Ancascocha trek with Short Inca Trail 5 days | Best Peru Treks

Duration: 5 Dias / 4 Noches
Trip Type: Trekking
Place: Cusco
Journey Difficulty: Difficult

TOTAL DISTANCE + SHORT INCA TRAIL : 60 KM / 37 MILES
GOOD FOR: THOSE WHO ENJOY HIKING AND HAVE A MODERATE LEVEL OF FITNESS.
CONSIDERATIONS: PERMIT REQUIRED.
HIKING SEASON: MAY TO NOVEMBER
ACCLIMATIZATION: PLEASE SPEND AT LEAST REST DAYS IN CUSCO BEFORE START YOUR HIKE.
GROUP SIZE: CAN BE 2 OR 8 HIKER.

Overview

ANCASCOCHA TREK + SHORT INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS

Considered one of our best trekking combinations, the Ancascocha Trek is the perfect alternative with the Short Inca Trail, combining the best of both treks: remote routes, spectacular landscapes, and the unique experience of hiking a section of the authentic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

If you’re looking for an exclusive experience, far from the crowds, this is undoubtedly one of the best options. For several days, you’ll traverse little-explored landscapes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, crystalline lagoons, deep valleys, and an incredible diversity of Andean flora and fauna.

What makes this route special is its perfect combination: the tranquility and authenticity of the Ancascocha Trek with the excitement of entering the historic Short Inca Trail in the final days, thus experiencing a much more complete and enriching journey.

Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Andean communities, where you can observe the local way of life, alpaca herders, and ancient customs that are still alive. It’s a true connection with Andean culture.

Our professional guides will accompany you every step of the way, sharing the history, culture, and secrets of the Inca Empire, making each day a unique experience.

We operate our own company, guaranteeing high-quality service, excellent equipment, and fair treatment for all our staff, resulting in a safe, authentic, and unforgettable experience.

Why choose the Ancascocha Trek + Short Inca Trail?

If you couldn’t get permits for the classic 4-day Inca Trail, this combination is perfect for those looking to enjoy magnificent views and Inca culture.

Why choose the Ancascocha trek?

Featured among National Geographic’s 20 Dream Trails, the Ancascocha Trail is one of the best trails that remains off the beaten path.

Why is the Ancascocha trek so popular?

It’s included by National Geographic on its list of the 20 best hiking trails in the world. If you decide to hike it, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the Andes and Inca culture along the way.

you’ll trek from the rolling farmlands of the Quesca Valley to the high Andean passes of the Cordillera. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe the daily life of an alpaca herder as you pass through Andean villages.

How far in advance should I book my permit for the Ancascocha Trek + Short Inca Trail?

Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, where there’s a limit of 500 hikers per day and permits can sell out up to six months in advance, there are no limits for the Ancascocha trek.

The only restriction you’ll encounter is the availability for the Short inca trail , so it’s still worth booking at least a few months in advance, especially if you’re traveling between May and September.

Do I need a pertmit to hike from Ancascocha + Short Inca Trail ?

Currently, no permits are required to hike to Ancascocha. However, you will need a permit for the short Inca Trail (250 permits per day). We recommend booking 3 to 4 months in advance.

Does the Ancascocha tour include the Machu Picchu entrance fee?

Yes, the entrance fee is included in the tour price.

Itinerary

DAY I Cusco - Soqma - Kuychiccasa Pass - Ancascocha

DAY I Cusco – Soqma – Kuychiccasa Pass – Chancachuco – Ancascocha

We will pick you up very early from your hotel and head to the village of Soqma, a 1 hour and 45 minute drive (3205 m/10,512 ft). This is the starting point of our trek, where we will meet the muleteers (and horses) who will transport all our food and camping equipment during the hike.

Our adventure begins with a 1 hour and 30 minute hike to the Perolniyoc waterfall viewpoint. The waterfall is breathtaking. Afterward, we will walk for another 30 minutes to visit the Inca site of the same name. Located high on a cliff with spectacular views of the surrounding valley, your guide will share some of the history of the site and the Incas, and you will have free time to explore the archaeological center.

