Overview
This Ancascocha Tour combines the 2 best treks in the Cusco region, Ancascocha, considered as one of the 20 best epic hikes in the world by National Geographic, and The Inca Trail as one of the top treks in the world. It offers the most spectacular views of mountain ranges, dramatic scenery, soaring mountain peaks, and heavenly views above the clouds… around every mountain corner, a breathtaking scene awaits you. The whole Ancascocha trek goes from grassy land surrounded by snowcapped mountains to the cloud forest, also known as the mountain jungle. Peru by Locals offers you this complete journey to Machu Picchu full of history and nature that will make your trek almost a religious pilgrimage into nature.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Trek with our passionate local guides that have hiked hundreds of times and guided Machu Picchu more than 1000 times
- Enjoy the solitude of the mountains with spectacular views far from crowds
- Taste the experience of camping with our premier service
- Savor the Peruvian cuisine brought by our chefs to the mountains, all made from scratch
- Hike the two top combined trails to Machu Picchu
- Be at Machu Picchu for the sunrise
- Experience the scenic train ride back to Cusco
Details
- Type of tour: Hiking, camping, historical, train ride, one night hotel
- Distance covered: 107 km (66.4 miles)
- Duration: 7 days / 5 nights camping / 1 night hotel
- Lowest elevation: 2400 m (7,874 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4600 m (15,091 feet)
Level of difficulty: Challenging but your passionate guide will be there encouraging you and helping you enjoy as much as you deserve and finish the trek successfully.
Group size: Our hiking group sizes are very important to guarantee the quality of our service by providing you with personalized service. That’s why we run with an average of 2 to 8 hikers.
Could you imagine trying to hike silently along an isolated trail, carefully not disturbing shy wildlife, with 10 or 20 other travelers? Or walking in a remote area to explore the pristine wilderness with dozens of other tourists by your side? We know meaningful nature encounters must be undertaken in small groups. That’s why our trips come with an average of just four travelers, by far the smallest groups in the tourism industry across the country. This not only guarantees you a more personal close-up wildlife experience but also a low-impact presence on the earth’s fragile natural places we love.
Accommodation: Camping for 5 nights in 3-season roomy tents for 2 people. If you are a solo traveler, let us know so we can accommodate you with someone else or we will just bring a private tent only for you at your request, and one night hotel.
Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS was a dream that came true in 2015 for Jose Condor, who has guided treks from 2004 until today and has been to Machu Picchu over 1000 times. Now Peru by Locals has a group of top guides, both men and women, who have professional degrees and receive refresher training with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER, since our treks go into the wilderness and your health is our priority on our trips. So, our guides are fully trained to assist with any of your needs while you are vacationing. We invest in our guides because we believe they are the main ingredient of any trip.
Peru by Locals is not only a travel company but a group of great tour leaders who love sharing our culture with you and love being with travelers.
Location: This trip starts in Cusco city or Sacred Valley. At your request, you will need to fly to Lima, which is the capital of Peru, then to Velasco Astete Cusco Airport, which is a small domestic airport.
Departures: This hike is operated by PERU BY LOCALS 100% when you book your hike or take any tour package. You go with us, we don’t rearrange tours, and we depart every day year-round; the size of the groups is from 2 to 8 people on average, which allows us to give you personalized service.
We take bookings year-round and this hike does not need to be booked a long time in advance. So, anytime you are ready, join us and reach us for any questions you have through our 24/7 number +51 989585967 or email us at info@perubylocals.com
Itinerary
DAY 0: BRIEFING
The day before this adventure begins, your designated guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco to provide the final guidance on how to pack, what to pack, etc., at 5:30 pm, in the lobby of the hotel.
DAY 1: CUSCO – SOQMA – CHARCAHUAYLLA
Early morning meeting with your guide at your hotel in Cusco for a drive to Soqma for about one and a half hours, where your Soqma Hike will begin. Our adventure begins with one and a half hours uphill, with great views, and we will also encounter a beautiful waterfall called Perolniyoc, as well as beautiful Inca ruins up the hill. After receiving history lessons about the site and the Incas, a not too far lunch will be ready for you, prepared by your chef.
After a delicious lunch followed by a short nap, you will continue to the campground, which will take you a couple more hours.
- Distance covered: 13 km (8 miles)
- Activities: Hiking, waterfall visit, Pata Wasi Inca Ruins tour
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 2700 m (8,858 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4300 m (14,107 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Lodging: Camping
DAY 2: CHARCAHUAYLLA – ANCASCOCHA – SOYROCCOCHA LAGOON
Early in the morning, you will be awakened by one of our crew with a cup of coffee in bed, followed by a nutritious breakfast that will prepare you for a perfect adventurous day. We will start the journey for about 3 to 4 hours with views of the Urubamba snow mountain range towards Ancascocha Valley, where our chef will wait for you with a delicious lunch.
