Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days Andes Adventure

ITINERARY

DAY 1:  CUSCO – SOCMA VILLAGE – PEROLNIYOC ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE – RAYAN

We will begin our trek with an approximately 1.5-hour hike through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoying spectacular Andean landscapes along the way until we reach the Perolniyoc Waterfall, strategically located high in the mountains. After exploring this impressive natural attraction, we will continue to the Perolniyoc Archaeological Site, where our guide will share the history and significance of its ancient Inca remains. After approximately one more hour of hiking, we will arrive at our campsite in Rayan (3,700 m / 12,136 ft), where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. The afternoon will be dedicated to rest and recovery, allowing us to acclimatize to the altitude and prepare for the next stage of our adventure.

• Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 11kms/6.83 miles
• Walking Time: 7 – 8 hrs
• Difficulty: Easy/moderate

DAY 2: RAYAN – PUCA KASA PASS – ANCASCOCHA LAKE

Our second day begins at 6:30 a.m. with a delicious and nutritious breakfast, prepared and served by our chef. Afterward, we will leave the campsite to begin one of the most challenging and spectacular days of our adventure.

We will start with a gentle hike of approximately 3 hours, gradually ascending until we reach Puka Kasa Pass (4,450 m / 14,596 ft). For most travelers, this will be the most demanding section of the trek due to the high altitude. However, the effort will be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the entire journey.

From the mountain pass, we will admire majestic snow-capped mountains and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Upon reaching the summit, you will have the incredible feeling of standing among some of the most impressive mountain ranges of the Andes.

After taking time to enjoy this magnificent scenery, we will continue our descent toward Chancachuco, with an approximately 1.5-hour hike, where we will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue along an impressive mountain trail, crossing diverse Andean landscapes and enjoying numerous panoramic views. During this section, we will have the opportunity to admire the imposing Mount Veronica (5,950 m / 19,521 ft) as we make our way toward the Ancascocha Valley.

Along the route, we will also observe small traditional farms cultivated by local communities, reflecting the remarkable adaptation of Andean people to this remote and challenging environment.

After crossing a small stream, we will continue along an uphill trail for approximately 2 hours until we finally reach our campsite, located beside the impressive Ancascocha Lake (4,090 m / 13,419 ft). It will be a demanding day, but also one of the most memorable stages of the trek, thanks to its spectacular high-altitude landscapes, mountain lakes, Andean valleys, and breathtaking views of the Andes.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12kms/7.45 miles
• Walking Time: 6 – 7 hrs
• Difficulty: Difficult / challenging

DAY 3: ANCASCOCHA LAKE – WAYANAY PASS – QUESQA VALLEY – PAUCARCANCHA

We begin the day with a pleasant breakfast at 6:00 a.m., before continuing our adventure along the trail toward the highest pass, where we will enjoy incredible views in every direction: snow-capped mountains. After two hours of hiking, we reach the highest point on the entire route: Wayanay Pass ( 4,650 m/15.255 ft) surrounded by breathtaking panoramic scenery. There we will have some snacks before descending into the valley for lunch.

We then follow the trail downhill for approximately two hours until reaching our lunch spot; along the way, we will pass small ruins and walk alongside herds of alpacas and llamas. In the afternoon, after enjoying our meal, we continue our journey across high-altitude terrain until we arrive at the next campsite, Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10.278 ft),following another two hours of hiking. On this stretch, we will travel along the ancient Inca Trail that connects us to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, while admiring imposing snow-capped peaks in the distance. Near this campsite lies the Inca site of Paucarcancha  a fascinating place where we will learn about Inca history and culture as we explore with our guide.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 15kms/9.3 miles
• Walking Time: 8 – 9 hrs
• Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 4: PAUCARCANCHA – KM 82 – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

We start our day with an early breakfast before beginning our hike downhill toward Km 82, the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. This section of the route follows part of the same ancient path used by hikers on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Along the way, we will have the opportunity to admire Llactapata, an impressive Inca archaeological site surrounded by beautiful landscapes and ancient agricultural terraces. We will also encounter other smaller Inca ruins and enjoy spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and the surrounding mountains.

After approximately five hours of hiking, we arrive at Km 82, where we will enjoy our final lunch prepared by our chef. This will also be a special moment to say goodbye and express our gratitude to our horses, muleteers, and chefs, who have accompanied and supported us throughout our adventure.

After lunch, we will take private transportation for approximately 45 minutes to the town of Ollantaytambo. From there, we will board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), enjoying a scenic journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes through the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Upon arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo, we will check into our hotel and have the evening free to relax and prepare for the next day’s unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: hotel
• Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
• Walking Time: 5 – 6 hrs
• Difficulty: Easy

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Today brings the moment you’ve been waiting for the chance to explore one of the most magical and iconic places in the world: Machu Picchu. This awe-inspiring 15th-century Inca citadel, nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.” Built during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti, it stands as a brilliant example of ancient architecture and engineering. With its finely crafted stone temples, agricultural terraces, and breathtaking mountain views, Machu Picchu is a true masterpiece. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, it is now recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

We’ll spend approximately three hours exploring the citadel with our expert guide. Key highlights include the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun, the sacred water fountains, the Temple of Mother Earth (Pachamama), and many other mystical and historically significant sites that reveal the spiritual depth of the Inca civilization.

After the guided tour, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes. If time allows, you can browse the artisan market or unwind at the local hot springs. Enjoy lunch at your preferred restaurant before heading to the train station.

In the afternoon, we’ll board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo, departing at either 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. The journey follows the scenic path of the Urubamba River, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and archaeological remains nestled along the route.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. We expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:30 p.m., concluding an unforgettable experience at one of the world’s greatest wonders.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy