Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 26-10-2022
There’s nothing like the satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu on your own two feet, which is why the Classic Inca Trail hike has become so popular in recent years. The classic Inca Trail now needs to be reserved 6 months in advance and to limit damage to the trail, the Peruvian government now limits access to 500 persons per day, porters included. Permits for the peak summer season sell out months in advance. Fortunately, the Inca were master road builders who constructed a network of Inca Trails throughout the Andes, and The Ancascocha Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days, is considered one of the best alternative treks to the Classic Inca Trail, as it treks through the same terrain and region as The Classic Inca Trail, and this extraordinary route is definitely one of the most beautiful off the beaten track treks south of the Andes.
Ancascocha Trek
The Ancascocha and Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is ideal for those travelers who have a good level of fitness, are well acclimatized (the route includes two high passes over 4,400 meters), and seek tranquility in nature with an uncrowded trail, perfect for hiking. You will visit local Andean villages, and enjoy a variety of ecosystems, as well as spectacular vistas of snow-capped mountains, tropical jungles, cloud forest wilderness, glacial lakes, and of course Peru’s spectacular Inca ruins.
Trekking Ancascocha
The 7-day Ancascocha trek takes you through the spectacular Andean Mountains to Machu Picchu visiting numerous Inca ruin sites, all with the same incredible beauty as the Classic Inca Trail, however without the crowds. On this Ancascocha Trek, you will hike through small villages inhabited by Quechua-speaking people who live by many of the same Inca traditions as thousands of years ago. In fact, you may even draw blank looks from people when you tell them you’re hiking it. Yet it was named by National Geographic as one of 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list. What makes this trek truly special, is that it joins up with the 2-day Inca Trail, making it the perfect alternative when there are no classic Inca trail permits! This means you have the wonderful remoteness of Ancascocha as well as the Inca trail experience, all on the same trek!
Stunning Scenery
The Ancascocha Trail offers spectacular sparkling glacial lakes, and well-preserved landscapes, offering the opportunity to tour and learn about several lesser-visited ancient ruins. You will be surrounded by the vibrant flora and fauna of the Andes, with views of the Salkantay mountain, the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, towering at 6,271m. The Ancascocha Trek, also known as the Hidden Inca Trail or the Super Inca Trail, is a strenuous and lesser-traveled trek. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path trails, pristine wilderness, and a challenging trek, this trek is for you. One of the Sacred Valley’s best-kept trekking secrets.
Local on The Ancascocha Trek
Named after the Quechua word for "Blue Lake", this trail is the forgotten backdoor entrance to Machu Picchu. Considered a trail for the most elite of Inca royalty, it's by far the most demanding of all the hikes in the Cusco region.
Wiñaywayna
Spanning just 4 days, but featuring 7 summits over 15,000 feet (and topping out at nearly 17,000'), this trail is not for the faint of heart. Since the trail is extremely remote, permission must be attained from the locals, which is why it is important to trek with a reputed, local operator like Valencia Travel.
Machu Picchu
Book the 7-day Ancascocha Trek with Valencia Travel here for an out-of-this-world trekking experience!
