A popular hiking trail in the Cusco region the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu

The two-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Ancascocha Lagoon, an impressive high Andean lake

Raqaypata Archaeological Complex, located above the Perolniyoc Waterfall in the Cusco region along the Ancascocha Trail toward Machu Picchu

Home » Tours » Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu

DURATION 5 days 4 nights

MAX ALTITUDE 4,650 m 15,255 ft

DIFFICULTY Challenging

GROUP SIZE Max. 12 Pax

DISTANCE 65 km

SEASON Year Round

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days 4 Nights

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu

Combine one of the quietest high-altitude treks near Cusco with the classic arrival at Machu Picchu on foot. On the Ancascocha Trek, you cross two high passes, including the Huayanay Pass at about 4,650 m (15,255 ft), walk past the turquoise Ancascocha Lake and camp beside the Inca site of Paucarcancha. After a night in Ollantaytambo, you take the train to KM 104 and hike the Short Inca Trail past Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate. On Day 5, you return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour.

It’s a challenging five-day, four-night trip with two nights of camping and two nights in hotels, for experienced hikers who want remote mountain scenery and the Inca Trail’s famous final stretch.

Overview

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail Overview

The first three days follow the Ancascocha Trek, a remote route through the high grasslands between the Sacred Valley and the Salkantay massif. You start at Soqma, near Ollantaytambo, pass the Perolniyoc waterfall and the small Inca site of Rayan Pata, and cross the Kuychiccasa Pass to camp in the Chancachuco valley. Day 2 is the big one: you walk to Ancascocha Lake, climb to the Huayanay Pass and descend to Paucarcancha. On Day 3, you follow the Cusichaca valley, which the Classic Inca Trail also follows on its first day, down to KM 82.

After a night in Ollantaytambo, Day 4 joins the Inca Trail network at KM 104. The Short Inca Trail climbs from the Inca site of Chachabamba to the terraces of Wiñay Wayna and on to the Sun Gate, where you get your first view of Machu Picchu. On Day 5, you return to the citadel for a guided tour.

Tour Highlights

Two high passes. Cross the Kuychiccasa Pass, about 4,450 m (14,600 ft), and the Huayanay Pass, about 4,650 m (15,255 ft), with views of the Verónica and Salkantay glaciers on clear days.
Ancascocha Lake. Stop at the turquoise glacial lake that gives the trek its name.
Herding country. Walk through high valleys where you’ll see more llamas and alpacas than hikers.
Camp at Paucarcancha. Spend a night beside an Inca site where the trail meets the Cusichaca valley.
Wiñay Wayna. Explore one of the best-preserved Inca sites on the Inca Trail, with terraces built into the hillside above the Urubamba River.
The Sun Gate. Walk into Machu Picchu on foot, then return the next morning for a guided tour.

Trip Facts at a Glance

Detail	Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days
Duration	5 days, 4 nights (2 nights camping, 2 nights in hotels)
Trekking distance	About 58 km (36 mi) over four hiking days
Highest point	Huayanay Pass, about 4,650 m (15,255 ft)
Highest camp	Chancachuco, about 4,300 m (14,110 ft)
Camps	Chancachuco and Paucarcancha
Hotels	Ollantaytambo (Day 3) and Aguas Calientes (Day 4, Hatun Inti Classic or similar)
Difficulty	Challenging
Start and finish	Hotel pickup in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo; drop-off at your Cusco hotel
Pack animals	Horses, plus an emergency horse on the Ancascocha section
Group size	Up to 12 travelers; departures from 2 travelers
Meals	5 breakfasts, 4 lunches (including a box lunch) and 4 dinners, plus afternoon tea
Permit	Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu permit included
Machu Picchu	Arrival through the Sun Gate on Day 4 (Circuit 1); guided tour on Day 5 (Circuit 3)
Season	March to January (no departures in February); best April to October
Price	From US$860 per person

Who This Trip Is For

This trip suits fit hikers who have done multi-day treks before and want a remote, high route combined with the Sun Gate arrival. You don’t need technical skills, but Days 1 and 2 are long, with eight to ten hours of hiking, two passes above 4,400 m (14,400 ft) and a first night at about 4,300 m (14,110 ft). It isn’t a good choice for a first trek at altitude. Spend at least two to three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand to acclimatize.

