We’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to call us and speak with our team of skilled professionals.
+51 984751486
perutravelcompany@gmail.com
Are you looking for a challenging hike, untouched nature, and a trail off the beaten path?
This is the perfect place for you!
Recently, National Geographic named the Ancascocha Trail one of the best hikes in the world, including it in their list of 20 dream trails off the beaten path to Machu Picchu.
Also known as the Hidden Inca Trail or the Super Inca Trail, this spectacular path is a hidden gem—less traveled but incredibly rewarding. It’s ideal if you prefer the peacefulness of Andean landscapes, where you’ll only hear the wind at the campsites and birds singing at dawn.
During your hike, you’ll have the chance to connect with local families, especially at the first campsite, adding an authentic cultural touch to your experience.
What Awaits You on the Ancascocha Trek?
If you’re ready to discover a less-traveled path packed with even greater rewards, Ancascocha is your best choice. It’s perfect for adventurers who want to connect deeply with nature and avoid the crowds heading to Machu Picchu.
Your Adventure Starts in Cusco
You’ll set off from Cusco early in the morning and enjoy a scenic drive of about two hours to Soqma, the starting point of your trek. If you’re traveling with a tour agency, this is where you’ll meet your Explore Adventures team including a horseman who will be with you throughout the journey, taking care of the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
From Soqma, you’ll begin your hike toward the stunning Perolniyoc waterfall viewpoint. It’s the perfect place to pause, take in the natural beauty, snap a few photos, and enjoy a light snack. The sound of the rushing water and the peaceful surroundings make this an unforgettable first stop.
After soaking in the views, you’ll continue walking for about 40 minutes to reach your lunch spot, where a well earned meal awaits you surrounded by nature and incredible mountain scenery.
Day Summary
Challenging Heights and Breathtaking Views
From Rayan, get ready for a challenging yet rewarding four-hour uphill hike. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, dramatic Andean valleys, and herds of llamas grazing peacefully on the slopes. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a condor soaring overhead—the largest flying bird in the Andes.
Your climb leads to the Kuychicassa Pass, at an impressive 4,450 meters (14,600 ft) above sea level. Here, you can take a well-deserved break and soak in the panoramic views: the Sacred Valley stretching out on one side, and the Chancachuco Valley on the other.
From the pass, you’ll descend for about an hour to reach a scenic spot for lunch—perfect for refueling surrounded by mountain beauty.
After lunch, you’ll have two options: enjoy a short 30-minute hike along a narrow trail with breathtaking views of Mount Veronica, or continue on a longer 4-hour trek to reach Ancascocha, an ideal campsite nestled in a peaceful highland setting.
Day Summary
Reaching the Highest Point
On this day, you’ll experience some of the most dramatic scenery of the entire trek including views of a well-preserved Inca glacier. The day begins with a challenging four-hour ascent to Huayanay Pass, sitting at 4,650 meters (15,256 ft) the highest point of your journey. The climb is steep and zigzagging, but the reward at the top is absolutely worth it.
As you hike, you’ll pass a stunning waterfall that feeds into the serene Ancascocha lagoon, adding to the wild beauty of the route. From there, the landscape gradually changes, becoming greener and more lush, as you enter an area with denser vegetation and clearer views of the original Inca Trail and, in the distance, the mysterious Lost City of the Incas.
You’ll end your day camping in the peaceful Muyu Muyu community, a quiet place embraced by nature and Andean culture a perfect spot to rest and reflect after a truly unforgettable day.
Day Summary
Descending Toward the Sacred Valley
From Muyu Muyu, you’ll begin a two hour descent to the archaeological site of Paucarcancha, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and explore the remains of this lesser-known Inca outpost nestled in the highlands.
Afterward, the trail continues downhill for about five more hours, leading you to Kilometer 82, the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of Llactapata, one of the first significant Inca sites along the original route to Machu Picchu.
Once you arrive at Km 82, your private chef will prepare a well-deserved, delicious lunch to celebrate the final stretch of your trek. From there, a private vehicle will take you to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m), where you’ll board the comfortable Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel and have some time to relax. If you’re up for it, you can visit the town’s famous hot springs before enjoying a hearty dinner and resting up for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
Day Summary
The Magic of Machu Picchu
Start your day early and get ready to experience the majesty of Machu Picchu—a moment you’ve been waiting for. You’ll join a guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel, where you’ll explore remarkable stone structures, sacred temples, and ingenious agricultural terraces that make this site one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
After the guided portion, you’ll have free time to wander, take photos, and soak in the mystical atmosphere at your own pace.
If you’ve reserved tickets in advance for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this is your chance to hike up and take in even more spectacular panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding landscape.
Once your visit is complete, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, where your private driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
El sendero se compone de escaleras y es bastante empinado, pero tomarlo lentamente no debería ser un problema para la mayoría de las personas.
El sendero tarda entre 45 minutos y 1 hora en subir y unos 30 minutos en bajar.
El sendero es muy empinado y puede estar lleno de gente. Las personas que tienen problemas con el vértigo pueden no disfrutar esta caminata.
Recomendamos el horario de entrada de 10:00 a 11:00 am, ya que es más flexible con los tours y permite a los viajeros una experiencia más relajada en las ruinas.
Las ruinas abren a las 6:00 a.m. y cierran a las 5:00 p.m.
La mayoría de las personas pasarán alrededor de 6 a 7 horas en Machu Picchu.
somos operadores directos, lo que significa que no pasamos a otra compañía de viajes, somos dueños de nuestros propios transportes, bicicletas y equipos, lo que significa que el viaje está bien organizado y el servicio es mejor.