The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountainside and the Peruvian countryside. This adventure is for people who really want to experience the incredible nature of Andes at its best. Witness waterfalls, snow capped peaks, and diverse wildlife like llamas and alpacas. The trek takes you through remote villages and ancient ruins, allowing you to experience the rich culture and history of the region. And of course, the trek culminates with with a visit to the awe inspiring 7th wonder of the world: Machu Picchu. With the stunning scenery, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories, the Anascocha Trek is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will not want to miss. Book this amazing tour now and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Up to 8 People
Group
Adventure, Trek
Challenging/Demanding
Our journey begins with a pickup by your guide in a comfortable private vehicle, marking the start of an adventure that awaits. As we embark on a scenic drive lasting approximately 3 hours, we’ll make our way to Mollepata (2,870m/9,416ft). Here, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and perhaps acquire any last-minute supplies or fresh produce in the local market.
Later we travel for an hour from Mollepata to Soraypampa. Here we give our duffel bags to the horseman for the remainder of the hike. You will need to carry your daypack, so ensure that it is light and comfortable to carry.
Leaving by foot we hike to Salkantaypampa. Be amazed by awe inspiring landscapes along the hike arrive at the campsite where you will be spend the night. The campsite is located at Pampa Japonesa at an elevation of 4600mtrs. It is a truly breathtaking location where you will pass a memorable nights experience surrounded by impressive Andean peaks.
Today embark on an adventure that will take us across several high mountain passes, each offering its own unique and awe-inspiring vistas.
Our first challenge awaits at Inca Chiriaska (4,959m/16,269ft), where we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the landscapes unfolding beneath us. Continuing our journey, we’ll traverse an original section of the Inca Trail, leading us to the majestic Tocto Pass (4,821m/15,816ft). It is here that the trail veers toward the towering presence of Salkantay Mountain, beckoning us to venture on.
For the next four hours, we’ll conquer additional mountain passes, including the Calacocha Pass (4,667m/15,311ft), the Cruz Casa Pass (4,600m/15,918ft), and the Millpo Pass (4,399m/14,432ft). Elevation can make this a demanding day, we highly recommend you take your time and hike at your own pace. With each step, be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramas that will leave us in awe. As the day draws to a close, we’ll descend to our campsite at Millpo, where tranquility and serenity await.
Upon your arrival at camp, be greeted with a delightful spread of afternoon tea and appetizers, ready to satisfy your appetite. Rest assured, you will find your duffel bags in your already set up tents, find some time to retreat into your cozy home for the night. To complete this remarkable day, a gourmet dinner will be served, tantalizing your taste buds and providing the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accomodation: Luxurious Tents
Difficulty: Difficult
Following a satisfying hot breakfast, embark on a picturesque trek that takes us through stunning landscapes. Our journey begins with an hour-long walk to the remarkable Chusqenay Pass (4,630m/15,190ft), followed by the captivating Rumi Inca Pass, which leads into the enchanting Valley of Yahuarmaky. Along the way, we pause to rest, soaking in the breathtaking vistas that surround us.
Continuing our ascent, we make our way to the awe-inspiring Aqocasa Pass (4,686m/15,374ft) in approximately 1.5 hours. Take in a mesmerizing view of the renowned Inca Trail, which winds its way toward the illustrious Machu Picchu. As we gaze into the distance, The magnificent Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay Mountains greet you, while the majestic Veronica Mountain, also famous as Wacay Willka, graces the horizon.
During our expedition, have the opportunity to explore the intriguing Inka Raqay, a small archaeological site that adds to the historical richness of our adventure. From there, we descend to Inca Raqay and then ascend once more to the Huayanay Pass (4,630m/15,190ft). As the day draws to a close, we embark on a final three-hour downhill walk towards our campsite nestled by the tranquil Ancascocha Lake (3,700m/12,139ft). With a total walking time of 8-9 hours on this remarkable day, it’s now time to unwind, relax, and savor a well-deserved dinner, reflecting on the awesome experiences of our journey so far.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accomodation: Luxurious Tents
Difficulty: Demanding/Difficult
After another delectable breakfast, we commence our day’s trek, embarking on a two-hour descent towards Chillca and Arequipa Pampa. Along the way, we pass through charming small villages, granting us glimpses of the magnificent Andean valleys adorned with native trees and vibrant flora. The landscape is adorned with orchids, begonias, chachacoma, q’euña, and bromeliads, painting a picturesque backdrop for our journey.
As we continue our descent, the path becomes easier, leading us towards Camicancha (2,930m/9,612ft), where a well-deserved respite awaits. Here, our driver will be waiting to pick us up, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition back to civilization. It is at this point that we bid farewell to the trail, ready to embark on the next phase of our adventure.
