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5D - 4N
4959
8
Group
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is an incredible trail! This adventure is for people who really want to experience nature and the Andes at its best: snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, pristine lakes, animals such llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and encounters with local people such as herders. This trek takes you to the most wild parts of the Andes, then to the UNESCO World Heritage site and New 7 Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu!
Pick up in our private vehicle and drive 3 hours to Mollepata (2,870m/9,416ft), have the chance to buy local produce or last minute supplies. From Mollepata, continue another hour by car to Soraypampa (3,840m/12,598ft). Give your duffel bag to the horseman, only keep your daypack with you for the hike.
From the village of Soraypampa we hike to Salkantaypampa, and have lunch. After 3 hours of trekking, arrive at our campsite, located at the base of the most impressive mountains, Salkantay Mountain (6,264m/20,551ft) and Humantay Mountain (5,217m/17,116ft). The campsite is called Pampa Japonesa or Japanese Plain at (4,600m/15,091ft).
After a delicious breakfast, hike with mules and emergency horses, crossing several high mountain passes. The first pass, Inca Chiriaska (4,959m/16,269ft) has amazing views of the landscapes below. Walk along an original portion of the Inca Trail and arrive at the Tocto Pass (4,821m/15,816ft). From here the trail heads towards the towering Salkantay Mountain.
Continue for the next 4 hours, passing over the Calacocha pass (4,667m/15,311ft), the Cruz Casa pass (4,600m/15,918ft) and the Millpo Pass (4,399m/14,432ft). From the last pass descend to our campsite at Millpo. This has been a day that you have successfully crossed 4 mountain passes. It is time for afternoon tea and appetizers, which will be ready and waiting at camp. Your tents will be set up so you can settle in before your gourmet dinner.
After breakfast, walk for an hour to Chusqenay pass (4,630m/15,190ft). Walk to the Rumi Inca pass, continuing to the Valley of Yahuarmaky. After a short rest and time to enjoy the views, continue to the pass of Aqocasa (4,686m/15,374ft). From the pass get a view of the famous Inca Trail, which leads to Machu Picchu. Also see Salkantay, Humantay and Huayanay Mountains from the distance. Also see the Veronica Mountain, also known as Wacay Willka.
Enjoy exploring a small archaeological site called Inka Raqay. Climb up to Huayanay Oass (4,630m/15,190ft). Later walk of 3 hours until we reach our campsite at Ancascocha, on the Lake (3,700m/12,139ft), a total walking time of 8-9 hours today, it is time to relax and have dinner.
We start today with a walk 2 hours to Chillca and Arequipa Pampa. Pass small villages with views of Andean valleys with native trees. The flowers you will see on the way are chachacoma, q’euña, orchids, begonias, and bromeliads that bring to life the landscape. The descent becomes easier to Camicancha (2,930m/9,612ft), Here our van will pick us up. We will take the train around 4:00pm to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a group dinner, chat about your adventures and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Intipunku Tambo
Difficulty: Easy
After breakfast at the hotel, get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical place and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a tour of Machu Picchu, which takes around two hours. See the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel during your tour.
When you have had your fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting at one of the numerous restaurants (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu its available on any date that is best for you, as long we have a minimum of 2 people.
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 8 people | $ 677 USD per person |
**** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs. We will provide you with a duffel bag, in which to put your things.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu
We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments).
The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Absolutely! During the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
FIRST, to book your Ancascocha Trek Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu entrance tickets without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Ancascocha Trek Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address orangenationperu@gmail.com.
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DEFINITELY! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu and board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can change it when we get a COPY of your new passport or updated with your name change for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a COPY of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.
The fascinating Ancascocha trekking route is located in the remote area of Cusco, part of the Peruvian Andes mountains. So the type of weather you can expect on the this trail and some other similar alternative trails leading to Machu Picchu have the same kind of climates as in the whole region of Cusco, divided into two big clearly marked seasons: dry and wet, from May to October is considered the dry season with a minimum chance of getting rainy days, mainly sunny and hot during the day. But freezing cold at night especially in winter time (June – August). From November to April is the rainy season, usually heavy rain falls, thunder storms, cloudy and at this time you will have less visibility on the mountains in the whole Andes, definitely not the suggested time to go trekking on the Mountains.
For most of the alternative trails we highly recommend hikers to bring a good four season sleeping bag or it could be hired here in Cusco, also a change of clothes for sunny days and cold temperatures expected at night time. The Ancascocha trail goes in the proximity of the cloud forest so the weather is usually warm and dry in the winter season, rainy and cloudy in the wet season, totally opposite to the northern hemisphere. But at Machu Picchu area you can expect very changeable weather, sometimes unpredictable usually sunny days from June to August, cloudy and wet days the rest of the months, a good rain gear is always recommended to take with you.
A good winter clothing is required because you will have two cold nights at high altitude, also dry-fit clothes are highly advised and especially if you are planning to trek in the wet season (November to April).
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.
If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.
No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.
The maximum group size is 10 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. ORANGE Nation Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
You will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next five days in our office at your briefing. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14 lbs. Your pack horse will carry your duffel bag, food and camping gear. Please Note: You will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day pack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 40 litre backpack is sufficient.
The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu Trail is a difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be fit and do regular exercise, such as walking, hiking or running prior to the Trek. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9.3miles in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) before starting the trek.
Orange Nation Peru have an individual restroom tent with a toilet and a seat. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite and at night, if you need to use the toilet, it is readily accessible and clean.
