Ancascocha Trek 5 Days + Short Inca Trail (Camping)
Ancascocha’s complete on-foot circuit paired with a Short Inca Trail permit hike to the Sun Gate.
The Ancascocha Trek 5 Days + Short Inca Trail ULTIMATE Combo is the ONE tour that delivers MAXIMUM immersion — 5 days + 2 nights camping covering more scenic diversity + more Inca ruins + more altitude achievements + more remote off-the-beaten-track landscapes than any other combo.
Five reasons discerning ULTIMATE trekkers choose this specific combo:
1. The MOST COMPREHENSIVE Ancascocha route — 5 days ULTIMATE. The 4-day Ancascocha version starts directly at Camicancha via horseback riding. This 5-day version starts with the Perolniyoc waterfall + ruins on Day 1 — completely UNIQUE and beautiful cascade + archaeological site that the 4-day skips entirely. Extra day = extra scenic + cultural discoveries.
2. 2 NIGHTS CAMPING (Chancachuco + Qesqa) — the perfect balance. Classic Inca Trail 4-Day forces 3 nights camping (physically demanding for many). Ancascocha 4-Day has only 1 night camping (limited immersion). This 5-day version delivers 2 nights camping — enough for a genuine immersive camping experience without extreme demand. Sweet spot for adventure + comfort.
3. Kuychicassa Pass 4,450m + Huayanay Pass 4,650m — TWO high-altitude achievements. Most trek combos deliver ONE major pass. This combo delivers TWO major high-altitude passes: Kuychicassa Pass 4,450m Day 1 + Huayanay Pass 4,650m Day 2 (highest of all 5-day + Short IT combos). Double the altitude achievement.
4. 4 Inca ruins Day 3 — Paucarcancha + Patawasi + Patallacta + Canamarca. Day 3 walks through FOUR different Inca archaeological sites — original Inca pathways preserved across the ancient Inca Empire’s connection to Machu Picchu. Impossible in any shorter tour — historical + archaeological richness only possible with 5 days.
5. Ministry of Culture Inca Trail permit + Sun Gate + Guardian’s House 15-20 min. Despite the remote off-the-beaten-track Days 1-3, this combo delivers the FULL Short Inca Trail permit experience Day 4 (Chachabamba + Wiñaywayna + Sun Gate + Guardian’s House 15-20 min classic MP photos + Circuit 3B automatic Day 5). Same permit privilege as premium combos — with the MOST comprehensive off-the-beaten-track route.
| ⏱️ Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| 🎯 Category | MOST COMPREHENSIVE + 2 NIGHTS CAMPING + ULTIMATE |
| 📅 Day 1 | Cusco → Socma → Perolniyoc → Kuychicassa → Chancachuco Camp |
| 📅 Day 2 | Chancachuco → Huayanay Pass 4,650m → Ancascocha Lagoon → Qesqa Camp |
| 📅 Day 3 | Qesqa → Paucarcancha + Patawasi + Patallacta + Canamarca → Ollantaytambo |
| 📅 Day 4 | Ollantaytambo → Short Inca Trail Km 104 → Sun Gate → Aguas Calientes |
| 📅 Day 5 | Machu Picchu Circuit 3B + return to Cusco |
| 🕐 Day 1 pickup | 05:00 AM Cusco hotel |
| 🕐 Day 4 pickup | 06:50 AM Ollantaytambo hotel |
| 📍 Pickup location | Cusco hotels ONLY (NOT airport) |
| 🥾 Day 1 hiking | 18 km / 7-8 hours |
| 🌊 Perolniyoc waterfall | UNIQUE Day 1 (NOT in 4-day) |
| ⛰️ Day 1 Kuychicassa Pass | 4,450m — first high pass |
| ⛺ Day 1 camping | Chancachuco 4,350m |
| 🍽️ Day 1 meals | Lunch + Afternoon Tea + Dinner |
| 🥾 Day 2 hiking | 18 km / 10 hours |
| ⛰️ Day 2 Huayanay Pass | 4,650m (MAX altitude tour) |
| 🏞️ Ancascocha lagoon | 4,150m sacred glacial lake |
| ⛺ Day 2 camping | Qesqa 3,650m |
| 🍽️ Day 2 meals | Breakfast + Lunch + Afternoon Tea + Dinner |
| 👨🍳 Camping crew | Cook + muleteers + pack donkeys + kitchen tent + toilet tent |
| 🥾 Day 3 hiking | 15 km / 9 hours |
| 🏛️ Day 3 Inca ruins | Paucarcancha + Patawasi + Patallacta + Canamarca (4 sites) |
| 🚐 Day 3 Km 82 | Vehicle to Ollantaytambo |
