5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco - Soqma - Perolniyoc - Racaypata - Rayan - Kuychisccasa Pass - Chancachuco
4 stops
1
Cusco
Your adventure begins with pickup and a private transport trip to Soqma, the starting point of the trek.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Socma Perolniyoc
You will have breakfast there and meet the team.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
3
The walk starts towards the Perolniyoc Waterfall, ideal for cooling off and taking photos, before continuing to the Racaypata archaeological site, with spectacular valley views.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
4
After lunch on the mountain, the trail climbs to the Kuychiccasa Pass (over $4,500$ masl / $14,763.78$ feet), offering views of fields, alpacas, and perhaps condors flying over snow-capped peaks. The pace is relaxed, ideal for enjoying the panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the Chancacucho valley. Finally, you will descend toward the campsite in Chancacucho, where you will spend the night surrounded by a completely clear Andean sky. There you will have time to rest, observe constellations, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner before finishing your first day of adventure.
15 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Chancachuco - Ancascocha - Huayanay Pass - Quesqa
2 stops
5
The day begins with a nutritious breakfast before resuming the trek. Today's trail will give you privileged views of the La Verónica glacier, one of the most imposing peaks on the route. From there, you will descend towards the Ancascocha community, crossing a charming valley. Next, you will ascend to a viewpoint with views of glaciers, Inca archaeological remains, and the Ancascocha lagoon.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
6
After lunch, the route continues uphill until the Huayanay Pass, the highest point of the trip, where you will walk on an original stretch of the Inca Trail. The day concludes with a relaxed descent to the campsite in the Quesqa valley. There you can rest, enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, and share a comforting dinner before settling into your tent for the night.
13 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Quesqa - Paucarcancha - Piscacucho - KM 82 - Ollantaytambo
3 stops
7
After an energetic breakfast, you will begin a two-hour descent to the Paucarcancha archaeological site, where the landscape begins to turn greener and more lush. There you can explore the constructions with your guide and appreciate stretches of the original Inca Trail.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Then, you will continue the journey for approximately five hours to KM 82 for lunch. In this section, you will pass through small communities and be able to see important archaeological sites such as Llactapata and Canabamba.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Ollantaytambo
In the afternoon, you will transfer to Ollantaytambo to check into your hotel. If you still have energy, you can explore its traditional streets before enjoying dinner in the town. It will be a night of good rest before beginning the final leg toward Machu Picchu.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Ollantaytambo - KM104 - Chachabamba - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
6 stops
10
Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, you will board the panoramic train to KM 104, where the Short Inca Trail begins.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
11
After entering the checkpoint, you will visit the Chachabamba archaeological site before starting the walk along original Inca trails, surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and orchids.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Winay Wayna
After about 3 hours, you will reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive complexes on the Inca Trail, where you will enjoy a guided tour and lunch.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
13
Then you will continue for one more hour to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), from where you will have the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable moment.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
14
Machu Picchu
After touring the upper terraces to get the classic postcard photo, you will descend toward the main entrance and take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
15
Aguas Calientes
There you will enjoy dinner at a restaurant and rest in a comfortable hotel to prepare for the final visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
11 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
5 stops
16
Aguas Calientes
Today is the culmination of the trip. You will leave very early by bus to Machu Picchu to enter first thing in the morning and enjoy the citadel without crowds, while the first rays of sun illuminate it.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
17
Machu Picchu
The hour-and-a-half guided tour will take you through the lower part of the site, where you will discover its fascinating history, architecture, and mysteries. If you made a reservation in advance, you will have the option to ascend Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain for truly spectacular panoramic views.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
18
Aguas Calientes
After this experience, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
19
Ollantaytambo
Finally, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo
2 hours • Admission ticket free
20
Cusco
In Ollantaytambo, private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco, putting the finishing touch on this unforgettable Andean adventure.

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
• The Inca Trail is highly demanded, specially in high season (May to September). Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure a spot.

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