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The Ancascocha Alternative trek - Full itinerary and inclusions

also known as the "Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek via Ancascocha"

The Ancascocha alternative is definitely one of the less touristed routes around Cusco which enables you solitude and also some contact with the local people, particularly herders. This is a true adventure specially prepared for people who love nature, Andean high places, and spectacular mountain scenery.

This hike is offered only by few companies, which gives you the opportunity to encounter well preserved landscapes. Ancascocha alternative offers visitors beautiful Andean high Valleys, snow-covered peaks such as: (Salkantay, 6.271m. Humantay, Huayanay and others), and also colorful lakes such as Salkantay, Ancashqocha and others. In this adventure we can see Original Inka trails in to the mountains and covered by the passing of time. This trail formerly connected Limatambo Mollepata, Machupicchu, Choquekirao, Tumibamba and Chinchaysuyo regions.

Trip Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Salkantaypampa- Pampa Japonesa
Our private car will pick you up and drive you to Mollepata 2870m (approx. 3 hours) where we have the chance to buy supplies. From Mollepata we continue one hour more by car until Soraypampa (3840m). We'll hike from the pastures village of Soraypampa or Challacancha. Most likely we will lunch in Salkantaypampa. After about several hours trekking we'll arrive to our camping place. Our campsite for the night is at the feet of the most majestic and impressing mountains of this area such as Salkantay (6264m) and Humantay (5217m). The campsite is called Pampa Japonesa (Japanese Plain) and is located at 4600m. (This is a high campsite so you should be well acclimatised).

Day 02: Pampa Japonesa - Inka Chiriaska - Millpo - Yahuarmaky
After breakfast, with muleteers and an emergency horses we start the long hike which will cross various high passes. First is Inca Chiriaska (4959m), from where where we will have views over the amazing landscapes of the area. From here you walk along an original Inca Trail until you arrive to the Tocto pass (4821m) where the Inca trail then heads towards Salkantay. We will continue on for another 2 hours to the Calacocha pass (4667m). From here it is another 1 hour walk to the pass of Cruz Casa (4600m) and then within another hour we will be Millpo Pass, where we will descend to our campsite Millpo (4399m). If you are feeling good we might continue to the campsite at Yahuarmaky. total walking time today 8.5-9hours.

Day 03: Millpo / Yahuarmaky - Ancascocha
Very early we will depart walking for about 1 hour towards the pass Chusqenay (4630m) and then within 50 minutes we will descend to the pass of RumiInca and then we continue on upwards to thethe narrow valley of Yahuarmaky, another 40 minutes of walking. We then start climbing again, for about an 1.5 hours until we reach the pass of Aqocasa (4686m). This mountain is a nice reddish sandy mountain and from the top of this pass (with the help of binoculars) we will appreciate the famous Inka trail which leads to Machupicchu. We can also see the salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay Mountains and far on the way we can observe Huacaywillka (Sacred Tears). On the way we can see a small archaeological site called Inka-raqay. From here its 3 hours descent to Inka Rakay, and then another 1. 5hours ascent to the pass of Huayanay (4630m). We then have a descent to our campsite at Ancascocha, 3 hours. (campsite Ancascocha or Ancascocha Lagoon 3700m) . total walking time today 8-9hours.

Day 04: Ancasqocha - Chillca
After breakfast we will walk down hill for approximately 5 hours to arrive at Chillca. From Ancascocha its 2 hours of descent to Arequipapampa. We will pass by small villages observing Andean valleys with its typical vegetation trees such as chachacoma, qewña, some orchids, begonias, and bromeliads that adorn the landscape. The descent becomes easier towards Camicancha (2930m) where our car may pick us up. (or we will continue to descend to Chillca) We take the train around 4:00pm to Aguas Calientes where we will enjoy a celebratory dinner and spend the night in a hotel.

Day Five: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Early in the morning (before dawn) we will take a bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu . (Bus included in price) so that you can appreciate sunrise from the Watchman's Hut (or Inti Punku if you get up very early). You will then have a three hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with your guide. After your tour you can further explore the ruins by yourself or climb Huayna Picchu for that classic photo of Machu Picchu . Please note that you need to start climbing Huayna Picchu by 12 noon. Also try to fit in a visit to the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge . We highly recommend walking down from Machu Picchu to get a feeling for the vegetation and also the audacity of its builders. Its a 1-2 hour walk back to the village of Machu Picchu . Alternatively, you can take the bus ($6 - not included). We return to Cusco in the afternoon by the backpacker train (leaves either at 2.30pm or 6pm) and are met by a driver at Ollantaytambo who will transfer you directly back to your hotel. You will arrive in Cusco approximately 4 hours after your train's departure from Aguas Calientes.

What's included?

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Pre trek briefing

• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek in private car (Sayllapata)
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu & Salkantay Trek
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
• Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
• Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
• Toilet tent
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
• Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 7 kg per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $8 per day.
• 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
• Tents for our staff to sleep in
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu . We highly recommend walking down from the ruins at the end of the day. it's an excellent opportunity to really get a feeling for the location of Machu Picchu . If you chose to catch the bus, it costs $6 per person to go down.
• Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas
• Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in one star hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hostel with breakfast included and private bathroom. If you wish to upgrade from this hotel, please check out the options listed on our Aguas Calientes accommodation page.

What is not included?

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu , you will have the choice to further explore Machu Picchu on your own, dine at the restaurant in Machu Picchu or return to Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to the thermal springs
• Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
• Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $9US per day.
• Bus down from Machu Picchu - cost $6US. We give you the option to hike if you wish.

You should bring:

A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature

• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco .
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
• Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
• Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
• Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
• Binoculars (if you have them)

optional extras

• We can hire the following to you.
• Sleeping Bag suitable for -5deg. ($4.00 per day)
• Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($6.00 per day)
• Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day)
• Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
• Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Mule - $9.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule

prices 2010 Ancascocha Alternative Trek

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the ruins of paucarcancha

Ariana on the Ancascocha trek.

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366 Cuichipunco, Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru- Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005-2009. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru