Moon Stone Trek 5 Days

Day 1: Quillarumiyoq – Varpiso – Huatta – Chillipawa

We start the day with an early pick up from your hotel. We take a 1 hour drive to Quillarumiyoc (the Moon Temple). This is the namesake of the trek. We will have a nourishing, gourmet breakfast at this location.

Following breakfast, we will drive a further 40 minutes to the trailhead, Varpiso (3,257 m / 10, 682 ft). Here we will meet our horses and horsemen. We will pack all the gear on to the horses and start the trek.

We cross a bridge over the Huaracondo River and then are off to this incredible, rarely visited region! This segment is 3 ½ hours uphill. Then we arrive at Huatta (3,924 m / 12, 870 ft), a pre-Inca site. Huatta is a substantial pre-Inca fortress dominating the crest of a ridge. Archeologists currently excavating the site are revealing burial sites and occupation levels from the Formative Period (2,500 years ago), on through the enormous fortifications of the 4th century Regional Development period; a scattering of late-period Inca structures seems like an afterthought on the top of the highest hill. The site is classic: a defensible ridge with dominating three-way views along intersecting valleys. We will have lunch and a tour here.

Following lunch, the remainder of the day´s trek is 3 ½ hours of up and down sections. At that point we will arrive to our camp for the night, the hamlet of Chillipawa (3,750 m / 12,300 ft). As a side note, Chillipawa is the native village of many of our guides. You will experience remarkable Peruvian hospitality in this village.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10 kms/6.25 miles
• Time: 8hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: CHillipawa – Pucaccasa – Chancachuco

This morning, you will be woken up with delectable Coca tea or heavenly local coffee. After that and your robust breakfast, the trek for the day will begin.

The beginning of the trek is uphill for 3 ½ hours. We will then stop at a small glade for lunch (4,438 m / 14,557 ft).

Following lunch, we have 1 more hour to go uphill to the high point of the trek, the Puccacasa pass (4,643 m / 15,229 ft). This is a very unique vantage point. On one side, you see Cusco and Mt Ausangate (6.372 m /20,900 ft), which is the tallest peak in the Urubamba Mountain Range. On the other side you have a close up view of Mount Veronica (5,882 ft / 19,096 ft). Mt Veronica represents the end of the Urubamba Mountain range and its pyramidal shape makes it particularly impressive.

After we enjoy this astonishing vista, we start our trek downhill to the camp. During this 2 ½ hour stretch we will see abundant llamas, alpacas and potato farms. We will then arrive at our camp, Chancachuco (4,177 m / 13,700 ft) for the night, where we will enjoy a well earned bountiful dinner. We will have a gorgeous view of the Huaynay Glaciers at the camp.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 11 kms/7 miles
• Time: 8hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3: Chancachuco – Punkuyuc – Inca Canal – Inca Quarry

Featuring a breath taking canyon, this is the most beautiful section of the trek. Additionally, this portion is part of an original Inca Trail. Since we are the only company that uses this route, we will definitely be alone!

After breakfast, we start our journey through the canyon. We will be surrounded by lush green vegetation and polylepis trees, while following a lovely, flowing stream. The beginning of our journey through the Puncuyoc canyon and the Silque Valley is an easy 2 hour downhill stretch. We will follow the 16 km Inca Canal, the longest Inca Canal constructed. This canal was built from Chancachuco to Ollantaytambo. We will also have the potential to see the native Spectacled Bear.

We will then head back uphill for 2 hours. Along the way we will stop at Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) and tour the Inca Quarry. From here we can see Mount Veronica and parts of the Sacred Valley.

This is a site where history is literally frozen in time. You will see the Inca constructions where the stone masons lived. You will see the “tired stones” that were ready to be skidded down the steep slope to the Vilcanota River below, but abandoned before that was possible. These stones were the pink stones that were used to build Ollantaytambo. You will see an early wheel design. Finally, there is a rare mummy at this site.

The remainder of the day´s hike is 45 minutes of gentle up and down sections, until we reach our camp, the Inca Quarry (3,525 m/ 11,564 ft). We will have lunch at our camp.

We will have the remainder of the day to relax. We will have happy hour, a plentiful dinner and then enjoy the sunset over the Sacred Valley.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10 kms/6.25 miles
• Time: 7hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Inca Quarry – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

After another delectable breakfast, we begin a relaxed day where we will have ample opportunity to enjoy the sites between the Inca Quarry and Ollantaytambo. This is a rarely visited region and we will likely not encounter any other trekkers. This is an exceptional opportunity to see sites that others never have the chance to see. The hike is 3 ½ hours downhill until we reach Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,158 ft).

We will have lunch in Ollantaytambo.

After lunch, we will catch the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, you will check in to your hotel room. Since we will get to Aguas Calientes in the early afternoon, you will have plenty of time to relax, enjoy the town and visit the hot springs. Dinner will be at the finest restaurant.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Distance: 7 kms/4.50 miles
• Time: 7hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Guiding Tour Of Machu Picchu- Cusco

An early morning will reward you with another momentous day of exploring the “Lost City of the Incas”. Your tour guide will take you through the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, discussing the mystery and skill of its construction as you absorb the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin.

Enjoy a two-hour tour of this majestic Machu Piccchu Inca City and take some time to savor your accomplishment as you soak in the views. You will have the chance to explore the three zones of this centuries-old city: the urban, agricultural, and adjacent zones.This will give the tourist free time to take photos, scroll on their own wherever your interests take you.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. 

The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00.

***IMPORTANT:

• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by requeste and it has to be done by booking time.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
• Our trekking include circuit 2A or Circuit 2B (If the tickets are available, for it, please book in advance).

What Is Included

What Is Not Included

Added Values  For Free

Price & Availability

“Our 4 days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”

Prices:

Group Service

• US$ 670 PER PERSON (AMERICAN DOLLARS)

Private Service                              

• US$ 970 PER PERSON (AMERICAN DOLLARS) – 2 to 3 hikers
• US$ 940 PER PERSON (AMERICAN DOLLARS) – 4 to 6 hikers

***We require a minimum of 2 hikers in order to start the trek. For solo travellers- please inquire on the dates you are looking to trek.

****We will provide you with a duffle bag, to put your belongings up to 7 kgs.

Discounts

• 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

Extras

• Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent: US$30 – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43 pm)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Single supplement US$30 per night (for solo travellers with single room)

Added Values  For Free

• TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
• DUFFLE BAG AND TRASH BAGS – included in the trekking price!
• EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
• BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
• OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
• EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be riden if you get tired or sick.

Essentials

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

For Your Duffel

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

• 2-3 wicking t-shirts
• 2-3 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 4 sets of hiking socks
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
• Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

Toiletries

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

Inside Your Daypacks

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (IPhone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Earplugs