Places to Visit: CUSCO- CHILLIPAWA- CHANCACHUCO- QACHIQATA - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES- MACHU PICCHU

Moonstone Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days

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Moonstone Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days, is an excellent alternative to the traditional Inca trail Machu Picchu Trek.

On this remote route, you’ll see fewer tourists.  You’ll follow the footsteps of the Incas who built this impressive route from the City of Cusco, Moonstone trek to Machupicchu 5 days going westbound through the mountain range, stopping to observe amazing temples and royal residence.

Also, you’ll explore an amazing Inca stone in a huge 15th-century quarry call “Cachiqata” moonstone hike to Machu Picchu 5 days according to National Geographic in one of the best treks included Machupicchu Inca city or the sacred of the Incas, on the way of moonstone trek to Machu Picchu 5 days you will see part of the original Inca trail (qhapaq ñan).

Trip Itinerary

Customize this itinerary by adding extra days to any location. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for advice.

Day 1: CUSCO – KILLARUMUYOQ – CHILLIPAWA

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

Day 2: CHILLIPAWA – ANCASCOCHA – CHANCACHUCO

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

Day 3: CHANCACHUCO – QACHIQATA

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

Day 4: QACHIQATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES

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

Day 5: MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

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

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

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

Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from January 2025. 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)

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 hike. Here are some key points to consider before you go:

Preparation Tips:

  1. Acclimatize in Cusco: Spend a few days in Cusco before starting the trek to adjust to the altitude.
  2. Pack Smart: Bring layers for varying weather conditions, a good pair of hiking boots, and essentials like sunscreen and insect repellent.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help with altitude sickness.

Itinerary Highlights:

  • Day 1: Start in Cusco and travel to Quillarumiyoq, then hike to Chillipawa.
  • Day 2: Trek through the Accoccosa Pass and enjoy stunning views of the high pampas.
  • Day 3: Continue past ancient ruins and local hamlets.
  • Day 4: Reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
  • Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.

Additional Tips:

  • Briefing: Attend the pre-trek briefing to get important information and meet your guides.
  • Permits: Ensure you have all necessary permits and documents.
  • Fitness: Be in good physical condition to handle the challenging terrain.

Enjoy your trek! It’s a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history. If you have any specific questions or need more details, feel free to ask!

Traveler Reviews and Testimonials

Average Rating: 5/2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 2 Reviews
  • John F testimony in Moonstone Trek To Machu Picchu on 5 days | Best Alternative
    John F Friends
    Day 3 of Moonstone tree element and Trek up to Manchu Pickup Sun gate.

    The Moonstone Trek
    The trip organisation ticketing advice and most importantly our individual guide were exceptional good. The route was indeed challenging trekking in the high Andes up to 4,650metres altitude. Our guide Smithy was calm professional and very knowledgeable. The crew and pack animals made the trip possible. Food and water were provided in ample measure along with every camp. This trip along the Moonstone trail was fantastic with such awesome views of the Andes. A truly wonderful experience.

    5/ 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    17 August, 2023
  • Jonathan S testimony in Moonstone Trek To Machu Picchu on 5 days | Best Alternative
    Jonathan S HoneyTrek
    Moonstone Trek

    I did the Moonstone Trek, also called Valle de la Luna, with Flavio, from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The trek took us five days, and for a while I felt like we were the only people on the planet. Hardly anybody treks this route, but I can’t understand why. It’s so incredibly beautiful. We started from a dirt road which follows the train tracks as they descend into the Valle Sagrado. We took a steep uphill into the sun, up to some pre-Inca ruins with a commanding view of the valley below. From there we descended into some small villages where the children ran out to greet us, and they didn’t even ask for caramelos or dinero.

    From there, it was a long climb up and over the only pass on the trek, and when we got there, we could see all the way from Salcantay to Ausangate to Nevado Veronica. What an amazing view. And the pass wasn’t even that high, as Andean passes go, at 4400 meters. We descended to our next campground and had an incredible night under the stars. I’ve never seen as many stars, the Milky Way was so bright, and I could even see the Andromeda Galaxy.

    From there, we took a narrow trail that hugged a cliff, a little bit scary if you don’t like heights, until we started to parallel an ancient Inca aqueduct. The scale and precision of the construction was amazing. We followed that aqueduct for several kilometers until it took us to an incredible Inca construction overlooking the entire Valle Sagrado and Nevado Veronica. From there, we descended towards Ollantaytambo, visiting an amazing Inca stone quarry along the way. We saw the place where the Incas milled the stones for the Ollantaytambo ruins, and the stone ramps they used to slide the huge rectangular stones down the mountain. But the true highlight of the trek, and one of Flavio’s secrets, is the cave of mummies, hidden within the quarry. There are several Inca skeletons in there, most with deformed craniums, and one that is nearly intact. It was truly humbling to be in the presence of the bones and textiles.

    After visiting the Ollantaytambo ruins, we spent our 5th and last day in Machu Picchu to conclude an amazing adventure.

    5/ 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    21 April, 2017
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