Andean Wellness & Hiking Escape: 4-Day Ancascocha Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

The Ancascocha Trail is one of the lesser-known alternatives to the Classic Inca Trail, which means you'll largely have the mountains to yourself. Over four days, you'll hike from the Yanacocha Lagoon trailhead up to Kinsa Cruz Pass (4,700m), spend a night camping beside Ancascocha Lagoon, and pass through cloud forests full of orchids before catching the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. The final day starts before dawn with a bus ride up to Machu Picchu, where you'll get a guided tour of the citadel before the crowds arrive—you can even add on a hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you've booked the extra permit.

The trek is led by Alfredo Huari, an indigenous guide born in the Chillipahua community near Cusco. Alfredo grew up watching his father work as a mule driver, and he started his own agency to offer more personalized and culturally respectful experiences than the standard tours. He speaks fluent English, is trained in first aid and mountain rescue, and shares deep knowledge of Andean history and traditions. Guests consistently rate the experience 5 stars, praising the hard-working team, the four-course gourmet meals cooked on the trail, and the small details that make the trip feel special.

A specialized mountain chef accompanies the trek, preparing fresh, organic meals with ingredients sourced from a family farm. Breakfasts include pancakes and scrambled eggs, lunches are hearty buffets with multiple mains, and dinners are comforting soups and dishes like chicken and pasta. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets are accommodated at no extra cost, and boiled/filtered water is provided from day one.

The trek begins and ends in Cusco or Urubamba, with private van transport to the trailhead and back from the train station at the end. Accommodation is split between two nights of camping (with equipment provided) and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, so you get both a rugged wilderness experience and a comfortable base before Machu Picchu.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation: 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes - 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus daily snacks and afternoon tea - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Specialized mountain chef - Briefing session - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Private tourist van to the start of the Ancascocha trek - Expedition train from Aguas Calientes in the afternoon - Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes - Pickup from 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 and 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 - Airport pickup or drop-off (can be added for €34 per person)