| 🍽️ Day 3 meals | Breakfast + Lunch |
| 🌙 Overnight Day 3 | Ollantaytambo (hotel NOT included) |
| 🚂 Train Day 4 outbound | PeruRail Expedition 83P · 07:45 → 08:55 |
| 🥾 Day 4 Short Inca Trail | 12 km / 5h + 2h stops = ~7h total |
| 🏛️ Day 4 Inca ruins | Chachabamba + Wiñaywayna (permit-only) |
| 🍽️ Day 4 lunch | Box lunch INCLUDED during hike |
| ⛰️ Day 4 Sun Gate | 2,715m Inti Punku |
| 📸 Guardian’s House Day 4 | 15-20 min classic MP photos |
| 🌙 Overnight Day 4 | Aguas Calientes (hotel NOT included) |
| 🎫 Day 5 MP entry | 08:00 AM recommended (flexible 06:00-11:00 AM) |
| 🎫 Circuit | Circuit 3B automatic (Inca Trail ticket) |
| 🎓 Day 5 guided tour | 2 hours private specialist |
| 🚂 Train Day 5 return | PeruRail Expedition 74P · 14:55 → 16:31 |
| 🚐 Cusco arrival | ~18:30-19:00 PM |
| 🎫 MP ticket | Circuit 3B + SERNANP 2026 |
| 🎫 Inca Trail permit | Ministry of Culture in your name |
| 🎫 Camping equipment | Tents + sleeping pads + kitchen + toilet tent |
| 🎯 Format | PRIVATE TOUR |
| 👥 Group size | 1-10 travelers (+10 contact) |
| 🎓 Age minimum | 14 years with guardian |
| 📅 Operating | March 1 to January 31 — Daily |
| 🚫 CLOSED | February (Inca Trail maintenance) |
| 💪 Difficulty | Very Demanding (2 nights camping + long distances + Huayanay Pass 4,650m) |
| 💲 From | $732 USD per person — ULTIMATE tier |
Start your Ancascocha Trek 5 Days + Short Inca Trail journey — 5 days of real adventure. – 2 NIGHTS CAMPING (Chancachuco + Qesqa) — most immersive – Perolniyoc waterfall + ruins Day 1 — UNIQUE. – Kuychicassa Pass 4,450m Day 1 — first high pass. – Chancachuco camp 4,350m — UNIQUE high-altitude camp Day 1. That’s the Ancascocha Trek 5 Days + Short Inca Trail, in a nutshell.
The Ancascocha Trek 5 Days + Short Inca Trail Permit ULTIMATE Combo is the MOST COMPREHENSIVE Ancascocha + Short Inca Trail combo in our catalog — 5 days delivering Perolniyoc waterfall + Kuychicassa Pass + Chancachuco camp + Huayanay Pass + Ancascocha lagoon + 4 Inca ruins Day 3 + Short Inca Trail permit + Sun Gate.
This IS the tour for:
Ancascocha 4-Day + Short IT ($651, age 12+):
This 5-Day Combo ($732, age 14+):
Choose 4-Day if: horseback riding priority + comfort focus (1 night camping) + 4 days budget. Choose 5-Day (this) if: more camping + Perolniyoc + Kuychicassa + comprehensive scenic route + 5 days + more remote.
This 5-day camping version pairs the complete on-foot Ancascocha route — Perolniyoc Waterfall, Kuychicastay Pass, Ancascocha Lagoon, and Huayanay Pass (4,650 m) — with an official Short Inca Trail permit for the final approach, meaning trekkers walk into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate after days spent almost entirely alone on the trail.
Elevation builds steadily through Days 1 and 2 on this trek, peaking at Huayanay Pass (4,650 m) on Day 2 after a full first day already spent adjusting at elevation near Kuychicassa Pass. Days 3 and 4 then descend through Paucarcancha toward Ollantaytambo, dropping substantially in elevation before Day 4’s Short Inca Trail permit hike — a far gentler climb by comparison — sets up Day 5’s walk into Machu Picchu at comfortably lower altitude.
Early start for long Day 1.
Pre-tour preparation (night before):
Scenic drive to Socma trailhead.
Meet camping crew + briefing + coca leaves distribution.
Beautiful ascent to UNIQUE Perolniyoc.
Highlights:
Lunch INCLUDED at scenic viewpoint.
Progressive altitude gain through Andean landscape.
Landscape:
⛰️ Kuychicassa Pass 4,450m — Day 1 highest point.
Descent to high-altitude camp.
Chancachuco Camp 4,350m — high-altitude remote camp.
What’s INCLUDED:
Afternoon tea: coca tea + biscuits + snacks.
