Andean Women’s Trail: Culture, Mountains & Machu Picchu

Wake up gently to a hot cup of tea or coffee delivered to your tent - no alarms needed. After sharing breakfast with your group, you’ll begin the day’s hike with a steady 2-hour ascent toward Rainbow Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). As you climb, take in sweeping mountain scenery dotted with crop fields, grazing alpacas and sheep, and - if luck is on your side - the majestic flight of a condor against the backdrop of snow-capped Andean peaks. The pace is relaxed to help you adjust to the altitude, with time to pause and admire panoramic views over the Chancachuco Valley and the Sacred Valley.

From the pass, continue for about an hour to reach your lunch spot at 4,350 m (14,272 ft), where your trekking team will be waiting with a freshly prepared meal. In the afternoon, the route climbs a bit further, rewarding you with incredible vistas, including views of the impressive La Veronica glacier (5,682 m / 18,642 ft).

Later, begin a long but rewarding 4-hour descent into the remote Ancascocha community (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the namesake of the trek. Your campsite is set in a picturesque valley beside a clear mountain stream - an ideal place to relax after the day’s journey. Enjoy a delicious dinner before settling into your tent for a peaceful night under the Andean sky.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/12,139 ft.

Campsite Elevation: 4,450 m/14,599 ft.

Walking Distance: 14 km/8,6 miles

Walking Time: 8 – 10 hours

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Area: Dry Mountain

Begin the morning with a hot drink served at your tent, followed by breakfast with the group. Soon after, descend toward the river for one of the most meaningful moments of the journey - a traditional ceremony using glacial waters, offering a quiet and powerful connection with nature.

Continuing downhill through the Ancascocha Valley, you may encounter local families and their grazing alpacas along the trail. The landscape gradually transforms as you enter a lush cloud forest filled with orchids and diverse plant life, creating a striking contrast to the high-altitude terrain. Reaching the Ancascocha River, you’ll cross its waters and make your way to the small village of Camicancha.

Here, you’ll enjoy your final lunch in the mountains and say farewell to your trekking crew. A private transfer will then take you to Ollantaytambo, a charming town nestled in the Sacred Valley.

Upon arrival, settle into your comfortable accommodation and take advantage of a hot shower and some well-earned rest. If you’re feeling up to it, you can wander through the town’s historic streets. In the evening, gather for dinner at a quality local restaurant to reflect on the journey.

Start your day early with a filling breakfast at your hotel before heading to the station to board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes. The 1.5-hour journey winds through dramatic Andean landscapes, setting the tone for the day ahead. Upon arrival, continue by bus for a 25-minute ride up to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Arriving in the soft morning light allows you to explore the site before the larger crowds appear. During a guided tour of three hours, your expert guide will walk you through the citadel’s most significant areas, including residential quarters, the astronomical observatory with its famous sundial, the Temple of the Condor, ancient cemeteries, and the quarry - bringing the history and purpose of each space to life.

If you’ve secured a permit for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll have the opportunity to begin your ascent around 9:00 am. These hikes offer spectacular views but require good fitness and a head for heights.

After your visit, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Later, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco. Expect to arrive in the evening, between 6:00 and 8:00 pm.