How This Trip Compares

	Ancascocha & Short Inca Trail 5 Days	Ancascocha Trek 4 Days	Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days
Route	Ancascocha to KM 82, night in Ollantaytambo, Short Inca Trail	Same first three days, then train to Aguas Calientes	Inca Quarry Trail to Ollantaytambo, then the Short Inca Trail
Highest point	About 4,650 m	About 4,650 m	About 4,450 m
Arrival at Machu Picchu	On foot through the Sun Gate	Train	On foot through the Sun Gate
Highlights	Ancascocha Lake, Paucarcancha	Ancascocha Lake, Paucarcancha	Cachicata quarries, Ollantaytambo
Price from	US$860	US$640	US$850

Prefer to reach Machu Picchu by train? Choose the Ancascocha Trek 4 Days or the slower-paced Ancascocha Trek 5 Days. Want a lower route with the Inca quarries instead? See the Inca Quarry & Short Inca Trail 5 Days. Wondering how Ancascocha compares with the Classic Inca Trail? Read our Ancascocha vs Classic Inca Trail comparison.

Why Travel with Ali Peru Treks

Locally owned and operated. We are a Cusco-based company and run our own departures with our own guides, cooks and horsemen. See our official certifications and permits.
Departures from two travelers. Once your booking is confirmed, we run the trip even with two people.
An emergency horse on the Ancascocha section. If you feel tired or unwell on the passes, you can ride.
Prepared for altitude. Each group carries emergency oxygen, a first aid kit and a satellite phone.
Good food on long days. Our cook prepares fresh, hot meals, plus afternoon tea. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are covered at no extra cost.
Door-to-door service. We pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco at the end.
Fair treatment for our team. We pay our guides, cooks, horsemen and porters fairly and on time, and we keep duffel bags to 7 kg (15 lb).

Itinerary

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Soqma, Perolniyoc, Kuychiccasa Pass and Chancachuco

For the 5-Day Ancascocha + Short Inca Trail Tour, we will pick you up from your hotel (in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo) at 4:30 a.m. to begin one of the most spectacular expeditions in the Andes.

Following your private pickup, we will drive toward the traditional village of Soqma (10,515 ft / 3,205 m). Upon arrival, our Ali Perú Treks professional chef will serve a high-energy technical breakfast at the trailhead. This is the key moment to meet our team of horsemen, organize your gear, and begin active acclimatization.

The trek begins with a gradual 2-hour ascent toward the Perolniyoc Waterfall (11,647 ft / 3,550 m), an impressive 80-foot cascade of immense historical significance. We will then continue the ascent for another hour to the Rayan Pata archaeological site (12,467 ft / 3,800 m). This fortress, strategically perched on the cliffside, served as an administrative outpost. Your expert guide will detail the engineering of its walls while you observe the valley’s depth from this commanding vantage point.

We will make a strategic stop in the Rayan area for lunch, where our Ali Perú Treks chef will be waiting for you with a fresh, nutritious meal prepared with local organic ingredients, balanced to deliver the fuel required for the most demanding stretch of the day.

The afternoon intensifies with a 3-hour technical ascent toward the Kuychicasa Pass (14,599 ft / 4,450 m). At this altitude, the ecosystem shifts into a high-Andean tundra where herds of llamas and alpacas roam freely. From the summit, the reward is total: a sweeping view of majestic Mt. Veronica and the entrance to the untamed Chancachuco Valley, surrounded by perpetual glaciers.

We will descend for 1 hour to reach our exclusive Chancachuco Camp (14,147 ft / 4,312 m). Upon arrival, your tents will be fully set up, and we will welcome you with a comforting hot drink service. Following an exquisite dinner and if the sky is clear your guide will lead a fascinating interpretation of Andean constellations and Inca astronomy, closing an unforgettable first day.

