Moon Stone Trek 5 Days

One of the more recent alternatives to the Inca Trail is the Moon Stone Trek 5 Days, a route well worth looking into if you want to avoid the Inca Trail’s crowds. Additionally, this five-day trek takes you to locations not accessible via other trails.

As you travel along this trail, you’ll see some significant archaeological ruins that are less visited by tourists, stop at isolated rural communities, and pass through breathtaking landscapes. The trek is named after Quillarumiyoc, also known as the “Moonstone” or “a stone with a moon” in Quechua. This refers to the lovely moon symbol etched into a rock at the location, which was used as a temple to worship the moon.

On our Moonstone trek to Machu Picchu, we follow an ancient Inca route from Cusco to the mountains. On the way, we’ll encounter an intriguing quarry where the stone was mined to construct Inca settlements like Ollantaytambo. Additionally, we’ll see an Inca canal or aqueduct—possibly their most extended creation. We’ll also pause at vibrant Andean villages along the way, encircled by quinoa, corn, and potatoes and herds of alpacas and llamas. Deep canyons, soaring mountains, and rough Andean vistas are all part of the diverse and breathtaking natural landscape.

We start the first day of your Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu with an early pick-up from your hotel. We take a 1-hour drive to Quillarumiyoc (the Moon Temple). This is the namesake of the trek. We will have a nourishing, gourmet breakfast at this location. Following breakfast, we will drive a further 40 minutes to the trailhead, Varpiso (3,257 m / 10, 682 ft). Here we will meet our horses and horsemen. We will pack all the gear onto the horses and start the trek.

We cross a bridge over the Huaracondo River and then are off to this incredible, rarely visited region! This segment is 3 ½ hours uphill. Then we arrive at Huatta (3,924 m / 12, 870 ft), a pre-Inca site. Huatta is a substantial pre-Inca fortress dominating the crest of a ridge. Archeologists currently excavating the site are revealing burial sites and occupation levels from the Formative Period (2,500 years ago), on through the enormous fortifications of the 4th-century Regional Development period; a scattering of late-period Inca structures seems like an afterthought on the top of the highest hill. The site is classic: a defensible ridge with dominating three-way views along intersecting valleys. We will have lunch and a tour here.

Following lunch, the remainder of the day´s trek is 3 ½ hours of up and down sections. At that point, we will arrive in our camp for the night, the hamlet of Chillipawa (3,750 m/12,300 ft). As a side note, Chillipawa is the native village of many of our guides. You will experience remarkable Peruvian hospitality in this village.

• Meals:  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner +snacks
• Lowest Elevation: 3,256 m/10, 682 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,924 m/12, 870 ft
• Distance to walk: 10 km
• Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Lodging: Camping at Chillipawa

This morning, you will be woken up with delectable coca tea or local heavenly coffee. After that and your robust breakfast, the trek for the day will begin.

The beginning of the trek is uphill for 3 ½ hours. We will then stop at a small open space for lunch (4,438 m/14,557 ft).

Following lunch, we have one more hour to go uphill to the high point of the trek, the Puccacasa pass (4,643 m/15,229 ft). This is a unique vantage point. On one side, you see Cusco and Mt Ausangate (6.372 m/20,900 ft), the tallest peak in the Urubamba Mountain Range. On the other side, you have a close-up view of Mount Veronica (5,882 m/19,096 ft). Mt Veronica represents the end of the Urubamba Mountain range, and its pyramidal shape makes it particularly impressive.

After we enjoy this astonishing vista, we start our trek downhill to the camp. During this 2 ½ hour stretch, we will see abundant llamas, alpacas, and potato farms. We will then arrive at our campsite, Chancachuco (4,177 m/13,700 ft) for the night, where we will enjoy a well-earned bountiful dinner. We will have a gorgeous view of the Huaynay Glaciers at the camp.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner +snacks
• Lowest Elevation: 3,750 m/12,300 ft
• Highest Elevation: 4,643 m/15,229 ft
• Distance to walk: 11 ½ km/7 miles
• Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging
• Lodging: Camping at Chancachuco

Featuring a breathtaking canyon, this is the most beautiful section of the Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu. Additionally, this portion is part of an original Inca Trail. Since we are the only company that uses this route, we will definitely be alone!

After breakfast, we start our journey through the canyon. We will be surrounded by lush green vegetation and polylepis trees while following a lovely flowing stream. The beginning of our journey through the Puncuyoc canyon and the Silque Valley is an easy 2 hour downhill stretch. We will follow the 16 km Inca Canal, the longest Inca Canal constructed. This canal was built from Chancachuco to Ollantaytambo. We will also have the possibility to see the native Spectacled Bear.

We will then head back uphill for 2 hours. Along the way, we will stop at Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) and tour the Inca Quarry. From here we can see Mount Veronica and parts of the Sacred Valley.

This is a site where history is literally frozen in time. You will see the Inca constructions where the stone masons lived. You will see the “tired stones” that were ready to be skidded down the steep slope to the Vilcanota River below, but abandoned before that was possible. These stones were the pink stones that were used to build Ollantaytambo. You will see an early wheel design. Finally, there is a rare mummy at this site.

The remainder of the day´s hike is 45 minutes of gentle up and down sections until we reach our camp, the Inca Quarry (3,525 m/ 11,564 ft). We will have lunch at our camp.

