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Min 2 ppl
Intense
Hiking
Camps and Hotel
The Moonstone trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is one of the most unique alternative routes to the traditional Inca Trail. It offers an off-the-beaten-path experience, ideal for those seeking solitude, nature, and a strong connection with Peru’s ancient history. This trail follows the ancient roads of the Incas, starting near the city of Cusco and moving west through remote mountain ranges. Along the way, you’ll visit remarkable archaeological sites, royal residences, and walk sections of the original Inca Trail (Qhapaq Ñan).
One of the major highlights is the visit to the Cachiqata Quarry, a massive 15th-century Inca site known as the “Moonstone.” This spiritual and historical site gives the trek its name and showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Inca Empire. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu, this route combines scenic beauty with historical depth.
The ideal time to hike the Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This period offers the most stable weather conditions, clear skies, and the best views. While April and October can bring some rain, they are also rich in lush green landscapes and blooming flora.
Between November and March, trekking becomes more demanding due to muddy trails and persistent clouds. Despite this, many adventurers find beauty in the dramatic weather, mist-covered peaks, and vibrant vegetation. The rainy season paints the mountains with deep green tones and fills the valleys with fresh, earthy aromas. However, visibility in Machu Picchu may be limited during these months due to fog.
The Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days is designed for those looking for an immersive cultural experience. You’ll encounter fewer crowds, enjoy tranquil moments in nature, and explore hidden Inca ruins with incredible stories. This route is perfect for hikers who want to experience the essence of ancient Peru away from the more commercial trails.
Throughout the journey, you’ll camp in beautiful, remote sites, surrounded by pristine Andean landscapes. Snowcapped peaks, high-altitude forests, and ancient Inca engineering marvels will guide your steps until you reach the final reward—the lost city of 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.
Included today: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch.
DETAILS:
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.
Included today: Box Lunch, Dinner, Lunch.
DETAILS:
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.
Included today: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch.
DETAILS:
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”.
This ancient Inca quarry gives the name to main road: Inca Quarry Trail.
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:
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.
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:
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
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 2026. All prices quoted are in $USD
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need for extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
GO TREKS PERU As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator in Cusco, 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.
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:
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!
To fully enjoy the Moonstone trek to Machu Picchu 5 days, it’s essential to give your body time to adjust to the high altitude. We highly recommend arriving in Cusco—or any location at a similar elevation—at least two full days before starting your hike. This specific trek reaches altitudes close to 4,600 meters (15,100 feet) and covers 45 kilometers (28 miles), making proper acclimatization critical to avoid altitude sickness and maximize your overall experience. Staying hydrated, eating light, and avoiding alcohol during the first couple of days in Cusco can significantly help your adjustment process.
If you’re interested in choosing the Moonstone trek to Machu Picchu 5 days instead of the classic Inca Trail, the process is simple. When booking one of our guaranteed Walking & Trekking departures that includes the standard Inca Trail, just add a comment to your reservation indicating your preference for the Moonstone Trek. Once received, a member of our sales team will reach out directly to confirm your choice and make the necessary adjustments. If you’d prefer a more direct route, you can also contact our sales department by phone for personalized assistance. This flexibility ensures that you get the route that aligns with your adventure style and expectations.
The Moonstone trek to Machu Picchu 5 days stands out for its remote and uncrowded routes, offering a more immersive and authentic trekking experience. Unlike the heavily trafficked Inca Trail, this alternative trek follows ancient Inca pathways through high mountain passes, archaeological sites, and hidden landscapes that most travelers never get to see. It also includes visits to the impressive Cachiqata quarry and lesser-known ruins, allowing for a deeper connection with Peru’s rich cultural past. If you’re looking for solitude, scenery, and historical exploration, this trek offers it all without the crowds.
This trek is considered very strenuous, so a good level of physical fitness is necessary. The Moonstone trek to Machu Picchu 5 days involves long days of hiking, steep ascents and descents, and high-altitude terrain that can be physically demanding. While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, some prior trekking experience, regular cardio training, and a strong mental attitude will make a huge difference. Preparing with hikes at home and staying active in the months leading up to your trip can greatly enhance your endurance and comfort on the trail.
Yes, our Moonstone trek to Machu Picchu 5 days includes professional support throughout the journey. Porters will carry your belongings, so you only need to hike with a daypack. Campsites are set up for you in scenic spots, with tents and cooking equipment provided. Our experienced team ensures a safe and comfortable experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trek and connecting with nature. Meals are freshly prepared on the trail, and all logistics are handled, so you can relax and take in the incredible views each day.
Tour Classic
Day(s)
Price USD
100% Locally Owned by a Tour Guide
Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.
Fair Work Conditions
We believe in ethical tourism. That means no exploitative working hours and fair pay for all our staff. We work with trained, freelance professionals who have the flexibility and respect they deserve.
Personalized Service
At Go Treks Peru, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We tailor each tour to your preferences, always focusing on small groups to ensure a flexible, high-quality experience. For us, personal means unforgettable.
Sustainable Travel
All of our treks are 100% eco-friendly. We follow a strict “leave no trace” policy and encourage our travelers to protect nature and respect local communities at every step of the journey.
Excellent Customer Satisfaction
We’re proud to have consistent 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor and other platforms. Our travelers love the personal attention, seamless logistics, and genuine local connections we provide.
Discover why adventurers love traveling with Go Treks Peru. Read client reviews and explore top adventure destinations in Peru. Check our reviews on Tripadvisor or Google.
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.
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.
