Ancascocha Trek

The treks to Machu Picchu via the Ancascocha Trail take 3-5 days depending on your preferred duration and the routes along the trail. Ancascocha is a less-known and less explored but more adventurous route to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Highlights of the Ancascocha Trail:

• Pass through less-visited small archeological sites, traditional farmlands, and spectacular mountain vistas
• Sightings of Andean flora and fauna
• Seeing the flight of the condors
• Crossing rivers via zigzag bridges

Notable Stops/Destinations

Soqma – trailhead of the Ancascocha trail to Machu Picchu

Perolniyoc – archeological site that sits atop a hill; also a waterfall named after it

Limatambo – the location of the Rioja terraces, snow-capped Salkantay mountain, the vicuna prairies, the Apurimac river, and the Tarawasi archeological complex

Quillarurniyoc – the temple dedicated to Quilla, the moon.

Chonta Viewpoint – also known as The Condor Viewpoint, as it has strategic spots from which you can view the flight of the condors

Mount Huayanay – located within the Vilcabamba mountain range, with a height of about 5,464 meters; the foot of the mountain is used as a stopover of travelers

Ollantaytambo – home to Peru’s 2nd heaviest monoliths, the last Inca fortress, the intriguing Temples of the Sun, Moon, and Temple of the 10 Niches

Aguas Calientes – common stopover for travelers to Machu Picchu as it is the gateway to the world-famous ruins

Modes of Travel:

Trekking, bus, train

The stops and destinations along the Ancascocha trail vary per tour operator and length of the trek you choose.