Then begins a challenging 3-hour uphill hike to reach Kuychiccasa Pass (4,450 m/14,599 ft). Passing by the rustic homes of local farmers, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, llamas, alpacas, sweeping valleys, and, if we’re lucky, a condor (the largest bird in the Andes).

Upon reaching the top of the pass, we’ll take a break to enjoy the magnificent views of the Chancachuco Valley on one side and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other.

From here, it’s an easy 30-minute downhill walk to our lunch spot in Chancachuco (4,312 m/14,147 ft). Here, you’ll get your first taste of your chef’s incredible culinary skills and have the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge for the afternoon hike.

After our delicious lunch, we begin a 2.5-hour downhill hike to the small community of Ancascocha (3,700 m/12,139 ft), nestled in a small but beautiful wooded valley with a stream running through it.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m/10,512 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,450 m/14,599 ft
Hiking Distance: 16 km/9.9 mi
Approximate Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Difficulty Level: Challenging

DAY II Ancascocha - Huaynay Pass - Quesqa Valley - Paucarcancha

DAY II Ancascocha – Huaynay Pass – Quesqa Valley – Paucarcancha

You’ll be awakened with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, followed by a hearty breakfast to energize you for the next morning.

After breakfast, we continue uphill for three hours, enjoying views of the nearby glacier and well-preserved Inca ruins, as we ascend to Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,255 ft). This is a strenuous three-hour climb along a steep, zigzagging trail that takes us to the highest point of our trek. Along this section, you’ll see an original Inca Trail paved with cobblestones.

After taking some time to enjoy the incredible views from the summit, we embarked on a 3-hour descent into lush greenery. Along this stretch, we had a distant view of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, as well as fascinating glimpses of the communities in the Quesqa Valley, where we had lunch.

Finally, we continued our descent for another 2 hours, arriving at our campsite in Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,278 ft).

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/12,139 ft
Campsite Elevation: 4,650 m/15,255 ft
Hiking Distance: 18 km/11.1 miles
Approximate Hiking Time: 10-11 hours
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Region: Dry Mountain

DAY III Paucarcancha - km 82 - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

DAY III Paucarcancha – Kilómetro 82

we’ll descend the classic Inca Trail, enjoying an easy 4-hour hike to kilometer 82 (the starting point of the Inca Trail).

During our descent, we’ll see various archaeological sites, including Llaqta Pata and Kanabamba.

Lunch will be served at kilometer 82 our last camp. After lunch you will get free time to explore the small inca site of Sala Punku , the next morning our private local van will pick us up and take us to Ollantaytambo (2792 m/9160 ft) to board the scenic Expedition train to km 104.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Highest Elevation: 3,133 m/10,278 ft
Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m/9,160 ft
Hiking Distance: 15 km/9.3 miles
Approximate Hiking Time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY IV km 82 - Ollantaytambo - Short Inca Trail

DAY IV OLLANTAYTAMBO – SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK – MACHU PICCHU

After breakfast, we will go to ollantaytambo (train station) from where the train trip begins until km 104. During this train trip will be able to contemplate impressive landscapes, mountains, Andean towns, snow-capped mountains and valleys, descending towards the jungle and the banks of the Urubamba River, showing all its natural beauty. At Km 104 or Chachabamba (start of today’s hike) we pass through the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. After passing through control, we visit the Chachabamba Archaeological Site (2,050 meters above sea level), beautiful in its construction and location in the valley, almost all of its architecture still intact.

Then we will ascend for approximately 3 hours to the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 meters above sea level) where we will enjoy our tasty box lunch. After a good rest, we will continue through the semitropical forest towards the mystical Inti Punku ( Sun Gate), where we will get our first incredible panoramic view of the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu. From the Inti Punku we descend approximately 30 minutes towards the citadel and we will rest in a very good place to take incredible photos. We will then head to the buses and take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11km
Hours of hiking: 6-7 hours
Minimum Elevation: 2,050 m / 9,350 ft
Maximum Elevation: 2720 m / 14,272 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2050 m / 9,350 ft

DAY V AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

DAY V AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU

We start very early to take the first bus (5:30 am ) for heading to Machupicchu to make the guided tour with out many tourists to places included in the tour ( 1 hour and half) after the tour you will have a free time to explore the city and take more pictures.

