Ancascocha vs Salkantay Trail

Published on: 26 de August de 2019 - By: Action Peru Treks

Ancascocha vs Salkantay Trail Peru – which route should I choose?

This pharagrap is ideal for travelers trying to choose a great alternative trail to the classic Inca Trail 4 day. We suggest to have a look our article about this great 2 routes:   Ancascocha vs Salkantay.

After the Peruvian government regulated the Classic Inca Trail in 2004, now is very strict. The number of hikers allowed are only 500 people per day the total of travelers and porters. That is when some of the alternative trails became popular between the adventurous people. Many travelers trying to find alternative routes to the Inca Trail and the travel companies creating new options to go. Called alternative trails to Machu Picchu as Salkantay, numerous Lares Valley, Inca Quarry, Huchuy Qosqo, Choquequirao, Ancascocha and some others. By now some of those alternative trails are still off the beaten path. But some of them became very popular and crowded almost like the 4 day Classic Inca Trail.

The Salkantay trail is the one which has absorbed much of the “overflow” from the classic Inca Trail 4 day, it became very popular and busy as the main “alternative” route to Machu Picchu. But travelers looking for quiet places should also consider other great trails as the Ancascocha or Lares, which are still totally off the beaten path.

here is some important considerations to help you choosing the right alternative route.

What is the idea of Salkantay trail?

  • It’s one of the most popular alternative trails to Machu Picchu
  • Is the second most visited trekking route in the Cusco region. So sometimes it could be very crowded.
  • Travelers will experience Andean highland, the famous Mt Salkantay, cloud-forest and the lost Inca city in the same trip.
  • Does not require trek permits from the government office. So is open to everybody any time.
  • Travelers will be able to combine the trek with some other activities as the Zip-line or the coffee tour on the way to lost city.
  • There are facilities at the campsites own by locals and you have chance to buy drinks
  • In some of the campsites there is a lot of noise, because the people parting with drinks and loud music
  • There is no Inca ruins on the way to Machu Picchu, except Llaqtapata just for the adventurous and very fit people.
  • Is not a remote trail anymore! So many times you need to share the campsites with many other groups
  • It is offered by the most of the travel companies at different prices. So you will find also differences in the quality of the services provided

What is the idea of the Ancascocha?

  • Is a remote trail and totally off the beaten path route. So sometimes you might be the only group departing that day
  • Travelers will experience sense of adventure and quietness visiting small villages.
  • Real wilderness and solitude at camping spots.
  • Isolation and very remote atmosphere with a unique mountain scenery
  • Visiting several Inca ruins along the trail, which is great for people who love the history
  • In some parts you will walk on the ancient Inca pilgrimage trail of the Incas, which was used by the royalty to connect Cusco and Machu Picchu.
  • Besides to see spectacular mountain views, travelers will also get to see the popular Ancascocha lake, set up to the foot of Mt Wayanay.
  • Around Wayanay pass (the highest point of the trail) there is a chance to spot the Andean Condors, the biggest flying bird in the world.
  • On the final part of the Ancascocha trek, travelers will have the chance to walk the beginning section of the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, with the magical felling of completing one of the most scenic trails listed by National Geographic travel Magazine.
  • The Ancascocha trail does not require trek permits, is available most of the time but is important to book in advance to secure the train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance fee on time.
  • Ancascocha tour could be linked with another hiking routes as Salkantay trail, Inca Trail and Cachicata or Inca Quarry.