Ancascocha Trek with Short Inca Trail 5D/4N

At Action Peru Treks, we specialize in creating exciting and unique multi-day treks that combine the rugged solitude and spectacular beauty of the Ancascocha Trail with a journey to the most famous and photographed site in South America, the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.

Despite being named by National Geographic as one of 20 “Dream Hikes” in their World Best Hikes list, the Ancascocha trail remains one of the least populated routes in the area. In fact, if you ask about the trail in Cusco, you may well get quizzical looks from tourists and locals alike. Whilst the Classic Inca trail and Salkantay have become household names, often booked out a year in advance, Ancascocha remains almost ‘undiscovered’. But don’t be put off by this lesser-known status, this is a heavyweight trail in all respects!

For this brand new 5-day trek itinerary, we have combined the most spectacular highlights of Ancascocha with an unforgettable 2-day journey on the famous Inca Trail. Spending our first 3 days on Ancascocha, far from the beaten path and the typical tourist trails, you will be treated to irresistible vistas of the majestic snow-capped Andes. We will walk amongst well-preserved ruins, marveling at the engineering feats of the ancient tribes, and we will pass remote communities who still live and work simply as they have for many generations.

Switching from “Trek to Train”, we then take a wonderful journey along the lush valley floor to the vibrant Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo, and its eclectic mix of ancient architecture, Artesan crafts and bustling restaurants and cafes. After a comfortable overnight stay in a quality local hotel, we begin the final stage of our journey on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Whilst our time on this trail is short, it provides access to some of the most iconic views in the area. Taking the same steps walked by the Inca Pilgrims, we will pass the ancient settlements used by travelers for respite ahead of their (and your) final destination. Your first glimpses of this sacred centre of Incan culture are simply unforgettable, and we have plenty of time on the trail to make sure you capture those memories forever. Finally, crossing the spectacular Sacred Valley, we arrive at the magnificent Inti Punku, or Sun Gate. From here, breathless and elated, we make our final descent to the jewel in the Peruvian Crown, and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

This sort of reward requires effort of course, and this is a challenging trek recommended for people with a good basic level of fitness. We will have 4 long days of trekking during which we climb to a number of high passes, including the highest point at Huayanay at just over 4,650m (15,250 ft). At Ancascocha Trekking through your safety and comfort are always our primary concern, and your experienced guide will ensure that the pace of the hike, and the number of rest stops are suitable for the whole group.

We pride ourselves on the quality and comfort of our treks, recognizing that after a serious day’s trekking, it is often the little details that make the difference to a comfortable rest. So, from the quality of our camping equipment to the exceptional culinary skills of our chef, from being woken with fresh coffee to the bowl of hot water to wash with, we believe we provide just the right level of attention to all of our guests without taking away from the raw experience that trekking in the mountains provides.

We take care of booking all of the necessary tickets and reservations you need for the trek, so you can truly immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about anything.

Finally, we use only the best, most experienced guides to supplement the trekking with local history and information to make this more than just a walking experience. This is truly a step back in time, to the days of the Ancient Incas.

This is a journey to be found on Bucket Lists the world over, and so we invite you to join us on this ‘Dream Hike’ and create unforgettable memories from your time in Peru!