If you have some ticket to visit one of the mountains as Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu mountain you will have long enough time to do it.

When you come back to aguas calientes you should be at the train station 30 minutes before taking your train back to ollantaytambo where a agency staff will be waiting for you with the bus to bring you back to Cusco and your hotel.

Meals: breakfast
Maximum altitude: 2040 m/ 6691 ft
Minimum altitude: 2430 m/8052 ft
Approximate walking time: 2 hours walking tour Machu picchu
Difficulty: Very easy

Includes

INCLUDED

Acclimatize Tour Explore Cusco (optional)

We have for you an Optional Walk. If you have time and are interested, we can do the acclimatization tour visiting one of the archaeological centers of Cusco and discover hidden places in the city.
Professional Tour Guide.
Approximate tour of 5 hours.
This is a free activity for travelers who book tours from 2 days and require acclimatization.

Briefing

Informative meeting, one day before the adventure. Once there, you will receive all the pertinent information for your hike and the guide will answer all your doubts.

Transport

Private bus pick up from your hotel to the starting point of the trek km 82 or Piskacucho
Bus tickets. Aguas Calientes – Machu picchu – Aguas Calientes.
Round trip ticket by train EXPEDITION Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
Return bus from Ollnataytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.

Accommodation

Camps for 3 days and 2 nights.
1 night Hotel

Field Staff

Professional travel Guide in Spanish and English with many years of experience in adventure tourism
Professional chef
Porters to carry the necessary equipment and the personal effects of the passengers of up to 7 kg

Water

Cusco Andean Hike will provide you with boiled water (previously filtered and cooled) from your first lunch, last breakfast and for your bottles before each walk (you decide how many liters you need each day).
Drinking enough water and hydrating is very important to be able to feel good in the mountains and thus avoid altitude sickness.

Food

Breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners (breakfast on day 1 and lunch, dinner on the last day are not included).
Option Vegan, vegetarian.

DUFFEL BAG

You have included 7 kg so you can carry your personal belongings (be careful with the fragile items)

Tickets and Permits

Entrance to Machu Picchu

Camping equipment

High mountain tent for 4 people, but we use it for 2 people (more comfort for you). If you want a personal tent we also have personal tents (you must inform us in advance).
The best Mattress, we use therm-a-rest sleeping pad.

NOT INCLUDED

Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu 5 days: Breakfast not included first day, lunch and dinner of the last day.
Sleeping bag.
Walking sticks.
Ticket HUAYNA PICCHU and MOUNTAIN MACHU PICCHU (if you want any of the tickets you must inform us in advance to be able to make the reservation – any of the tickets has an extra cost)
Extra Porter to carry personal belongings of customers more than those already included (for 7 kilos to 14 kilos).
Tips for staff.

Huayna picchu and Machu picchu mountain both must be previously reserved more information: info@cuscoandeanhike.com

Price & Availability

ANCASCOCHA TREK AVAILABILITY

Short Inca Trail, where there’s a limit of 250 hikers per day and permits can sell out up to six months in advance, there are no limits for the Ancascocha trek.

HIGHLIGHTS

Small Groups 2 to 8 pax
24/7 assistance by our Whatsapp ✆+51 944363112
Extra porter 7Kg
Food Options – best Chef – Vegan, vegetarian.
Sleeping pad (inflatable) included Therm a rest
Professional tour guide English speaker from the beginning to end
100% Quality service.

ANCASCOCHA TREK WITH SHORT INCA TRAIL PRICE

Group service from 2 pax

US$ 880 per person.

Private Service from 2 pax

US$ 980 per person.