The afternoon hike is entirely uphill with a gradual incline up Soyrococha Lagoon, which is over 14,000 feet, where we will spend the night.
- Distance covered: 12 km (7.4 miles)
- Activities: Hiking, lake
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3900 m (12,795 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4300 m (14,107 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Lodging: Camping
DAY 3: Ancascocha – Huananay Pass – Paucarcancha
Today we undertake the long stretch, but in return, you will have amazing views. Hike over the old Inca Trail, cross over the highest elevation. You will ascend to the second and highest pass on the Ancascocha Trek – Wayanay Pass (4,600 m / 15,090 feet) in about 3 hours. Once you reach the pass, you will experience the scenery changing from high altitude grassy land to high altitude jungle. From here, it is all downhill for one hour until lunch at Inca Rucay, and finally, for the next three or four hours to the next camp, viewing some waterfalls, amazing vistas, and a small Inca ruin.
- Distance covered: 18 km (11.1 miles)
- Activities: Hiking, visit, Inca Ruins tour
- Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3900 m (12,795 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4600 m (15,091 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Lodging: Camping
DAY 4: PAUCARCANCHA – DEAD WOMAN’S PASS – PACAYMAYU (CONNECTION TO INCA TRAIL)
Today we’ll finally join the Classic Inca Trail. At the same time, we will meet our locals (porters) who will be in charge of carrying all the equipment all the way to the end of our journey. Our horses depart from here because no horses can enter the Classic Inca Trail. Today we hike up towards Llulluchapampa for about 3 hours, where we will have a delicious lunch followed by a proper nap. From here, we will continue towards Dead Woman’s Pass. The last section will be downhill for about two hours to the end of our destination today. It will be a challenging trek because of the steep ascent, but again, rewarding.
- Distance covered: 12 km (7.4 miles)
- Activities: Hiking, Inca Ruins tour, cloud forest
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3000 m (9,843 feet)
- Highest elevation: 4215 m (13,776 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Lodging: Camping
DAY 5: PACAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA
This day you will have amazing views and see Inca ruins and beautiful orchids along the way, as the area becomes more like a jungle as we get closer to Machu Picchu. We start with a one and a half hour ascent to the next pass of the Inca Trail, trek down for a couple of hours to the lunch spot, and then ups and downs towards the most beautiful camp along the Inca Trail at Phuyupatamarca.
- Distance covered: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Activities: Hiking, cloud forest, Inca Ruins tour, glacier views, the most beautiful camp of the trek
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 3650 m (11,975 feet)
- Highest elevation: 3950 m (12,960 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Lodging: Camping
DAY 6: PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU
We will leave camp early after enjoying another gorgeous sunrise over the mountains. We then hike down the terrain for the next two and a half hours to Wiñay Wayna, where we will have the last lunch with our cook and porters and say goodbye to our amigos, porters, and cooks after the big hugs. Then we hike for 2 more hours to Machu Picchu in ups and downs sections. Once we arrive at Machu Picchu, it will already be approximately 4 pm, and there will be fewer people there, so it will be perfect for taking pictures and soaking up the atmosphere. We will spend some time here taking great pictures because at this time most people have already left the city. We will then catch a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night in a hotel and enjoy dinner together at a restaurant.
- Distance covered: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Activities: Hiking, hike through Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Lowest elevation: 2400 m (7,874 feet)
- Highest elevation: 3700 m (12,139 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Lodging: Hotel
DAY 7: MACHU PICCHU TOUR
We will take an early bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to watch the spectacular sunrise over one of the most amazing places on Earth. Be prepared for a flood of emotions or goosebumps at the very least, as you gaze at the ancient city of Machu Picchu! We will visit the lost city of Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This tour includes a full permit to Machu Picchu that allows you to visit the main viewpoint, main temple, Temple of the Sun, stone quarry, and others.
When you are ready to leave, you can take the bus back down to Machu Picchu town to collect your luggage from the hotel, and enjoy a farewell lunch before catching the scenic train back to Cusco.
- Distance covered: walking tour
- Activities: Bus ride, Machu Picchu tour
- Lodging: Hotel in Cusco on your own
Services
Important information
OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO I MEET THE TEAM?
