Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours

Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu – via Salkantay 5 Days

5 Days / 4 Nights from US $ 0.00
Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu – via Salkantay 5 Days
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Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu – via Salkantay 5 Days
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Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu – via Salkantay 5 Days
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Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu – via Salkantay 5 Days

Mollepata, Soraypampa, Ancascocha, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Physical Level
Easy
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Trip Style
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Max Altitude
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Group Size

Experience the thrilling Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, a remarkable journey featuring stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks like Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay, alongside the vibrant lakes of Salkantay and Ancascocha. This trek is perfect for adventurers eager to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Andes: snowy summits, deep valleys, untouched lakes, and sightings of wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, plus interactions with local indigenous communities. Conclude this adventure with a train ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes and a fascinating tour of the iconic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa – Pampa Japonesa

Your Andean expedition kicks off at 5 am with a pick-up from your hotel and a 3.5-hour drive in a private van to Soraypampa. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of Iscuchaca and Limatambo villages, dramatic valleys, and the majestic snow-covered Salkantay mountain. At the Soraypampa trailhead, savor a hearty breakfast while taking in the breathtaking sights of Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft) glaciers. Don your hiking boots for a 2.5-hour round-trip trek to the turquoise Humantay Lake. Continue with a gentle 1.5-hour climb to Salkantay Pampa, where a delicious lunch awaits you against the backdrop of the glacier. Proceed uphill for another hour to reach your first campsite at Soroccocha, nestled at the base of Salkantay Mountain. Enjoy hot drinks and appetizers, and settle into your tents before dinner. The vistas today will be truly spectacular!

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Accommodations: Camping facilities

Begin the day with a warm tea or coffee, followed by breakfast. Set off on a challenging hike, crossing several high mountain passes. The first pass is Inca Chiriaska (4959m/16,269ft), offering remarkable views of the surrounding landscapes. Continue along an original segment of the Inca Trail until reaching the Tocto pass (4821m/15,816ft), where the trail veers towards the imposing Salkantay Mountain. Hike for the next 4 hours, crossing the Calacocha pass (4667m/15,311ft), the Cruz Casa pass (4600m/15,918ft), and the Millpo Pass (4399m/14,432ft) before descending to our Millpo campsite. Celebrate crossing four mountain passes with afternoon tea and appetizers before dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Accommodations: Camping facilities

Start your day with a hot beverage in your tent and a substantial breakfast. Then, hike for about an hour to the Chusqenay pass (4630m/15,190ft). Proceed to the Rumi Inca pass and continue climbing into the narrow Valley of Yahuarmaky. After a rest and some sightseeing, climb for about 1.5 hours to reach the Aqocasa pass (4686m/15,374ft), noted for its striking red hue. From the top, using binoculars, view the Classic Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, as well as the Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay Mountains, and the distant Huacay Willka (also known as Veronica). Explore the small archaeological site of Inca Raqay before descending to Inca Rakay and climbing to Huayanay pass (4630m/15,190ft). After a final 3-hour descent, reach your campsite at Ancascocha by Ancascocha Lake (3700m/12,139ft), with a total hiking duration of 8-9 hours. Enjoy a relaxing evening, dinner, and recount the day’s experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Accommodations: Camping facilities

After a warm drink and a delicious breakfast, descend from Ancascocha to Chillca, a 2-hour journey to Arequipa Pampa. Pass through small villages and admire the Andean valleys adorned with chachacoma, queuña, orchids, begonias, and bromeliads. The descent becomes easier as you reach Camicancha (2930m/9,612ft), where you will either be picked up by car or continue to Chillca. Board the train around 4:00 pm to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy a celebratory dinner and spend the night in a hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
3 Accommodations:* Hotel Perre´ Machu Picchu

The awaited day has arrived! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise, a truly extraordinary experience. A guide will lead a two-hour tour covering the major highlights of the Machu Picchu Citadel, explaining its three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.

After soaking in the views, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you may have time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train departs at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, traveling along the spectacular Urubamba River. As you approach Ollantaytambo, the narrow canyon and river’s whitewater sections create stunning scenery. Look out for Wiñay Wayna along the canyon wall. At Ollantaytambo, a driver will meet you to take you back to your Cusco hotel, with an expected arrival by 7:00 pm.

Meal Included: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
For those who booked an extra hike up Huayna Picchu, this will be done without a guide.

IMPORTANT:

You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same departure times (2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm, or 4:43 pm) for an additional $67 USD. Early train options can be arranged upon request at the time of booking.

Inclusions

Included:

  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel (can be done any date before the trek)
  • Pick-up from your hotel on the morning of the trek departure
  • Private transport from Cusco to Mollepata (trek starting point)
  • English-speaking professional guide with trekking experience
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Comfortable tents (accommodating 2 people in a 4-person tent)
  • All camping gear, including dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen tent, and toilet tent
  • First Aid kit with emergency oxygen
  • Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items), including horsemen; 7 kg of personal items allowed (extra clothes, sleeping bags, etc.)
  • Provision of a horse in emergencies to ensure all participants complete the trek
  • Camping pillow and foam mattress
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing
  • Dinner in Aguas Calientes (4th day)
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
  • 2 bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return
  • Entry fee to Machu Picchu
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy – Cusco
  • Transfer to your Cusco hotel
  • Taxes

Not Included:

  • Sleeping Bag: $20
  • Air Mattress: $20
  • Walking Poles: $15
  • Personal Tent: $30
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75
  • Lunch on the final day in Aguas Calientes
  • Tips for crew, guide, cook, and horsemen of INCA EXPEDITIONS

For those who booked an extra hike up Huayna Picchu, you will have time to enjoy those views independently. Afterward, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have the opportunity for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.

Upgrades

WHY CHOOSE INCAS EXPEDITIONS?
INCA EXPEDITIONS is a family-owned travel agency and local tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in trekking. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no shareholders, our goal is to offer small, personalized tours and treks exclusively managed by local professionals, focusing on high-quality service.

We take pride in being a responsible and sustainable tour operator. Our staff, who are considered an extension of our family, receive fair wages and are integral to delivering exceptional service and memorable experiences to our clients.

We understand the importance of trust in a reliable and honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor, Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet, and various blogs like Trek de Lares 4 hours and Lares Pass – Day 3, for more information.

SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized experience, we limit our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from companies that operate with larger groups.

OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
Our guides are exceptional! Highly professional and fluent in English, they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. They continually pursue personal and professional development, ensuring you receive accurate and well-regarded information on Inca and Andean culture. Our guides hold degrees in fields such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology and are known for their fun, energetic approach.

OUR SUPER COOL HORSEMEN
Hiking the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu with INCA EXPEDITIONS is a transformative experience with a fully portered trek, prioritizing your comfort and enjoyment. We ensure a top-notch experience with local interactions, exploration of fantastic sites, and immersion in Inca history. Learn some Quechua words, and enjoy the stunning landscapes and the magic of Pachamama (Mother Nature) and the Andes. We handle your gear, prepare meals, set up camps, and offer support, allowing you to relax and enjoy the trek.

We provide our horsemen and cooks with free items such as jackets, sun hats, warm hats, t-shirts, pants, hiking boots, duffle bags, canteens, spine protectors, sleeping bags, mattresses, and insurance.

OUR COOKS ON THE ANCASCOCHA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
Our cooks are outstanding! Clients often remark that the food surpasses restaurant standards. We prepare gourmet-style meals, including Peruvian and international cuisine, from a mix of local and exotic ingredients. We cater to dietary restrictions and food allergies, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

This section on “Important Information for the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu” is quite comprehensive and informative. It covers everything a potential trekker needs to know before embarking on the adventure, including booking procedures, necessary documents, group details, and practical advice on acclimatization and preparation. Here’s a quick recap of the key points:

What to Bring

Packing List Recap:

Essential Items for the Trek:

  • Original Passport (and student ID if applicable)
  • Daypack (small, around 30-40L)
  • Water Storage (2-3L reusable bottles)
  • Hiking Boots (with ankle support)
  • Sleeping Bag (can be rented)
  • Headlamp (essential)
  • Toilet Paper

Duffel Bag Contents:

  • Weight Limit: 7kg/15lbs including sleeping bag and mat.
  • Clothing: 2 t-shirts, 2 hiking pants, 4 sets of undergarments, 3 sets of hiking socks, warm clothes, waterproof gloves.
  • Additional Items: Bathing suit, comfortable camp shoes, quick-dry towel, soap, battery charger, large plastic bags for lining.

Toiletries:

  • Face moisturizer, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, personal medications, first aid kit.

Backpack Contents:

  • Water, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, wool hat, rain gear, fleece, snacks, rain poncho, gloves, camera, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, small plastic bag for waste, extra money for souvenirs and tips.

This information is comprehensive and ensures that trekkers are well-prepared for the Ancascocha Trek, equipped with the right gear, and aware of the services provided by INCA EXPEDITIONS.

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

  • Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
  • ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
    • The name of the university
    • The student’s name and photo
    • A valid expiration date
  • ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

  • The traveler is older than 25
  • The ID is expired
  • The ID does not have an expiration date
  • ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “INCA´S EXPEDITIONS”?

“INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

  • Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
  • Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
  • Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
  • Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Pricing

PRICE

  • $677 USD per person
    Includes a personal pack horse!

**** This price covers an additional pack horse that will carry up to 7 kg of your belongings. A duffel bag will be provided for packing your items.

***We offer large Eureka 4-person tents, accommodating 2 trekkers per tent.

DISCOUNTS

  • 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD discount. Please provide a student card including university name, student name, photo, expiration date, etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval.
  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD discount. A copy of your passport must be sent at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD discount. A copy of your passport is required at booking.
  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD discount. All group members must book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (extendable professional poles)
  • Personal Tent: $30 USD (single trekkers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (for return to Cusco/Poroy at 14:55 or 15:20)
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (request when booking your trek)
  • Hotel Single Supplement: $40 USD (3* hotel for solo travelers)

After your trek, those who have booked an additional hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy the views independently. Once you’ve had your fill of Machu Picchu, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may have the chance to shop, sightsee, or visit the museum or hot springs.

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER: From the airport to the hotel (Cusco only)
  • DUFFLE BAG AND LINER BAGS: Included in the trekking price!
  • EXTRA PACK HORSE: Included in the price, carrying up to 7 kg/14 lbs of your belongings (sleeping bag, mattress, clothes, etc.)
  • BOILED WATER: Provided along the Inca Trail
  • OXYGEN TANK: Available during the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE: Included in the price, available if you get tired or sick
  • CAMPING PILLOW: Provided

Aditional information

Important Information Recap:

  1. Arrival in Cusco:
    • Welcome: You’ll be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel.
    • Flight Details: Ensure to inform INCA EXPEDITIONS of your full flight details at least 14 days before arrival.
  1. Briefing:
    • Takes place the night before the trek at 6 pm in the office located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 207, La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
  1. Luggage Storage:
    • You can store your main luggage at the office or your hotel during the trek.
  1. Booking Procedure:
    • Booking Form: Fill out the booking form with all necessary personal information for each participant.
    • Deposit: A deposit of $200 per person is required to secure the permit.
    • Balance Payment: Pay the remaining balance in cash in Cusco to avoid credit card fees or online through PayPal/VISA with a 5.5% service fee.
  1. Student Discount:
    • Must be under 18 or have a valid university ID if 18 or older to qualify. Provide a copy of the ID card at booking.
  1. Passport Requirements:
    • Bring your original passport; it must match the one used for booking.
    • If updating a passport, bring both old and new passports to Peru or pay a $25 fee to update the information.
  1. Weather and Altitude:
    • Prepare for unpredictable weather by dressing in layers.
    • Acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley is essential to combat altitude sickness.
  1. Group Size and Support:
    • Groups are capped at 8 people for a personalized experience.
    • Cooks and pack horses are provided based on group size.
  1. Trek Difficulty:
    • The trek is challenging; physical fitness is crucial.
    • Prior acclimatization and physical preparation are recommended.

This information should help trekkers feel prepared and confident about their upcoming adventure with INCA EXPEDITIONS. It covers all the essential details, ensuring that they know what to expect and how to get ready for the trek.

 

 

This section provides essential details and practical advice for trekkers preparing for the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu with INCA EXPEDITIONS. Here’s a summary of the key points:

Additional Trek Information Recap:

Toilets on the Treks:

  • INCA EXPEDITIONS provides private, sanitary toilet facilities with a camping toilet and seat inside a dedicated tent. The toilet tent is set up a comfortable distance from the campsite and is readily accessible at night.

Unable to Finish the Trek:

  • If a trekker is unable to complete the trek due to health issues, INCA EXPEDITIONS will assist them to the nearest town for transportation. Oxygen is available for respiratory issues, and in extreme cases, a helicopter evacuation can be arranged (at the trekker’s expense, with travel insurance required). No refunds are provided if the trekker cannot complete the trek.

Drop-off After the Trek:

  • Trekkers will be dropped off at their hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba) after completing the trek.

Train Departure Time:

  • The train back to Cusco is usually booked for 14:55 or 15:20, allowing trekkers ample time to enjoy Machu Picchu and the scenic train journey.

Vistadome Train Upgrade:

  • The Vistadome train offers more comfortable seating, panoramic windows, and a dance show on board. The upgrade costs $67 USD and includes pickup from Poroy station to Cusco.

Tipping:

  • Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. It is a significant part of the tourism industry in the region and is encouraged if trekkers are satisfied with the service provided.

Sustainability:

  • INCA EXPEDITIONS is committed to sustainable tourism, protecting the environment, and benefiting local communities while respecting their culture and religion.
Incas Expeditions

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