EXTRAS

Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$ 70.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain – US$ 70.00 per person.
Sleeping Bag – US$ 25 per person.
Walking Poles – US$ 20 a pair of walking poles.

Huayna picchu and Machu picchu mountain both must be previously reserved more information: info@cuscoandeanhike.com

INCA TRAIL DISCOUNTS

STUDENT DISCOUNT US$ 20.00 (Valid studend card at the time of the trek or under 17 years old, we need to see the copy of the card for receive the discount).
KIDS ON THE INCA TRAIL US$ 35.00 (Just we need the copy of the passport).

Book Now

Check availability

Write to us by Whatsapp and a member of staff will be with you 24/7.

Consult our payment methods

We recommend 1st Wester Union & Money Gram, low shipping cost

Deposit and dispatch of documents

Send receipt of payment, passports or ID documents

How to book

For any of our services, you must send your personal information and a deposit of US $ 200 per person, the rest may pay at our office in Cusco two days prior to your trip, to get the student discount you must send your ISIC card original by means of a photo to our mail info@cuscoandeanhike.com:

Name and surname
Passport number
Gender
Birthday date
Student Card (ISIC if you are a student Yes or No)
Nationality
Email – Phone number
Food preferences

PAYPAL

You can make the deposit from our website by PayPal, please note that PayPal charges a 6% tax that automatically includes this option, once the deposit is made, send us the confirmation by email. To make your deposit by PayPal click on the “Pay Now” button below.

WESTERN UNION & MONEY GRAM

You can also use these means to make the deposit. On behalf of our administrator. Take into account that this deposit generates transfer costs, which our clients must assume.

Name: Maria
Last name: Catunta choque
Identity number: 42265390
Address: Urb. Progress Jr-spine L-15
City: Cusco
Country: Peru

Note:

Once the deposit is made, you will receive a receipt with the money transfer code, the client must send the receipt with a photograph to our email. info@cuscoandeanhike.com

Packing list

Ancascocha Trek Packing List

Packing list Make sure to pack only what is strictly necessary for the hike to Machu Picchu itself, and leave your other belongings at the hotel.

What to pack for the Ancascocha trek?

Important items to pack for the Ancascocha

Original Passport (the same name and number passport that you booked).
Back Pack (capacity of 36 liters).
Sleeping Bag that resists up to -5° celsius (23° fahrenheit) in case you are not bringing your own, you can rent one from Cusco Andean Hike.
Clothes for Trekking: Hiking boots, waterproof clothes (short, pants, rain jacket), T- shirt, and light sweaters. also bring clothes and a warm sweater to change into when we rest at the campsite, preferably made of cotton to keep you warm, especially for the first two nights. when you are hiking it is best to use your waterproof gear.
Hiking Poles. In case you do not own any, you can rent
Rubber tip.
3 plastic bags to be able to keep your clothes separatein these 3 categories: clean, wet and dirty
Toiletries: Ensure you bring enough of everything you will need for the entire trek: soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, a towel and antibacterial gel.
Medication: If you are currently taking specific medication, please bring enough with you for the duration of your sta. We recommend you pack some altitude sickness prevention tablets such us aspirine, coramina diamox, sorochipills or acetazolamina, anti-blister gel is also a good idea to avoid getting excessive blisters on your feet from the uphill hiking, since if this gets out of hand it could compromise your participation in the trk.
For those who are staying over in Aguas Calientes: Remember to bring clean clothes for your stay after the hike ends. In case you would like to visit the relaxing hot springs in Aguas Calientes. do not forget to bring swimwear and a towel.
Camera.
Flashligh and Extra Battery
Sun cream.
Sunglasses.
Insect Repellent.
Canteen or Camel bak.
Swiss army knife (optional)

you can also bring some small change Peruvian soles to buy beverages or somethin along the hike, but this is optional. If you are going to stay in the town of Aguas Calientes an extra night, we recommend you to bring enough cash with you.

ANCASCOCHA TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL 5 Dias / 4 Noches