Overview
Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu. This is an alternative route to the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. This walk takes you through local communities that offer great opportunities to interact with local people. Where we can see the customs and traditions of the Andean population.
On this route moonstone trek, you can see some gateways, unlike the classic routes here, you do not need permits or space availability by the Peruvian government offices. Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu, is a route that combines beautiful landscapes and incredible Inca sites, we can also see the Andes mountain range with snowy peaks along the sacred valley of the Incas.
Coordination: The day before the walk, our guide will find you at your hotel to make the last coordination of the trip, your guide will explain about the walk, Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu, and the route, all necessary recommendations will be provided. This will take approximately 40 minutes, here you will receive a bag where you will place all your things for the trip, which will be carried by our horses throughout the trip. Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu, a new alternative hiking route in the city of Cusco and the Andes Peruvians.
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.
We offer daily departures in the inca trail and alternative routes: check availability here.
Useful Information
- Distance: 38 ½ km / 24 miles
- Trailhead Altitude: 3,257 m / 10, 682 ft
- Starting Altitude: 2,792 / 9,158 ft
- Higher Altitude: 4,643 m / 15,229 ft
- Longest Day – Day 2, approx 8 km / 13 miles
- Coldest night – 2 day around 0 degrees Celsius
- Meals – Breakfast /Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping/ hostel
- Difficulty – difficult / Moderate
Overview Day to Day
- Day 01: Cusco – Killarumiyoq – Chillipawa
- Day 02: Chillipawa – Chancachuco
- Day 03: Chancachuco – Cachikata.
- Day 04: Cachikata – Ollanta – Machu Picchu.
- Day 05: Inca City of Machu Picchu
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Conditions for the Mountain – Machu picchu and Wayna picchu.
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Killarumiyoq – Chillipawa.
Moonstone trek to machu picchu. This day we pick you up early from your hotel and head for quillarumiyoc (stone moon) located in the district of Ancahuasi in the province of Anta. Where we will have a guided tour and time for the photos, here we will have our breakfast, then continue towards the town of Huarocondo and finally through the narrow valley of Pomatales we arrive at Molinuyoc, where we meet with our support team who will accompany us throughout travel.
From this place we start with the walk through a quiet valley, climbing the mountain we will arrive at a beautiful place from where we will be able to enjoy fantastic views. Continuing with the hike we will arrive at the imposing pre-Inca fortress of Wata here we will have time to visit and then enjoy a delicious lunch and well-deserved rest.
In the afternoon, we continue the walk along a path that crosses a green valley and native trees, we will cross small villages to reach the community of Chillipawa, camp site. In the afternoon we have the option of visiting local families to learn part of their culture and their daily living.
Day 02: Chillipawa– Chancachuco
This day we will have a delicious Andean breakfast before starting our trek through a long and constant climb with a lot of rest stops to help the acclimatization, take us through the villages and the high pampas – grassy meadows with long grass. We will stop half way to lunch shortly before the passage of Accoccasa. This last part is a little rough but worth it to be able to observe a wide and hidden valley surrounded by snowy peaks – the Cordillera de Huayanay to the left, the Urubamba mountain range straight and beautiful, and the imposing Veronica mountain in the place (5,800 M) on the right We have time to explore this plateau and continuing the trek we will arrive at our camp for a well-deserved rest and enjoy hot drinks. Overnight.
Day 03: Chancachuco – Cachikata.
We begin this day at 7 am enjoying the sunrise that will illuminate the mountain range of Vilcanota with a great view of the snowy La Veronica, down the beautiful canyon called PUNKUYOC (meaning the grand entrance) covered with forest of QEUÑAS and CHACHACOMOS continue By the same mountain following a channel of water of Inca construction until arriving at the viewpoint of WILLKAPUNKU, where the magnificent sacred valley of the Incas will be appreciated. From this place we continue descending until arriving at our camp. Here we will have lunch and afternoon free to rest and explore the area.
Day 04: Cachikata – Ollanta – Machu Picchu.
This day is dedicated to exploring the stone quarry of Cachicata extensive site, was the quarry used by the Inca Pachakuteq for the construction of Ollantaytambo, here we will have several points of interest, including large buildings, quarry stones left half finished and abandoned in The whole site, Chullpas and a cave with Incan mummies still in place.