Around 4:00 pm, we board the train that will whisk us away to the enchanting town of Aguas Calientes. Once there, indulge in a celebratory dinner, discussing the accomplishments and unforgettable moments of our trek. Following our satisfying meal, we settle into a comfortable hotel, spend the night, rejuvenating ourselves for the grand finale that awaits us at Machu Picchu.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Intipunku Tambo
Difficulty: Easy
Once you’ve savored a delightful early breakfast at your hotel, prepare for an unforgettable experience by catching the early bus at 5:30 am, transporting you up to the majestic Machu Picchu just in time to witness the enchanting sunrise. This mystical site, steeped in history, is an absolute must-see, you wouldn’t want to miss this awe-inspiring moment.
After immersing yourself in the beauty of the sunrise, your knowledgeable guide will lead you on a comprehensive two-hour tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel. During this guided exploration, have the opportunity to explore the most relevant areas of Machu Picchu and gain insights into how it divides into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
After you have finished at Machu Picchu, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Once back in Aguas Calientes, it’s time to refuel with a well-deserved lunch. Find numerous restaurants to choose from, offering a variety of culinary delights (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may have some leisure time for shopping or further sightseeing.
Boarding the Expedition train at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, embark on a scenic journey alongside the spectacular Urubamba River. As you travel back towards Ollantaytambo, be captivated by the narrow canyon and the river’s exhilarating stretches of whitewater. Keep an eye out, and you might even glimpse Wiñay Wayna high on the steep canyon wall! Upon reaching Ollantaytambo, our attentive driver will be waiting for you at the train station’s exit, ready to accompany you back to the hotel in Cusco in our private van, arriving at your hotel around 7:00 pm, bringing an end to your remarkable Machu Picchu adventure.
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu its available on any date that is best for you, as long we have a minimum of 2 people.
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 8 people | $ 657 USD per person |
**** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs(14lbs). We will provide you with a duffel bag, in which to put your things.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu
We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading “Sam Corporations Nation” outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments).
The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Absolutely! During the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
FIRST, to book your Ancascocha Trek Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu entrance tickets without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Ancascocha Trek Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into using our email address: info@samcorporations.com.
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, the deposit is NOT refundable at all!
DEFINITELY! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu and board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, we can change it when we get a COPY of your new passport or updated with your name change for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a COPY of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.
The fascinating Ancascocha trekking route is located in the remote area of Cusco, part of the Peruvian Andes mountains. So the type of weather you can expect on the this trail and some other similar alternative trails leading to Machu Picchu have the same kind of climates as in the whole region of Cusco, divided into two seasons: dry and wet, from May to October is considered the dry season with a minimum chance of getting rainy days, mainly sunny and hot during the day. It can reach freezing cold temperatures at night especially in winter time (June – August). From November to April is the rainy season, usually heavy rain falls, thunder storms. This time of year you will have less visibility on the mountains in the whole Andes, this is definitely not the suggested time to go trekking through the Mountains.
For most of the alternative trails we highly recommend hikers to bring a good four season sleeping bag or it could be hired here in Cusco, also a change of clothes for sunny days and cold temperatures expected at night time. The Ancascocha trail goes in the proximity of the cloud forest so the weather is usually sunny and dry in the winter season, rainy and cloudy in the wet season. (totally opposite to the northern hemisphere) But at Machu Picchu area you can expect very changeable weather, sometimes unpredictable. There are usually sunny days from June to August, cloudy and wet days the rest of the months, a good rain gear is always recommended to take with you.
A good winter clothing is required because you will have two cold nights at high altitude, also dry-fit clothes are highly advised and especially if you are planning to trek in the wet season (November to April).
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.
No one knew better the effects of high altitudes better than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.
You will be given a small duffel bag to pack your clothes for the next five days in our office at your briefing. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14 lbs. Your pack horse will carry your duffel bag, food and camping gear. Please Note: You will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day pack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 40 litre backpack is sufficient.
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu Trail is a difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be fit and do regular exercise, such as walking, hiking or running prior to the Trek. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9.3miles in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) before starting the trek.
Sam Corporations have an individual restroom tent with a toilet and a seat. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite and at night, if you need to use the toilet, it is readily accessible and clean.
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu due to a health issue, Sam Corporations will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required).
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (costs incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
Of course!! We will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we can pick you up there !
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for our staff and their families. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an major feature in the tourism industry. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
Original Passport: VERY IMPORTANT: (Must be the same you have used for booking your trek)
Valid University Card: (Only if you booked as a student)
Water storage: 2-3L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
Headlamp: Headlamp frees up hands for getting to essential items at night & late night bathroom trips. (Back-up flashlight & batteries are recommended)
Toilet paper: Make sure to pack your own. (You can find it in most small stores around the main square in Cusco)
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and include an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack of 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Cusco
Ancascocha
Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Sam Corporations
Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.
The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide
We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans
Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.
We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment
Quality
Contact our travel advisors to plan the most complete trip of your life.
Simplified ease of communication, text us on WhatsApp, email or call us.
Our guides are local and have vast knowledge in Peruvian culture and history.
100% local company. Development and environmental sustainability
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you an unforgettable experience
Discover an exceptional journey where perfection meets adventure.
