Moonstone Trek 5 Days – A Scenic Alternative Route to Machu Picchu
The Moonstone Trek 5 Days of Quillarumiyoc is one of the exploration expeditions to different areas not visited. I am looking for the remote Andes! This tour is for adventurers heading to Machu Picchu, Peru.
A hike that is gradually gaining prestige among all hikers. This adventure’s peculiarity is crossing the Andes of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
The 5 Day Moonstone Trek Peru is an expedition that promises to captivate your heart and soul. From the magical Moonstone to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, this journey showcases Peru’s natural beauty and culture.
5 Day Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu: an extraordinary journey that will give you memories to last forever. As you explore the rough Andean landscape and discover its ancient secrets, pack your bags.
Embrace the wild and let the Moonstone Trek work its magic on you. The Moonstone Trek enables you to escape the busy pace of daily life. You can enjoy the peace and calm of nature.
A Moonstone Trek for five days is a mesmerizing expedition that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and hidden gems of the wilderness.
The Moonstone Trek is a quiet and less-traveled route through the Peruvian Andes that combines history, raw mountain landscapes, and an authentic cultural experience. Over five days, you’ll walk ancient paths surrounded by dramatic valleys, high mountain passes, and impressive Inca archaeological sites that few visitors ever see.
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, this trek offers a more remote and peaceful atmosphere. You’ll camp in open landscapes under clear Andean skies, cross high-altitude passes with panoramic views, and gradually descend toward the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu on the final day.
Expect a challenging but rewarding journey. The terrain ranges from rolling highland plains to steep mountain ascents, making it ideal for hikers seeking something adventurous and different — without the crowds.
This trek is a great choice for travelers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences and want a deeper connection with nature and history. If you prefer quieter trails, expansive mountain scenery, and archaeological sites beyond the typical tourist routes, the Moonstone Trek is an excellent alternative.
It’s best suited for hikers with moderate fitness who are comfortable walking several hours per day at high altitudes. While previous trekking experience is helpful, it’s not mandatory — determination and a good sense of adventure are more important.
If you are looking for a classic route with heavy traffic and fixed departure limitations, the Inca Trail might be better. But if you want something more exclusive, scenic, and culturally immersive, this route offers a truly unique Andean journey.
One of the most memorable moments of the trek is reaching the high mountain passes, where sweeping views of the Andean landscape stretch in every direction. The silence and scale of the scenery create a powerful sense of connection with nature.
You’ll also visit remarkable Inca sites along the way, including the impressive quarry believed to have supplied stones for Ollantaytambo. These archaeological remains offer a fascinating look into Inca engineering and daily life.
Another highlight is the transition from remote mountain camps to the lush cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu. Ending the adventure with a guided visit to the citadel makes the journey feel complete — combining physical achievement, history, and one of the most iconic landscapes in South America.
The expedition begins at 5:00 a.m. We head northwest to Cusco to reach Quilla Rumiyoc and explore the Temple of the Moon. The trek ascends from Molinuyoc to reach Wata and Chilipahua.
1L, 1D
Moderate
9km (5 miles)
7 Hrs.
Molinuyoc: 3,317m (10,879 ft)
None
Chilli Pahua: 3,752m (12,306 ft)
Our second day of adventure involves ascending steep mountainsides, with some vistas surrounding the Andes Mountains. After lunch, we cross the Accoccasa Pass (4,625 m/15,170 ft.), viewing the Veronica Mount (5,882 m/19,096 ft.) and other glaciers and mountains.
1B, 1L, 1D.
Challenging
12km (7.4 miles)
9 Hrs.
Chilli Pahua: 3,752m (12,306 ft)
Chancachuco: 3,820m (12,532 ft)
Accoccasa Pass: 4,625m (15,170 ft)
We continue our expedition through a beautiful small canyon that leads to the Silque Valley.
1B, 1BL, 1D.
Intense
9km (5 miles)
7 Hrs.
Chancachuco: 3,820m (12,532 ft)
Choquetacarpo: 3,600m (11,811 ft)
Inti Pinku: 3,900m (12,795 ft)
The scenic views of Nevada Wakaywillka, the Sacred Valley, and the Andes mountain range are spectacular.
1B, 1L.
Moderate
9km (5 miles)
4 Hrs
Choquetacarpo: 3,600m (11,811 ft)
Ollantaytambo: 2,851m (9,353 ft)
None
Today, our tour will visit Machu Picchu.
Breakfast
Easy
A light walk
2-hour guided tour
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
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The Moonstone Trek is a 5-day trek covering a distance of approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles). It takes you through stunning landscapes and ancient Inca sites, culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu.
The Moonstone Trek can only be booked from April to November. The trail is closed during the rest of the year due to the rainy season and maintenance work in the area.
The 5-Day Moonstone Trek has no specific limitations on the number of people. However, the permits to Machu Picchu and Huaynapicchu, which are included in the tour, have a maximum of 400 people daily. It is recommended to book your trek at least 3 or 4 months in advance, especially for the high season from May to September, to secure the tickets to Huaynapicchu.
The Moonstone Trek offers stunning panoramic views of the Patacancha and Urubamba valleys. It also includes an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, allowing you to explore the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel.
The Moonstone Trek ranges from moderate to complex. It involves hiking on varied terrain, including steep ascents and descents. The second day, in particular, is considered a challenging “long day.” Some hiking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended.
The Moonstone Trek package includes a professional English-speaking guide, trekking services with a cook and assistant cook, mountain equipment, all meals during the trek, transportation to the trailhead, entrance fee to Machu Picchu Park, hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes, bus tickets to Machu Picchu, donkey support for carrying equipment, duffel bag for gear, transfer service from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, first-aid kit, and oxygen. Note that some items, like water on Day 1 and certain meals, are not included.
The Moonstone Trek package does not include water on Day 1 (only half a day), breakfast on Day 1, dinner on Day 4, lunch on Day 5, a sleeping bag (available for an additional cost), a single tent option (available for an additional fee), entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu (available for an additional fee), and gratuities for porters, cooks, guides, and staff.
The Moonstone Trek includes a professional guide who can communicate in English. This ensures you understand the information, history, and stories shared during the trek.
Some essential items to pack for the Moonstone Trek include comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight clothing layers, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a rain jacket, a daypack, a refillable water bottle, snacks, a sleeping bag (if not renting), personal toiletries, and any necessary medications. Packaging warm clothing for cooler temperatures at higher altitudes is also recommended.
Moonstone Trek 5 Days
At least two trekkers are required to go on a private service to Moonstone Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu.
| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 2 | $ 1 082.00 USD |
A minimum of three hikers are required to open a shared group service for the Moonstone Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu.
| Number of persons | Price (p/p) | |
| $ 813.00 USD |
Moonstone Trek 5 Days – Alternative to Inca Trail
Moonstone Trek 5 Days
Moonstone Trek 5 Days
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