Prepare for the ultimate Andean crossing: the perfect combination of two worlds. This 7-day odyssey was conceived for those seeking the absolute balance between technical exploration and ancestral legacy. We fuse the wild solitude and challenge of the Ancascocha Trek—recognized by the prestigious National Geographic as one of the world's finest hikes—with the historical majesty and incomparable archaeological richness of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Throughout this exclusive route, you will witness a breathtaking geography that defies the imagination. Your path will be flanked by the imposing presence of colossal glacial peaks, ice giants that stand as eternal guardians of the horizon. As you traverse remote valleys where time seems to have stood still, you will experience nature in its purest and most authentic state.

To initiate your definitive 7-day Ancascocha & Classic Inca Trail Expedition, our private transport will pick you up directly from your hotel (in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo) at 5:00 a.m. We will enjoy a scenic drive through the heart of the Sacred Valley toward the traditional village of Soqma (10,515 ft / 3,205 m). Upon arrival, our professional mountain chef will welcome you with a hot, gourmet breakfast at the trailhead—the perfect moment to meet your expedition team and prepare for the days ahead.

Our trek begins with a gradual 2-hour ascent through an Andean landscape that grows more breathtaking with every step. Our first destination is the impressive Perolniyoc Waterfall (11,647 ft / 3,550 m), a majestic 80-foot veil of crystalline water considered sacred by local communities. We will pause here to capture the beauty of this natural wonder and feel the energy of the high Andes.

: After exploring the falls, we continue our climb for another hour to reach the Inca site of Rayan Pata (12,467 ft / 3,800 m). This archaeological gem sits dramatically on a cliffside, serving as an ancient ceremonial and administrative center. Your expert Ali Perú Treks guide will unveil the mysteries of its construction and its strategic importance in the Inca Empire while you enjoy a panoramic view of the valley below.

A short walk from the ruins leads us to our lunch spot, where a nutritious, multi-course meal prepared with organic local ingredients awaits. Following a well-deserved rest and a brief nap, we will prepare for the final stretch of the day.

We will hike for approximately two more hours toward our first campsite at Rayan (12,795 ft / 3,900 m). We have selected this privileged location for its absolute tranquility and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. In the evening, after a gourmet dinner, your guide will share the ancient wisdom of the Andean constellations, providing a spiritual close to the first day of your 7-day odyssey.

Private Transport: Approx. 2.5 hours (Cusco to Soqma).

Total Distance: Approx. 5.6 miles / 9 km.

Hiking Time: 6 hours.

Difficulty Level: Moderate (Strategic steady ascent for acclimatization).

Starting Altitude: 10,515 ft / 3,205 m.

Campsite Altitude: 12,795 ft / 3,900 m.

Elevation Gain: +2,280 ft / +695 m.

Highlights: Hot Breakfast at trailhead, Perolniyoc Waterfall, and Rayan Pata Inca Fortress.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, and Dinner.

This day presents a greater challenge with the ascent to the first mountain pass. Our Aliperutreks team will wake you up early at your Rayan camp (12,795 ft / 3,900 m) with a special service: a hot cup of coca tea or coffee delivered directly to your tent. You will have thirty minutes to pack before enjoying a full breakfast.

Part 1: The Ascent to Kuychiccasa Pass After a delicious breakfast, we will leave the camp to head for Kuychiccasa Pass (14,764 ft / 4,500 m). This steady ascent will take us approximately four hours. Upon reaching the summit, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Andean peaks and the Sacred Valley. From this privileged spot, you will be able to see the colossal Verónica Glacier, situated at 19,334 ft (5,893 m). While you enjoy the mountain views, the chef will offer you a cup of coca tea to relax.

Part 2: Lunch Among the Camelids We will resume the hike for about two more hours over gradually flat terrain, surrounded by a large number of llamas and alpacas, until we reach the lunch spot at Chancachuco (14,147 ft / 4,312 m). After lunch, we’ll take a nap, fill our bottles with drinking water, and prepare for the final hike.

Part 3: Arrival at Ancascocha Lagoon The last hike of the day will last three hours. The landscapes and views become even more incredible, and we will continue walking surrounded by llamas, alpacas, sheep, and cows. Finally, we will arrive at our campsite at Ancascocha Lagoon (13,418 ft / 4,090 m).

Upon arrival (approximately 5:00 PM), the chef will be waiting for you with hot tea. We will spend the night under a starry sky. If the sky is clear, your guide will explain the significance of the Andean constellations.

·        Total Distance: Approx. 9.9 miles / 16 km

·        Hiking Time: 9 hours

·        Difficulty Level: Challenging (Crossing the pass)

·        Starting Altitude (Rayan): 12,795 ft / 3,900 m

·        Highest Point (Kuychiccasa): 14,764 ft / 4,500 m

·        Campsite Altitude (Ancascocha): 13,418 ft / 4,090 m

·        Elevation Gain (Net): +1,969 ft / +600 m

·        Highlight: Panoramic view of Verónica Glacier, High-altitude wildlife.

