Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Alternative Trek in Peru
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Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu: A Remote Andean Journey
Looking for an alternative trek to Machu Picchu that takes you beyond the most traveled routes?
The 5-Day Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu is an off-the-beaten-path adventure through the high Andes of Cusco, combining spectacular mountain scenery, ancient Inca archaeology, remote landscapes and authentic Andean culture. Along the route, you will explore important archaeological sites, follow historic trails, visit the impressive Cachiqhata Quarry, discover the Inca heritage of Ollantaytambo, and continue to Machu Picchu for the final highlight of your journey.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Moonstone route offers a different perspective of the Cusco region, with fewer trekkers and a stronger sense of exploration. It is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience Peru trekking, Inca history and Machu Picchu while spending more time away from the busiest tourist routes.
With 5 days and 4 nights, the itinerary allows you to experience the Andes at a more immersive pace, accompanied by experienced local guides who provide insight into the region's history, culture and landscapes.
If you are looking for a unique alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, the Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable way to explore the Andes of Peru.
Why Choose the Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu?
A True Alternative to the Classic Inca Trail
The Moonstone Trek offers a different way to experience the Andes and reach Machu Picchu. Instead of following the busiest trekking routes, you travel through remote valleys, mountain landscapes and archaeological sites that reveal another side of Peru.
Ancient Inca Archaeology
The route connects several important archaeological areas, including the impressive Cachiqhata Quarry, where enormous stone blocks were worked for construction projects in the Ollantaytambo area. Your guide will explain the history, engineering and cultural significance of these remarkable sites.
Remote Andean Landscapes
The trek crosses high mountain terrain, traditional agricultural areas and remote valleys with dramatic views of the surrounding Andes. It is particularly rewarding for travelers interested in landscape photography and authentic outdoor experiences.
Small-Group Experience
We keep our trekking groups small to provide a more personalized experience. A smaller group means better communication with your guide, a more flexible pace and a more intimate connection with the landscape and local culture.
Cultural Immersion
Beyond archaeological sites, the Moonstone Trek provides opportunities to see traditional Andean landscapes and rural communities where agriculture and ancestral traditions remain part of everyday life.
Machu Picchu as the Grand Finale
After crossing the Andes and exploring the ancient Inca heritage of the region, the journey culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites.
5-Day Moonstone Trek Itinerary: Quillarumiyoc to Machu Picchu
Day 2: Chiripahua – Chancachuco
We climb gradually through fields and glades of the indigenous Chachacomo tree, in a landscape of pastures and small fields clinging to the steep mountainsides. Wherever there is water, we find an Andean family compound of adobe and straw. But there is little water in this mountain range – we are reminded hour by hour of how precious a commodity water was and is to the Andean people. We climb to a small glade at 4,400m / 14,432ft for a delicious lunch, then continue up to the col at the head of the valley. From our location atop the Accoccasa Pass (4,625m / 15,170ft) we enjoy breathtaking views of the immense snow peaks: the Huaynays to our west, the Urubamba range to the north. We enjoy an easy descent, to camp at 4,350m / 14,268ft in the broad valley of Chancachuco, facing the glaciers of the Huaynay Range. (B / L / D)
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Day 4: Kachiqhata Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We descend on a broad Inca trail down through the lower quarry zone, and stop at a key hilltop, from where the worked stones were skidded down the steep slope to the Vilcanota River below. On the far bank, between the river and the Sun Temple, we can see several of these “Tired Stones”, which were abandoned half-way between quarry and temple. Chroniclers tell us that work on the temple site was suddenly halted when the Colla masons fled back toward their homes in the Lake Tiahuanaco area, just prior to the arrival of the Spanish invaders. We continue down, cross the river, and arrive finally at the famous Sun Temple in Ollantaytambo. We have time to explore the temple and the adjacent village, before catching a late afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. We check into a hotel for the night. (B / L are included; Dinner in Aguas Calientes is left to you)
Toward the western end of the high valley, we follow the contours of a now-abandoned Inca aqueduct which transported water from the Chancachuco valley north to supply the otherwise-arid north-facing slopes above Ollantaytambo. This aqueduct once transported water across a sheer cliff face high above the Silque River. Today, on the mountainside above us we can glimpse traces of the original stonework, testimony to the extraordinary engineering in the project.
We reach our final pass (3,940m / 12,923ft) and visit a spectacular ridge-top Inca shrine called Huayrapunku (Gate of the Wind), with an astonishing view towards Nevado Veronica (5,682m / 18,637ft) directly across the valley. The site offers unsurpassed views to the terraces and temple site of the royal town of Ollantaytambo, over 4,000 feet below us. Constructed in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacutec, the town was an important administrative and religious center.
We descend, past the curious Inca administrative site of Llaqtallaqtayoq, to our camp on a broad terrace at 3,525m / 11,562ft at the edge of the enormous Kachiqhata quarry. In the afternoon we explore the intricate quarry workings. From this steep talus slope beneath the sheer face of Cerro Yanaorco, immense red granite building stones were carved onsite and then skidded down to the valley floor, across the river, and then up to the sun temple site on the far side of the valley. We explore the ramps and work platforms around the largest of the stones. Orchids and other flowers are abundant in and around the quarry site, set high on the mountainside above the valley floor. (B / L / D)
Day 3: Chancachuco – Huayrapunku / Kachiqhata Quarry
We enter the site early in the morning for an in-depth guided tour of the ridge-top citadel of Machu Picchu. After our tour you will have free time to explore the site, or to climb Huyana Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. We descend to Aguas Calientes for our return to Ollantaytambo, continuing by chartered bus to Cusco in late afternoon, arriving around 9:30PM. Transfer to your hotel. (B /
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Trips Managed by Local Experts
Easy, Fast, Risk-Free Bookings
Personalized Small Group Tours
Great Value for Money
Unique, Customized Itineraries
Best Local Certified Guides.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specialises in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalised service.