We will have the remainder of the day to relax. We will have happy hour, a plentiful dinner and then enjoy the sunset over the Sacred Valley.

• Meals:  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner +snacks
• Lowest Elevation: 3,525 m/ 11,564 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,940 m/ 12,136 ft
• Distance to walk: 10 km/6.2 miles
• Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Lodging: Camping at the Inca Quarry

After another delectable breakfast, we begin a relaxed day where we will have ample opportunity to enjoy the sites between the Inca Quarry and Ollantaytambo. This is a rarely visited region and we will likely not encounter any other trekkers. This is an exceptional opportunity to see sites that others never have the chance to see. The hike is 3 ½ hours downhill until we reach Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,158 ft).

We will have lunch in Ollantaytambo.

After lunch, we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel room. Since we will get to Aguas Calientes in the early afternoon, you will have plenty of time to relax, enjoy the town and visit the hot springs. Dinner will be at a great local restaurant.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner +snacks
• Lowest Elevation: 2,792 m/9,158 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,525 m/11,562 ft
• Distance to walk: 7 km/4.5 miles
• Approximate walking time: 3-4 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Lodging: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

You will have breakfast at the hotel before we take an early bus along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Once there you will be given a 2-hour walking tour of the site.

After you have concluded your tour of Machu Picchu, you will probably have some time to be at Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.

When you arrive in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket. Your Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu will then conclude.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/8,052 ft

• Pre trek Briefing (briefing at the hotel).
• Pick up from your hotel on the morning of departure.
• Transportation from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the hike by private car.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu US$ 80 extra) and Inca Quarry.
• English / Quechua / Spanish professional guide speak.
• Second Tour Guide over 12 people.
• Tents – 2 people in a 4-person tent, which allows for greater comfort and storage of backpacks.
• Thermarest air-inflate Comfortable sleeping Mattress.
• Professional Cook.
• Cooking equipment.
• Dining equipment, including portable chairs and tables.
• Local food service in the campsites (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 4 snacks).
• Vegetarian and free gluten food for no extra cost.
• Daily tea service (weak up Coca tea and afternoon tea time or happy hour with full of popcorn, chocolate, coffee, and special snacks made by our cooks).
• Water for Drinking: we will supply filtered, and boiled water and your bottles will be filled at each mealtime. Please bring enough water for the first day only.
• Single tents upon request with no extra cost.
• Horseman and horses. (they will carry our duffel bag of 7 kilos including your sleeping bag, matt, and clothes.).
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu round trip (5th day).
• Expedition train ticket Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo.
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• 1-night accommodation in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes (twin bedroom with private bathroom and hot shower).
• Insurance policy of life for cooks and horsemen.
• Visit Machupicchu on the last day (2 hours guided tour to explore the whole incan sites).

• Extra expenses.
• Lunch and dinner – Day 5.
• Pillows.
• Not detailed meals.
• Travel and health insurance (bring copies with you).
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance US$ 80 extra.
• Sleeping bags (it can be rented from us for US$ 30 for the entire trip).
• Walking sticks (it can be rented from us for US$ 20 for the entire trip).
• Tips (optional).

• Original Passport.
• Original Student Card (if you book as a student).
• A travel insurance card is essential.
• Sleeping bag.
• Walking sticks.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants) or poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased for about $ 2 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots are recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breathe at night if you want to take them.
• Warm clothes include jackets, fleeces, gloves, scarf, and knit / tour beanies. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Camera, films, and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
• Hat or cap to protect you from sun, rain, and cold.
• Sunblock.
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported.
• Toilet paper.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• Your own first aid kit with special medicines you may need, paracetamol, second skin blisters, etc.
• Small towel.
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you think swimming in the hot springs)
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips, and souvenirs.
• Eager and adventurous spirit to enjoy your hike.

We also offer a special service only for you or your group, you have the power to choose the size of your group and the date of departure, we will never add other people since it will be organized only for you.

Our Moon Stone Trek 5 Days private service, includes additional items such as:

Additional Inclusions:

• Extra Emergency Horse to ride (1-2 day – only for any emergency).
• Hotel 3 Stars (At Aguas Calientes Town).
• North Face 4 season tents.
• Entrance to climb Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Vistadome Train (First Class train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo).
• Private Van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Bus Round Trip (Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes).
• Lunch in Machupicchu or Aguas Calientes.
• 1 Sleeping Bag per Person.
• 02 Waking Poles per Person.
• 1 Duffel Bag per Person to carry all your sleeping bags, self-inflating pad as well as your clothes.
• Tour Guide to explore Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu all day. And of course, we pay a little more to our Staff and Guide.

Our prices for the Moon Stone Trek 5 Days are reasonable and are in different packages with the prices that are handled in the city of Cusco, and discounts will apply automatically for groups of over 5 people when booking this tour together at the same time.
We are a local tour operator that never shares service with any other company in Cusco, most agencies in Cusco share their service to save operating costs with poor quality. We guarantee to make the trip even if there are only 02 people in your group.
Our booking process is simple and you can secure your trip with only a 30% deposit and pay the rest at the destination.

We want your vacation to Peru to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. This section contains answers to any inquiries regarding going with Huaynas Expeditions. Please read the following information; it will assist you if you have any queries regarding our services.