·        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time & Dinner.

This is considered the most demanding and visually spectacular day of the trek. There’s no need to set an alarm: the Ali Peru Treks team will wake you at your Ancascocha camp (13,418 ft) and bring hot coca tea or coffee to your tent, followed by a delicious breakfast.

 Ascent to the Highest Point The hike is a steady five-hour ascent. We will walk alongside the beautiful Ancascocha Lake before reaching the highest point of the trip: the Huayanay Pass (15,255 ft / 4,650 m). Once again, you will walk surrounded by llamas and alpacas, and you will see a section of the Original Inca Trail that once connected Cusco to Machu Picchu.

The Ceremony and Colossal Salkantay After conquering Huayanay Pass, we will witness a truly colossal and spectacular view: Mount Salkantay in all its glory. Your guide will perform a small but significant Andean ceremony with coca leaves, a ritual of thanks to the Apus (mountain spirits) that you will witness in this sacred place.

Ecological Transition and Lunch From the summit, the hike resumes and is entirely downhill. In just one hour, the landscape changes dramatically from high mountain grasslands (puna) to high jungle (cloud forest). We will arrive at Incaracay (12,467 ft / 3,800 m), our lunch spot.

Final Descent to Paucarcancha After lunch, we will continue the descent for three to four more hours to the Paucarcancha campsite (10,170 ft / 3,100 m). This stretch is visually rewarding, as you will see waterfalls, incredible views, and small Inca ruins along the way.

We will rest at Paucarcancha, ready for the final portion of the trek.

 Total Distance: Approx. 10 miles / 16 km

 Hiking Time: 9 – 10 hours

 Difficulty Level: Challenging (The trek’s hardest day)

 Starting Altitude (Ancascocha): 13,418 ft / 4,090 m

 Highest Point (Huayanay Pass): 15,255 ft / 4,650 m

 Campsite Altitude (Paucarcancha): 10,170 ft / 3,100 m

 Elevation Gain (Net): +1,837 ft / +560 m

 Elevation Loss (Net): -5,085 ft / -1,550 m (Massive Descent)

 Highlight: Salkantay View, Original Inca Trail, Andean Ceremony.

 Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Exploration of the Fortress: Your morning begins at 6:00 a.m. with the crisp air of the Andes and a hot cup of coffee delivered to your tent. After a high-energy breakfast, we will dedicate the first part of our day to exploring the Paucarcancha Archaeological Site (10,236 ft / 3,120 m). Your Ali Perú Treks expert guide will provide a professional tour of this strategic fortress, the key point where the Ancascocha and Inca trails converge.

Logistical Transition in Wayllabamba: We will descend for approximately 2 to 3 hours to the valley floor until we reach Wayllabamba. This is a crucial turning point in our expedition: as government regulations prohibit horses on the Classic Inca Trail to protect the ancient stonework, this is where we bid farewell to our horsemen and meet our dedicated team of porters. This elite team will now take charge of the equipment, ensuring your journey continues with the highest standards of service and comfort. We will enjoy a gourmet lunch here to mark this symbolic new stage of the journey.

Official Entry into the Inca Trail: Following lunch, we will pass through the official checkpoint to enter the world-famous Classic Inca Trail. We will begin a steady 2-hour uphill hike through a vibrant cloud forest, surrounded by diverse flora and ancient trees. This section of the trail is where the mystical energy of the Inca Empire truly begins to be felt with every step.

Serenity at the Ayapata Camp: Our destination is the Ayapata campsite (10,826 ft / 3,300 m). At Ali Perú Treks, we have selected this location for its privileged views and the profound sense of peace it offers. Camping at this elevation allows you to enjoy a more intimate connection with the Andean environment, away from the busier lower camps. Upon arrival, you will enjoy "Tea Time" and a restorative dinner under a canopy of stars, resting in the very heart of the mountains.

• Morning Exploration: Guided tour of the Paucarcancha Inca Fortress.

• Logistical Transition: Meeting the porter team in Wayllabamba (Conclusion of horse service).

• Official Entry: Passport control and official entry into the Classic Inca Trail.

• Total Distance: Approx. 7.5 miles / 12 km.

• Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate (Initial ascent into the cloud forest).

• Campsite Altitude (Ayapata): 10,826 ft / 3,300 m.

• Highlights: Exploring Paucarcancha and entering the historic Royal Inca path.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, and Gourmet Dinner.

Your second day begins with a comforting cup of coca tea served directly to your tent, followed by a high-energy breakfast prepared by our chef. This is the most demanding day of the trek, but also the most rewarding. We depart from Ayapata early to begin a steady ascent through the Llullucha Valley.

The first major goal is to conquer the legendary Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), the highest point of the trail at 4,215 m (13,829 ft). Upon reaching the summit, you will feel an incredible sense of accomplishment while enjoying breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks. After a well-deserved break and a group photo, we will begin a steep descent into the Pacaymayo Valley to enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch.

