Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu – 5D/4N

The Ancascocha Trek is one of the lesser-known treks from Cusco. You may even draw blank looks from people when you tell them you’re hiking it. Yet it was named by National Geographic as one of 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list, and for good reason. Highlights of this trip include guided tours of ancient Inca ruins, wandering through remote Fincas where generations of farmers have tended their livestock, and passing traditional Andean villages like Chillipahua and Ancascocha. But of course, the real reason to take this trek is for the unsurpassed views of the majestic Andes. Being rewarded with amazing views does not come without effort. This is a challenging trek as we climb above 4,550m to the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/ 15,255 ft.) and so we recommend that everyone who joins us has a good level of basic fitness. But maintaining a high elevation for much of the trek we will see spectacular views across the mountains, beautiful clear blue lakes and raging waterfalls, and with the towering 6,266m (20,551 ft.) Apu Salkantay frequently dominates the skyline. At ATP, your safety, enjoyment and comfort are always our primary concern, and so your guide will always ensure that the pace of the hike suits the whole group, taking rests when necessary. Our campsite on all 3 nights will be prepared before our arrival, and we use only high-quality camping equipment to ensure your maximum comfort. We are extremely proud of our kitchen team, and you will be amazed at the meals your chef and his assistant can produce on the side of a mountain. You certainly won’t go hungry, and the menu is specially prepared to ensure you have enough energy for each day of hiking. On our final day of hiking, we will be on a portion of the Classic Inca Trail (the one that gets booked up a year in advance!) After 3 days of solitude, you may well be surprised to see so many other hikers; but don’t worry, they are going in the other direction! From the sacred valley town of Ollantytambo, we will take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, which is the base for our trip to Machu Picchu. The train journey in itself is a fantastic experience, and full of photo opportunities. A night at a nice hotel is included in the price of the trek, as is a group dinner at one of the best restaurants in Aguas Caliente, so you are sure to get a good night’s rest. Our final day is spent visiting Machu Picchu, one of the 7 new wonders of the world. Despite the staggering views that you will have seen already, you are guaranteed to be left speechless as you take in the views of the most famous site in South America. Your guide will provide a 2-hour amazing guided tour of the site. After completing the tour, we return you by train and then by our mini-van to your Cusco hotel. Price includes: Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Soqma (start of trek) Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more) High quality, 4-person tent for every 2 people Mattress and pillow Kitchen tent Dining tent with tables and chairs Portable Eco-friendly toilet and toilet tent Professional Chef and assistant chef Wranglers and horses to carry all equipment Horse to transport up to 8 kg of your gear Duffle bag for your gear Emergency horse (in case we need it!) Five breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners Hot water for washing twice daily Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles. Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit. Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo Private van transportation from Poroy or Ollantaytambo to your Cusco hotel 1-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy) Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Entrance to Machu Picchu Not included: Sleeping bag (can be rented from us) Trekking poles (can be rented from us) Day 5 Lunch in Aguas Calientes Huayna Picchu Permit (this ticket can be purchased for an extra USD 75 per person) Tips for the trek crew (tipping optional and guidelines provided) Travel Insurance (highly recommended)