Day 1	Details
Drive	About 2.5 hours from Cusco to Soqma
Hiking distance	About 16 km (10 mi)
Hiking time	8 to 9 hours
Elevation change	About 1,250 m (4,100 ft) of climbing
Highest point	Kuychiccasa Pass, about 4,450 m (14,600 ft)
Camp	Chancachuco, about 4,300 m (14,110 ft)
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Difficulty	Challenging

Day 2: Ancascocha Lake, Huayanay Pass and Paucarcancha

Your second day begins in the crisp mountain air. Our Ali Perú Treks team will wake you up with a hot cup of coca tea delivered directly to your tent. After a high-energy breakfast, we will embark on the most ambitious and rewarding leg of our expedition, venturing into the high-altitude wilderness where nature remains untouched.

The first part of our trek leads us through undulating valleys inhabited by hundreds of alpacas and llamas. After approximately 2.5 hours of hiking, we will reach the spectacular Ancascocha Lake (13,418 ft / 4,090 m). Its turquoise waters, fed directly by glaciers, offer a perfect reflection of the massive peaks. We will take a brief break here to hydrate and capture the beauty of this natural amphitheater.

We will then begin the challenging ascent toward the highest point of our journey: the Huayanay Pass (15,255 ft / 4,650 m). This section is technical and demanding, but the reward is incomparable. Upon reaching the summit, you will stand face-to-face with the majesty of the glaciers. The view is breathtaking, with Mount Salkantay and Mount Huayanay standing as silent guardians. It is here that the sense of accomplishment reaches its pinnacle.

After celebrating our summit arrival, we will begin a steady descent through the Quesqa Valley. Along the way, we will enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by our chef at a strategic vantage point. The trail then leads us down into a different ecosystem, eventually arriving at the impressive Paucarcancha Archaeological Site (10,236 ft / 3,120 m). This unique Inca fortress, featuring original farming terraces and ancient stone structures, will be our home for the night.

Our campsite at Paucarcancha is truly special, located right next to the ruins where the Ancascocha trail meets the Classic Inca Trail. After a long and rewarding day, you will enjoy a comforting happy hour (tea time) and a gourmet dinner. Sleeping next to an ancient Inca site under the brilliant Andean stars is an experience reserved for very few travelers.

Day 2	Details
Hiking distance	About 18 km (11.2 mi)
Hiking time	9 to 10 hours
Elevation change	About 560 m (1,840 ft) of climbing to the pass, then about 1,550 m (5,090 ft) of descent
Highest point	Huayanay Pass, about 4,650 m (15,255 ft)
Camp	Paucarcancha, about 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Difficulty	Very challenging (the hardest day)

Day 3: Paucarcancha to KM 82 and Ollantaytambo

After a revitalizing breakfast at our campsite next to the Paucarcancha Inca ruins (10,236 ft / 3,120 m), we will begin our descent. Today is a journey through time as our trail merges with the legendary Classic Inca Trail. We will follow the same stone path used by Inca royalty five centuries ago, hiking alongside the crystal-clear Cusichaca River.

As we move forward, we will encounter several significant archaeological sites that were vital to the Empire. We will enjoy commanding views of the massive Llactapata complex, as well as Qanabamba and Willkarakay. Your expert Ali Perú Treks guide will explain how these sites functioned as a strategic network of supply and communication for those heading toward the sacred citadel.

After approximately 5 hours of hiking through a lush landscape along the trail, we will arrive at Piscacucho, famously known as Kilometer 82 (8,858 ft / 2,700 m). This is the official starting point of the Classic Inca Trail and marks the successful conclusion of our Ancascocha Highlands trek. Here, our professional chef will serve a celebratory farewell lunch to honor your incredible achievement.

After bidding farewell to our dedicated team of horsemen and chefs, our private van will transport us to the historic town of Ollantaytambo. Since this expedition includes the Short Inca Trail, we will check into a quality local hotel in Ollantaytambo. This allows you to explore the “Living Inca City,” enjoy a hot shower, and have dinner at a local restaurant. This strategic rest point ensures you are fully recharged and perfectly positioned to board the train to Km 104 the following morning.

