Tour Details

The Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains is a unique trail that truly takes trekkers off the beaten path. Listed as one of National Geographic’s 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list. The trek to Acascocha takes travelers through traditional villages like Chillipahua and its namesake Ancashcocha village. Along the way trekkers will ascend high mountain passes including the high point at the Huayanay Pass (4,550 m/ 14,925 ft), and at the top you will have a beautiful view of the very tall 20,551 foot (6,266 m) mountain Apu Salkantay.

Day-by-Day Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Parpishu – Chilipahua
Day 2: Chilipahua – Ancascocha
Day 3: Ancascocha – Camicancha
Day 4: Camicancha – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Itinerary: Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu

Leaving Cusco by bus northward to the village of Huarocondo and heading down the gorge of Pachar, towards the Urubamba river, at 2,900 meters, we will arrive t the starting point of our trek: the footbridge of Parpishu. From here the trail starts ascending slowly, leaving the valley behind us. The trail continues to the pass of Watuq´asa (3,800 m.) where we have lunch and then continue on. We will see an Inca wall and tambo known as Qosqoqáwarina (Where will enjoy a view of Cusco that surrounds the pass. From here the trail descends to the left ending at a small valley with a stream running through called Anapahua, we continue to Chilipahua – a small community where we camp. (L/D)

Walking Distance: 6.2 miles

Walking Time: 7 hours

We leave our campsite and head northwest, slowly ascending past some small houses at Incaraqay, a community of sheepherders in the high puna. From here a one-hour hike will bring us over another pass at Quchusq´asa (4,500m) with astonishing views of the Urubamba mountain range and continues down into the gulley of the Silque river to reach a wide meadow with a little village called Ancascocha (3,900m.). Here we are in full view of Mt. Huayanay and the Silke Valley. We camp nearby. (B/L/D).

Walking Distance: 8.1 miles

Walking Time: 8 hours

After breakfast we start trekking down beside the torrents Silque River, towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On this trail you will find plenty of ¨Huakani¨, the famous big and red Masdevalia orchid, hopefully in bloom. After crossing many little bridges, we will reach the community of Camicancha, where we will camp in a place known for its volcanic rocks, which also has a spectacular view of snowcapped ¨La Veronica¨ and the ¨Pakaritampu¨ pyramid, on the other side of Urubamba River. (B/L/D).

Walking Distance: 5.6 Miles

Walking Time: 7 Hours

After breakfast, we would start a walk to Ollantaytambo, where we can enjoy lunch and wander around while we wait our train toward Machu Picchu for overnight at a local hotel, dinner on your own. (B/L)

A half hour bus ride will bring you to the citadel for a guided visit which on average takes three hours as your official guide walks you through the different sector of the hill-top citadel, with astonishing views, learning about the aspects of Andean life, taking you back in time. Afternoon return to the village where the train will take you back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Transfer to your hotel is included. (Hotel overnight and dinner on your own) (B/L)

Included

  • Transfer by vehicle from the hotel to the star of the trek
  • Double occupancy tents with sleeping pads
  • Kitchen and dining tents
  • All meals during the trek
  • First Aid kit and Oxygen tank
  • Bilingual Guide
  • Horses to carry the camping gear and luggage
  • Lunch at Ollantaytambo on the last day of the trek
  • Buses and Entrance to visit the Machu Picchu Citadel

Not Included

  • Expenses of personal nature such as beverages, laundry, tips
  • Guide gratuity
  • Any item including meals which has not been covered in the itinerary
  • All optional tours or activities during free time
  • Transfers outside of the tour program

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