the cloud forest to arrive at the majestic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu itself.

We leave Cusco early in the morning and drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Soqma (3,205 m/10,512 ft). This is the starting point of our trek and where we meet the horsemen that will join us during the hike. Additionally, our chef will be waiting for us here with a delicious and energizing breakfast.

We begin the hike with a 1 ¾ hour walk to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack. The waterfall that you will see at this location is breathtaking! We will then hike another 35 minutes until we visit the Inca site of the same name, where we will have a brief tour. This will be our lunch site. After a refueling lunch, we will ascend 45 minutes until our camp at Rayan (3,700 m/9,350 ft)

• Meals:  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m/ 10,512 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
• Distance to walk: 8 km/5 miles
• Approximate walking time: 4 to 5 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Area: Dry Mountain

We depart camp at about 6:30 a.m. for a 4-hour uphill trek with incredible views of the “nevadas”/snow-capped peaks, llamas, valleys, and if we are lucky, a passing condor – the largest bird in the Andes with a wing-span of up to 10 feet across. Here we reach the Kuychicassa pass (4,450 m/14,596 ft) where we take a break and soak in the magnificent views of the Chancachuco Valley on one side of the pass and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other side.

Then we start our descent and hike for another hour until we reach the location where we will take our lunch break. After lunch we ascend for 30 minutes by way of a narrow trail following a stream with beautiful views of Mt. Veronica (5,822 m/19,100 ft).

This is followed by a 4-hour walk downhill to reach the small community of Ancashcocha (3,700 m/12,136 ft), our campsite for the evening, in a small, gorgeously wooded valley with a stream running through it.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Highest Elevation:   4,450 m/ 15,250 ft
• Campsite elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
• Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
• Approximate walking time: 8 to 10 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging
• Area: Dry Mountain

Views of a nearby glacier and well preserved Inca remains are the highlight of this day. After a hearty breakfast we are ready for this challenging day. Ascending towards the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,298 ft) for 4 hours, the highest point of our trek, which is a steep zigzag trail uphill, we find an original cobblestone paved Inca trail. On the way, we see the beautiful waterfall that feeds into the Ancashcocha Lake. After this stunning view, we descend for 45 minutes until the Inca site of Incarajay. We will have lunch here.

At this point we will embark on a long descent into greener vegetation. During this stretch of the trek we will have views of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu appear in the distance, and fascinating views of the communities of the Qésqua valley. We will pass by the quaint Muyu Muyu community (3,850 m/12,628 ft).

From Muyu Muyu it is a further 2 hour descent to our campsite next to the beautiful Inca remains of Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,276 ft). This camp is a unique Inca settlement recently restored that served as a “Tambo.” A Tambo was an Incan structure that was built for administrative and military purposes.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Highest Elevation: 4,650 m/ 15,298 ft
• Campsite elevation: 3,133 m/ 10,276 ft
• Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
• Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging
• Area: Dry Mountain

Today we change pace as we join the classic Inca Trail. This is where we will say goodbye to our horsemen and the horses, and meet our porters.

From Paucarcancha we will hike 25 minutes downhill to the last village on the Classic Inca Trail, Huayllabamba (2,866 m /9,400 ft). This will be followed by a 4-hour uphill hike to Llulluchapampa (3,700 m/12,136 ft). On the way, we will hike through many ecosystems, including the cloud forest. Llulluchapampa is our camp for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Minimum Elevation: 2,866 m/9,400 ft
• Highest/Campsite Elevation: 3,700 m/12,136 ft
• Approximate walking time: 4–5 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Area: Dry Mountain

Your porters will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the day. Today is the longest day of the Inca trail portion of the hike and we will start early. We’ll hike for roughly 2 hours to the highest pass of the Inca trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters/13,829 feet). On reaching the pass we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River).

It’s another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch spot and a chance to refill our water bottles. After lunch we begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. It’s 2 hours to the pass and along the way we’ll stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, it’s another hour downhill hike to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (an otherwise inaccessible village).

We’ll stop here for a rest and have a tour of the site and then watch the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s then just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3,600 m/ 11,808 ft). After dinner we can do some stargazing and your guide will point out the fascinating Inca constellations. In the magnificent Southern Hemisphere sky, away from all the artificial lighting, this sky is something to behold!

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Highest Elevation: 4,215 m/13,829 ft
• Campsite elevation: 3,600 m/11,808 ft
• Distance to walk: 16 km/10 miles
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging
• Area: Andes and Cloud Forest

After another fantastic breakfast we will hike for two hours until we reach Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m/12,073 ft). From this location we will have astonishing views of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu mountain. We will also have a guided tour of the Phuyupatamarca Inca site.

