Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu - 5D/4N

In the morning, an APT representative will pick you up from your hotel for the two-hour scenic drive to Soqma (3,205 m), the starting point of our trek. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our team of porters and horsemen. After an equipment check, we embark on a moderate two-hour hike to the Perolniyoc waterfall. Thirty minutes into our hike, we reach the Perolniyoc Inca ruins, set dramatically on a cliff overlooking the valley, where we’ll stop for lunch prepared by our kitchen staff. After lunch, we ascend another hour toward our campsite at Rayan (3,700 m). Enjoy a three-course dinner and marvel at the clear night skies. • Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m / 10,512 ft • Highest Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft • Trekking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles • Estimated Time: 4 to 5 hours

Our ATP team will awaken you gently with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee. After breakfast, we tackle the steep three-hour ascent to the Kuychiccasa pass (4,450 m). We’ll take frequent breaks to enjoy the 360-degree views of the Chancachuco and Sacred Valleys. After the ascent, it’s a one-hour easy hike to our lunch stop in the Chancachuco Valley (4,312 m). We’ll climb for a short time with beautiful views before an easy three-hour downhill walk to the community of Ancascocha (3,700 m) to our campsite set in a stunning wooded valley. • Highest Elevation: 4,450 m / 14,599 ft • Campsite Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft • Trekking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles • Estimated Time: 8 to 10 hours

We start with a brief one-hour climb to see stunning views of the glacier, well-preserved Inca remains, and the sparkling blue Ancascocha Lake. Then, we make a two-hour climb to the trek’s highest point, the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m). You will see an original cobblestone-paved Inca Trail along this section. After an easy 45-minute walk to our lunch stop at Incaracay, we descend into the lush, green Quesqa Valley. We continue to the Inca site of Paucarcancha (3,133 m) for a site tour before settling in for a delicious dinner at our campsite. • Highest Elevation: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft • Campsite Elevation: 3,133 m / 10,278 ft • Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles • Estimated Time: 8 to 9 hours

The fourth and final hiking day involves six hours of downhill hiking along a section of the Classic Inca Trail to Km 82. After a well-earned lunch, our ATP guides will drive you to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m) to catch the train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m). You’ll see a much different perspective of the mountains from the train. Upon arriving, you’ll check into your lodging and have time to rest—perhaps visiting the town’s natural hot springs—before the farewell group dinner. • Highest Elevation: 3,133 m / 10,278 ft • Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Time: 6 hours

Our trip to Machu Picchu begins before sunrise. We take the 25-minute bus drive up to the citadel, and on a clear day, the sunrise is breathtaking. Your APT guide will lead a two-hour walking tour of the site, unveiling its enigmas and history. Afterward, you’re free to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu (if booked in advance). When ready, you'll catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes before your train to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From here, you will travel by private van back to your hotel in Cusco. • Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft • Highest Elevation: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours guided tour