Ancascocha trek

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 50 km
Duration: Four days
Max elevation: 4,959m/16,270ft.
Accommodation: Camping
Start/end point: Socma to Piscacucho

This is another lesser-known trek in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu area, and is one of the most difficult in the whole Cusco region.

On the final day of my preferred route you link up with the first day of the classic Inca Trail, but in the opposite direction. Despite this, very few other hikers do this trek, making it a great hidden gem in an otherwise busy region.

My preferred route starts at Socma and follows the same route as the Cachiqata trek (Quarry Trail). But where that trek veers north, this route goes west into the Chancachuco Valley and, on the second day, over some strenuous mountain passes to beautiful Ancascocha Lake, fed by glaciers from Huayanay mountain. The mountain scenery up here is out of this world.

The downhill stretch from Chancachuco to Chilca or Paukarcancha is particularly stunning, with beautiful wild orchids lining the trail.

On the third day you see the first day of the classic Inca Trail in reverse and get to visit the ruins of Paukarcancha and Llaqtapata before finishing the hike where the classic Inca Trail begins. From here, you can either take the train to Aguas Calientes and a bus to Machu Picchu or, my favourite, finish with the KM 104 (‘short Inca Trail’) and arrive at Machu Picchu on foot.

No permits are required unless you’re combining the hike with the classic inca trail.

At a glance

Destinations

Machu Picchu

Activity

Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Archaeology, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel

Physical Level

Strenuous

Duration

4 days

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