After lunch, the journey continues with a second, shorter ascent toward the Runkuraqay Pass (4,000 m). Along the way, we will explore the circular ruins of Runkuraqay and then descend toward the magnificent site of Sayacmarca, an architectural gem perched on the edge of a cliff. We will conclude the day at our scenic campsite in Chaquicocha, where you can relax and enjoy the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range.

As always, the Ali Perú Treks team will have your campsite ready upon your arrival. Enjoy our «Tea Time» with hot drinks and snacks before a well-earned gourmet dinner to replenish your energy. After dinner, under the pristine Andean sky, your expert guide will show you the Andean constellations, and you will learn about fascinating Inca cosmology beneath the stars.

•  Starting Altitude (Ayapata): 10,827 ft / 3,300 m

•  Campsite Altitude (Chaquicocha): 11,811 ft / 3,600 m

•  Highest Point (Dead Woman’s Pass): 13,829 ft / 4,215 m

•  Total Distance: Approx. 10 miles / 16 km

•  Hiking Time: 9–10 hours

•  Difficulty Level: Challenging (The most intense day)

•  Highlights: Dead Woman’s Pass, Sayacmarca exploration, and Inca astronomy.

•  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After the most intense day of trekking, the third day begins with a nutritious breakfast to recharge your energy. This section welcomes us with spectacular landscapes and a more relaxed pace, designed to deeply connect with nature. We begin our hike from Chaquicocha, entering the fascinating cloud forest. For many travelers, this is the most beautiful sector of the entire Inca Trail, where we will cross original stone tunnels and observe a vibrant biodiversity unique in the world.

Our first stop is Phuyupatamarca («Town Above the Clouds»), located at 12,073 ft (3,680 m). From this strategic point, we will enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Salkantay and the majestic Urubamba Valley. After exploring its ritual fountains, we will begin the descent via perfectly preserved Inca stairways toward the site of Intipata, an impressive agricultural terrace offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the river and mountains.

Finally, we will arrive at our campsite at Wiñaywayna. Here, you will have plenty of time to enjoy a refreshing and revitalizing shower. In the afternoon, we will take a guided tour of the stunning Inca site of Wiñaywayna («Forever Young»), considered the most spectacular and mystical archaeological complex before reaching the citadel of Machu Picchu.

As night falls at our camp, the Ali Perú Treks team will have everything ready for our final Andean gourmet dinner. This evening is truly special: we celebrate the success of the expedition and say goodbye to our incredible team of porters and chefs with an emotional thank-you ceremony. It is the perfect moment to share experiences and reflections before the grand final reward the following day.

•  Starting Altitude (Chaquicocha): 11,811 ft / 3,600 m

•  Campsite Altitude (Wiñaywayna): 8,792 ft / 2,680 m

•  Total Distance: Approx. 6.2 miles / 10 km

•  Hiking Time: 5–6 hours of scenic trekking.

•  Comfort: Free time for a shower and relaxation at the camp.

•  Highlights: Phuyupatamarca, authentic Inca tunnels, Intipata terraces, and detailed exploration of Wiñaywayna.

•  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Today marks the culmination of your epic Classic Inca Trail adventure. We will wake up before dawn to be among the first at the final checkpoint, which opens promptly at 5:30 AM. After crossing, we begin the final one-hour hike toward the legendary Inti Punku (Sun Gate).

From this ancient vantage point, you will witness a sublime moment: the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu bathed in the first rays of the rising sun. It is a truly unforgettable experience and the ultimate reward for every step taken along the trail.

From the Sun Gate, we will descend for approximately 1 hour to reach the main platform of Circuit 1, the perfect location to capture the classic postcard photographs of the citadel. After immortalizing this moment, we will take a brief technical break and exit the Inca site to use the restrooms located outside the archaeological area.

Following the break, we will re-enter through Circuit 3 to begin your private, two-hour guided tour. Your expert Ali Perú Treks guide will lead you through the most iconic areas, revealing the deep history and mysteries surrounding this World Wonder.

Optional Challenge: Huayna Picchu

For adrenaline seekers who booked the Huayna Picchu permit in advance, you will embark on a challenging one-hour ascent to the summit, followed by a one-hour descent. From the top, you will enjoy a unique and dizzying aerial perspective of the entire citadel (please note: this requires booking months in advance due to high demand).

Once the exploration is complete, we will take the shuttle bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. You will have time to enjoy a revitalizing lunch (optional) before your guide accompanies you to the train station. We will travel by train to Ollantaytambo, where our dedicated staff will be waiting to transfer you in our private transportation directly to your hotel door in Cusco, concluding an incomparable life experience.

•  Starting Altitude (Wiñaywayna): 8,792 ft / 2,680 m

•  Machu Picchu Altitude: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m

•  Total Distance: Approx. 3.1 miles / 5 km

•  Hiking Time: 2 hours to the photo platform.

•  Highlights: Sunrise at Inti Punku, Classic postcard photos (Circuit 1), Specialized tour (Circuit 3), and private return to Cusco.

•  Meals Included: Breakfast.