High-Altitude Andes Trekking Adventure to Machu Picchu in Peru

The Ancascocha Trail is one of the best-kept secrets in Peruvian trekking. Unlike the often-crowded Inca Trail, this route sees far fewer visitors, so you get the dramatic mountain scenery mostly to yourself. Over four days, you'll climb from the Sacred Valley highlands to passes above 4,900 meters, descend through cloud forests and valleys, and camp in wild, beautiful places—all while being accompanied by a team of mules and a professional guide.

The trek is led by Alfredo Huari, who was born in a small Quechua community near Cusco and is deeply connected to the land and its people. He has worked as a guide for years and knows how to make the experience feel personal, rather than like a standard tour. Along the way, you'll meet local families, see how they live, and even share a meal prepared with produce from their own farm.

You don't just walk to Machu Picchu—you arrive the right way. The final morning, you take a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes up to the citadel and walk through the ruins with a guide, seeing the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Plaza, and the agricultural terraces before the crowds arrive. It's a fitting end to a trek that has taken you far from the usual tourist paths.

This is a demanding trip, with days of 6 to 8 hours of hiking at altitude. But you don't need to be an expert mountaineer—just reasonably fit and ready for some steep climbs. The guides set a steady pace, and the rewards—the views, the quiet, the sense of achievement—are immense.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation (2 nights camping, 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes) - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Specialized mountain chef - Briefing session - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Private tourist van for transportation to the beginning of the Ancascocha trek - Expedition train leaving Aguas Calientes in the afternoon - Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes - Pick-up from the train station and transfer to hotel in Cusco or Urubamba - Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site - Permits and tickets for Machu Picchu visit - Ancascocha camping equipment - Safety & emergency gear - Luggage storage

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional) - Hotels in Cusco - Tips