Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days HIGHLIGHTS .
- Hiking in the most remote places off the beaten path.
- Transfer airport Pick up included (Cusco Airport)
- Panoramic train on the way back to Cusco
- Learn and interact with our native Tour Guides
- Meet our multicultural team
- 2% of the price you pay goes to support our Social Projects
- Extra DUFFLE bag is included for your personal stuff (8 kg duffle bag, most tour companies charge you for this extra service).
Pre-Trek Briefing:
The tour guide will meet you at your hotel one day before your tour to give you a briefing. They will tell you all about your tour and answer any questions you may have. It is important to us that you ask any questions you may have so the tour guide will get you ready for your amazing tour.
TREKKING WITH THE BEST TEAM
You will hike with the best team made of our guides, our chefs and porters. You will be proud of the people in our team for their hard work. We treat our team very well and provide them with everything they need to work well and respond to your needs. We have the best equipment to camp in each camping sites.
What makes us different?
Runas Expeditions is owned by locals and based in Cusco-Peru. Runas Expeditions has the best professional staff, we work hard to provide a high-quality service, RE organize all kinds of tour packages and we are ready to answer your questions, we arrange your tour according to your needs and we are very flexible. And the most important thing for us is your safety in each tour, you are in good hands, we take care of you from door to door.
- 100 % local tour company
- Passion for the essential and details
- Passion for Peru Tours
- Small groups and _customized experiences
- Authentic experiences
- Safety standars
- Experienced Tour Guides
- Committed to social projects
Equipment
Every camping tour includes a spacious 4 man tent that will be shared by only two people so you can spread out a bit. These are all King Camp Tents made for all seasons Our rentals are top of the line: Black Diamond Adjustable Walking Sticks, the Thermarest Air Matts can be rented at our office. Sleeping Bags rented from us are mummy style down bags for -15C and liners are always included.
Food
Every trek includes a chef that has been trained in culinary school. They have learned the magic of mountain cooking and you will be amazed. You will enjoy full breakfast, lunch and dinner all served hot and tasty. We also include Happy Hour with snacks and some hot tea before dinner. The key to feeling good on a trek like this is eating well and staying hydrated.
Meals are all served family style – large plates for everyone to take what they like. And all food restrictions are honored. No matter if you are vegetarian or gluten free, you will always be well fed.
Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu 4d/3n
- DISTANCE: 53 km / 34 miles.
- Day1: 16 km/10 miles, 9 hours approx.
- Day2: 24 km/15 miles, 10 hours approx.
- Day3: 16 km/10 miles, 7 hours approx.
- Day4: Machu Picchu Tour and back to Cusco
- Type of trek: Nature, Cultural and history adventure and much more.
- 10 miles of the classic inca trámil (day 3)
- Lowest Elevation: 2000 m / 6400 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 4750 m / 15200 ft.
- Hot Spring: optional at Aguas Calientes on day four.
- Train Service: Expeditions Train Journey at 2:55pm or 3:20pm
- Hotel: You spend overnight in a nice hotel 3star (day 3).
- Weather: From Abril to November dry season, from November to March wet season.
- Departure Dates: Depend on your booking time
Optional items:
- Vistadome Train (one way): $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (round trip): $130 per person
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –tickets cost an additional $75 per person. To get this ticket, you need to book far in advance; climbing takes 2 hours round trip.
- Machu Picchu Mountain – tickets cost an additional $75 per person. To get this ticket, you need to book far in advance; climbing takes 3 hours round trip.
Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan – Kuychiccasa Pass – Chancachuco Valley.
After meeting you at your hotel, we leave cusco early in the morning and drive 1hore and 45minutes to Soqma (3,205 m/10,512 ft). This is the starting point of our trek and where we meet the horsemen (and horses) those people will be our porters during the hike. Just before hiking we have breakfast here.
The hike begins with a 1h 45m hour walk to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout. The waterfall is breathtaking, and you can even take the short climb down to the base of the falls for some fantastic photo opportunities (and cool down if the weather is hot)! Then, hiking for a further 45 minutes we visit the Inca site of the same name. Perched on a cliff-top with spectacular views of the surrounding valley, your guide will share some of the history of the Incas and you will be free to wander through the ruins, imagining life 500 years ago.
Then we make a challenging steep ascent for around 2hours and 30 minutes to reach our lunch spot, Kuychiccasa Pass (4,450 m /14,599 ft). Here you will sample for the first time the incredible culinary skills of your chef with a chance to rest, relax and refuel for the afternoon’s hike.
The afternoon begins with a 10 minutes uphill hike, and then it will be mostly down hill with little up and down. Passing the rustic houses of the farmers, at every turn you will see sumptuous views of the snow-capped peaks of the ‘Nevadas’, wild llamas, sprawling valleys, and if we are lucky, a passing condor (the largest bird in the Andes with a wing-span of up to 10 feet across!).
