Ancascocha Trek via Soqma to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

This Ancascocha Trek combines the two best treks in the Cusco region, Ancascocha, considered one of the 20 best epic hikes in the world by National Geographic, and The Inca Trail, one of the top treks in the world. It offers the most spectacular views of mountain ranges, dramatic scenery, soaring mountain peaks, heavenly views above the clouds… around every mountain corner, a breathtaking scene awaits you. The whole Ancascocha Trail goes from grassy land surrounded by snow-capped 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Trek with our passionate local guides who 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 in a tent for a night
• Savor the Peruvian cuisine brought by our chefs to the mountains, all made from scratch
• Hike the two top combined trails, the Ancascocha with a part on the Classic Inca Trail
• Be at Machu Picchu for the sunrise
• Have a fun and scenic train ride back to Cusco

• Type of tour: Hiking, camping, historical, train ride, one night hotel
• Distance covered:  28.9 km (18 miles)
• Duration: 5 days / 3 nights camping / 1 night hotel
• Lowest elevation: 2700 m (8,858 feet)
• Highest elevation: 4600 m (15,091 feet)
• Level of difficulty: Challenging – 7 out of 10
• Accommodation: Camping for 3 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 bring a private tent just for you upon request and inlcudes one night in a 3 star hotel.

Group size: Our hiking group sizes are very important to guarantee the quality of our service, providing you with personalized attention. That’s the reason we run with an average of 2 to 5 hikers per group.

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 at 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.

Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS was a dream that came true in 2015 for Jose Condor, who has guided treks from 2014 until today and has guided 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 refreshed training with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) training in WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER. Since our treks go into the wilderness and your health is our priority on our trips, our guides are fully trained to assist 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 enjoy being with travelers.

Location: This trip starts in Cusco City or Sacred Valley upon your request. You will need to fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, and 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. We depart every day year-round, and the size of the groups is from 2 to 5 people on average, which allows us to provide you with personalized service.

We take bookings year-round and this hike does not need to be booked long in advance. So, anytime you are ready, join us and reach us with any questions you have on our 24/7 number +51 989585967 or email us at info@perubylocals.com

DAY 0: BRIEFING

The day before your Ancascocha Trek adventure begins, your designated guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby to give you final guidance on how to pack, what to pack, and more.

DAY 1: CUSCO – SOQMA – RAYAN – CHARCAHUAYLLA

Early morning meeting with your guide at your hotel in Cusco for a drive to Soqma, which takes about one and a half hours, where your Soqma Hike will begin. Stop at the town called Huarocondo where you can purchase last-minute supplies such as water or snacks. Our adventure begins with one and a half hours uphill, with great views. We will also encounter a beautiful waterfall called Perolniyoc, as well as beautiful Inca ruins up the hill after having 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 a couple more hours.

• Distance covered: 13 km (8 miles)
• Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
• Lowest elevation: 3000 m (9,843 feet)
• Highest elevation: 4380 m (14,370 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 perfectly adventurous day. We will start the journey for about 3 to 4 hours with views of the Urubamba snow-capped mountain range towards Ancascocha Valley, where our chef will wait for you with a delicious lunch.

The afternoon hike is all uphill with a gradual incline up Soyrococha Lagoon, which is over 14,000 feet, where we spend the night.

• Distance covered: 12 km (7.4 miles)
• Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
• Lowest elevation: 3700 m (12,139 feet)
• Highest elevation: 4380 m (14,370 feet)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Lodging: Camping

DAY 3: ANCASCOCHA – WAYANAY PASS – PAUCARCANCHA

Today we undertake the long stretch, but in return, you will have amazing views, hike over the old Inca Trail, and cross over the highest elevation point. You will ascend to the second and highest pass on The Ancascocha Trek – Wayanay Pass (4,600 m / 15,090 feet), which takes 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 Racay, followed by the next three or four hours to the next camp, viewing some waterfalls, amazing vistas, and small Inca ruins.

• Distance covered: 16 km (10 miles)
• Hiking time: 9 to 10 hours
• Lowest elevation: 3150 m (10,335 feet)
• Highest elevation: 4560 m (14,961 feet)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Lodging: Camping

DAY 4: PAUCARCANCHA – KM 82 – OLLANTAYTAMBO – MACHU PICCHU TOWN

Our Ancascocha Trek camp is close to the Paucarcancha Inca site. After a good breakfast, we will explore and have a guided tour of this site, then start our hike down through the Wayllabamba Valley to join the Classic Inca Trail back to KM 82. Along the way, we will encounter Incan ruins, hikers who just started the Classic Inca Trail, and probably lots of porters. Today’s hike will range from easy to moderate, as it’s mostly downhill and at a lower elevation.

Our hike ends around 1 p.m. with a goodbye lunch with our crew. A van will pick us up and take us to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we’ll catch a train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night, with the journey lasting about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

• Distance covered: 13 km (8 miles)
• Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
• Lowest elevation: 2700 m (8,858 feet)
• Highest elevation: 300 m (10,000 feet)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Lodging: Hotel

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU TOUR

After completing the Ancascocha Trail, we will take a bus from Machu Picchu town early in the morning and arrive at Machu Picchu to watch the spectacular sunrise over one of the most amazing places on Earth. Be prepared for a flood of emotions, or at the very least, goosebumps as you gaze at the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu!

