A Hidden Gem in Peru’s Andes
Discover the Anacascocha Trek in Peru, a lesser-known but stunning alternative to the Inca Trail. Explore its pristine landscapes, high mountain passes, and cultural encounters on this off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Before You Go, What You Should Know
Here are the top highlights that you’ll enjoy on the tour:
When deciding whether to go on a trek or not, it helps to know what to expect. Below you’ll find a few aspects that you can look forward to to aid in making your final decision.
As mentioned earlier, this trek is one of the lesser known, and therefore a quiet route to take. You can enjoy the peace of the Andean mountains with just the sounds of the wind and nature, without bumping into other trekkers all along the way.
This trek goes up to over 4,650 masl, so you’ll definitely need to take the right precautions. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before you set off and take it easy along the trail. Not following this advice could mean you feel ill on the hike.
This trek offers some of the most beautiful scenery, including lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and the incredible rolling hills of the Andes. You need to remember your camera to get some great photos to remember your trip by.
You’ll have a guide for a very small group on this trek, so you’ll be guaranteed to learn a lot from them about the surrounding areas wildlife, how the people live in the zone, as well as the history of the Incas.
The high altitude along with the change in elevation means that this trek is very challenging in parts. Many hikers look for this kind of adventure, so if you like to test yourself, this is a great option.
You’re going to be heading out into the wild and rural Andes, so you can say goodbye to your commodities. Each night you’ll be camping along the trail with basic bathroom amenities.
Above all else, you can expect to have an excellent time during your trip. You’ll make new friends, see some amazing sights, and end up at the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu.
The trek begins about 2 hours from Cusco in the Sacred Valley in a place called Socma. The community of Ancascocha itself sits at 3,700 masl. You’ll be heading up to 4, 650 masl maximum.
As with a lot of hikes in the mountains, this trek is on the difficult side of the scale as you head up to high altitude and experience changes in elevation. There are easier parts, especially the last day of walking, but we recommend you prepare well to make sure you enjoy the challenge to the maximum.
Here are some interesting facts about the trek.
Take a look at these tips to help you with your trek preparation.
To make your trip as enjoyable as possible, take on board these recommendations to take away the stress.
Even though this trip never sells out, it’s a good idea to book beforehand so that the tour operator can make sure they have guides available. You don’t want to turn up to book and find that you can’t go.
You don’t often find a reliable weather report for Cusco as it can be unreliable, but you can make sure you come in your preferred season. From May to October is the dry season, but the nights can get very cold. November to April is rainy season, so you can expect the trail to be wet, but there are fewer visitors in this season so it’s nice and quiet.
Health care in Cusco is very expensive if you have an accident or fall ill and don’t have insurance. You’ll also find that most agencies and operators won’t let you travel with them if you don’t have it.
Before coming to Cusco, make sure you visit your doctor back home. This will ensure you get the right vaccinations. You can also ask if they are able to prescribe anything for you to take in case you feel the effects of the altitude
You’ll need to check out a packing list for treks in Cusco. This will make sure that you take everything you need for the trip but also use the space adequately. You usually only get a small weight/size limit allowed for bags, so you need to use the space wisely.
You’ll be given plenty of food along the way, but you might get hungry while you walk. This is why it’s best to take some extra snacks for yourself. This can include nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, and coca candies.
Animals deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion. GO TREKS PERU treats their packing horses and mules with dignity and respect. (We work with mules and horses for our alternative treks ONLY).
No one is more concerned about animal welfare than our company. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about mules and horses, if you have any other questions – please ask!
Once at the starting point of the Anacascocha trek, your well-equipped guides and cooks will come second only to your mental determination, in terms of important factors that contribute to a successful trek attempt. During your trek from Ancascocha trek, your guide will be your advisor, take you to famous Anacascocha trek valley, and bring you back safely. . It will be important that you work closely with him and take note of his advice.
Walking through the Peruvian mountains is a once in a lifetime experience. This will not be possible without our staff. But the staff wouldn’t get anywhere without an expert cook. Cook is the star of our trekking,
Being a cook for the Ancascocha Trek or any alternative trek to Machu Picchu is not easy. Our cooks must bring all the necessary ingredients for each day’s meals, begin the process to provide the best meals you can imagine.
All meals are prepared within established points on the Lares trek and follow the most detailed protocols so that the food is tasty and safe to consume. Our chefs can address any dietary restrictions or allergies without losing any of the flavors that these meals will have. Hiking is better when you know the best food is waiting for you!
All of our Ancascocha Trek food is prepared with fresh ingredients purchased at the local market in Cusco. Everything is carried by our horses and then prepared by our incredible chef. We do not use any rehydrated or canned foods. Everything is fresh, healthy and tasty!
We train our chef every year in the low season to prepare delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, all served with a smile! After completing each day’s trek, you will enjoy our happy hour before enjoying a tasty dinner, which will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations about food on the Ancascocha Trek.
For those who are not used to having a bad time for a few days, we offer an the best tent service to have a much more comfortable experience. , meals are prepared and served and the GO TREKS PERU staff does the washing. This leaves you more time to enjoy your surroundings and is ideal for first-time campers who may be concerned about the challenges such a trip can entail. When camping we are exposed to the elements, and while there are times when the weather is good and temperatures are pleasant, there can be days when it is foggy, rainy, and cool.
In certain locations, there may also be multiple errors. These factors, however, should be seen as minor disadvantages of a camping experience that will allow you to get closer to the beautiful nature that Peru has to offer. All camping equipment is supplied (except sleeping bag and pillow). We supply tents which have mattresses approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable
All camping equipment is supplied. All meals on the mountain will be prepared by your group’s cook.
Hiking Boots: Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots are essential for navigating challenging terrains.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layered clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions.
Backpack: A durable backpack to carry essentials.
Water Purification: Ensure access to clean drinking water.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
Camera: Capture the breathtaking scenery.
Is a permit required for the Anacascocha Trek?
No, permits are not required for the Anacascocha Trek, making it a flexible and accessible option.
How challenging is the Anacascocha Trek?
The Anacascocha Trek is considered moderately challenging, and suitable for trekkers with a good level of fitness.
Can I trek the Anacascocha route independently?
While it is possible, it is recommended to go with an experienced tour operator for safety, and cultural interactions, and to support local communities.
Are there opportunities to interact with locals during the trek?
Yes, you’ll have the chance to interact with Quechua communities along the trail, providing a deeper cultural experience.
What is the highest point of the Anacascocha Trek?
The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, standing at approximately 15,200 feet (4,633 meters) above sea level.
Is the Anacascocha Trek as impressive as the Inca Trail?
The Anacascocha Trek offers its unique charm, with stunning landscapes and cultural interactions, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a less-trodden path.