Dinner — hot professional trekking meal.
Overnight: Chancachuco camp 4,350m in tents.
Total Day 1: 18 km / 7-8 hours + Perolniyoc + Kuychicassa Pass 4,450m + Chancachuco camp.
1L, 1D.
Intense
18km (6.8 miles)
7-8 Hrs.
Socma: 3,205m (10,512 ft)
Chancachuco: 4,350m (14,271 ft)
Kuychi Cassa Pass: 4,450m (14,596 ft)
Breakfast: fresh fruit + Peruvian bread + eggs + coffee/coca tea + juice.
Long Day 2 start — 10 hours hiking + MAX altitude.
4h30 ascent through remote Andean landscape.
Landscape transitions:
MAX altitude of tour — highest 5-day + Short IT combo altitude.
Views:
Cultural activity:
Sacred glacial lagoon — unique Andean beauty.
Lunch at lagoon viewpoint.
Photography:
Long descent through remote Andean landscape.
Qesqa Camp 3,650m — Day 2 camping.
Same crew + equipment as Day 1.
Dinner at Qesqa.
Overnight: Qesqa camp 3,650m in tents.
Total Day 2: 18 km / 10 hours + Huayanay Pass 4,650m + Ancascocha lagoon + Qesqa camp.
1B, 1L, 1D.
Challenging
18km (11.1 miles)
10 Hrs.
Chancachuco: 4,350m (14,271 ft)
Qesqa: 3,650m (11,910 ft)
Huayanay Pass: 4,650m (15,298 ft)
Breakfast INCLUDED.
Long Day 3 start — 9 hours + 4 Inca ruins.
Beautiful descent through cloud forest transition.
Day 3 archaeological highlights:
🏛️ Paucarcancha — original Inca administrative site 🏛️ Patawasi — Inca resting station 🏛️ Patallacta — agricultural terraces 🏛️ Canamarca — final Inca section connecting to Km 82
Cultural context by guide at each site.
Lunch at scenic viewpoint.
Descent through original Inca pathways to Km 82.
Private van transfer to Ollantaytambo.
Ollantaytambo hotel — client books independently (NOT included).
Recommendations:
Advantage: Ollantaytambo station 10-minute walk from most hotels — Day 4 pickup advantage.
Suggestions:
Total Day 3: 15 km / 9 hours + 4 Inca ruins + Km 82 connection.
Overnight: Ollantaytambo hotel (client books).
1B, 1L.
Intense
15km (9.3 miles)
9 Hrs.
Qesqa: 3,650m (11,910 ft)
KM 82: 2,750m (9,000 ft)
None
10-min walk to station advantage.
Day pack essentials:
Your overnight bag gets transported ahead to Aguas Calientes.
Ministry of Culture ranger station:
Cloud forest hiking.
🏛️ Chachabamba ruins (~09:30 AM): ceremonial site (permit-only, 20-30 min).
Agricultural terraces + ceremonial complex (permit-only, 45-60 min).
Steepest section — 1h15-1h30 climb.
Peak moment Day 4 — first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Time: ~20-30 min at Sun Gate.
40-min descent with continuous MP views.
Classic MP photos — Inca Trail permit privilege.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes hotel (client books).
1BL.
Intense
11km (6.14 miles)
5 Hrs.
KM 104: 2,000m (6,560 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Inti Pinku: 2,720m (8,920 ft)
Not included.
25-min scenic ride.
⚠️ Flexible entry: Inca Trail tickets allow 06:00-11:00 AM.
Circuit 3B is automatic with an Inca Trail permit.
Highlights:
~4 hours for lunch + exploration.
Total tour completed — 5 days of ULTIMATE COMPREHENSIVE adventure.
Easy
A light walk
2-hour guided tour
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Transport
Camping Crew Days 1+2
Camping Equipment Days 1+2 INCLUDED
Guides
Entrance Fees + Permits — ALL INCLUDED
Meals — 8 INCLUDED
Safety Equipment
Other
Hotels NOT included (Days 3 + 4):
Meals NOT included:
Other:
Reason: 05:00 AM Day 1 pickup + logistics + 5-day tour complexity.
Recommended: fly Cusco 3-4 days before + acclimatize (CRITICAL for Huayanay Pass 4,650m).
Ancascocha 5-Day is VERY DEMANDING — adult adventurous trekkers only:
Physical preparation (2-3 months before):
Altitude preparation:
Camping preparation:
Not suitable for: sedentary travelers, altitude-sensitive travelers, mobility-limited travelers, children under 14.