The day before the trek starts, your guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco at 5:30 pm for a pre-trek talk. We recommend you book a hotel in the downtown area of Cusco and, once you have a place to stay, provide us with the hotel information.
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE? HOW CHALLENGING IS IT?
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging and covers approximately 107 km (66.4 miles) on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections.
HOW LONG BEFORE SHOULD I BOOK THIS TREK?
This trek requires booking long in advance because permits are limited. We recommend booking at least a few months in advance to give us enough time to put everything together for you to enjoy with no worries.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK DURING THE YEAR?
Weather in the region is extremely variable and you should pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through ten bio-zones ranging from high altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. During a sunny day, you can expect temperatures of about 18–25°C (65–77°F). However, on the second day, the weather is very unpredictable and temperatures can drop to 6°C (42°F) during the day at the pass (but you won’t spend a lot of time up there).
The Machu Picchu area has a humid climate and tends to be warmer since it is located at a lower altitude and near the Amazon Jungle. The average temperatures at Machu Picchu are between 23°C and 25°C (73°F and 77°F), with the minimum temperature around 18°C (64°F). The Cusco area has only two well-defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, but also, there are several sunny days. The dry season begins around March and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months. Paradoxically, at noon, the temperatures can reach 23°C (77°F), the annual highest temperature.
WHAT DO HORSES CARRY FOR ME?
You only carry a day-pack with everything you may need for a day’s hike (water bottle, rain gear, cameras, snacks). Horses carry the rest of your extra bag and will meet you upon arrival at the next stop. You will be allowed to put up to 8 kilos (17 pounds), which may include a sleeping bag (1.5 kilos / 3.3 pounds), a sleeping pad (1 kg / 2 pounds), extra clothes for the night such as long warm underwear, warm fleece, and others.
WHAT I AM GOING TO EAT ON THE TREK?
Our meals are based on organic food, and we pack fresh vegetables from the beginning.
Your lunch will be based on quinoa, pasta, vegetable soup, and the main course usually in a small version of a buffet, including rice, potatoes, white or red meat, and salad, such as avocado.
Dinner is usually similar but comes with dessert.
Breakfast is based on eggs, omelets, pancakes, bread, cereals, oatmeal, and drinks. You will be very well fed and may just want to pack very few snacks with you because we will even give you snacks such as fruit and a cookie for the way.
Note: We have options for vegetarians or vegans too. At the time of your booking, advise us so we know what to prepare for you on the trek.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I STAY IN CUSCO BEFORE THE TREK TO ADJUST TO THE ALTITUDE?
The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly. Given enough time, your body will adapt to the decrease in oxygen. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes one to three days at any given altitude. Cusco is at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,154 feet), so spending at least two days before any trek will help you a lot. You may also consider taking altitude pills. We often recommend to our clients DIAMOX or Acetazolamide, which are used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headaches, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters). It is particularly useful in situations when you cannot make a slow ascent. The best ways to prevent altitude sickness are climbing slowly, stopping for 24 hours during the climb to allow the body to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy the first one to two days. (Regarding any specific medications, please check about side effects, precautions, interactions, or overdose, or ask for advice from your doctor).
DO I NEED TO BRING MONEY ON THE TREK?
You should consider bringing money, as you may want to buy bottled water, snacks, Gatorade, beer, etc. from locals that live along the way, especially on day one, as well as if you are thinking of giving gratuities or tips to the porters and guides.
The last lunch at Aguas Calientes is not included, so you will need money for that as well. We recommend you bring soles rather than dollars; there are banks and exchange offices in Cusco where you can change any type of currency.
DO I NEED TO CARRY MY OWN MEDICINE OR FIRST AID?
Your guide will have a first aid kit at all times while you are on the trek, which includes some painkillers, bandages, small bandages to prevent blisters, an oxygen tank, pills in case of diarrhea, and similar items. At any time during the trek, please feel free to ask for anything you may need. However, if you need any special medication or you have a special medical condition, please contact your doctor to get the best advice before the trek.
CAN I RENT A SLEEPING BAG FROM YOU? WHAT TYPE SHOULD I BRING?
We rent sleeping bags that are specially designed for cold temperatures on the treks, and we offer sleeping bags for up to 5 ºF = -15°C. At the time you book your trek with us, you should request the sleeping bag if you need it, as at the spot it won’t be possible to rent it.
If you have one, make sure they are down-filled and suitable for temperatures up to 5 ºF = -15°C, or, even better, made for colder temperatures than that. You don’t want to be cold.
HOW BIG MY GROUP IS GOING TO BE?
