5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour

Outty Ranking 53 4.7 · 7 traveler reviews120 hoursFrom $1,180
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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour worth booking?

5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour is a 120-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $1,180 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 7 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (7)
Duration
120 hours
From
$1,180 per person

The Ancascocha + Short Inca Trail offers a rare combination of remote adventure, cultural immersion, and the iconic journey to Machu Picchu, all in just five days. What truly sets this experience apart is the route. You’ll explore the Ancascocha trek, one of the most dreamed of hikes in the world, far from the crowds. Along the way, you’ll cross high mountain passes, glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and hidden Andean valleys rarely visited by others. You’ll also connect with traditional Andean communities that preserve their ancestral way of life, adding a deeper cultural dimension to the journey. Unlike most alternative routes, this trek continues onto the Short Inca Trail, allowing you to walk original Inca paths and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). With altitudes over 4,600 meters (15,091 ft), this is a true adventure, designed for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Ancascocha + Short Inca Trail offers a rare combination of remote adventure, cultural immersion, and the iconic journey to Machu Picchu, all in just five days. What truly sets this experience apart is the route. You’ll explore the Ancascocha trek, one of the most dreamed of hikes in the world, far from the crowds. Along the way, you’ll cross high mountain passes, glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and hidden Andean valleys rarely visited by others. You’ll also connect with traditional Andean communities that preserve their ancestral way of life, adding a deeper cultural dimension to the journey. Unlike most alternative routes, this trek continues onto the Short Inca Trail, allowing you to walk original Inca paths and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). With altitudes over 4,600 meters (15,091 ft), this is a true adventure, designed for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

    What's included

    Included

    • Pre-departure briefing
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Inca Trail permits and entrance tickets.
    • Experienced Mountain Guide
    • Inflatable mattress and portable travel toilet.
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Breakfast
    • All private transport and transfers during the tour
    • Round-trip bus tickets (from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu).
    • Hygiene products (small towel and soap).
    • Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
    • Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
    • Transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
    • Personal Belongings Transport
    • Tourist train round-trip tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes).
    • Transportation from Piscacucho (KM 82) to Ollantaytambo
    • Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1 Route C and Circuit 3 Route B).
    • Expert chef, porters, and horsemen
    • Walkie-talkies, satellite phone, oxygen, and first aid kit available at all times.
    • Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (tents, tables, chairs, cooking utensils).
    • Pickup and return to your hotel in the historic center of Cusco as part of the itinerary.
    • Backpack cover.

    Not included

    • Lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco (Day 5)
    • Clothing and personal hiking equipment
    • Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
    • Travel Insurance (Recommended)
    • Gratuities for the staff (Optional)

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • With Machu Picchu Mountain

      Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets Pickup included

    • With Huchuy Picchu Mountain

      Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included

    • With Huayna Picchu Mountain

      Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket Pickup included

    • Ancascocha & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 Days / 4 Nights

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Salkantay Trekking

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
    • The Inca Trail is highly demanded, specially in high season (May to September). Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure a spot.
    • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
    • Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
    • Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
    • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
    • Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required

    Photos

    5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour in Cusco, photo 25 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour in Cusco, photo 35 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour in Cusco, photo 45 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour in Cusco, photo 55 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour in Cusco, photo 65 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour in Cusco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    reginaldosP6750TR · August 2026

    Salkantay Trail

    Excellent trip. Everything very organized, great structure and an experience that will be remembered.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    K9497WUcalebc · August 2026

    Machu Picchu Trek Review

    Fredy Apaza was a very knowledgeable and experienced guide. Friendly attitude and very supportive to our group. He made the trip as good as it was.

    via Tripadvisor

    _X2857AJ · August 2026

    Great adventure!

    This is the funny adventure. Sometimes it wasn’t easy, maybe too hard, but it was worth it!!!

    via Tripadvisor

    timtV1690QX · July 2026

    I do not recommend it

    During my trip i had 2 guides, Joel and Franklin. Franklin was very helpful. He helped me with my breathing and my pace and was very empathetic throughtout the entire time. However, Joel was completely the opposite. He was very dismissive especially when we will ask him questions about how long will it take for us to get to our destination. he claimed to have done the trail for 450 times. Someone with that experience gives me the impression that they know what they're doing and especially know how to treat/deal with people. There was one incident where he had chewed a lot of coca leaves, so much that it affected his behavior. His speech also sounded very strange. I had to listen to him have a very vulgar conversation with another guide for an hour to an hour and a half. He also had alcohol odor. Another issue that I had, not in relation to the guides was about some duffel bags. We were given duffel bags to put our stuff inside, but we were never told that we will give it back. Anyway, before we headed to the hotel in the middle of the dirt road they gave us trash bags so we may take out all of our belongings from the duffel bag. We were asked to do this out in the open. We had personal items like dirty clothes inside those duffel bags. I felt very disrispected and humiliated. I dont recommend this trip to anyone.

    via Tripadvisor

    StaceyC963 · May 2026

    Amazing Experience With A Very Knowledgeable Guide

    Excellence experience, the trip was amazing, day 2 was very tough but we all made it. The accommodation was cool, 3 different pods with amazing views, the final night in a hotel. Our guide Carlos "The Mountain King", was exceptional, patient, knowledgeable and fun, his love for his culture was palpable,we definitely got the best guide!! I 100% recommend this trip, it's exhausting, everyday we were up at the crack of dawn, but feels like a great achievement to finish it.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    120 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $1,180 to $1,280
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 53

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)34
    Booking momentum (14% weight)22
    Value for money (12% weight)52
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)45
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How much does 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1,180 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 120 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.

    Is 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 120-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 120-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cusco?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cusco?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cusco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour?

    +

    Included: Pre-departure briefing; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Inca Trail permits and entrance tickets; Experienced Mountain Guide; and Inflatable mattress and portable travel toilet. Not included: Lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco (Day 5); Clothing and personal hiking equipment; Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles; and Travel Insurance (Recommended). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 393 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour?

    +

    Across 7 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for 5 Days Ancascocha and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour?

    +

    There are 4 options to choose from, including With Machu Picchu Mountain, With Huchuy Picchu Mountain, With Huayna Picchu Mountain, Ancascocha & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5 Days / 4 Nights. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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