Imagine trekking through remote, untouched corners of the Peruvian Andes – far from the crowds – before stepping onto the legendary stone pathways of the Inca Trail and culminating at the breathtaking wonder of Machu Picchu. This is not just a hike; it’s the adventure of a lifetime.

Action Peru Treks is the only company in Cusco offering this exclusive combination: the spectacular off-the-beaten-path Ancascocha Trail followed by the world-famous Classic Inca Trail.

The Ancascocha Trail is so extraordinary it’s featured on National Geographic’s 20 Dream Hikes list. You’ll wander through traditional Quechua villages like Chillipahua and Ancascocha (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), conquer dramatic passes including the soaring Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,252 ft), and marvel at the majestic Apu Salkantay (6,266 m / 20,551 ft) towering above you.

Then, on Day 4, you seamlessly join the iconic Classic Inca Trail – ancient paved roads, mystical ruins, cloud forests, and that unforgettable first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

This journey will challenge you, inspire you, and reward you with memories that last forever.

Hundreds of happy trekkers have trusted Action Peru Treks, proudly recommended by TripAdvisor and Trustpilot.

Detailed Itinerary

Pre-Trek Briefing (Required)

We meet at your hotel in Cusco the day before your trek for a comprehensive briefing.

This is your chance to ask questions, meet your guide, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Please plan your arrival in Cusco accordingly.

Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan

We depart Cusco at 6:30 am and drive 1 hour 45 minutes to Soqma (3,205 m / 10,512 ft), the thrilling starting point of your trek.

After meeting your horsemen and enjoying a hearty breakfast prepared by our chef, you’ll begin hiking.

In just 1¾ hours you reach the spectacular Perolniyoc waterfall lookout – perfect for photos and snacks. Continue to the ancient Inca site of Perolniyoc for a guided tour and a delicious lunch.

A final 45-minute ascent brings you to your first camp at Rayan (3,700 m / 12,136 ft) nestled in the dramatic Andean landscape.

• Meals: Lunch / Dinner
• Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m / 10,512 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Walking Time: 4–5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Area: Dry Mountain

Day 2: Rayan – Chancachuco – Ancascocha

An epic day of high-mountain drama! Depart at 6:30 am for a 4-hour ascent with jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks, grazing llamas, deep valleys, and – if you’re lucky – the majestic flight of a condor soaring overhead.

You’ll conquer the stunning Kuychicassa Pass (4,450 m / 14,596 ft), where the panorama stretches from the Chancachuco Valley to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

After lunch, a scenic trail alongside a sparkling stream leads toward Mt. Veronica (5,822 m / 19,100 ft). The day finishes with a rewarding descent into the peaceful, wooded valley of Ancascocha (3,700 m / 12,136 ft).

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Highest Elevation: 4,450 m / 15,250 ft
• Campsite Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Walking Time: 8–10 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Area: Dry Mountain

Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay Pass – Paucarcancha

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Ancascocha section. After a nourishing breakfast, you’ll tackle the steep zigzag ascent to the trek’s highest point: Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,298 ft).

Along the original Inca cobblestone trail, you’ll pass glaciers, sparkling waterfalls feeding into Ancascocha Lake, and the impressive Inca site of Incarajay (lunch stop).

Then enjoy a long, beautiful descent through changing vegetation, with your first distant views of the Classic Inca Trail.

You’ll pass the charming Muyu Muyu community before reaching the restored Inca Tambo of Paucarcancha (3,133 m / 10,276 ft) – your magical campsite beside ancient ruins.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Highest Elevation: 4,650 m / 15,298 ft
• Campsite Elevation: 3,133 m / 10,276 ft
• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Walking Time: 7–8 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Area: Dry Mountain

Day 4: Paucarcancha – Ayapata – Llulluchapampa

Today you officially join the Classic Inca Trail! Say farewell to the horses and welcome your dedicated porters.

Hike down to the last village on the trail, Huayllabamba (2,866 m / 9,400 ft), then begin the steady climb through enchanting cloud forest ecosystems to your camp at Llulluchapampa (3,700 m / 12,136 ft).

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Minimum Elevation: 2,866 m / 9,400 ft
• Highest / Campsite Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,136 ft
• Walking Time: 4–5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Area: Dry Mountain / Cloud Forest

Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha

The longest and most legendary day on the Inca Trail.