You will have a 2.5-hour guided tour of the most important sites in Machu Picchu, such as the main viewpoint, main temple, Stone Quarry, Temple of the Sun, and more, as this tour includes a full Machu Picchu permit. If you’re feeling brave and still have energy, you can hike up the steep Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. When you’re ready to leave, we’ll catch the bus back down to Machu Picchu town and enjoy a farewell lunch with the rest of the group before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon.

OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS

WHERE DO I MEET THE TEAM?

The day before the Ancascocha Trek starts, your guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco at 5:30 p.m. 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 Ancascocha Trek is rated as moderate to challenging and covers approximately 77 km (47.8 miles) on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections. Day 3 is the most challenging for most people because of the elevation and the rest of the trail’s difficulty.

HOW LONG BEFORE SHOULD I BOOK THIS TREK?

This trek does not require booking long in advance for a permit, but it includes Machu Picchu, so we recommend booking at least a month in advance. This gives 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 there are also 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 (73°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 kilo / 2 pounds), extra clothes for the night such as long warm underwear, warm fleece, and others.

WHAT DO 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 includes a small version of a buffet with 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 also provide you with 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 make 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 ascending too high too quickly. Given enough time, your body will adapt to the decrease in oxygen. This process, known as acclimatization, 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 2 days before starting the Ancascocha Trek or 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 quickly climb to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet / 3,048 meters). It is particularly useful in situations where a slow ascent is not possible. 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 during the first 1 to 2 days. (Regarding any specific medications, please check for 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. Additionally, if you are thinking of giving appreciations 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 for 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 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°F = -15°C. At the time you are booking your trek with us, you should request a sleeping bag if you need it, as it won’t be possible to rent one on site.

If you have one, make sure it is down-filled and rated for temperatures up to 5°F = -15°C, or even better, made for colder temperatures than that – you don’t want to be cold.

HOW BIG WILL MY GROUP 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 Incan sites, flora, and fauna. Your guide spends a lot 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, a group of friends or family larger than 8, we are happy to accommodate them 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 have 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 bringing 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, and 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 to be fit. That is why everyone who is 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 it is also not impossible.

WHAT TIME DO I GET BACK TO CUSCO ON THE LAST DAY?

You will be back in Cusco around 5 p.m. after the trek. If for any reason you have to be back in Cusco earlier than that, please inform us at the time of your booking or at least one month before your trek begins, as we have to purchase the train tickets for the specified trains.

SHOULD I HAVE TO BOOK WAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN IN ADVANCE?

The Huayna Picchu Mountain has a limit of permits up to 400 per day, which is divided into two groups – the first group from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and the second group from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. We recommend booking it in advance, especially for the dry season or high season that runs from April to August. Consider booking it 2 or 3 months in advance and email us for availabilities.

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 toilet paper, you will need to bring your own with you. We recommend one roll for every two people, but in case you need extra, your cook will have additional rolls for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask for it as we are always prepared for any emergency.

DO I NEED WALKING POLES?

Walking poles are recommended for everybody; they will help you a lot going uphill and downhill. Our expert guides say that they can take 30% off your weight, and a pair is recommended per person.

If you don’t have any but want to use them on your treks, you can rent them from us as well – a pair costs US$15 for the four days.

HOW BIG SHOULD MY DAY BACKPACK BE?

A thirty-liter backpack will be big enough to carry your belongings such as water, rain gear, and extra clothes.

HOW BIG ARE THE SLEEPING TENTS? HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SLEEP IN THEM?

Our tents are 4-season and each one is designed for 3 people, but we use them for 2 (2.30 m length / 0.90 inches width, 1.70 m width / 0.70 inches).

Please email us if you are a solo traveler, whether you want to share a tent or have your own.

CAN I PAY THE REST OF THE BALANCE WITH A 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, one of the representatives will also meet with 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 sol to 1 US Dollar.

LANGUAGE

Spanish is the national language of Peru. Also, 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 planning 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 at 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 carefully designed to meet your needs, and we create diverse, unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length. We offer a wide range of tours and treks and 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 Ancascocha Trek tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, enjoy food, appreciate history or photography—suitable for all ages, whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, as a couple, or with family. At Peru by Locals, we believe small groups make the best experiences. 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’s not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.

Price

Best Seller

Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu | Trail to Soqma, Cusco

The Ancascocha Trek Machu Picchu is a spectacular trail that remains in the mountains known also as the Hidden Inca Trail.

Product Brand: Peru by Locals

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 710

Product In Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
5

GROUP SERVICE

Our Ancascocha Trek groups are very important to us. We typically run tours with 2 to 8 people per group, and we open any tour date with a minimum of 2 guests. This service is considered semi-private to ensure personalized experiences, allowing you to make the most of your valuable time.

Accommodations

Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and are in US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or through our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).

To ensure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding remaining balance must be paid 30 days prior to your trip.

Choosing this option

• Once a tour date is opened with 2 guests, the travel date probably won’t be changed later.
• This is a great option to meet other travelers and hang out during the trip.
• The quality of service is the same as private tours.
• If for any reason one of you or others can’t continue the tour, the tours will go as planned from the beginning to the end.

PRIVATE SERVICE

Our private service can start with 1 person and accommodate any number you desire, and you can choose your travel date.

Accommodations

We run all our tours with 3-star hotels, but we can customize with 5-star hotels.

Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and are in US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or through our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).

To ensure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding remaining balance must be paid 30 days prior to your trip.

Choosing this option

• We cater this tour to your needs with flexibility.
• Once a tour date is opened, it can still be changed if time allows at your requested time.
• This is a great option to spend time with your parents, family, and friends or to travel for special occasions such as a honeymoon.
• The quality of service is the same as other tours.