Ancascocha Trek 4 Days – Alternative Route to Machu Picchu
Ancascocha Trek 4 Days – Alternative Route to Machu Picchu
Ready to explore Ancascocha in Machu Picchu, Peru? Take this 4-day trek and admire stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife as you uncover all this area offers.
4 Day Ancascocha Trek with Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Ancascocha Trek 4 Days: This remote trekking route combines high-altitude mountain scenery, original Inca pathways, cloud forests, and the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu into one immersive hiking experience through the Andes.
The expedition crosses the Huayanay mountain region before descending toward Paucarcancha and reconnecting with the original pathways of the Short Inca Trail near KM 82. Along the journey, hikers explore remote valleys, alpine landscapes, and less crowded trekking environments far from the traditional Inca Trail route.
Designed for active travelers seeking a more adventurous and scenic alternative to Machu Picchu, the Ancascocha Trek offers one of the most diverse short trekking combinations in Peru.
Consider the 4-day trek on the Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu for a truly unforgettable adventure. While the hike is challenging, the rewards are well worth it, as you’ll experience some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.
Overview
What to Expect on the 4-Day Ancascocha Trek in Peru
This trekking expedition explores remote Andean valleys, glacier landscapes, cloud forests, and original Inca pathways leading toward Machu Picchu through one of the lesser-known trekking regions near the Historic Sanctuary.
From high mountain valleys and remote Andean passes to cloud forests and original Inca pathways near Machu Picchu, the landscapes change dramatically throughout the expedition.
Main Highlights of the Ancascocha Trek with Short Inca Trail
- Cross remote Andean valleys and high mountain passes near the Huayanay region.
- Explore original Inca pathways connecting Paucarcancha and the Short Inca Trail.
- Experience quieter trekking routes with fewer crowds compared to the Classic Inca Trail.
- Hike through cloud forests and scenic mountain landscapes before arriving at Machu Picchu.
- Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
- Ideal for active travelers seeking a more remote alternative trekking route in Peru.
Who This Trek Is Best For
The 4-Day Ancascocha Trek is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a more remote and scenic alternative to the Classic Inca Trail. It’s perfect for those who enjoy multi-day hikes through open mountain landscapes while still reaching Machu Picchu through a historic route.
This trek is especially suited for:
- Hikers who prefer quieter trails away from large tourist groups
- Travelers looking for a combination of high-mountain scenery and Inca heritage
- Active individuals who are comfortable hiking several consecutive days
- Those who want a deeper, more immersive Andean experience before visiting Machu Picchu
This route is best suited for travelers with a good level of fitness who enjoy remote mountain trekking and multi-day high-altitude hiking. This route is ideal for travelers seeking a more remote trekking experience with fewer crowds while still reaching Machu Picchu through original Inca pathways.
Difficulty Level and Daily Distances
The 4-Day Ancascocha Trek is considered moderately challenging, especially during the first two days when you cross high Andean passes and hike through remote mountain terrain. Elevations can exceed 4,500 meters (14,760 feet), so steady pacing and proper acclimatization are important.
Daily hiking distances range from 9 to 16 kilometers (5–10 miles), with approximately 5-8 hours of walking per day, depending on the section of the trail.
The terrain includes gradual ascents, high mountain passes, and descending trails that reconnect with the Short Inca Trail before reaching Machu Picchu.
While the trek is physically demanding, it is manageable for well-prepared travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. Spending a few days in Cusco beforehand helps your body adjust to the altitude and makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Route Overview: Day-by-Day Highlights
- Day 1: Cusco — Camicancha — Ancascocha — Qesqa
- Day 2: Qesqa — Paucarcancha — Km 82 — Ollantaytambo
- Day 3: Short Inca Trail to Inti Punku and Aguas Calientes
- Day 4: Machu Picchu — Cusco
Itinerary
Detailed 4-Day Ancascocha Trek Itinerary
Pre-trek briefing: You will meet your adventure guide 1 or 2 days before your Ancascocha Trek for 4 days. This will happen at the reception of your hotel. The meeting time with the tour guide and hikers is at 6:30 p.m.