Wake early to a cup of coca tea and tackle Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft) – the highest point on the trail.

After celebrating at the summit, descend into the Pacaymayu Valley for lunch.

Climb the second pass, visit the impressive Inca site of Runcu Raccay, and marvel at towering waterfalls.

Continue to the spectacular Sayacmarca ruins for sunset views over the Vilcabamba range. End the day at peaceful Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,808 ft), where the star-filled Southern Hemisphere sky awaits.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Highest Elevation: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
• Campsite Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,808 ft
• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Area: Andes & Cloud Forest

Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Wake to incredible views and hike to Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m / 12,073 ft) for panoramic vistas of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu.

Enjoy a guided tour of this stunning site before descending into lush rainforest.

Visit the breathtaking viewpoint of Inti Pata (one of the most photogenic spots on the entire trail), then reach your final campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m / 8,792 ft).

After lunch, explore the largest and most beautiful ruins on the Inca Trail — “Forever Young” in Quechua.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Maximum Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,808 ft
• Minimum Altitude: 2,680 m / 8,792 ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Walking Time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Area: High Cloud Forest

Day 7: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The grand finale! Rise before dawn for the final climb to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) at sunrise – your first magical view of Machu Picchu bathed in golden light. Descend to the citadel for the classic photo spot and a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour.

Those who wish can climb Huayna Picchu (optional). After exploring this ancient wonder, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, then the train back to Cusco with unforgettable memories.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,856 ft
• Minimum Altitude: 2,400 m / 7,875 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3.73 miles
• Walking Time: 2 hours

What’s Included – Everything You Need for an Epic Trek

• Expert bilingual English-speaking guide: Professional, passionate local guides who know every inch of the trail, share rich Inca history, and ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
• Pre-departure hotel briefing: A detailed meeting at your Cusco hotel the day before the trek to answer all your questions and prepare you fully for the adventure.
• Private transportation from Cusco to Soqma Comfortable private van that takes you directly from your hotel to the trailhead, saving you time and hassle.
• Professional chef and full camping support: Delicious, freshly prepared meals and complete camping setup including 4-person tents (shared by 2 people), thick mattresses, pillows, dining tent with tables & chairs, kitchen tent, and private toilet tent.
• Wranglers, porters & horses: Experienced team and horses that carry all camping gear, food, and up to 8 kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings so you only hike with a light daypack.
• Emergency horse & medical kit with oxygen: Fully equipped for safety – emergency horse for anyone who needs assistance and a comprehensive medical kit including oxygen.
• 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners + daily hot water & boiled drinking water: Full board with hearty, high-energy meals prepared fresh every day, plus unlimited boiled water to refill your bottles and hot water for washing.
• Inca Trail permit & Machu Picchu entrance ticket: All necessary official permits and entry to Machu Picchu secured for you.
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Convenient bus ticket to take you up to the citadel on the final day.
• Return Expedition train + private van back to Cusco: Scenic train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo/Poroy followed by a private van transfer directly to your hotel in Cusco.

Not Included

• Sleeping bag (available for rent) Personal sleeping bag — comfortable options available to rent from us.
• Huayna Picchu mountain ticket (USD $75) Optional climb of the iconic mountain overlooking Machu Picchu.
• Day 1 breakfast & Day 7 lunch: Breakfast on the first morning and lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
• Tips for the crew: Gratuities for your guide, chef, porters, and wranglers (customary but at your discretion).
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended) Comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering high-altitude trekking and trip cancellation.

Items to Bring

• Original passport (and old one if renewed): Required for the Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entry.
• Sleeping bag (rent from us if needed): Warm sleeping bag suitable for high-altitude nights.
• Proper trekking boots, layers, rain jacket, warm fleece Essential layered clothing including sturdy waterproof boots, warm layers, and rain protection for changing mountain weather.
• Headlamp, sunscreen, insect repellent, trekking poles (rubber tips required – rent from us) Critical gear for early morning hikes, sun protection, bugs, and steep descents.
• Camera, binoculars, toiletries, etc. Personal items like camera with extra batteries, binoculars for wildlife viewing, toilet paper, wet wipes, and other personal essentials.