Ancascocha Trek & Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (7 Days)

We depart Cusco early in the morning, driving 1 hour and 45 minutes to Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft), the starting point of our trek. Here, we meet our horsemen and enjoy a delicious, energizing breakfast prepared by our chef. The hike begins with a 1 hour and 45 minute walk to the stunning Perolniyoc cascade lookout, offering a perfect opportunity for photos and a snack. We then continue for another 35 minutes to visit the Perolniyoc Inca site, where we’ll have a brief tour and enjoy lunch. After a satisfying meal, we ascend for 45 minutes to our campsite at Rayan (3,700 m / 12,136 ft).

We leave camp around 6:30 AM for a challenging 4-hour uphill trek, rewarded with incredible views of the ‘nevadas’ (snow-capped peaks), llamas, and expansive valleys. If we’re lucky, we might even spot a condor, the largest bird in the Andes. We reach Kuychicassa Pass (4,450 m / 14,596 ft), where we take a break to absorb the magnificent panoramas of the Chancachuco Valley on one side and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other. Afterward, we descend for an hour to our lunch spot. The afternoon involves a 30-minute ascent along a narrow trail following a stream, offering beautiful views of Mt. Veronica (5,822 m / 19,100 ft). This is followed by a 4-hour downhill walk to the small community of Ancashcocha (3,700 m / 12,136 ft), our campsite nestled in a gorgeous wooded valley with a serene stream.

Today promises spectacular views of a nearby glacier and well-preserved Inca remains. After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a challenging 4-hour ascent towards Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,298 ft), the highest point of our trek. This steep zigzag trail includes an original cobblestone-paved Inca path. Along the way, we’ll admire the beautiful waterfall that feeds into the Ancashcocha Lake. After reaching the summit, we descend for 45 minutes to the Inca site of Incarajay, where we’ll have lunch. From here, we begin a long descent into greener vegetation, with distant glimpses of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and fascinating views of the Qésqua Valley communities. We pass by the quaint Muyu Muyu community (3,850 m / 12,628 ft) before continuing another 2-hour descent to our campsite next to the beautiful, recently restored Inca ruins of Paucarcancha (3,133 m / 10,276 ft), a unique Inca settlement that served as a ‘Tambo’ (an administrative and military structure).

Today, our journey changes pace as we officially join the renowned Classic Inca Trail. We bid farewell to our horsemen and horses, and meet the porters who will accompany us on the Inca Trail section. From Paucarcancha, we hike 25 minutes downhill to Huayllabamba (2,866 m / 9,400 ft), the last village on the Classic Inca Trail. This is followed by a 4-hour uphill hike to Llulluchapampa (3,700 m / 12,136 ft). Along the way, we traverse multiple ecosystems, including the enchanting cloud forest. Llulluchapampa serves as our camp for the night, conveniently located very close to the formidable Dead Woman’s Pass.

Your porters will wake you early with a hot cup of coca tea, preparing you for the longest day on the Inca Trail section. We begin with a roughly 2-hour hike to the highest pass of the Inca Trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft). After a short break to admire the views, we descend into the Pacaymayu Valley (Hidden River), taking another 1.5 hours to reach our lunch spot, where we can refill our water bottles. Following lunch, we ascend again for 2 hours to the second pass. Along the way, we visit the small Inca site of Runcu Raccay and witness two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, a one-hour downhill hike leads to the magnificent Inca site of Sayacmarca, an otherwise inaccessible village. We’ll stop here for a rest and a guided tour, then watch the sunset over the majestic Vilcabamba mountain range. Just 20 more minutes brings us to our campsite for the night at Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3,600 m / 11,808 ft). After dinner, enjoy some stargazing as your guide points out fascinating Inca constellations in the incredible Southern Hemisphere sky!

After another fantastic breakfast, we hike for two hours until we reach Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft). From this vantage point, we are treated to astonishing views of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu Mountain. We’ll also enjoy a guided tour of the Phuyupatamarca Inca site. Now, it’s time to head into the lush rainforest! We walk downhill for 2.5 hours, stopping to visit Inti Pata, a location many consider to offer the most beautiful photographic opportunities on the entire Inca Trail. After Inti Pata, it’s a further 30 minutes to our final campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m / 8,792 ft). Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch and some time to relax before visiting the impressive archaeological site that shares the camp’s name, Wiñay Wayna, the largest and most beautiful site near our camp.

Today is the culmination of our trek! We wake up very early in the morning for a short hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), arriving just in time to witness the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu. The sight of the ancient city bathed in the first rays of light is truly unforgettable. After soaking in the views, we descend into the citadel for a comprehensive guided tour of this stunning Inca wonder, learning about its history, architecture, and spiritual significance. Following the tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu independently, revisit your favorite spots, or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional permits required and must be booked in advance). Afterwards, we take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we board a scenic train journey to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by private transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.