way to moonstone trek
Day 01
way to moonstone trek
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: CUSCO – KILLARUMUYOQ – CHILLIPAWA
Highlight of the day: for four days you walk on high Andean trails and highways and the fifth day the most awaited visit to Machu picchu.
Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days, We started our tour by private minibus stopping to explore the area of “Killarumiyoq”. The ancient “sun Calendar” is a large moon-shaped stone believed to have been made for ceremonial and astrological purposes. Then we’ll continue towards “Huarocondo” Village and finally through the narrow “Pomatales” valley to reach “Mollinoyoc”. The trail is serene. We’ll climb high enough to fully enjoy the fantastic views. After lunchtime, we will stop and explore the imposing Pre-Incan fortress of “Wata de Wata”. Finally descending while crossing green valleys and native Andean trees as we come across small villages before entering the village of Chillipawa, where we will make our camp.
DETAILS:
- Accommodations: Camp
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Approx. Hike time: 7 to 8 hours
- Highest Altitude: 3.924 m/12, 870 ft
- Lowest Altitude: 3.256 m/10, 682 ft
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
L,D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
MODERATE
Difficulty
10 KM / 7 MILES
Walking Distance
3.924 m/12, 870 ft
Highest Elevation
3.256 m/10, 682 ft
Campsite Elevation
Day 2
Day 2: CHILLIPAWA – ANCASCOCHA – CHANCACHUCO
Highlight of the day: enyoy the beatiful campsite to ancascocha trek .
Here we will have a long steady ascent arriving to the “Pampas – Prairie” in the highlands, where we also appreciate the wild grass that grows all over.
We’ll stop for lunch shortly before the passage of “Ancascocha”. lagoon, After you’ll have time to explore the high plateau before returning to our camp. Our campsite will be out–of–the–way from any town or village. Hence, you’ll enjoy the spectacular night sky and the constellations.
DETAILS:
- Accommodations: Campsite at Chancachuco
- Hiking Distance: 11 km/7 miles
- Approx. Hike Time: 7 to 8 hours
- Highest Altitude: 4,643 m/15,229 ft
- Lowest Altitude: 3,750 m/12,300 ft
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
B,L,D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
DIFFICULT
Difficulty
11 km/7 miles
Walking Distance
4,643 m/15,229 ft
Highest Elevation
3,750 m/12,300 ft
Campsite Elevation
Day 3
Day 3: CHANCACHUCO – QACHIQATA
Highlight of the day: the impresive sun gate on the trek to camp .
After breakfast, we will follow alongside a creek through a hidden valley in a narrow canyon. Finally passing a small grove to reach an Incan Aqueduct that is spectacularly carved (now abandoned).
Towards the end of the trek, we will have a short but steep climb up to our lunch sport, (flat prairie). After lunch, we will go down to the “Huayraqpunku”, which means “Wind Gate”. It’s an Incan Sanctuary that was precisely built facing “Mount Veronica”, simply an incredible view.
Finally, just a short hike will lead us to camp (between the granite stones of the Qachiqata Quarry). It’s here that the huge stones were cut and molded before their transport down the mountainside and across the river to the Temple of the Sun in Ollantaytambo.
DETAILS:
- Accommodations: Campsite at Incan Quarry
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Approx. Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Lowest Altitude: 3,525 m/11,564 ft.
- Highest Altitude: 3,940 m/12,136 ft.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
B.L.D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
DIFFICULT
Difficulty
10 km
Walking Distance
3,940 m/12,136 ft.
Highest Elevation
3,525 m/11,564 ft.
Campsite Elevation
Day 4
Day 4: QACHIQATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
Highlight of the day: enyoy the famous ollantaytambo village .
If you are fond of photography, we recommend an early rise as the sunrise here is simply breathtaking. Seeing the first morning rays over the Sacred Valley from the top of our camp is memorable. But, also don’t forget to catch those rays hitting the glaciers of “Mount Veronica”.
Last day on the trek as we descend from the Pampas towards the lush valley along huge stone ramps on which the Incas dragged the stones. We’ll cross the river and explore the enormous Temple of the Sun located in the City of Ollantaytambo. In exploring the Temple of the Sun, you’ll appreciate the totality of the manpower it took for the Incas to transfer these enormous stones where you’re standing.
Finally, we board the train to Aguas Calientes.
DETAILS:
- Hiking Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Approx. Hike Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Highest Altitude: 3.525 m/11.562 ft.
