A land trip from Cusco to Camicancha: horseback Horseback Riding  to Ancascocha Lagoon

At 5:30, we travel from Cusco to Camicancha through the Pomatales Valley, passing through Ollantaytambo and Chilca. Our muleteers and saddle horses are waiting for us in the Chilca area. We ride the horses towards the Ancascocha lagoon, a three-hour ride. The first leg of horseback riding is to gain time by shortening the distance by climbing towards the Andes’ heights and then walking the Huayanay pass from the Ancascocha lagoon.

The area’s remoteness makes the Andes unique and impressive with their mountain ranges and beautiful multicolored terrain. From the Ancascocha lagoon, we start the walk by ascending the mountain for an average of 40 minutes to reach the Huayanay Pass. From Paso Huayanay, we descend the Andes Mountain range for an average of 1 hour and a half until we reach the foothills of QESQA. We camp in Qesqa with a beautiful view of the valleys of Paucartambo and Wayllabamba.

Ascending to Pass of Huayanay

We begin with an ascent to the Pass of Huayanay, the hike’s highest point at 4,650 meters (15,256 feet). The challenging climb rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and towering peaks.

Witnessing the Beauty of Ancascocha

The trail descends into the stunning Ancascocha Valley, where hikers can appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this remote region. The valley is dotted with traditional Andean communities, providing opportunities to interact with locals and learn about their way of life.

Camping Amidst Nature’s Wonders

We camp in the heart of the Ancascocha Valley. Surrounded by nature’s wonders, trekkers can savor the tranquility of the Andes and relish the sense of isolation from the modern world.

HIKING DATA

• Departure time from Cusco: 05:30
• Land travel time between Cusco and Camicancha: 2 hours
• Horseback riding time from Camicancha to Ancascocha lagoon: 3 hours and 20 minutes
• Walking distance: 13 KM (8:08 miles).
• Highest elevation: 4,650 METERS (15,298 feet)
• Campsite elevation: 3,650 METERS (1,910 feet)
• Hiking Difficulty: Challenging
• Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and Dinner

Hike along the Inca Trail between Qesqa and KM 82.

The activities of the Ancascocha Hike 3 days to get out of the tourist circuit is to start the hike at 05:30, descending the mountain to enter the Paucarcancha valley.

Paucarcancha is the focal point of the union of the three valleys because Inca roads go to the Ancascocha Valley, Salkantay through the Inca Canal, the classic Inca Trail, and several other secondary hiking routes.

From Paucarcancha, we walk along the Cusichaca River to ascend towards Miskay and leave Ancascocha at kilometer 82 of the railway. Explore some Inca sites like Paucarcancha, Tunasmoqo, Patallacta, etc.; we have lunch at km 82. After lunch, we go by local vehicle for an average of 40 minutes to the town of Ollantaytambo to board the night train service to Aguas Calientes.

Descending the Sacred Valley

On the final day, the trek leads down through the lush greenery of the Sacred Valley. The landscape changes dramatically, with abundant flora and colorful birds adorning the path.

Hiking DATA

• Start time of the walk: 06:00
• Hiking distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
• Trekking time: 07 to 08 hours
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Lowest elevation: 2,750 meters (9,000 feet)
• Highest elevation: 3,650 meters (11,910 feet)
• Meals: breakfast and lunch.

Boarding the Train to Aguas Calientes

After reaching the end of the trek, hikers will take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. This relaxing journey allows for a well-deserved rest before the last leg of the adventure.

Train service information: [Outbound Journey]

• Train company: PERU RAIL
• Service: OLLANTAYTAMBO-MACHU PICCHU (1 hour and 40 minutes of train ride)
• Class: EXPEDITION 75
• Departure: 19:04
• At Station: 18:30; otherwise, you may not be allowed to board.
• Aguas Calientes Arrival: 20:45

AGUAS CALIENTES OVERNIGHT

Guided visit to Machu Picchu: Return to Cusco

The Ancascocha Trek 3-Day Route is to explore Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco to culminate in great detail. In the morning, we board the shared bus to ascend the mountain and reach the gates of Machu Picchu. We present our entrance tickets to climb to the Inca citadel’s top and have an impressive panoramic view of the Machu Picchu sanctuary.

The guided tour is two hours, exploring the Inca agricultural and residential areas with highlights. Every angle of Machu Picchu is photographic. We return to CUSCO in the afternoon via Ollantaytambo and thus culminate our incredible short trip through the Andes and the jungle of Cusco.

The Final Trek to Machu Picchu

The climax of the Ancascocha 3-day hike is the awe-inspiring visit to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. As the morning sun casts its golden rays upon the mystical ruins, trekkers are filled with wonder and accomplishment. A guided tour of Machu Picchu unravels its historical significance and architectural marvels.

Machu Picchu Data

• Bus service to Machu Picchu (up and down)
• Two-hour guided tour inside the archaeological park of Machu Picchu at 09:00
• In the afternoon, board your train service to the POROY train station.

Train service information: [Inbound Journey]

• Train company: INCA RAIL
• Service: Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo (1 hour and 50 minutes of train ride).
• Class: VOYAGER
• Departure: 14:30
• At Station: 14:00; otherwise, you may not be allowed to board.
• Ollantaytambo arrival: 16:04
• Cusco arrival by transport: 17:50

You will be met at the train arrivals area when you get to the Ollantaytambo train station. Just look for a KONDOR PATH TOURS sign with your name.” Group name: Ancascocha Trek 3 Days