Ancascocha Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days

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1. Day 1: Day 1: CUSCO – SOQMA – RAYAN

   Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

   We Pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and travel via private vehicle through the Sacred Valley (1 hr. and 40 min) reaching the picturesque village of Soqma (Alt. 3,205 meters), which is the trailhead to start our trekking. Here we will meet our tour leader and staff and begin our great adventure to Ancascocha.

   We will begin with a gentle hike along the Valley (approx. 1 hr. and 30 min.) until you reach the waterfall of Perolniyoc, stopping to enjoy one of the most beautiful waterfalls within the Sacred Valley.

   We will continue our Ancascocha Trek for an additional hour reaching the archaeological site of Perolniyoc, perched atop the mountain, after listening to our tour leader revealing the remnants of the Inca history, we will walk for one more hour to reach our camp and have lunch.

   On this first day, we will have the opportunity to acclimate to the high altitude. After lunch, we can relax and rest (R & R) for the next day.

   Overnight camp in the village of Rayan (3,700 meters / 12.136 feet).

   Details of the trek from Ancascocha to Machupicchu

   • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
   • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
   • Walking Time: 4 to 5 hrs.
   • Lowest Altitude: 3,205 m / 10,512 feet
   • Highest Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft.
   • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
   • Approx. Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
   • Physical Level: Moderate
   • Area: Mountainous

2. Day 2: Day 2: RAYAN– ANACASCOCHA

   Our second day begins with a delicious breakfast prepared and served by our travel chef.  We leave camp, hiking gently for 3 hrs., reaching the highest point in the passage of “Puka Kasa” (Alt. 4,450 m / 14,596 ft.).

   For most hikers, this is the most difficult section due to the altitude.  However, it’s also the most spectacular part of the tour, you’ll enjoy the snow-covered mountains and appreciate the scenic views of the lower landscape of the Sacred Valley.

   In reaching the peak of the mountain, you’ll have the feeling of surviving one of the highest mountain ranges. After enjoying all the wonderful and picturesque views, you’ll continue trekking to Chancachuco, hiking for one hour and a half until lunchtime.

   As we continue our hike, you’ll appreciate several spectacular snow-capped peaks and one that you’ll appreciate throughout this hike is “Veronica” mountain (Alt. 5,950 m), till arriving at the Valley of Ancascocha.   Here you’ll observe traditional small plantations by inhabitants of the area. After crossing a stream and hiking uphill for another 2 hours you’ll finally reach our campsite, above the Ancascocha Lake (4,090 m).

   Details of the trek: Ancascocha to Machupicchu, 5 Days

   • Meals:                               Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   • Distance:                         14 km / 11.2 miles
   • Highest Altitude:          4,450 m / 15,250 ft.
   • Camp Elevation:           3,700 m / 12,136 ft.
   • Approx. Hike time:       8 to 10 hours
   • Level of difficulty:        Arduous
   • Area:                                 Mountainous

3. Day 3: Day 3: ANACASCOCHA PASS– QESQA COMMUNITY

   After a wholesome breakfast, we continue our Ancascocha hike during the morning (2 hours approx.) to reach the highest elevation (Huayanay Pass 4,650 m), enjoying breathtaking views along the way.

   It is stifling how the Incas handled the difficult terrain to make their edifices.  After enjoying the magnificent views and local history, we’ll drive to the Valley of Inkarakay, where a pleasurable lunch will be waiting for us. If we are fortunate, we will see condors flying around the Canyon.

   After lunch, we’ll continue walking downhill for 3 hours until we reach the community of Qesqa. On the descent, you’ll observe a variety of views of “Huayanay” peak.

   The Qesqa community is located at the tree line.  Thus, the overnight rest will be more temperate compared to the previous nights (3,650 m / 11.910 feet).

   Details of the trek: Ancascocha 5 Days to Machupicchu

   • Meals:                               Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   • Distance:                         14 km / 9 miles
   • Highest Altitude:          4,650 m / 15,298 ft.
   • Camp Elevation:           3,150 m / 12,628 ft.
   • Approx. Hike time:       8 to 9 hours
   • Level of difficulty:        Arduous
   • Area:                                 Mountainous

4. Day 4: Day 4: QESQA – KILOMETER 82- OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

   The fourth day begins with an early morning breakfast. We’ll start hiking gradually down the Valley for approximately 2 hours, reaching “Paucarcancha”, an extraordinary Inca fortress. The guide will enlighten you on the history of these beautiful ruins.  We again initiate our descent for 30 minutes, arriving at the village of “Huallyabamba”.

   It’s here that we’ll merge with the famous Inca Trail and continue our journey for an additional 4 hours, till we reach Km 82.  This last section is part of the classic Inca Trail, the road to Km 82 will stop at “Willkarakay”, a great Inca site, and “Patallacta” with great views and remarkable Inca constructions hidden at the bottom of the Valley.  At Kilometer 82, our chef will be waiting for a delectable lunch.

   After lunch, transportation will take us to Ollantaytambo (Alt. 2,792 m) where we will board the train.

   Details of the trek: Ancascocha to Machupicchu, 5 Days

   • Meals:                              Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   • Accommodation:         Hotel
   • Est. walking time:         6 hours
   • Level of Difficulty:        easy
   • Highest Altitude:          3,850 m / 12,628 ft
   • Lowest Altitude:           2,792 m / 9.158 ft
   • Distance:                         16 km / 7 ½ miles
   • Level of difficulty:        Easy

5. Day 5: Day 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

   After a scrumptious breakfast, we will board the bus transporting us to the Majestic Lost City of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”.

   Your tour guide will impart the history of this mystical place.  We will have the opportunity to visit the “Temple of the Sun”, the “Royal Palace”, the “Main Temple”, the “Temple of the Three Windows” and the “Sun Dial”.  Here, we promise an unforgettable experience.  After your guided tour, you’ll have free time to do your own exploring.

   • If you have reserved your visit to “Huaynapicchu” (tickets limited to 400 per day – not included), will have to coordinate with the Tour Guide for your visit depending on the programmed time.

   There are many more activities that you can do.  These activities are optional (not included with the Ancascocha Trek 5 Days) for example The “Puerta del Sol” (2 hours hike up and down), where you will appreciate the Inca city from a different viewpoint.

   In the afternoon, we catch the train to reach the City of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival to Ollantaytambo, we will have transportation waiting to drive you to your hotel in Cusco.

   Details of the trek: Ancascocha to Machupicchu 5 Days

   • Meals:                              Breakfast
   • Lowest Altitude:           2,000 m / 6.691 ft
   • Highest Altitude:          2,400 m / 8,052 ft