Day 3	Details
Hiking distance	About 12 km (7.5 mi)
Hiking time	5 to 6 hours
Elevation change	About 500 m (1,640 ft) of descent
End of trek section	Piscacucho (KM 82), about 2,600 m (8,530 ft)
Transport	Private van from KM 82 to Ollantaytambo
Overnight	Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Meals	Breakfast, lunch, dinner (local restaurant)
Difficulty	Moderate (steady descent)

Day 4: Short Inca Trail: KM 104, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate

Your defining day starts early. The very same tour guide who accompanied you on the trek will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m. to take you to the train station. We will board the train for a scenic 1-hour and 30-minute ride through the Urubamba canyon a path where Andean peaks shift into lush cloud forest. We will disembark at Kilometer 104 (6,890 ft / 2,100 m), the official starting point of our hike.

Our foot expedition begins by crossing the Urubamba River toward the Chachabamba archaeological site. From here, we will begin a steady 3-hour ascent surrounded by tropical flora and sweeping views until we reach the magnificent citadel of Wiñay Wayna (8,694 ft / 2,650 m). Widely considered the “crown jewel” of Inca architecture on the trail, we will explore its ritual fountains and steep circular terraces. In this unparalleled setting, you will enjoy a fresh hot lunch prepared on-site by our Ali Perú Treks chef to recharge your energy.

We will continue along an original stone path to reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate). This is the ultimate climax: you will cross this sacred threshold to witness your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu in all its glory, just as the afternoon light illuminates the citadel. Entering on foot through the main gate is a historic privilege that defines the authentic Ali Perú Treks experience.

After capturing iconic photos from the upper platform, we will take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. We will close this epic day with a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant, where we will toast to our adventure and review the details for tomorrow’s main tour.

Day 4	Details
Transport	Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104; bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Hiking distance	About 12 km (7.5 mi)
Hiking time	6 to 7 hours, including site visits
Elevation change	About 620 m (2,030 ft) of climbing, with steep stone stairs
Highest point	Sun Gate, about 2,720 m (8,920 ft)
Overnight	Hatun Inti Classic Hotel (or similar), Aguas Calientes, about 2,040 m (6,690 ft)
Meals	Breakfast (hotel), lunch, dinner (local restaurant)
Difficulty	Moderate

Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will only need to bring your daypack with your essentials. The hotel will safely store your main luggage while you explore. To maximize our experience and beat the crowds, our plan is to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (a scenic 25-minute drive).

Yesterday, you had that unforgettable first view from the Sun Gate. Today, we re-enter Machu Picchu for a complete, in-depth exploration under the magical morning light.

Your expert Ali Perú Treks guide will lead you on a 3-hour guided tour of the most important sites in the citadel. You will learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire while visiting temples, plazas, and the most impressive viewpoints.

We recommend returning to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your train’s departure. You can enjoy lunch (not included) at one of the many local restaurants in town according to your taste and budget.

Afterward, your guide will personally escort you to the train station. You will board the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, a scenic journey of approximately 2 hours.

At the Ollantaytambo station, our staff will be waiting for you promptly to transfer you back to Cusco in our private transport, dropping you off comfortably at your hotel door and bringing your unforgettable 5-day adventure to a close.

Day 5	Details
Activity	Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Circuit 3
Tour length	About 2 hours, plus free time
Machu Picchu altitude	About 2,430 m (7,970 ft)
Return	Bus to Aguas Calientes, Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, private van to your hotel in Cusco
Meals	Breakfast (lunch is not included)

