Ancascocha & Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu 5 Days 4 Nights

For the Ancascocha and Short Inca Trail Tour, we will pick you up from your hotel (in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo) at 5:00 a.m. to begin one of the most spectacular expeditions in the Andes.

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

Sacred Waters and Inca Architecture: The trek begins with a gradual 2-hour ascent toward the Perolniyoc Waterfall (3,550 m / 11,647 ft), an 80-foot silver veil of water of immense historical significance. We will then continue the ascent for another hour to the Rayan Pata archaeological site (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). 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.

High-Altitude Nutrition: We will make a strategic stop in the Rayan area for lunch. Our mobile kitchen provides specialized meals prepared with local organic ingredients, balanced to provide the fuel required for the most demanding stretch of the day.

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

Chancachuco Valley Camp: We will descend for 45 minutes to our exclusive campsite (4,312 m / 14,147 ft). Upon arrival, your tents will be fully set up, and we will welcome you with a hot drink service. Following a gourmet dinner designed for muscle recovery—and if the sky is clear—your guide will lead an interpretation of Inca astronomy, closing a technically high-level first day.

• Transport: 2.5 hours to the trailhead.
• Total Distance: 16 km / 10 miles.
• Hiking Time: 8 – 9 hours (Intense, high-performance day).
• Difficulty Level: Challenging (High altitude demand).
• Highest Point: 4,450 m / 14,599 ft.
• Highlights: Perolniyoc Waterfall, Rayan Pata, and hiking surrounded by llamas.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

A Sunrise Among Giants: Your second day begins in the crisp mountain air. Our 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 Mirror of the Andes: Ancascocha Lake: 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.

Conquering the High Pass: Huayanay: 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.

Descent to the Sun-Drenched Fortress: After celebrating our summit arrival, we will begin a steady descent through the Quesqa Valley. Along the way, we will enjoy a gourmet lunch 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.

Rest at the Inca Crossroads: 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 “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.

• Total Distance: Approx. 11.2 miles / 18 km.
• Hiking Time: 9 – 10 hours (The most demanding day of the expedition).
• Difficulty Level: High Challenge / Technical.
• Starting Altitude (Chancachuco): 14,147 ft / 4,312 m.
• Highest Point (Huayanay Pass): 15,255 ft / 4,650 m.
• Campsite Altitude (Paucarcancha): 10,236 ft / 3,120 m.
• Highlights: Turquoise Ancascocha Lake, conquering the Huayanay Pass, and camping at the Paucarcancha Inca Fortress.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, and Gourmet Dinner.

Tracing the Path of the Incas: After a revitalizing breakfast at our campsite next to the Paucarcancha Inca ruins (10,236 ft / 3,120 m), we will begin our descent toward the Sacred Valley. 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.

Strategic Citadels and Administrative Centers: As we move through the valley, 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 Ali Perú Treks expert guide will explain how these sites functioned as a strategic network of supply and communication for those heading toward the sacred citadel.

The Celebration Lunch: After approximately 5 hours of hiking through a lush landscape that marks the transition into the valley floor, 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.

Rest in the Living Inca City: 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 a professional 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.

• Hiking Distance: Approx. 7.5 miles / 12 km.
• Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours.
• Difficulty Level: Easy (Steady descent along the valley).
• Inca Trail Connection: Merging with the Classic Inca Trail at Paucarcancha.
• Inca Sites: Paucarcancha, Llactapata, Qanabamba, and Willkarakay.
• Transport: Private Van from Km 82 to Ollantaytambo.
• Accommodation: Quality Hotel in Ollantaytambo.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at a local restaurant.

The Royal Journey Begins: Your definitive day starts early to capture the morning’s freshness. At 5:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo for a quick transfer to the station. We will board the train for a spectacular 1-hour and 30-minute journey through the Urubamba canyon—a route where the Andean peaks dramatically shift into lush cloud forest. We will disembark at Kilometer 104 (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), the official starting point of our trek.

Exploration and Historical Connection: Our foot expedition begins by crossing the Urubamba River toward the archaeological site of Chachabamba. From here, we will begin a steady 3-hour ascent surrounded by tropical flora and stunning valley vistas until we reach the magnificent citadel of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). 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 Gourmet Box Lunch to recharge your energy.

Triumphant Entrance through the Sun Gate: 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 highlights the citadel’s magic. Entering on foot through the main gate is a historic privilege that defines the authentic Ali Peru Treks experience.

Rest in Aguas Calientes: After capturing the 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 celebration dinner at a local restaurant, where we will toast to the adventure and coordinate the details for tomorrow’s grand tour.

• Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles.
• Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate (Technical ascent and original stone stairs).
• Highlights: Scenic train journey (1.5 hours), Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate entrance.
• Accommodation: Quality Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Gourmet Box Lunch, Dinner (Restaurant).

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will only need to bring your daypack with your essentials. The hotel will 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 25-minute ride).

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

Your expert Ali Peru Treks guide will lead you on a two-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.

After the tour, you will also have free time to explore on your own and immerse yourself in the energy of the site.

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

After lunch, your Ali Peru Treks 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 Ali Peru Treks staff will be waiting for you promptly to transfer you back to Cusco in our private transportation, dropping you off comfortably at your hotel door, bringing your unforgettable adventure to a close.

•  Starting Altitude (Aguas Calientes): 6,692 ft / 2,040 m
•  Maximum Altitude (Machu Picchu): 7,972 ft / 2,430 m
•  Total Distance: Approx. 2.5 miles / 4 km (Exploración de la Ciudadela)
•  Tour Duration: 2 – 3 hours of guided historical tour
•  Difficulty Level: Easy (Cultural Inmersion day)
•  Highlights: Sunrise at Machu Picchu, Complete guided tour of the Citadel, and a scenic train journey back through the Sacred Valley.
• Meals Included: Breakfast (at Hotel).