After a guided tour of the site, we will continue our way up the mountain following the original platform used to transport the stones to Ollantaytambo and arrive in the city in the early afternoon. From Ollantaytambo we will take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 05: Inca City of Machu Picchu.
Our breakfast will be at the hotel and then we will board the first bus to Machu Picchu, here we need the original passport to enter the city once inside we will have a guided tour of 3 hours of the site during which we will visit the main and most important places of the Citadel. After your tour you will have free time to explore the site on your own and if you have permission to climb Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu you can do so.
In the afternoon we will return by bus to the hot water village to board the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from here we will continue by bus to the city and transfer to the hotel. End of our moonstone trek to machu picchu tour.
The train service that includes all the tours (the Expedition to Ollanta) and the bus to Cusco.
* If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and change the return train service.
- Meals: Breakfast:
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
- Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
*CONDITIONS FOR THE WAYNA PICCHU AND MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Information day before the trek
- Tourist transport
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English).
- Adventure equipment: Comfortable mattress, Tents Igloo: 2 people in each of the 3 person stores, to allow more comfort and space to keep the backpacks. Mattress (sleeping pad), dining tent, bath tent, kitchen tent, tables and seats.
- Cook in charge of food preparation (vegetarian option available).
- Meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 snacks, 4 dinners) – includes crepes, tortillas, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice (all meals will be rich in carbohydrates for hiking ) Like coca tea (excellent for altitude) coffee, biscuits and popcorn.
- Night lodging in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance to Machupicchu.
- Bus ticket up and down.
- Ticket train round trip expedition service.
- First aid kit,
- Oxygen tank and radio communication.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Breakfast the first day
- Sleeping bag
- Lunch last day
- Expenses extras.(tips)
** Train included in all tours is Ollanta Expeditions) the train schedule is confirmed only after payment of the full amount of the tour. The first train to be 14.55.pm and the last train at 18:20 .pm PACHA EXPEDITIONS, arrange transport back to Cusco (by taxi or bus).
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Original passport (if you have purchased a new one after making your reservation, bring both)
- Sleeping bag synthetic or feather down (can be rented from us)
- Clothing (trekking boots, warm wool jacket, tops, some t-shirts, socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, long pants, gloves, poncho, waterproof jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wipes, personal towel)
- Solar block, factor 70+ recommended
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Camera with spare batteries
- Book to read (you will have some time in each camp to read your favorite book)
- Trekking poles (especially recommended for steep descents, can be rented from us)
- Insect repellent
* To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a university card, with current and updated date
* If desired train back to Cusco can be upgraded to Vistadome (+$.30)
OPTIONAL ITEMS TO TAKE:
- Shorts
- Walking stick
- bandages
- Sandals
- Extra money
- Bathing suit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes town -not included in price-
OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED):
- Hire of sleeping bag U.$25
- Daypacks U$.15
- Single Tent U$.35
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Price & Add – ons
Group: USD $480
Private: USD $550
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years Discount: U$: 20
- Under 07 years Discount: U$: 35
Rentals
- Hiking poles – USD $10 (pair)
Upgrades
- Return Vistadome train – USD $50 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham train– USD $380 per person
- Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5-star hotel) – USD $490 Per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $245 Per person
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $50 Per person
Book Now
Acomodation
Map (MoonStone Trek)
Reviews
Machu Picchu es asombro, su historia, los lugares que debes pasar previo a su llegada, las vistas y la guía de Javier como parte de Pacha Expeditions, excelente. Si desean... read more
January 6, 2021
Me encantó haber contactado esta agencia, Javier el encargado fue muy atento, servicial y nos brindó una informacion muy detallada acerca de nuestro trekking a Salkantay, todo el servicio fue... read more
May 8, 2018
Excelente tours
100 % confiable
100 % recomendado
Buena atención en nuestra estadía de 8 días en cusco
June 12, 2022
Positive Impact Travel
By joining this trip, you are directly supporting a project with a positive impact, with the Goal of Sustainable and responsible Development for future generations. The earnings that Pacha Expeditions receives, for each of our tours, a percentage is destined to support various Andean communities. Pacha Expeditions organizes activities for the benefit of the local community, for children and adults, throughout the year. Our projects are backed by local authorities and are audited by third parties. Which implies positive impacts on the beneficiaries