Included

What’s Included in the Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail

Included

Pre-trek briefing: This will take place at your hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before departure, where you will meet your guide, review tour details, and receive your duffel bag.
Professional English-speaking guide for all five days
Cook preparing all meals on the camping days, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at no extra cost
Horsemen and pack horses on the Ancascocha section, and porters on the Short Inca Trail
Emergency horse on the Ancascocha section
Duffel bag for up to 7 kg (15 lb) of personal gear, including your sleeping bag
Camping:
- Four-season tents for four people, shared by two
- Inflatable sleeping pads and pillows
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Private toilet tent at the campsites
Meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners, plus afternoon tea, as listed in the itinerary
Drinking water, boiled and filtered, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5
Permits and tickets:
- Short Inca Trail permit
- Machu Picchu entry on Day 4 (Circuit 1, through the Sun Gate) and Day 5 (Circuit 3)
Hotels: one night in Ollantaytambo (Day 3) and one night at the Hatun Inti Classic Hotel or similar in Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
Transport:
- Private van from your hotel to Soqma, and from KM 82 to Ollantaytambo
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (Day 4) and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 5)
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on Day 4, and round-trip bus on Day 5
- Private van from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Safety equipment: emergency oxygen, a first aid kit and a satellite phone
Luggage storage at our Cusco office

Not Included

Sleeping bag (required; bring your own or rent ours)
Trekking poles (available to rent)
Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 5
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
Travel insurance (required)
Tips for your guide, cook, horsemen and porters

Optional Extras

Sleeping bag rental: US$25
Trekking poles with rubber tips: US$20 per pair
Huayna Picchu ticket: US$80 per person. A steep climb of about two hours round trip.
Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: US$80 per person. A hike of about three hours round trip on wider stone stairs.

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have limited daily spaces and separate tickets. Request them when you book, several months ahead.

Packing List

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail Packing List

Pack for freezing nights at the high camps, strong sun and wind on the passes, and warm, humid weather in the cloud forest on Days 4 and 5. Your daypack stays with you every day. Your duffel bag (7 kg / 15 lb, provided at the briefing) is carried by our team. Your sleeping bag (about 2 kg) goes inside it, which leaves about 4 to 5 kg for clothes and personal items. For more detail, see our trekking gear list.

Your Daypack

Use a 25 to 30 L pack.

Original passport. It must be the same document you used to book. Checkpoints don’t accept photos or photocopies. If you booked a student discount, also bring your valid student ID.
Water: 2 to 3 liters in reusable bottles or a hydration bladder. Bring your own water for the first morning; we refill from lunch on Day 1.
Rain jacket or poncho
Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses and a sun hat
Snacks for the long climbs
Cash in Peruvian soles in small bills for snacks, tips and small purchases
Small trash bag. We follow Leave No Trace principles.

Your Duffel Bag (Carried by Our Team)

Layers: thermal base layers, 2 to 3 quick-dry T-shirts and a fleece
Down jacket. Nights at the high camps can drop to about –5°C (23°F).
Warm hat and waterproof gloves for the passes
Wool hiking socks (4 to 5 pairs) and underwear
Camp shoes: sneakers or sandals
Sleeping bag rated to at least –10°C (14°F), if you aren’t renting ours
Power bank. There is no electricity at the campsites.
Toiletries: wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, a small quick-dry towel and moisturizer for the dry mountain air

For the High Camps (Days 1 and 2)

Headlamp for the campsites at night and early starts
Blister kit and any personal medication prescribed by your doctor

For the Cloud Forest (Days 4 and 5)

Insect repellent. Small biting flies are common at Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu.
Light layers for warm, humid trails

Footwear and Equipment

Waterproof hiking boots, broken in, with good grip and ankle support
Trekking poles, highly recommended for the long descents and the stone stairs (available to rent)

For Your Machu Picchu Days

Inside Machu Picchu, bags may be no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in), and trekking poles and food are not allowed. On Day 5, leave your larger bag and poles at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Travel Info

Travel Information for the Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail

Pre-Trek Briefing

Attendance is mandatory: The briefing takes place at your hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before your trip. You will meet your guide, review the itinerary, receive your duffel bag, and pay your remaining balance.

Passport and Permits

Day 4 follows the Inca Trail network, so you need a Short Inca Trail permit, which also covers your Machu Picchu entry. Permits are limited, sold only through licensed operators, and issued in your name and passport number. Once issued, they can’t be changed, transferred or refunded.

To book, we need your full name, passport number, date of birth and nationality exactly as they appear in your passport, plus any dietary restrictions. Carry your original passport on the trail; without it, you can’t enter the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu.