Now it is time to head into the rain forest! We will walk downhill for 2 ½ hours until we reach our camp. During this stretch of the trail we will visit Inti Pata. Many people feel that the most beautiful pictures of the entire Inca trail can be taken from this location! After Inti Pata it is a further 30 minutes to our campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m/8,792 ft). When we arrive at the camp we will have lunch. After relaxing for a short time we will visit the archeological site that bears the same name as the camp.

Wiñay Wayna is the largest and most beautiful archeological site on the Inca trail and means forever young in Quechua. We are one of the few companies that provide a guided tour of Wiñay Wayna.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Maximum altitude: 3,600 m/11,808 ft
• Minimum altitude: 2,680 m/8,792 ft
• Distance to walk: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
• Approximate walking time: 5 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Area: High Cloud Forest

We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku (2,400 m/7,875 ft), an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and the sunrise in the Andes.

From Inti Punku it is a further 40 minute downhill hike to the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will go to the classic “photo” spot and take pictures once we arrive. Then there will be a short break prior to starting our tour of Machu Picchu. The tour will last two hours. If you elect to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, your hike will begin after the tour, at 10 a.m.

When you are finished exploring the extraordinary city of Machu Picchu you will travel to Aguas Calientes by bus. You will then take the train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy/Ollantaytambo where our private van will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Maximum altitude: 2,700 m/8,856 ft
• Minimum altitude: 2,400 m/7,875 ft
• Distance to walk: 5 km/3.73 miles
• Approximate walking time: 2 hours

• Bilingual English speaking tour guide
• Pre-departure briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your Ancascocha Trek
• Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Soqma village trailhead
• Four-person tent for every 2 people
• Inflatable Mattress.
• Kitchen tent, Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Toilet tent
• Professional Chef and assistant Chef
• Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles
• Horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc.)
• Horse to transport 8 kg of your personal gear
• Duffel bag for your personal gear
• Emergency horse in case we need it
• 7 Breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners
• Daily tea service (weak up Coca tea and afternoon tea time or happy hour with full of popcorn, chocolate, coffee, and special snacks made by our cooks).
• Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit
• Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Porter Service: As detailed in the table authorized by the INC. (To carry our camping equipment and food)
• INCA TRAIL PERMITS AND ADMISSION TICKETS: Inca Trail and Machupicchu Permits & entrance fees, as well as all the porters and cooks valid for 4 days as well as an insurance policy of life for all our staff.
• Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our porters as well as adequate clothing like: (Sleeping bag, Mat, Jacket, T-shirt, pants, rain poncho, shoes, hat, belts, proper backpack to carry the equipment, and all of them are limited to carry 20kg only).
• Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
• Private van transportation from Ollantaytambo to your Cusco hotel

• Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
• Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
• Porter to carry your personal stuff – Extra Porter (Full Porter 12kg) US$150 – Extra Porter (Half Porter 6kg) US$75 – Extra Porter (To carry Sleeping bag and pad 4kg) US$50
• Day 7 Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Ticket for Huayna Picchu mountain US$ 80 extra per person
• Gratuity for the trek crew (guide, chef, and horsemen)
• Travel/Health/Emergency insurance

• Original Passport.
• Original Student Card (if you book as a student).
• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots are recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip-on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breathe in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf, and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
• Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
• Camera, films, and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain, and cold
• Sunblock
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters, etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips, and souvenirs.
• Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)

We also offer a special service only for you or your group, you have the power to choose the size of your group and the date of departure, we will never add other people since it will be organized only for you.

Our Ancascocha Trek & Classic Inca Trail 7 Days private service, includes additional items such as:

Additional Inclusions:

• Extra Porter (to carry your personal stuff 7kg/person)
• North Face 4 season tents.
• Entrance to climb Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Vistadome Train (First Class train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo).
• Private Van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Bus (Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes).
• Lunch in Machupicchu or Aguas Calientes.
• Sleeping Bag.
• 02 Waking Poles per Person.
• 1 Duffel Bag to carry all your sleeping bags, self-inflating pad as well as clothes.
• Tour Guide to explore Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu all day. And of course, we pay a little bit more to our Staff and Guide.

Our prices for the Ancascocha Trek & Classic Inca Trail 7 Days are reasonable and are in different packages with the prices that are handled in the city of Cusco, and discounts will apply automatically for groups of over 5 people when booking this tour together at the same time.
We are a local tour operator that never shares service with any other company in Cusco, most agencies in Cusco share their service to save operating costs with poor quality. We guarantee to make the trip even if there are only 02 people in your group.
Our booking process is simple and you can secure your trip with only a 30% deposit and pay the rest at the destination.

We want your vacation to Peru to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. This section contains answers to any inquiries regarding going with Huaynas Expeditions. Please read the following information; it will assist you if you have any queries regarding our services.