As we reach the top of the pass (perhaps a little breathless) we take a break to soak in the magnificent views of the Chancachuco Valley on one side and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other.
From here it is an easy 45 minute downhill hike to reach our camp for the evening at the Chancachuco Valley (4,312 m / 14,147 ft). Here, with the campsite already prepared when you arrive, you can change into warmer clothing and lie back to watch the sky gradually fill with the most incredible display of stars (clouds permitting!) before joining your guide and your fellow trekkers for a well-earned, hearty dinner.
Trip overview:
- Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m/10,512 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 4,450 m/14,599 ft.
- Distance to walk: 16 km/10 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Includes:
- Accommodations: campsite
- Camping equipment included: sleeping tent (2people), Sleeping Mattress, dinning tent, table + chairs
- Crew included: Top Guide, Master Chef, Porter, and a horsemen + horses
- Meals Included: Water, Breakfast, Lunch, tea time, and Dinner
- Entrance tickets: included
Day 2: Chancachuco Valley – Ancascocha – Huayanay Pass – Quesqa Valley.
You will be woken with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, followed by a full breakfast to fuel you for the morning ahead. We begin with a 45 minute undulating hike followed by a 20 minute ascent by way of a narrow trail that follows a stream with beautiful views of Mt. Veronica (5,822 m/ 19,100 ft). We then take a 2.5 hour walk downhill to reach the small community of Ancascocha (3,700 m/12,139 ft), in a small but gorgeous wooded valley with a stream running through it. Continuing uphill for 1 hour you will enjoy views of the nearby glacier and well preserved Inca remains, before reaching the beautiful crystal blue Ancascocha Lake where we stop for lunch.
After lunch we continue our ascent towards the Huayanay Pass (4,750 m/15,255 ft). This is a strenuous 2 hour climb along a steep switchback trail which brings us to the highest point of our trek. Along this section you will see an original cobblestone paved Inca Trail. After taking time to enjoy the incredible views from the summit, we embark on a 3 hour descent into greener vegetation. Along this stretch we will have a distant vista of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu as well as fascinating views of the communities of the Quesqa valley. We will also pass the small Inca site of Incaracay.
Finally we will reach our campsite, nestled in the Quesqa valley (3,850 m/12,631 ft). Once again, your chef will serve an excellent dinner as we reflect on the sights and sounds of the day.
Trip overview:
- Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/12,139 ft.
- Campsite elevation: 4,750 m/15,255 ft.
- Distance to walk: 24 km/ 15miles
- Approximate walking time: 10 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
- Area: Dry Mountain
Includes:
- Accommodations: campsite
- Camping equipment included: sleeping tent (2people), Sleeping Mattress, dinning tent, table + chairs
- Crew included: Top Guide, Master Chef, Porter, and a horsemen + horses
- Meals Included: Water, Breakfast, Lunch, tea time, and Dinner
- Entrance tickets: included
Day 3: Quesqa Valley – Paucarcancha – Inca Trail – Kilometer 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
On our final day of trekking we descend from Quesqa Valley for 2 hours until we reach the Inca site of Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,278 ft) where your guide will provide a comprehensive commentary about the site.
We then join a section of the Classic Inca Trail (8 miles) and make an easy hike downhill for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the official start of the Classic Trail. Along the way we will be able to see the Inca site of Huayllabamba, Llactapata, Qanabamba, Salapunku. Lunch will be served at Km82.
After lunch we will be picked up by our private local van and transported to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,160 ft) to catch the train to Aguas Calientes. There is a chance to explore Ollantaytambo town because it’s one of the Inca Towns surviving after more than 500 years since the arrival of the Spanish. Your guide will let you know to do this extra expedition. Dinner will be in Ollantaytambo as well.
After Dinner we take the train for 1 hour and 45 minutes to Aguas Calientes Town. After 2 nights in the mountains, your comfortable hotel room will be a welcome sight and get ready for Machu Picchu.
Trip overview:
- Highest Elevation: 2,040 m/6,692 ft.
- Lowest Elevation: 3,850 m/12,631 ft
- Distance to walk: 16 km/10 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Includes:
- Accommodations: Hotel 3 stars
- Camping equipment included: dinning tent, table + chairs
- Crew included: Top Guide, Master Chef, Porter, and horsemen + horses
- Meals Included: Water, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Inca Trail permits: Included (10 miles of the classic Inca Trail)
- Train journey one way: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance tickets: included
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
After a very early breakfast at your hotel we take one of the first buses (5:30am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Your guide will then give a 2 hour walking tour of this breathtaking site, named as one of the new 7 wonders of the world.
After the Tour you will have plenty of free time to explore Machu Picchu by your own before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus.
Arriving back in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo you will get a private van to Cusco and back to your hotel. Your arrival time in Cusco will be around 6:30pm
Trip overview:
- Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,005 ft.
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
Includes:
- Accommodations: N/A
- Crew included: Top Guide, driver.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.
- Bus ticket: included (round trip: Aguas calientes – Machu Picchu)
- Tren ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Entrance tickets: included
Accomodation:
Trekking Accomodation: This amazing alternative trek provides the best camping spots which are pretty much private. Every camping tour includes a spacious 4 man tent that will be shared by only two people so you can spread out a bit and also we included pillow with Sleeping mattress (foam).
Hotel 3 start: The last night is spent at a Hotel in the Aguas Caliente Town, rather than camping. This 3 star hotel is included in the trek cost, and is based on a shared room (Double occupancy). We are the only tour Company who provides 3star Hotel .
If you would like to upgrade your hotel, or prefer a single room, there will be an additional cost.
- First night: Camping
- Secong night: Camping
- Third night: Hotel 3 start in Aguas Calientes town.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY RUNAS EXPEDITIONS?
RUNAS EXPEDITIONS is an experienced travel company, we are experts doing tours and you are our motivation; to show you our culture; You will have your best adventure and experience ever in PERU. We will work together to do your trip, hiking through the Andes to reach MACHUPICCHU or any other tours.
Peru is one of the countries that has so many things to do as an adventure, so we offer you the best experiences ever in your lifetime. Whatever is your tour you will have the best adventures. All our tours are only and strictly operated by RUNAS EXPEDITIONS with our professional staff. we are located and based in Cusco, working more than 10 years in the tourism industry, we believe that we are in advance than any others tour companies because we really practice and educate the people to protect the environment and we really help to local people with giving jobs, and giving donations to the local children. And we really care about our employees guides, chefs, porters, horsemen and all our staff. Runas Expeditions contributes to the Peruviangovernment with 19%taxes on all sales (overseas companies are exempt from paying this so do not contribute to the Peruvian economy in this aspect).
All our tour guides are from university who speak English; they are very professional with a lot knowledgeable and a lot passion to their work.
DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Well all the treks Ancascocha trek, Inca Quarry Trek, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Ausangate trek or whatever trek are moderately difficult, at least you need to train like go running, gym, hike a little bit or do any exercise. On the trail you will have enough time do anything, if you are hiking slow on the way that’s not problem take your time enjoy yourself because our tour guides will be ready to help at any times.
Please when you will be going high altitudes, go slowly and steady and drink a lot water and of course drink the magical coca tea.
How long in advance should I book for this Trek?
For the alternative trek or any Machu Picchu tours: Ancascocha Treks, Inca Quarry Trek, Lares trek, salkantay, Huchuy Qosqo etc. You can book three months in advance before doing the trek or any tour to Machu Picchu.
How can I proceed to book a reservation for the altervative treks?
The same as the Inca Trail, sending your departure date and backup date:
You must provide us a main date and a backup date. By providing us with a main date and a backup date for your trek classic, you automatically authorize Runas Expeditions to use either of these dates for your reservation. Runas Expeditions within the next 24 hours, we will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek and also you have to do a deposited of 200$ usa or 20% of the total price of the trip.
How many days in advance is recommended to BE in Cusco? How far in advance must one check in at the ROYAL ADVENTURE Office to guarantee the reservation?
All the hiker from any treks, we high recommended to be in Cusco 1 or 2 days before doing the trek or any tour in order to acclimatize with high elevation. The last details about your trek (to pay the remaining balance) should be at the Runas Expeditions office at least two days prior to departure.
HOW TO MAKE A DEPOSIT?
We are Unable to accept any bookings without completed booking form and deposit sent to Runas Expeditions. All deposits are $200 per person and are non-refundable.
We accept payments through PayPal and Visa, they do charge 6% so the total per person is $212 and should be sent to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
You can make your deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on our page or you need to log into your Paypal account and send the money to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
NOTE: The client will assume all transaction fees.
CAN I BOOK GROUP SERVICE OR PRIVATE SERVICE.
When you book as Group Service, you will meet people from different nationalities, different ages, and different culture minds, while you are hiking you don’t have to wait for the last one but you will wait at lunch place and camping site because you will share the same food, the same sleeping tents etc.
When you book as Private Service, you will definitely have exclusive service with more details and surprise to you. You will travel just yourself not with other people to share thing, it will selected just two people for honeymooners, for family or a group of friends and normally the groups are small but they could be a big group.
Is there a meeting before the trek?
Of course there will be a meeting at Runas Expeditions office before doing any tours, where you will meet your tour guide, the rest of your group, and be provided with a clear information about your trek or any tours.
Can i rent equipment from Runas expeditions?