Altitude and Acclimatization

You sleep at about 4,300 m (14,110 ft) on the first night and cross the Huayanay Pass at about 4,650 m (15,255 ft) on Day 2. Spend at least two to three days in Cusco, at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), or in the Sacred Valley before you start. See our guides to acclimatizing in Cusco and altitude sickness.

How Difficult Is This Trip

We rate it as challenging. Days 1 and 2 are long and high, with two passes and cold camps. Day 3 is a steady descent, and Day 4 is a moderate climb on stone stairs at much lower altitude. Because of the altitude, it’s harder than the Classic Inca Trail, whose highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass at about 4,215 m (13,830 ft), although it has fewer stone steps. We don’t recommend it for beginners.

Weather and Best Time to Go

Departures run from March to January. There are no departures in February, when the Inca Trail network, including the Short Inca Trail, closes for maintenance. The dry season, April to October, brings sunny days and very cold nights, often below freezing at the high camps.

From November to March, temperatures are milder but rain is frequent, so pack in layers. Read more in our Ancascocha Trek by month and Inca Trail by month guides.

Booking and Payment

Deposit: US$200 per person, paid when you book. We use it to buy your Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu tickets and train seats right away. Once they’re issued, the deposit is non-refundable.
Balance: pay in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at the briefing in Cusco.
When to book: for June to August, four to six months ahead; for April, May, September and October, two to three months ahead; from November to March (except February), three to four weeks ahead may be enough, depending on permit availability. Check our Inca Trail permit availability page.
Terms: see our booking information page for full terms.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required. Make sure it covers trekking and rescue at altitudes above 4,500 m (14,760 ft).

Luggage

You only carry your daypack. Leave your suitcase at your hotel in Cusco or at our office, free of charge. On Day 5, your hotel in Aguas Calientes stores your bag while you visit Machu Picchu.

Electricity and Connectivity

There is no electricity at the two campsites, and little or no phone signal. Charge your devices before you leave Cusco and bring a high-capacity power bank. You can charge again at your hotels in Ollantaytambo (Day 3) and Aguas Calientes (Day 4).

Tips

Tips aren’t included. They’re voluntary and are usually given at the end of each part of the service to the guide, cook, horsemen and porters.

For more general advice, see our Peru travel information page.

Map

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail Map and Elevation Profile

The trek starts at Soqma, near Ollantaytambo, and climbs past the Perolniyoc waterfall and Rayan Pata to the Kuychiccasa Pass and the Chancachuco valley camp. Day 2 passes Ancascocha Lake, crosses the Huayanay Pass, the highest point, and descends through the Quesqa valley to Paucarcancha.

Day 3 follows the Cusichaca valley past Huayllabamba and Llactapata to KM 82 on the Urubamba River, and the van continues to Ollantaytambo. On Day 4, the train follows the Urubamba to KM 104, and the Short Inca Trail climbs to Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu.

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail map – 5-day route to Machu Picchu

Price

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days Price

All prices are per person in US dollars and include the services listed under What’s Included.

Service	Price per person
Shared group departure	US$860
Private departure, 2–3 travelers	US$990
Private departure, 4–5 travelers	US$940
Private departure, 6–7 travelers	US$900
Private departure, 8 or more travelers	US$860

Discounts and Extras

Student and youth discount: US$30 off per person for university students with a valid physical student ID and for travelers aged 17 and under. Email a clear copy of the ID or passport to info@aliperutreks.com when you book.
Sleeping bag rental: US$25
Trekking poles: US$15 per pair
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 per person, subject to availability

Ready to book? Pay your deposit online, or contact us to check permit availability for your dates.

Faq

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail FAQs

How difficult is the Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail?

It’s challenging. Days 1 and 2 are eight to ten hours long, with two passes above 4,400 m (14,400 ft) and a first camp at about 4,300 m (14,110 ft). Good fitness, previous multi-day hiking and two to three days of acclimatization are essential.

Is it harder than the Classic Inca Trail?