- Lowest Altitude: 2,792 m/9,158 ft.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
B,L,D
Meals
HOTEL
Accommodation
EASY
Difficulty
7 km/4 miles
Walking Distance
3.525 m/11.562 ft.
Highest Elevation
2000 MASL
Campsite Elevation
Day 5
Day 5: MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO
Highlight of the day: the magical place machu picchu .
Our Final day, we will start off early (wake-up 4:30 a.m.). Followed by breakfast (5:00 a.m.) at the hotel. After, board the bus to Machu Picchu, which will take approx. 25 minutes to reach (door open 6:00 a.m.). Please be sure to bring your original passport to show the Rangers (you can get a Machu Picchu seal on your passport).
Your guide will take you to the best places in Machu Picchu, while enjoying the sunrise (depending on the weather).
Then you will have a two hour guided tour. Following, you’ll have an opportunity to explore Machu Picchu on your own.
- If you have reserved a visit to “HUAYNAPICHHU” (tickets $ 25.00 per person/limited to 400 per day – not included), you’ll begin your hike at 7:00 – 10:00 a.m., please coordinate with the Trek Leader for your visit depending on Municipality’s programmed time.
There are many more activities that you can do. These activities are optional (not included with the package) for example The “Puerta del Sol” (2 hours hike up and down), where you will appreciate the Inca city from a different view point.
In the afternoon, you’ll catch the train to reach the City of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival to Ollantaytambo, we will have transportation waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco.
DETAILS:
- Meals: Breakfast
- Lowest Altitude: 2,040 m / 6.691 ft
- Highest Altitude: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft
Note: If you want to stay an extra night, just lets us know and we can help book a hotel in Aguas Calientes, as well as your train ticket for the next day
- Rangers don’t allow people to carry bags bigger than 25 liters when entering Machu Picchu
- No trekking poles are allowed in Machu Picchu
- Snacks and water are allowed – in bags
B
Meals
CUSCO
Accommodation
EASY
Difficulty
JUST BY BUS
Walking Distance
2400 MASL / 6601 FEETS
Highest Elevation
3400 MASL / 11153 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Inclusions
Moonstone Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days
- Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL
- HOTEL IN CUSCO
- TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT
- Excellent meals:
- Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, and rice, foods which are rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request)
- Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coca, biscuits, popcorn).
- Boiled water provided from 2nd day (for drinking)
- Wake up to coca tea in your tent
- Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day
- Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
- Oxygen Tank & First aid kit
- Four-person tent for every 2 people.
- Chef
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Horse to transport 8 kg of your gear
- Duffle bag for your gear
- Four breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Tips: Guide, Cook, Horseman.
- Water on Day 1
- First breakfast-last lunch
All our travelers will receive a full briefing with your private guide 1 or 2 days prior to your Moonstone Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days tour. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you can take this opportunity to ask questions and prepare yourself properly for the MOONSTONE trek.
Pricing
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
- group service: $650 per person
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
- Student Discount 20$ dollars
- Under 15 years will pay as student: US$20.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)
Trip Details
Trip Details Moonstone Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days
Trip Details of Trip Details of Moonstone Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days
- Tour Name: Moonstone Trek To Machu picchu 5 Days
- Tour/Trek Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights
- Location/Terrain: moonstone inca site , machu picchu inca site
- Accommodation: beautiful campsites
- Acclimatization: Due to the high altitude, we recommend 2 days in Cusco before embarking on our moonstone trek to machu picchu 5 days hike
- Adventure Rating Very Strenuous trek
- Activities: Trekking/ Camping
- Altitude: 4643m/15232ft
- Departures: every day with 2 or more people
- Customizable: Yes!
What to Pack
GO TREKS PERU As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
- Couple Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcius.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
What To Bring
- A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to carry your personal belongings.)
- Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required
- Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
- 3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip.
- Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
- 1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit. A rain jacket can be helpful because there are rainy days even in the dry season!
- 1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for cold nights).
- 4 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried.) It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both heavy hiking socks and lighter socks as well as the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or too hot.
- 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
- 1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack. This does its job!
- Travel-size tissues and wet wipes.
- Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
- Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoor is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be helpful.
- Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camelback
- Water (Only for the first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the hike).
- Camera
- A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
- Bandages or moleskin
- Flip flops to change into at night. Your toes will thank you!
- Toiletries
- Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can be helpful to help with aches and pains after 8-10 hours of hiking each day.
- Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
- Something to read in the evenings
- Extra money for drinks, tips in Soles for cooks, horsemen, guides. (USD$60-70).
- Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