DAY 1
CUSCO - CAMICANCHA - QESQA
A land trip from Cusco to Camicancha: horseback riding to the Ancascocha lagoon and hiking to Qesqa
We leave at 05:30 from Cusco in our tourist vehicle to CAMICANCHA (CHILCA 3024 m/9,921 ft.). Camicancha is the start of the 4-day Ancascocha trek. We ride on horseback for 3 hours and 20 minutes, bordering the Ancascocha river along a bush path, reaching the Puna “cold zone” to get to the community of Ancascocha, and finish the ride in the vicinity of the Ancascocha lagoon in our first leg. Horseback riding through the Andes of Ancascocha is exciting due to the panoramic views of nature with its rugged mountains and snow-capped peaks, such as Huayanay.
We continue the adventure on a hike from Laguna Ancascocha to conquer Huayanay Pass; it takes about 40 minutes. It is cold in the Huayanay Pass, so we recommend wearing low-temperature clothing. From the Huayanay Pass, we descend for an hour and a half through the slopes of the mountains until we reach our base camp. We camp in Qesqa with an incredible view of the Wayllabamba Valley with its endless mountains.
- 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
1BL, 1D
Demanding
A short walk More BY HORSE
By Horse 3 Hrs. & by Foot 2 Hrs.
Ancacocha Lagoon: 4,090m (13,418 ft)
Qesqa Camp: 3,650m (11,910 ft)
Huayanay Pass: 4,650m (15,298 ft)
DAY 2
QESQA - KM 82 - OLLANTAYTAMBO
Walk through the buffer zone of the Classic Inca Trail until km 82.
After a spectacular starry night with panoramic views of different mountains and a fantastic sunrise over the Andes, we begin our second day of adventure. Every time we approach the archaeological ruins of Paucarcancha, our Ancascocha trail turns green. We descend the mountain, walking for an average of 1 hour and a half to enter the Wayllabamba valley, where we find the ruins of Paucarcancha and Patawasi.
From Wayllabamba, we have about 4 hours of walking along a sector of the Inca Trail, exploring the ruins of Tarayoc, Llactapata, and Kanamarca, until we reach kilometer 82 of the railway to leave the Ancascocha circuit. The last section is a vehicular trip between km 82 and Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo overnight at the tourist hotel.
- 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.
1B, 1L.
Intense
15km (9.3 miles)
7-8 Hrs.
Qesqa: 3,650m (11,910 ft)
KM 82: 2,750m (9,000 ft)
None
DAY 3
SHORT INCA TRAIL
Travel by train to km 104; hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
We train from Ollantaytambo to kilometer 104 of the railway line early in the morning to start the Inca Trail trek. At the beginning of the hike, we cross the suspension bridge to reach the Inca trail control point to present the tickets and documentation of authorization to enter the sanctuary of Machu Picchu to enter the circuit that goes to Machupicchu through Inti Punku.
During the first three hours of hiking, we do not have the presence of natural shade, for which it is essential to bring excellent sunscreen and at least two liters of water per hiker. During the last two hours, we entered the nature of the jungle; walking through a natural garden is excellent. We reach the top of Inti Punku, where we will have spectacular views of the entire Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the Huayna Picchu mountain with its surrounding mountains. The last section is to descend the Inti Punku until you leave the tourist circuit. We board the bus service to go to Aguas Calientes Pueblo and spend the night in our tourist hotel in the afternoon.
Train Service Details Outbound Journey
- Train company: INCA RAIL
- Travel route: OLLANTAYTAMBO-KM 104 (1 hour and 20 minutes of train ride)
- Class: The Voyager 41
- Departure: 06:40
- At Station: 06:10; otherwise, you may not be allowed to board.
