Ancascocha Trek Machu Picchu: 4-Day Andes Hike & Inca Ruins

Hiking ancient Inca trails past waterfalls and quiet villages toward Machu Picchu

You’ll hike through remote Andean valleys on the Ancascocha trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu—passing waterfalls, ancient Inca ruins, and tiny villages where locals still wave hello as you pass by. Expect hearty camp meals and stories from your guide as you climb high passes with mountain views you won’t forget soon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek from Soqma to Chancachuco Valley

• Drive 1h 45m to Soqma
• Hike 2 hours to Perolniyoc cascade lookout
• Hike 45 minutes to Perolniyoc Inca site
• Ascend 1 hour to lunch at Rayan
• Hike 3 hours uphill to Kuychiccasa pass
• Descend 45 minutes to camp at Chancachuco Valley
• Change into warmer clothing at camp

The Experience

We were already bouncing along in the van before sunrise, winding out of Cusco with our guide, Julio, who somehow managed to make even the early morning feel like an adventure. By the time we stepped out at Soqma, the air was sharp and smelled a bit like wet grass. The first stretch of the Ancascocha trek starts easy enough—just enough to wake up your legs. I remember hearing water before I saw it, then suddenly there’s Perolniyoc waterfall crashing down in front of us. Julio grinned and said something about Pachamama blessing us with good weather (I’m still not sure if he was serious or just trying to keep spirits up). Either way, it worked.

After a quick snack—bread that tasted faintly sweet—we climbed up to these old Inca ruins perched on a cliff. The stones felt cold under my hands. Julio pointed out where people would have watched over the valley centuries ago; I tried to picture it but mostly just felt small in a good way. There was this silence except for someone’s laughter echoing off the rocks (probably mine—I slipped on some loose gravel). Lunch at Rayan came just when I needed it; honestly, didn’t expect soup that tasty out here. Our cook, Rosa, popped her head out of the tent and waved like she’d known us forever.

The afternoon hit me harder than I thought—three hours uphill is no joke at this altitude. We passed farmers tending sheep who nodded without stopping; their dogs barked but never got too close. Every time I thought we’d reached “the top,” there was another turn, more snow-capped peaks in the distance. At Kuychiccasa pass, wind whipped around us and my fingers went numb for a second. But wow—that view over Chancachuco Valley is something I still think about when I need perspective.

By camp that night, tents were already set up (bless whoever hauled those ahead). Changing into warm clothes felt like heaven after sweating all day. Someone handed me coca tea and we all sat quietly for a while—nobody needed to say much right then. The stars came out fast and bright above Ancascocha village somewhere further along tomorrow’s trail…so yeah, sleep came easy after that.

Top questions

How difficult is the Ancascocha trek to Machu Picchu?

The trek is challenging due to high altitude and steep climbs; travelers should have good physical fitness.

Is hotel pickup included for this trek?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco are included.

Are meals provided during the Ancascocha trek?

All meals are included: breakfast, buffet lunch, and dinner each day.

Where do you sleep during the trek?

You’ll camp two nights along the trail and spend one night at a B&B in Aguas Calientes.

Are guides local on this tour?

Yes, local guides lead the trek and share insights about history and culture along the way.

What villages do you pass through on this trek?

You’ll pass through traditional Andean villages such as Chillipahua and Ancascocha.

Is national park entry included?

Yes, all necessary entry fees are covered in your booking.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cusco, all national park entry fees taken care of by your guide, hearty breakfasts plus buffet lunches and dinners cooked fresh each day (seriously—the soup hit different after hiking), two nights camping under Andean stars with tents set up ahead of arrival, one night at a B&B in Aguas Calientes before Machu Picchu itself—and plenty of stories shared along every step of the trail.