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The 5-Day Socma Ancacocha Trek to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail is an exhilarating and immersive adventure that combines the awe-inspiring beauty of the Andean landscapes with the historical richness of the Inca civilization. This trek offers a unique and less-traveled route to the iconic Machu Picchu, allowing participants to discover hidden gems and breathtaking vistas along the way. Starting in Socma, the journey takes hikers through pristine valleys, charming rural communities, and high-altitude lakes, such as Ancacocha, providing a genuine cultural and natural experience. The trek culminates with the grandeur of Machu Picchu, where participants can marvel at the ancient ruins nestled amidst the stunning mountain scenery.
This trek not only offers the chance to witness the grandeur of Machu Picchu but also allows participants to immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of the Andean people. Along the Inca Trail, hikers will encounter archaeological sites, including ancient ruins and terraces, providing insights into the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the Inca civilization. The expert guides share captivating stories and historical anecdotes, adding depth to the journey. The Socma Ancacocha Trek to Machu Picchu is a remarkable expedition that seamlessly blends adventure, cultural exploration, and the sheer beauty of the Andes, leaving participants with enduring memories of a truly transformative experience.
5 Days | 4 Nights
60.5 km / 37.5 miles.
Easy
4600m
Trekking Nature & Culture
Upon Request (Min 02 ppl)
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 10:30 pm
DEPARTURE: Daily. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as a large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco
HIKING DISTANCE: 20.5 km
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Socma & Ancascocha Trek requires some physical preparation and we also recommend Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the Trek
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,228 ft
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Challacancha (for our Passengers and staff) Tourist Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Bus back to Cusco
ACCOMMODATIONS: 1 night in Green Eco Dome ( Private Campsite of Domes at Soraypampa), 1 night in the hotel (Aguas Calientes)
PORTERING/HORSEBACK SERVICE: 7 Kilos/14 Pounds Extra Portering service is included. We will provide you a duffel bag for your personal Stuff (This will be carried by the porter or Horses), Water Bottle, Rain Poncho & Inca Trail T-shirt at the briefing time
MEALS: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 2 tea times + wake-up teas
MACHUPICCHU: Machupicchu entrance fee Included.
Please, Note: We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures are 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled-out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…
Please Note: For travelers who don’t have many days to hike, or for those who don’t Salkantayenough feel fit enough to hike the Salkantay for 4 days. We have a great alternative salkantay trek and Humantay lake of 3 days conecting to machupicchu by train from ollantaytambo to aguas calientes. or salkantay and humantay lake for 2 days sleeping in our domes.(Click here to see more info)
We’ll leave Cusco early in the morning and drive for 1 hour and 45 minutes to Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft). This is the starting point of our Ancascocha Trek and where we’ll meet the horsemen that will join us during the Ancascocha hike.
We’ll begin the hike with a 1 ¾ hour walk to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack. The waterfall at this location is breathtaking! We will hike another 35 minutes until arriving at an Inca site. Where we will have a brief tour. This will be our lunch site.
After a refueling lunch, we will ascend for 45 minutes to our camp at Rayanpata (3,700 meters/12,136 ft).
Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m/ 10,512 ft
Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
Distance to walk: 8 km/5 miles
Approximate walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Area: Dry Mountain
We depart camp at about 6:30 AM for a 4 hour uphill trek with incredible views of the “nevadas”/snow-capped peaks, llamas, valleys, and if we are lucky, a passing condor – the largest bird in the Andes with a wing-span of up to 10 feet across. Here we reach the Kuychicassa pass (4,450 m /14,596 ft) where we take a break and soak in the magnificent views of the Chancachuco Valley on one side of the pass and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other side.
Then we start our descent and hike for another hour until we reach the location where we will take our lunch break.
After lunch we ascend for 30 min by way of a narrow trail following a stream with beautiful views of Mt. Veronica (5,822 m/ 19,100 ft).
This is followed by a 4 hour walk downhill to reach the small community of Ancascocha (3,700 m/12,136 ft), our campsite for the evening, in a small, gorgeous wooded valley with a stream running through it.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Highest Elevation: 4,450 m/ 15,250 ft
Campsite elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
Approximate walking time: 8 to 10 hours
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Area: Dry Mountain
Views of a nearby glacier and well preserved Inca remains are the highlight of this day. After a hearty breakfast we are ready for this challenging day. Ascending towards the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/ 15,298 ft) for 4 hours, the highest point of our Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, which is a steep zigzag trail uphill, we find an original cobblestone paved Inca trail. On the way, we see the beautiful waterfall that feeds into the Ancascocha lake
After this stunning view, we descend for 45 minutes until the Inca site of Incarajay. We will have lunch here.
At this point we will embark on a 3-½ hour descent into greener vegetation. During this stretch of the trek we will have views of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu appear in the distance, and fascinating views of the communities of the Qésqua valley. Then we’ll reach our campsite in the Muyu Muyu community (3,850 m/12,628 ft).
