Ancascocha Hiking Trail in Peru: Ancascocha Tour and Adventure

Ancascocha Trek in PERU

By KONDOR PATH TOURS: Trek for traversing the foothills of Peru’s Cordillera Vilcabamba, providing an unforgettable beautiful trek to the fabulous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Crossing three high passes, the established hike follows sections of stone pathways created by the Incas of South America four centuries ago. It provides tremendous views of spectacular forested valleys and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba. Our visit to Peru begins in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, “ancient name: Qosqo.” We set off on a picturesque trail around Huayanay Peak 4,650 m / 15,300 ft., passing through the forest to alpine meadows and crossing the Ancascocha Pass 4625 m to reach part of the Inca Trail. On this special 4-day section of the trail, we are likely to see a few other trekkers. This short introduction also ensures we are well acclimatized and ready to rediscover Machu Picchu, “the world-famous lost city of the Incas.”

Overview

Day 1: Cusco to Soqma – Rayan

Early morning pickup from your hotel
Private transfer to the trailhead “Soqma 3,205 m / 10,512 ft.”
A leisurely day hike
Lunch at Perolniyoc Inca site
Walking distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Estimated duration: 4 hours trek
Highest point: Rayan 3,700 meters/12,136 ft.
Campsite elevation: 3,700 meters/12,136 ft.
Weather: Cold
Trail Conditions: rocky, dusty, and slippery. Trekking shoes are definitely required.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Rayan to Ancascocha

A challenging day and the most gratifying hike day
First, the Puccaqasa Pass 4,370 m/ 14,333 ft.
Second the Kuychicassa Pass 4,457 m/ 14,619 ft.
Lunch at Chancachuco
Walking Distance: 18 km/ 11.2 miles
Estimated duration: 9 – 10 hours
Highest point: Kuychicassa 4,457 m/ 14,619 ft.
Campsite elevation: Ancascocha Lake 4,090 m/13,100 ft.
Weather: Very Cold!
Trail Conditions: rocky, dusty, and slippery
Difficulty: Challenging hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ancascocha to Huayanay pass – Qesqa community

A challenging second hike day.
Third the Huayanay Pass 4650m/ 15,300 ft.
Lunch at Incaraqay
Walking Distance: 15 km/ 9 miles.
Estimated duration: 9 hours
Highest point: Huayanay Pass 4,650 m/ 15,300 ft.
Campsite elevation: Qesqa community 3,650 m/11,910 ft.
Weather: Normal Inca Cold
Trail Conditions: rocky, dusty, and slippery
Difficulty: Challenging hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Qesqa to Kilometer 82 – Aguas Calientes village

Easiest day trek
Lunch at KM 82, “beginning of the Classic Inca Trail.”
Walking Distance: 13 km/ 8.2 miles
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Overnight: At Aguas Calientes Village, “the town below Machu Picchu.”
Trail Conditions: lovely Andes Path and Inca Trail.
Difficulty: Easy
PM board a train service to Aguas Calientes village
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes Overnight (hostel) 2,000 meters from the train station.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 5: Machu Picchu

Early breakfast at your hotel
Bus, or hiking up to Machu Picchu (by bus 25 minutes, by foot 1.5 hours)
2 hours tour for exploring Machu Picchu with your guide, and then free time for you
Climb to Huayna Picchu (Optional – book in advance with us) at 7 AM or 10 AM
PM back by bus to Aguas Calientes village Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu
PM train return service from Machu Picchu train station to Ollantaytambo train station
Train times: 2:55 PM, 4:45 PM, or 6:45 PM depending on availability at Peru Rail/Inca rail
PM or night transfer service from Ollantaytambo to Cuzco city by car
Difficulty: Mountain Spirit Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast