Wake up to a warm cup of coca tea or coffee, delivered to your tent to start the day. After a hearty breakfast prepared by our chef, we begin our steady ascent toward the Kuychikasa Pass (4,450 m / 14,599 ft), also known as the Rainbow Pass. The hike takes about 3.5 hours along a gentle but continuous uphill trail, with plenty of short breaks to catch your breath, snack, and take in the incredible Andean landscapes.

As we climb above the tree line into the Puna (high Andean grasslands), you’ll notice the golden straw-like ichu grass covering the slopes, a typical plant of this ecosystem. Keep your eyes on the sky, as this is the perfect habitat for majestic Andean condors and eagles. From the pass, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of rugged peaks, colorful Red Mountains, and the impressive Apu Veronica (5,860 m / 19,226 ft), one of the sacred snow-capped peaks of the Cusco region.

From Kuychikasa, we continue with a 45-minute hike over rolling terrain to reach Chancachuco (4,312 m / 14,147 ft), where our team will serve a well-deserved lunch. Along this route, the dramatic scenery of sharp mountain ridges, glaciers, and unusual rock formations — even resembling asteroid craters — creates a truly otherworldly atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we descend gradually for about 2.5 hours until we reach the Ancascocha River. After crossing a small local bridge, a short 20-minute uphill walk takes us to our campsite near the Ancascocha School (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). Here, you’ll enjoy afternoon tea, a delicious dinner, and another peaceful night under the stars.

• Area: Dry Mountain.
• Temperature: Cold, Warm and Hot.

We start the day early with a wake-up call at 5:30 am and a nourishing breakfast to prepare for the most challenging yet rewarding part of the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu. Today we conquer the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the entire trek.

The trail begins with a gradual uphill, but soon becomes steep and rugged, with about 60% of the climb on stony terrain. Along the way, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking: the turquoise waters of Ancascocha Lake, cascading waterfalls, and a section of the original Inca Trail carved into the mountainside. This day perfectly blends nature and culture, making it one of the highlights of the journey.

At the summit of the Huayanay Pass, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Salkantay Glacier and the Vilcabamba mountain range, where the Classic Inca Trail weaves its path. After celebrating this incredible achievement, we descend along an undulating trail toward Quesca. This area is home to herds of alpacas and llamas, creating authentic Andean scenes that enrich the trek.

In Quesca (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), we stop to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before continuing our descent. From here, the trail becomes greener as we re-enter the tree line, surrounded by lush vegetation and warmer air. After about 3 hours of downhill hiking, we arrive at Paucarcancha, where you’ll explore an impressive yet little-visited Inca archaeological site with your guide.

The day ends with a well-deserved dinner and overnight camping in the Paucarcancha community (3,133 m / 10,278 ft), surrounded by history and nature.

• Area: Dry Mountain.
• Temperature: Cold, Warm and Hot.

After breakfast, we begin our last hiking day, following part of the legendary Classic Inca Trail. Along the way, we visit Pata Llaqta, one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites of the route. The trek takes about 4 hours from Paucarcancha to KM82, where you’ll also see other trekkers starting the Inca Trail. Here, we enjoy our final lunch with the trekking team before saying farewell.
Next, we drive to Ollantaytambo to board the train (1h 35 min) to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

• Temperature: Chilli, Warm and Hot.

Today is the highlight of your journey: the unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Early in the morning, we take the bus up to the citadel, where your expert guide will lead a 2-hour tour through the most important temples, terraces, and sacred areas.

After the guided tour, you’ll have the option (if booked in advance) to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.

Later, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax with a coffee, a refreshing drink, or a celebratory Pisco Sour before boarding your train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Upon arrival, our private transport will take you back to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel.

• Area: Montane cloud forest.
• Temperature: Chilly, Warm and Hot (it can get hotter than 94fº).

The Ancascocha route is one of the most authentic and least crowded alternatives to Machu Picchu, perfect for travelers seeking a true off-the-beaten-path experience. Unlike the Salkantay Trek, which is more popular and often busy, Ancascocha offers peace, solitude, and direct encounters with remote Andean communities, making it a more exclusive journey.

Compared to the Lares Trek, which focuses heavily on cultural immersion with local villages and involves slightly lower passes, Ancascocha is more physically demanding, reaching altitudes over 15,000 ft (4,600 m). In return, hikers enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and rarely visited Inca sites.

In summary:

• Salkantay → Popular and scenic, with glacier views but larger crowds.
• Lares → Cultural focus, interaction with Andean communities.
• Ancascocha → Remote, challenging, and exclusive; ideal for adventurous hikers.

The ideal time to hike this route is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, you can expect clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and breathtaking views of the Andes, turquoise lakes, and Inca archaeological sites.

May and September are considered the best months since they offer great weather conditions with fewer crowds compared to July and August, which are the busiest months.

The rainy season (November to March) brings muddy trails and frequent clouds that can limit visibility. However, this time of year also offers lush green landscapes and a quieter experience on the trail.

👉 In short:

• Best season: April – October (dry season).
• Top months: May and September (pleasant weather + fewer tourists).
• Less recommended: January – March due to heavy rains.

One of the main advantages of this route is the sense of exclusivity and tranquility. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, where you often share the path with many groups, Ancascocha remains a hidden gem with far fewer hikers.

This allows travelers to:

• Enjoy solitude and peace while connecting with nature.
• Explore authentic Inca sites like Paucarcancha and Perolniyoc with almost no crowds.
• Experience living culture, as the trail passes through remote Andean communities where locals still maintain their ancestral traditions.
• Admire untouched landscapes, including turquoise lakes, dramatic red mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife such as condors, eagles, alpacas, and llamas.

In short, this trek offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and natural beauty without the rush of crowded trails.

The Ancascocha route takes you through a wide range of microclimates, so you’ll experience different weather conditions depending on the altitude and time of year.

• High-altitude zones (over 4,000 m / 13,100 ft): Expect cold temperatures, especially at night, often dropping below freezing. Days are usually sunny but with strong UV exposure.
• Mid-mountain areas: Weather can be milder, with a mix of warm days and chilly nights.
• Cloud forest near Machu Picchu: Temperatures are warmer and more humid, with occasional rain showers, especially in the afternoon.

👉 In short:

• Dry season (April–October): Clear skies, warm days (15–20°C / 59–68°F), cold nights (down to 0°C / 32°F).
• Rainy season (November–March): Higher chance of rain, cloudy views, but greener landscapes.

Because of these variations, trekkers should be prepared with layered clothing, rain gear, and proper sun protection.