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Highest Elevation: 4,650 m/ 15,298 ft
Campsite elevation: 3,850 m/12,628 ft
Distance to walk: 13 km/ 7 miles
Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Area: Dry Mountain
From Muyu Muyu we will descend for 2 hours until the Inca site of Paucarcancha. We will have a comprehensive tour of the site.
After the tour we will hike downhill for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the start of the classic Inca trail. Along the way we will be able to see the Inca site of Llactapata. This is the first site on the Classic Inca Trail. Our chef will make us a delicious lunch at Kilometer 82.
After lunch we will be picked up by private van at Km 82 and transported to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft) where we will catch the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes.
When you reach Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel room. The natural hot springs in town are a great place to relax if there is time before dinner. Dinner will be at the finest restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Lodging: Hotel
Highest Elevation: 3,850 m/12,628 ft
Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m/9,158 ft
Distance to walk: 12 km/ 7 ½ miles
Estimated walking time: 7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Easy
You will have breakfast at your hotel before we take a very early bus (5:30am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Once there you will be given a 2 hour walking tour of the site.
If you have elected to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain you will begin the hike at 10 AM. The ticket price for Huayna Picchu is included in the price of your Ancascocha trek. If you are not climbing the mountain you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
When you arrive in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.
Meals: Breakfast
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
– Private Tourist Transportation To Socma (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs)
– English – Spanish speaking guide for 4 days of the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.(All our Guides work for us only) All of them speak Fluent English.
– Second Guide Over 08 people Group(Large Group Service)
– Thermarest air-inflate Confortable sleeping Mattress (While others agencies are using foam mat) Thats why many of them run away from us. Because they dont want their passengers to see the Quality of our Camping equipment)
– Cook and assistance of the Cook.(We have chosen the best cook/cheffs and all are trained by Quechuas Expeditions every month)
– Cooking equipment (We use New cooking equipment and change all every 3 months)
– Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
– Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
– Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
– Food service in the campsites (3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru.
– Vegetarian and free Gluten menu at no extra cost (Please let us know at the time of booking)
– Two person tents (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – Kayla Doite) 4 season tent Aluminium poles Tents
– Transportation From Ollantaytambo to cusco 3rd (For our Staff)
– Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 7 kilos of your personal stuff like: sleeping bag and mat as well as cothes) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). And we will Provide you a Duffel bag(at The Breifing Time) for all your personal stuff to be carried by horses.
– Lares and Machupicchu entrance fees, valid for 4 days
– Insurance policy of life for porters and cooks.
– Visit to Machu Picchu on the 4th day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole incan site)
– Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our porters as well as adecuate clothing like: (Sleeping bag, Mat, Jacket, T-shirt, pant, rain poncho, shoes, hat, belts, proper backpack to carry the equipment and all of them are limited to carry 20kg only)
– Tourist Expeditions Train from Ollantaytambo Between 5:00pm to 7:00pm and Return Tourist Expeditions train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Train time is at 6:20pm and this time will allow you to stay in machupicchu almost all day without rushing your Exploration. and if you upgrade to Vistadome the train will be at 3:48pm.
– Private Transportation from the train station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco(2 hours drive) and drop off at the hotel.(we only use our Private Transportation. so you will never wait at the train station till the bus of 30 ppl gets full)
– First-aid kit (Our Guide will carry while on the Inca Trail) Please, note all our Guides are trained every year in first-aid)
– Emergency oxygen bottle (Our guide will carry while on the Inca Trail)
– Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks
– Pre trek Orientation – briefing A day before we do the Trek. (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
– Single Tents upon request with no extra cost.
– Water for Driking: we will supply with filtered and boiled water and your bottles will be filled at each meal time. Please, bring enough water for the 1st day.
– Free “I survived ” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!)
Quechuas Expeditions Additional Things which are Included
– Portables Tent & Biodegradable Toilet (toilet waste bags) Quechuas Expeditions allows you to bring the comforts of home along for an enjoyable trip.Having a toilet in your home away from home may be convenience at its finest. Camping. so you don’t have to go out into the woods in the middle of the night to do your business.
– Quechuas Expeditions Detailed Page of Camping Equipment, Food and other imporntant things:
– Responsible Tourism and Well-paid and well-treated porters(HOW YOU CAN HELP ENSURE PROPER TREATMENT)(Click here to see a detailed page)
– We have Our Medical Emergency Equipped Rescue Mountain Car(This car will be available for all our passenger) and this will ready for any Emergency you need.
Please help us to reduce or eliminate the generation of plastic waste by refilling this bottle in any of the water stations located throughout on the treks. This is part of our efforts towards a cleaner and healthier environment. Sponsored by Quechuas Expeditions (The Best Local Tour Operator)
Get one of this Bottle for Fee at our Office!!!
Quechuas Expeditions Water Bottles (Get one for Free)
– Extra expenses
– Breakfast – Day 1
– Lunch and dinner – Day 5
– Pillows
– Not detailed meals
– Tips (optional)
– Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.