- KM 104 Arrival: 07:50
Details
- Explore three Inca sites:
- Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and Inti Punku
- Hiking distance: 11 km (6.14 miles).
- Trail elevation: KM 104, 2,000 meters (6,550 feet).
- Minimum altitude: 2.250 meters (7,240 feet)
- Maximum size: 2,720 meters (8,920 feet) (the Sun Gate)
- Physical grading: Moderate to Challenging
- Trekking hours: 05-hour
- Difficulty: Moderate-easy.
- Meals: Box lunch.
- 01 bus ticket: Mapi to Aguas Calientes
1BL.
Moderate
11km (6.1 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)
DAY 4
MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
2 hours of a guided visit to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, return to Cusco
The Ancascocha Trek 4 Days experience concludes with a guided visit to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We board one of the buses of the Consettur company to transport us and head towards the Inca citadel. Today, we have our guided visit to Machu Picchu for an average of 2 hours to visit the most outstanding sites of the Inca citadel. We have to walk for two hours between paths and steps of ups and downs to cover the guided tour and have the best panoramic views of the area. In the afternoon, we board the train service that takes us to the Ollantaytambo train station to return to Cusco.
Thank you very much for taking our services of Ancascocha Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu.
- Bus service to Machu Picchu (up and down)
- A two-hour guided tour inside the archaeological park of Machu Picchu
- 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 40 minutes of train ride).
- Class: The Voyager 44
- 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
When you get to the OLLANTAYTAMBO train station, be met at the train arrivals area. Just look for a KONDOR PATH TOURS sign with your name.” Group name: Ancascocha Trek 4 Days
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)
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Trek briefing 01 or 02 days (at 06:30 pm) before starting the Ancascocha Trek 4 Days in the reception area of your hotel
- Private transportation from Cusco to the beginning of the trail (Chilca – Camicancha)
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Kitchen and kitchen equipment for days 01 and 02 of the expedition
- Dining tent with table and chairs
- Food during the excursion: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, and 1 Dinner (during the Ancacocha trekking)
- Box lunch (02) Day 01, 03
- Muleteer and pack mules to load all the camping equipment for the two-day excursion through Ancascocha
- 1 HORSE PER PERSON THE FIRST DAY OF THE ADVENTURE between Camicancha and the Ancascocha lagoon
- Pack horses for transporting hiking equipment: 8 kg (16 pounds) per person.
- 01 night; tents: 02 people per tent
- Mat and pad
- SLEEPING BAG
- Local transportation from KM 82 to Ollantaytambo
- TRAINS: By Peru Rail:
- OLLANTAYTAMBO to KM 104 of INCA RAIL: The Voyager 41, departure time 06:40
- Return tourist train from MACHU PICCHU TO OLLANTAYTAMBO, CLASS: Voyager 44, departure time: 14:30
- Tickets and entry permits for the Inca Trail with Machu Picchu, as well as the Ancascocha circuit
- Guided tour to Machu Picchu for 2 hours
- 03 Bus tickets in Machu Picchu
- Private transfer service from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco
- Local taxes
What’s Not Included
- Hotels, Hostels, Airbnb, or Lodges for stays in CUSCO AND AGUAS CALIENTES
- The quintessential trekking poles to find stability on walks (bring the rubber bands to protect the metal tips)
- Food that is not described in the itinerary
- Tips for the crew of the Ancascocha Trek 4 Days circuit (porters, cooks, servers, muleteers, guides, etc.)
Optional Upgrades and Train Services
TRAIN SERVICES
PERU TRAINS By PeruRail (Train upgrades)
Enhance your train experience with three unique Vistadome options on Peru Rail. Each option costs extra per person
- $85.
- Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu: VISTADOME
- Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo: VISTADOME
- $95.
- Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu: VISTADOME
- Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo: VISTADOME Observatory
- $125.
- Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu: VISTADOME Observatory
- Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo: VISTADOME Observatory
+$498.00 Hiram Bingham train (Inbound Journey: Train MACHUPICCHU-POROY)
EXTRA TICKETS
+$75 Huayna Picchu
+$75 Montaña
+$75 RE-ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU
4 Day Trek Ancascocha Discounts
Machu Picchu Fee: College students: $20 off
A Remote Alternative Route Connected with the Short Inca Trail
The Ancascocha Trek was designed for travelers seeking a quieter, more scenic alternative to the traditional Inca Trail while still reaching Machu Picchu via original Inca pathways.
The expedition combines remote mountain routes, high-altitude trekking, cloud forests, and original Inca pathways, culminating in the legendary arrival through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Explore More Short Inca Trail Trekking Routes
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions – Ancascocha Trek (4 Days)
Visit the Andes of Peru to enter the interconnections of Inca Trails that surround the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu and have a spectacular vacation in the mountain ranges of the sacred valley of Machu Picchu. Welcome to this magnificent adventure through the Ancascocha Trek for 3 days in a complete tourist package.
The Ancascocha Trek is a 4-day hike in the Peruvian Andes that takes you through breathtaking landscapes and ancient Incan ruins.
The Ancascocha trek is challenging due to its altitude and steep terrain. Before attempting this trek, being in good physical shape and acclimated to the length is essential.
The best time to do the Ancascocha trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. The weather is usually clear and dry, with mild temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night.
You should bring warm clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, a sleeping bag, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, and snacks.
It’s highly recommended to have a guide for the Ancascocha trek. The terrain is challenging, and a guide will ensure your safety and provide valuable information about the area and the Incan ruins.
The cost of the Ancascocha trek varies depending on the tour operator and the level of service you choose. It can range from $300 to $1000 per person.
The highest point on the Ancascocha trek is the Huayanay Pass, at an altitude of 4,650 meters (15,256 feet).
It’s possible to do the Ancascocha trek alone, but it’s not recommended. The terrain is challenging, and having a guide will ensure your safety and provide valuable information about the area and the Incan ruins.
The Ancascocha Trek is a 3-day trek that covers a distance of approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles).
The scenery on the Ancascocha trek is breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush valleys.
The accommodation on the Ancascocha trek is usually camping. You will have a tent, a sleeping bag, and a pad.
The food on the Ancascocha trek is usually straightforward but nutritious. You can expect to have soup, rice, vegetables, and meat.
The Ancascocha trek is generally safe, but it’s essential to be cautious and follow the guidance of your guide. The terrain is challenging, and altitude sickness can be a concern.
The Ancascocha trek is not recommended for children under 12 due to the altitude and challenging terrain.
Absolutely! The Ancascocha trek offers stunning scenery, ancient Incan ruins, and a challenging but rewarding hike. It’s an excellent option for those looking to get off the beaten path and experience the natural beauty of Peru.
Ancascocha Trek 4 Days New Map
Rates & Options
Ancascocha Trek 4 Days Pricing & Trek Options
At least two trekkers are required to go on a private service to Ancascocha Trek 4 Days.
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| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 2 | $ 1 074.00 USD |
A minimum of 3 hikers is required to open a shared group service for the Ancascocha Trek 4 Days.
| Number of persons | Price (p/p) | |
| $ 864.00 USD |
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Ancascocha Trek Expedition
This trekking route is ideal for travelers seeking a quieter, more immersive alternative to the Classic Inca Trail while still reaching Machu Picchu via original Inca pathways.
Our Cusco-based trekking team assists with permits, transportation, logistics, camping coordination, and Machu Picchu entry arrangements for this remote Andean trekking expedition.
Due to limited permit availability for the Short Inca Trail, early reservations are recommended.
Check Availability
Photo Gallery – Ancascocha Trek (4 Days)
Explore the remote valleys, mountain passes, original Inca pathways, and trekking landscapes of the Ancascocha expedition to Machu Picchu.
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