Generally, yes, because it goes higher: the Huayanay Pass is about 4,650 m (15,255 ft), compared with about 4,215 m (13,830 ft) at Dead Woman’s Pass. It has fewer stone stairs, except on Day 4.

Do I need a permit?

Yes. Day 4 follows the Short Inca Trail, which requires a permit issued in your name and passport number. Your permit and Machu Picchu tickets are included, and we buy them as soon as you pay your deposit.

Does this trip run in February?

No. The Inca Trail network, including the Short Inca Trail, closes every February for maintenance.

Which Machu Picchu circuits do I visit?

You arrive through the Sun Gate on Day 4 and see the citadel from the upper terraces (Circuit 1). On Day 5, you return for a guided tour on Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Realeza). Machu Picchu has three official circuits, each with set routes.

Where do we sleep on Day 3?

In a hotel in Ollantaytambo, after dinner at a local restaurant. It puts you close to the train station for the early train to KM 104.

How far in advance should I book?

For June to August, four to six months ahead, because Short Inca Trail permits are limited. For Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book several months ahead.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Your guide is trained in first aid and carries emergency oxygen, a first aid kit and a satellite phone. On the Ancascocha section, an emergency horse goes with the group.

How much can I put in the duffel bag?

Up to 7 kg (15 lb), including your sleeping bag. That leaves about 4 to 5 kg for clothes and personal items. Everything you need during the day stays in your daypack.

What camping gear is included?

Four-season tents for four people, shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, pillows, a dining tent with tables and chairs, and a private toilet tent. You need to bring or rent a sleeping bag.

Is drinking water provided?

Yes. From lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5, we provide boiled, filtered water. Bring reusable bottles or a hydration bladder.

Is there electricity?

Not at the campsites. Bring a power bank. You can charge devices at your hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.

What is the maximum group size?

Twelve travelers. Groups are often smaller, and we run the trip from two travelers.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes. Your policy should cover trekking and rescue above 4,500 m (14,760 ft).

Are tips included?

No. Tips are voluntary and are usually given at the end of the service to the guide, cook, horsemen and porters.

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$860

USD / person Was: ~~$900~~

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Ancascocha Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu

Hike one of the quietest routes to Machu Picchu at a steady pace. Over five days, you'll walk from the Perolniyoc waterfall into high Andean grasslands, camp beside the turquoise Ancascocha Lake and cross the Huayanay Pass, at about 4,650 m (15,255 ft), with views of the Verónica and Salkantay glaciers. You'll descend to the…

Duration: 5 days 4 nights

Difficulty: Challenging

From

$730 per person

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days to Machu Picchu

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail Overview

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Trip Facts at a Glance

Who This Trip Is For

How This Trip Compares

Why Travel with Ali Peru Treks

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Soqma, Perolniyoc, Kuychiccasa Pass and Chancachuco

Day 2: Ancascocha Lake, Huayanay Pass and Paucarcancha

Day 3: Paucarcancha to KM 82 and Ollantaytambo

Day 4: Short Inca Trail: KM 104, Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate

Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco

What’s Included in the Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail

Included

Not Included

Optional Extras

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail Packing List

Your Daypack

Your Duffel Bag (Carried by Our Team)

For the High Camps (Days 1 and 2)

For the Cloud Forest (Days 4 and 5)

Footwear and Equipment

For Your Machu Picchu Days

Travel Information for the Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail

Pre-Trek Briefing

Passport and Permits

Altitude and Acclimatization

How Difficult Is This Trip

Weather and Best Time to Go

Booking and Payment

Travel Insurance

Luggage

Electricity and Connectivity

Tips

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail Map and Elevation Profile

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail 5 Days Price

Discounts and Extras

Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail FAQs

How difficult is the Ancascocha Trek & Short Inca Trail?

Is it harder than the Classic Inca Trail?

Do I need a permit?

Does this trip run in February?

Which Machu Picchu circuits do I visit?

Where do we sleep on Day 3?

How far in advance should I book?

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

How much can I put in the duffel bag?

What camping gear is included?

Is drinking water provided?

Is there electricity?

What is the maximum group size?

Is travel insurance required?

Are tips included?

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