Round trip transfer airport-hotel-airport
Private service
Round trip train ticket 1 expeditions, 1 vistadome
Professional English/Spanish Speaking guide
Private bus in and out to the beginning of the trail (Cusco-Quillarumiyoq)
Round-trip Transfers
Double Occupancy Tents
Camping Equipment: Bathroom tent, kitchen tent, dining tent, stools, tables and comfortable mattresses
Cook
Muleteer
Horses and Mules to carry our equipment
Coffee breaks in the afternoons
All meals during the trek
Vegetarian meals on request
Machu Picchu entrance fees
2 way bus ticket Machu Picchu
1 night in a hotel
First aid kit/OxygenWe recommended that you bring:
Personal Sleeping Bag (If you dont have one you can hire from us)
Backpack and Daypack
Hiking shoes or boots
Water bottle, flashlight, hat, sun block, sunglasses
Warm/Thermal clothes, Raincoat
Chocolates, candies or other snacks
Camera + Film, Binoculars
Considering an extra night in Aguas Calientes? We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotel and other costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. Please also note that your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for one day only, if you wish to visit the ruins on a second consecutive day you will need to purchase another ticket.
Not Includes
Includes
WHY CHOOSE Inca Land Adventures ?
Inca Laand Adventures is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. Inca Land Adventures is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
Prices: Per Person 2025
1 person : US$1350.00 per person
2 people : US$1000.00 per person
4 people : US$950.00 per person
6 people : US$900.00 per person
8 people : US$850.00 per person
Day 1 — Cusco – Quillarumiyoc – Wata – Chillipahua
Begin your journey from Cusco and travel to Quillarumiyoc, an important archaeological site surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes. Continue toward Wata and then to Chillipahua, enjoying high-altitude scenery, traditional communities, and dramatic mountain views along the way. Arrive at the campsite and settle in for a peaceful evening beneath the Andean sky.
Who Is the Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu For?
The Moonstone Trek is ideal for travelers who want more than a conventional Machu Picchu tour.
This trek is especially suitable for:
Travelers looking for an alternative trek to Machu Picchu
Hikers who prefer remote and less-traveled Andean routes
Adventure travelers interested in Inca history and archaeology
Photographers looking for dramatic mountain landscapes
Travelers interested in authentic Andean culture
Visitors who want to explore beyond the Classic Inca Trail
Small groups and private travelers seeking a personalized experience
Because the route reaches elevations above 4,500 meters / 14,700 feet, a good level of physical preparation and previous acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley are strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Moonstone Trek an alternative to the Inca Trail?
Yes. The Moonstone Trek is an alternative trekking route in the Cusco region for travelers who want to explore remote Andean landscapes and Inca archaeological sites before visiting Machu Picchu.
How many days is the Moonstone Trek?
The itinerary is 5 days and 4 nights.
How difficult is the Moonstone Trek?
The trek is challenging because it reaches high elevations, including the Accoccasa Pass at approximately 4,625 meters (15,170 feet). Good physical preparation and acclimatization are important.
Is the Moonstone Trek suitable for photographers?
Yes. The route offers mountain landscapes, archaeological sites, traditional Andean scenery and changing light conditions that can be excellent for landscape and cultural photography.
Do I need to acclimatize before the Moonstone Trek?
Yes. Because the route reaches elevations above 4,500 meters, we strongly recommend spending several days acclimatizing in Cusco or another high-altitude destination before beginning the trek.
Does the Moonstone Trek include Machu Picchu?
Yes. Machu Picchu is the final highlight of the itinerary.
What is the highest point on the Moonstone Trek?
The itinerary reaches approximately 4,625 meters (15,170 feet) at Accoccasa Pass.
Is the Moonstone Trek crowded?
It is generally considered a quieter alternative to the more popular trekking routes around Machu Picchu, although trail conditions and visitor numbers can vary.
Can I book a private Moonstone Trek?
Yes. Private departures can be arranged subject to availability and logistics.
What should I pack for the Moonstone Trek?
You should bring appropriate hiking footwear, warm layers, rain protection, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, personal medication, a headlamp and a comfortable daypack. We provide the specific packing list before departure.
Why travel with Us:
Locally Owned in Cusco
We are a Cusco-based local tour operator, committed to sharing our region, culture, and mountains with travelers from around the world.
Professional Local Guides
Our experienced local guides provide expert knowledge of Andean history, culture, archaeology, and trekking routes.
Small-Group Experiences
We keep our groups small to provide better attention, flexibility, comfort, and a more personal trekking experience.
Responsible Trekking
We promote responsible travel by respecting local communities, cultural heritage, wildlife, and the natural environment.
Fair Treatment of Trekking Staff
We believe in fair and respectful treatment of our guides, cooks, porters, and trekking staff, recognizing their essential role in every journey.
Personalized Service
From your first inquiry to the end of your trek, we provide personalized assistance and attention to detail to make your experience smooth and memorable.
Contact
Reach out for personalized trekking plans
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