5 Days / 4 Nights
Medium
8 people
Cusco - Perú
The Moonstone Trail is a fantastic alternative trek to Machu Picchu, following part of the historic Inca Quarry Trail. It has become popular as an authentic option for travelers seeking a genuine Peruvian experience, especially since permits for the famous Inca Trail sell out quickly. This route offers a beautiful and unforgettable adventure through history and nature.
Named after the ancient Quechua carving “Quillarumiyoc” (Moonstone), the trail passes remote Andean villages, little-visited Inca ruins, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Along the way, you will discover temples, royal residences, and the Cachiccata quarry, once used by the Incas to supply stones for Ollantaytambo.
The Moonstone Trail is part of the extensive Inca road network, which stretched from Ecuador to Chile. Unlike the classic Inca Trail, this trek does not require permits and remains quiet, uncrowded, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of the Andes. For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu is a perfect choice.
The best time to hike the Moonstone Trail is from April to October, during the dry season. Although April and October may still bring some rain and cloudy days, the trail is generally safer and more enjoyable at this time.
From November to March, the rainy season makes the route more difficult, with muddy paths and cloudy skies most of the day. Still, some adventurous travelers enjoy trekking under these extreme conditions—if this is your style, we are happy to arrange it for you.
During the rainy season, the landscapes transform completely. On clear days, you can enjoy lush green valleys, snowy peaks, and the fresh scent of renewed earth. However, Machu Picchu itself is often covered in a thick mist, making it difficult to see Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Between May and August the weather is dry, temperatures are warm in the day and frigid at night (21 ° C and 3 ° C on average). The landscape is between green and yellow, the sky is blue and the sun shines bright almost every day.
Prior to the trek adventure, you need to know all extensive information about this tour. You will meet with your guide who will give you the activities you will be engaging in and will clarify any existing concerns you may have.
After your breakfast, our guide will come pick you up at your hotel with our touristic bus for a ride that will last about an hour.
Then, we will arrive to the “pampa de Anta” where you will appreciate the work of the Incas and the carved stones in the center of Quillarumiyoc .
The Incas used to own this place for many reasons: its views, its position and its connection with the mother Earth.
We will then take a bus for 25 minutes to go to the village of Huarocondo, and start walking for about 2 hours to get to the Watta archaeological center (3700m), which is a pre-inca construction.
Lunch will be taken after an other 20 minutes walk. The last 2 hours walk will lead us to our campsite in the Chillipahua valley (3700m).