– Extra Horse to Carry extra things/12kg- US$100
– Extra Horse To Ride /90kg-Weight Limit US$200 Day 1 & 2 and Includes a Horseman to control the horse.
– Upgrade to first class Vistadome Train US$60
– Upgrade to 3 stars Hotel US$40 per person.(Based on twin bedroomconvenient)
– Huaynapicchu Mountain Entrance ticket US$20(2 hours round trip) based on availability and book in advance
– Extra Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person based on twin bed room with private bathroom (This is in case you need to stay an -extra night in Aguas Calientes town)
– Walking sticks: it can be rented from us. (02 poles US$20 for the entire trip)
– Sleeping bags: it can be rented from us.(US$30 for the entire trip)
– Sleeping liners: it can be bought from us.(US$15)
Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!
(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 04 Persons to 08 Persons (Maximum)
Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)
If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Traveler2024-02-28 Salkantay survivors We did the 5 days-salkantay trek to Machupicchu uin the rain season february, everything was awe-some, food, landscapes, tour services, the amazing guide Fernando, this guys Is actually amazing i recommend to him to every-body Spencer O2024-02-28 5 Day Salkantay Hike to Machu Picchu It was a great time. Really enjoyed the experience with friends, something to cherish for the rest of my life. If you go I highly recommend you ask for Fernando. He was our guide for the entire trip. Extremely knowledgeable and made the experience that much more memorable. He started the trip as a guide and by the end became a friend, the time you spend on the trek, you really want someone who fits with your group and I can't imagine a better person who could fit better in anyone's group. As well, the trek itself was difficult but very enjoyable, something to push yourself to your limits. Every day was extremely rewarding, not to mention the hot springs was well worth it. Ted2024-02-24 Best Peru Experience Had an amazing trip. Fernando the tour guide was the highlight, and made our experience fantastic. I would recommend the trip simply for the quality of the guide. Tyrell T2024-01-27 Spectacular hike We had the opportunity to do the Inca trail to Machu Picchu with (QUECHUA EXPEDITIONS). Fantastic and absolutely recommended. They offer a very interesting package both for the price and for the service. Our guide Fernando Illapa taught us a lot about Inca history and the Andean way of life. He and our cook were very attentive and cordial throughout the experience. Our food was amazing and the camping equipment in perfect condition. D r2024-01-27 an unforgettable experience It was a wonderful experience. From the beginning Wayra gave us all the information, always attentive and answering all our questions. During the trip we had Fernando Illapa as our guide. We must say that he is a great professional, thoroughly knowledgeable about the path and with a great sense of humor and a lot of patience, which made everything easier in the most demanding moments of the Inca trail. The accompanying team is very organized and I must say that the food exceeded our expectations. Dishes that could well be served in a restaurant and extremely abundant. We did the road with my husband and there were very difficult sections of great physical demand, but the impressive landscapes and discovering archaeological sites along the way make it worth it. We were also fortunate to have excellent travel companions. An unforgettable experience with the help of a professional team that paid attention to all the details. Agnieszka Z2024-01-25 A must in Peru The whole experience was amazing! The trek can be tough but it’s doable even for not super fit people. The views are breathtaking! Thanks a lot to our super nice guide Jose and amazing chef Armando who made the whole tour even better. T D2024-01-18 we would do it again The trip and itinerary that they organized for us was incredible! Very organized, excellent guide named Fernando Illapa, who made us feel at home. Very attentive, smiling and charismatic. Everything was a dream trip. We visited the mountain of seven colors, we did the 4-day Inca trail, we went to the Puerta del Sol, to MachuPicchu, wayna picchu, to the hot springs of Machupicchu town, gampling; Anyway, we did everything and it was an unforgettable trip. Zach S2024-01-18 Una muy buena experiencia, gracias Hay muchas opciones de trekking para el Camino Inka, ¡pero no busques más que aquí! Cada persona en la organización es amable, profesional y servicial. ¡Nuestro guía, Fernando, fue fantástico! Fue informativo, paciente y nos guió de manera experta a lo largo del hermoso Camino Inka a Machu Picchu sin un solo problema. ¡Tener un guía que hable perfecto inglés y español es extremadamente necesario y tiene la experiencia para hacer que tu experiencia sea inolvidable! Zach S2024-01-18 What an otherworldly experience. We had an amazing experiencies with a great team in the inka trail, in Cusco there are many trekking options for the Inka Trail, but look no further than here! Every person in the organization is friendly, professional and helpful. Our guide, Fernando, was fantastic! He was patient and expertly guided us along the beautiful Inka Trail to Machu Picchu without a single problem. Having a guide who speaks perfect English and Spanish is extremely necessary and has the experience to make your experience unforgettable! Rachel Z2024-01-13 INCREDIBLE!! This tour company is truly the best. They took amazing care of us ensuring that we had everything we needed and made sure to help provide what we forgot to bring. The guide - Fernando - was so kind and knowledgeable. If you’re looking to hike to Machu Picchu this is the place to book!!! I can’t recommend them enough we had and amazing time.
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