Yes, You can. Here you can rent sleeping bag, sleeping tens, trekking poles, inflammable matrass or air mattresses but we don’t rent hiking boots, rain jackets or other personal clothing.
CAN I RENT AN EXTRA PORTER AND HOW MUCH WILL THEY CARRY FOR ME?
Runas Expeditions, you don’t have to pay for extra porter, we included in all our tour extra porter to carry 8 kilos per person (duffle bag), so we are the only tour company who provide this. You will carry just a small daypack.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
We strongly advise you to get travel insurance that covers accidents, medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including rescue and air ambulance. We also recommend that it covers bad weather tour cancellations, loss of luggage, etc. Please forward a copy/ policy number to our offices.
How many people will there be in my group?
According to Peruvian laws and regulation on the Inca Trail, the maximum group size is 16 hikers and 2 tour guides. After 9 hikers there will be 2 tour guides, and from 2 hikers to 8 hikers there will be a tour guide. At many times of year, the group size will be smaller.
IF I am travelling by myself. Will I have to share THE SLEEPING tent?
The sleeping tents for all our treks are 4 man tents but we only designed for two people in each thus allowing you more space and comfort. If you are travelling alone and there is an even number of people in your group, you will share the tent with somebody else unless you rent an extra single tent.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE WAY?
On the Inca Trail there are toilets at every lunch spot and every campsites. The type of toilets are squat toilets and sometimes will be busy, they may become slightly dirty.
We will provide chemical baths on the Inca trail and alternate treks, as these baths are more hygienic
WHAT KIND OF FOOD ARE THERE ON THE TRAIL? Can I GET my dietary needs?
You should not worry about the food; our meals are just amazing and plenty for everyone, the type of food that we provide are buffet so you can eat as much as you want. And definitely we have the best food, by the way you will have four meals per Day Breakfast, Lunch, Happy hour and Dinner.
Runas Expeditions is able to accommodate many types of needs upon request at the time of booking. If you are vegetarian or any specially diet or any specific allergies, it will not be a problem for. Our international chefs will be able to give you a surprise at every meal and you will have variety of dietary needs.
WILL I GET WATER ALONG THE WAY?
We will provide you boiled water. At Every morning, you will get plenty water from us, and after every lunch you will get more water from us, even if you need water at night just let us know.
Is there a student discount?
Runas Expeditions gives student discounts of %25. You only need to send us your scanned student card at booking time, and your price will be adjusted accordingly.
WHAT TIME WILL I GET BACK TO CUSCO?
We give you all the chance to enjoy more the Inca city Machu Picchu. Our transportation back to Cusco is not early and not late. That’s why we have to book in advance too, because the Train Company Peru Rail provides us all departure times. You will get back to Cusco between 7pm to 8pm.
WHAT TIME WILL I ARRIVE AT MACHUPICCHU?
When you are coming from the Inca Trail, you will arrive to MachuPicchu around 7:30am. But if you are doing any others tour you will arrive to MachuPicchu between 6:30am to 7am or depend on your bokking time.
IS THERE ANY OTHERS THINGS TO DO AT MACHUPICCHU?
After the guiding tour you will have plenty of time to visit by yourself. If you book for the extra climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Macho Picchu Mountain you can do it, or you can go to the Inca Bridge or you can go the Sun Gate or you can just explore at the Inca city.
WHY AND HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP THE PORTERS?
Runas Expeditions fully complies with the porter’s Law (27608) requirements of payment and insurance. However, tipping is a tradition on the Inca Trail or any trek that has been taking place for the 20 years as a way of showing the porters your gratitude. Generally the groups prepare a collective tip which is shared out between the cook, head porter and porters. Suggested amount to tip is 90 soles to each porter and 250 soles the cook, from the whole group not from each tourist.
Please Note: to tip to the porters is a personal decision and it is optional.
SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDE?
Tipping the guide is again a personal decision. If you decide to tip we recommend that it is according their performance, knowledge and skills while on the trail. Guides are tipped individually at the end of the trek and tipping depends on their performance!
WHAT HAPPENED IF I GET SICK DO I NEED TO TURN BACK?
We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trek. Our priority is to help you complete it; all our guides are properly trained and carry a first aid kit and a bottle of oxygen for emergencies. Please do not think about this, be positive mind and definitely you are in good hands.
In the exceptional case that a trekker decides to head back once they have started the trek, they must pay additional expenses such as food, lodging and transportation. On the last day the tourist will be able to rejoin the group and participate in the Machu Picchu tour.
No refund will be given.
What KIND OF MONEY is used in Peru?
Peruvian Soles are the national currency.
What type of money is most commonly accepted?
Soles are accepted everywhere in Peru. However, at tourist sites you are often able to use American dollars and money exchanges are easy to find it.