We specialize in both small and large groups, but we prefer small groups because that way our clients receive personalized service, especially when you encounter many things on treks, such as Inca sites, flowers, flora, and fauna. Your guide spends lots of time with you so you can learn more about our culture and history.
We limit the size of our groups on treks to up to 8 people.
Of course, if any situation requires more than 8 people in a group, that is not a problem for us at all. For example, groups of friends or family that are more than 8 are welcome to be in a single group.
HOW DO I GET WATER ON THE TREK?
You will be provided with boiled drinking water from day 1 to the end of your trek. However, make sure you get enough water for the first day (you can also purchase it on the way to the beginning of your trek). People usually drink about one and a half liters of water per day, some even more, so you need to bring water bottles for the first day to refill them. We recommend you bring Nalgene water bottles or CamelBaks so that we can reduce garbage. You will encounter locals selling bottled water along the way, but not everybody is responsible; many people litter, and that is sad. We need to take care of our home and nature – that is why we recommend you refill your bottles when you can. Thank you for being part of our green home.
IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT?
On the Inca Trail, there is no minimum age or limit—any person who is prepared for trekking can do it. The Inca Trail is a challenging trek, so there is a requirement of being fit. That is why everyone thinking of trekking the Inca Trail should have a certain level of fitness—you don’t want to give up in the middle of the trek, as the Inca Trail is not like walking in the park but is also not impossible.
WHAT TIME DO I GET BACK TO CUSCO ON THE LAST DAY?
You will be back in Cusco around 5 pm after the trek. If for any reason you have to be back in Cusco earlier than that, please advise us at the time of your booking or at least one month before your trek begins, as we have to buy you the train tickets for the specified trains.
SHOULD I HAVE TO BOOK WAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN IN ADVANCE?
Wayna Picchu Mountain has a limit of permits up to 400 per day, which is divided into two groups—the first group from 7 am to 8 am and the second one from 10 am to 11 am. We recommend you book it in advance, especially for the dry season or high season that runs from April to August. Consider booking it two or three months in advance and email us for availability.
WHAT IS THE TOILET SITUATION ON THE TREK LIKE? SHOULD I BRING MY TOILET PAPER?
We will provide you with a portable private toilet tent, especially for day one since there are no public toilets. Afterwards, you will be able to use proper toilets. In the case of the toilet paper, you will need to bring your own with you. We recommend one roll for every two people, but if for any reason you need extra, your cook will have extra rolls for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask for it as they are always prepared for any emergency.
DO I NEED WALKING POLES?
Walking poles are recommended for everybody. They will help you a lot downhill and uphill. Our expert guides say that they can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 30%, and a pair is recommended per person.
If you don’t have any but want to have them on your treks, you can rent them from us as well – a pair costs US$15 for four days.
HOW BIG MY DAY BACKPACK SHOULD BE?
A thirty-liter backpack will be big enough to carry your belongings such as water, rain gear, and extra clothes.
HOW BIG THE SLEEPING TENTS ARE? HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SLEEP IN?
Our tents are for four seasons and each one is designed for 3 people, but we use them for 2 (2.30 m length / 0.90 m width).
Please email us if you are a solo traveler, if you want to share a tent, or if you want a private one.
CAN I PAY THE REST OF THE BALANCE ON THE CREDIT CARD OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN CASH?
We take the balance of the payment in cash, so you won’t need to pay extra fees. Of course, you can use PayPal or a credit card, but you will need to pay the fees, which are usually over 4.5%.
On the day of your briefing when your guide meets you, a representative will also meet you to collect the rest of the balance for your trek.
PERUVIAN CURRENCY
The Peruvian Sol is the currency of Peru, and usually fluctuates between 3.3 to 3.8 soles per 1 US Dollar.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the national language of Peru. Additionally, 20% of Peruvians speak Quechua (the Inca language). Our guides are fluent in Spanish and English.
Why Peru by Locals
- Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours and we cater to your interests when we plan your tour
- We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
- We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
- Our staff consists of members who have decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
- All the management and staff in Peru by Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
- Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
- We are committed to protecting our environment.
- We are committed to creating jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and honor and treat all our employees with dignity.
- We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and school equipment for poor local communities.
- We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit.
- We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to the education of those in need.
- Our trips are designed carefully to your needs and we create diverse, unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length, and we offer a wide range of tours and treks. We guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
- Peru by Locals organizes free worry-free trips for you to enjoy fully.
Peru small group specialists
Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, love food, like history or photography, for all ages whether you are traveling alone, with friends, as a couple, or with family.
Small groups are the best, and the average tour or trek group is around 4 to 8 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get a coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it is not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.
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