- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Rigorous
- 40km
- 4,650m
Aracari offers private luxury treks on a private basis only, not as a group tour. We offer guided hikes only as part of a tailormade trip, including all guided excursions and hotels, not as a standalone service.
In Ancascocha Trek you will feel the magic of the Andes and at the same time discover the history that surrounds the great empire of the Incas. We will begin our walk in the community of Qamicancha, located on the shores of Silke River (tributary of the Urubamba River). This is where we will find and meet
our group of muleteers and mules, who will be responsible for the logistics of our hiking in the mountains of the Southern Andes. Nature, geography, flora and fauna will surprise you with its beauty and diversity,
filling your eyes and spirit with their unique characteristics. The story of The Incas will be present at each step towards the end point of our journey. Archaeological sites dotted throughout our journey will help us to better understand the Andean civilization and way of life.
Ancascocha Trek route
- Day 1
Cusco - Qamicancha - Ancascocha
13 km
Today we will leave Cusco and head to The Sacred Valley of the Incas where you will walk through the surrounding agricultural landscape of the local communities. During this walk, you will experience all manner of stunning native flora such as Bromeliads and wild Orchids. We will stop in a clearing for lunch where a tent will be set up and waiting for you. You’ll be able to freshen up with a hot towel and re-energize with a steaming mug of traditional coca, which the Incas use to cope with the altitude. Enjoy a beautifully served and hearty lunch before setting off again to round up the 13 km / 8 mile journey of the day at at altitude of 4300 m / 14107 ft above sea level. You will notice the landscape become more sparse the higher up we go, as less vegetation grows up here due to the elevation and drop in temperature. Enjoy the raw, untouched beauty of nature with hardly a single soul in sight, save for the sheep and alpacas grazing in the distance. The landscape at this level is known as Puna, and this is where we will stop for dinner and camp for the night. The tents will be pitched in front of the sprawling blue waters of the Ancascocha Lagoon.
Camping Overnight
- Day 2
Ancascocha - Abra Huayanay - Paucarcancha
14 km
After a good rest, a hot shower, and a hearty breakfast — you’ll be ready to start the next part of your adventure. From our campsite in front of the Ancascocha Lagoon, we will begin our ascent to the highest point of our journey known as the Abra Huayanay which stands at an imposing 4650 mt / 15255 ft in height. After passing the Abra, flanked on both sides by steep rocky terrain, we will begin descending into the valley of the Qesqa river. There you will be greeted by a stunning rugged landscape where glaciers sit glistening in the sun and red tinged mountains stand in stark contrast to black hills. We will stop for a short rest and to enjoy lunch, then continue our descent to the archaeological site of Paucarcancha. After exploring the ancient ruins of the site, we will camp nearby and enjoy dinner.
Camping Overnight
- Day 3
Paucarcancha - Huayabamba - Piscacucho
13 km
Today we will head from the unique and rugged landscape of Paucarcancha and join up with the start of the traditional Inca Trail. The climbing today will be less intense than the previous days, allowing you to relax a little more and enjoy the surrounding scenery. We will explore the archaeological site of Huayllabamba surrounded by green terraces and steep stone steps, and then pass through through Tunasmoco and Miskay before stopping for lunch. After lunch we will carry on to Piscacucho which is where the Traditional Inca Trail officially starts. With this new route and itinerary, an alternative trek to Machu Picchu, Aracari can accommodate those last-minute travelers who did not make their 6-month in advance Inca Trail Reservation. It’s also a perfect route for those interested in a private bespoke adventure where they can be alone with nature and the elements, with the additional levels of comfort that Aracari provides. Are you interested in a sustainable and ethical way of tourism? Do you want to experience adventure without sacrificing comfort? Then take a look at other alternative treks to the Inca Trail.
Camping Overnight
Please keep in mind that distances, altitudes and chosen campsites are subject to minor variations as the route undertaken may vary slightly. In addition, trekking time can vary for each hiker and any times detailed in the description below are averages.