Train upgrades Day 5:
MP extras:
Camping upgrades:
Discounts:
Primary ULTIMATE audience:
Honest disclosure:
The MOST COMPREHENSIVE Ancascocha Trek + Short Inca Trail combo in our catalog — 5 days delivering: Day 1 05:00 AM Cusco pickup + Socma + 18 km / 7-8h hike through Perolniyoc waterfall + ruins + Kuychicassa Pass 4,450m + camping Chancachuco 4,350m INCLUDED + lunch + afternoon tea +
dinner INCLUDED.
Day 2 18 km / 10h hike through Huayanay Pass 4,650m (MAX) + Ancascocha lagoon + camping Qesqa 3,650m INCLUDED + 4 meals INCLUDED.
Day 3 15 km / 9h hike through Paucarcancha + Patawasi + Patallacta + Canamarca original Inca pathways + Km 82 vehicle to Ollantaytambo + breakfast + lunch INCLUDED + overnight Ollantaytambo (hotel NOT included).
Day 4 06:50 AM pickup + PeruRail Expedition 83P + 12 km Short Inca Trail permit hike + Chachabamba + Wiñaywayna + box lunch INCLUDED + Sun Gate 2,715m + 15-20 min Guardian’s House + overnight Aguas Calientes (hotel NOT included).
Day 5 MP Circuit 3B automatic at 08:00 AM recommended + 2h guided tour + PeruRail Expedition 74P return + Cusco ~18:30-19:00 PM. PRIVATE ULTIMATE tour from $732 USD · Operating March-January daily (closed February) · Age 14+ with guardian.
Both are Ancascocha + Short IT combos but very different profiles:
Ancascocha 4-Day + Short IT ($651, age 12+):
This 5-Day Combo ($732, age 14+):
(more demanding)
Choose 4-Day if: horseback priority + 1 night camping preferred + 4 days budget.
Choose 5-Day (this) if: more camping + Perolniyoc + Kuychicassa + comprehensive scenic route + 5 days + MOST remote.
Physical demand comparison:
Ancascocha 4-Day: 1 night camping + horseback riding (reduces physical demand Day 1).
This 5-Day (age 14+):
High-altitude camping**
Age 14+ ensures: physical readiness for extreme altitudes + long hiking distances + camping at 4,350m Chancachuco.
Both include an Inca Trail permit + camping but have different profiles:
Classic Inca Trail 4 Days (~$755, age 12+, 3 nights camping):
4,215m** — lower altitude
This Ancascocha 5-Day ($732, age 14+, 2 nights camping):
Choose Classic Inca Trail if: full traditional route + 3 nights camping OK + $722 budget.
Choose this Ancascocha 5-Day if: more REMOTE + higher altitude + 2 nights camping + Perolniyoc + Kuychicassa + comprehensive scenic.
Perolniyoc — UNIQUE Day 1 highlight not found in Ancascocha 4-day:
Cultural significance: pre-Inca and Inca ceremonial connection to water sources.
2 nights camping with complete crew:
What’s INCLUDED:
What to bring:
Camping experience:
Yes — Ministry of Culture Inca Trail permit for Day 4:
4 nights:
Family-friendly recommendations available at booking for Days 3+4.
Circuit 3B automatic (Inca Trail permit).
VERY DEMANDING — adult adventurous trekkers only:
Total: ~63 km hiking + 2 nights high-altitude camping + EXTREME altitude.
Preparation required:
Not suitable for: sedentary travelers, altitude-sensitive travelers, children under 14, mobility-limited.
No — 05:00 AM Day 1 pickup + logistics.
Recommended: fly Cusco 3-4 days before (crucial for Huayanay Pass 4,650m + Chancachuco 4,350m acclimatization).
Prevention:
During tour:
Extreme altitude warning: Huayanay Pass 4,650m + Chancachuco camp 4,350m are DEMANDING for altitude-sensitive travelers.
Travel insurance STRONGLY recommended.
Yes — PRIVATE tour:
Advanced customizations: contact at booking.
No — March-January daily, CLOSED February.
Best months for camping:
Note: camping quality significantly better in dry season (May-September).
| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 1 | $ 2 294.00 USD | |
| 2 | $ 1 388.00 USD | |
| 3 | $ 1 130.00 USD | |
| 4 | $ 986.00 USD | |
| 5 | $ 935.00 USD | |
| 6 | $ 862.00 USD | |
| 7 | $ 821.00 USD | |
| 8 | $ 776.00 USD | |
| 9 | $ 762.00 USD | |
| 10 | $ 732.00 USD |
5 Days Ancascocha Trek Short Inca Trail
5 Days Ancascocha Trek Short Inca Trail
5 Days Ancascocha Trek with Short Inca Trail