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu due to a health issue, ORANGE Nation Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required).
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
OF COURSE!! We will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we wil pick you up there !
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for our staff and their families. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an major feature in the tourism industry. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
Original Passport: VERY IMPORTANT: (Must be the same you have used for booking your trek)
Valid University Card: (Only if you booked as a student)
Water storage: 2-3L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
Headlamp: Headlamp frees up hands for getting to essential items at night & late night bathroom trips. (Back-up flashlight & batteries are recommended)
Toilet paper: Make sure to pack your own. (You can find it in most small stores around the main square in Cusco)
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
4959
5D - 4N
8
Hike, Bus, Train
We're a family-owned Travel Company and Tour Operator located in the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Peru. We create individually customized tours and treks to Peru's most iconic attractions, as well as untouched, off the beaten track locations high in the Andes Mountains.
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Excellent quality at the best price
Quiet Andean night
Unique and little explored routes
Experience the culture up close
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
The Short Inca Trail with José was a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. In the days leading up to our trek, he was highly communicative and provided all the details we needed (packing lists, expectations, timing) so everything…
Hace 3 meses
After researching extensively, I chose a Peruvian travel company to guide our Sacred Valley adventure for my husband and I. We booked a full day beginning with Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo, lunch and Pisac.…
Hace 2 meses
We did the Lares Trek with Orange Nation/ Sam's travel and would highly recommend it. Lares has far less tourists than the inca trail (we saw about 4 groups over the two days initial hike up to the 4800m high point). The views are…
Hace 3 semanas
I had extremely high expectations and they were blown away! Our guide Rolando was an absolute legend. You can tell he is looked up to by all the other guides in the industry. He speaks multiple languages, connects deeply with each hiker,…
Hace 5 meses
Two of us did the 2 days Lares trek + 1 day Inca Trail, with a tour of Machu Picchu. We were blown away by the friendliness, knowledge, and kindness showed by both of our guides - Jorge and Carlos. We booked a group tour, but this ended up…
Hace 3 meses
Me and my friend did the 4 day Inca trail with Sam travel Peru, our tour guide was Juan Carlos, he has been doing tours to matchu pichu for over 20 years and his knowledge and expertise was amazing. I would recommend to anyone to as for him…
Hace 5 meses
We did the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Our guide was Ray and Michael. It was really great - Ray was amazing and was really passionate about the place and told us loads of amazing stories. We had the perfect weather and even the packed…
Hace 3 meses
Amazing trip across 3 days with Jose! A massive thanks and shout out to our guide, he enriched the entire experience with his massive background of history of the culture and the land…
Hace 5 meses
Me and my Wife did the 5 day Inca trail with Sam Travel in April 2026. Our guide Henry and the incredible team of Porters and our Chef made the trip one of a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about this group as they went over and…
Hace 3 meses
We were short on time during our trip to Peru, so we decided to do the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Everything was very well organised. We were collected from our hotel and taken to the train, where our journey to the trail began. The first part of the hike was a bit challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. The views of the mountains and the surrounding nature were breathtaking. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was incredible. After the tour, we were taken back by train and dropped off at our hotel. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Peru, especially if you're short on time but still want to experience the Inca Trail. I also highly recommend our guide, Antonio. He was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, and shared so much interesting information about Machu Picchu, its history, and the local flora throughout the trek. He also allowed us to take breaks whenever we needed them.
Written August 6, 2026
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour, and I was the only one in the group who walked up the mountain. My guide Henry stayed with me the whole way, encouraging me and taking lots of photos along the trail. A truly great experience.
Written July 31, 2026
We had an amazing time with Henry our guide on our trek to Rainbow Mountian. With an early pick we left Cusco for the long car ride to Rainbow mountain with a quick stop for breakfast. When we got there Henry helped us reserve horses (highly recommend) and we started towards the mountain. The terrain, snow capped mountains and sediment settlement are a treat to see but it is worth the 10 extra minutes to the top. Because we had the horses we were able to take a long time at the top to take in all of the beautiful wonders. Henry allowed us time to explore and gave us wonderful information about how this beautiful wonder was formed. We definitely got more than our money's worth out of this gem!
Written July 29, 2026
Carlos Estrada was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and organized! Made our trip easy.
Written July 19, 2026
I had an amazing experience touring Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu with our tour guide, Carlos Estrada. He was quite helpful and knew a lot about everything. I recommend him and this tour!
Written July 19, 2026
Had an awesome day out to Rainbow Mountain with our guide Cesar Siccos! He was full of encouragement and positive energy and we made it to the top! Thank you, Cesar!
Written July 16, 2026
Following a great 2-day Inca Trail experience with SAM Travel, I signed up for the one-day Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley trek. Once again our group was small, just 4 people. Junior was our guide - he was friendly and knowledgeable. He seamlessly adjusted to our request for an earlier start time to beat the crowds, and also managed varying group member speeds / fitness levels well. Another positive experience with SAM Travel - highly recommend booking with them, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Written July 16, 2026
Rainbow mountain hike provided for gorgeous views, bunch of alpaca. At up to 5000 meters it provided for a healthy challenge even if the profile does not look that impressive…. Our guide - Cesar Siccos - was with us the whole way and provided the necessary support to get over the challenge. Great day out.
Written July 15, 2026
My trip to the rainbow mountain with my tour guide Siccos was incredible. Siccos was very energetic and kept our spirits high. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone.
Written July 15, 2026
