- Seldom walked trails and few other tourists (if any!)
- Majestically perched Machu Picchu
- Walk a section of the Inca Trail via Wiñay Wayna
- Discover Cuzco with its distinct Inca-Colonial fusion architecture

The Moonstone Trek
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- South America
- Peru
- Walking & Trekking
- The Moonstone Trek
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Reviews
Add your own reviewMoonstone Trek and more
Wonderful trip — cleverly varied itinerary with a mix of challenging trekking, history & local life.
Most Inspirational Moment
Trek up to the pass at Accoccassa (4625m). and the view of Mt Veronica.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. Don’t be put off by the altitude — it is extreme (see Accoccassa (4625m), followed by an evening in a camp also above 4000m, but we (a very mixed group) managed it. 2. If you can, get an extra day in Cusco to acclimatise. Well worth it, both to get used to the altitude and also to have more time to look around — depending on flights, you might not get long in Cusco on the way home. One day _less_ in Cusco on the way in could well leave you struggling with the altitude. We were stuck in Bogota after our flight was cancelled due to local electrical storms (well looked after by Avianca, once they made up their mind to cancel the flight); a day at 2640m does not prepare you for 3000-4000m. 3. The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art – MAP Cusco (https://mapcusco.pe/en/) is well worth a visit (and is open on Sundays). 4. Ollantaytambo is a wonderful place to visit and walk around (not only because it is the first “civilisation” after the 4 days trekking...although the first shower was very welcome). Obviously, there’s no guarantee of Top Gear filming in the main square (don’t know when the episode airs, but the cars were very loud!), or the local schools rehearsing for a festival, but the town and temples are fascinating. 5. The international departure lounge at Cusco airport has just one (very) small cafe. Stay in the domestic lounge (up the escalator to the left of the entrance to International) for food, bar & shops, if you can.
A fantastic trek and Machu Picchu
Memorable hike in the Andes without any other turist on the trek, fantastic valleys and mountains plus 1 day Inka trail reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. This was an all-in-one trek.
Most Inspirational Moment
After an Exhausting steep hike to 4600m ridge suddenly getting the first glimps of Mt. Veronika...wow!!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanks to our leader, Fabrizio, I know much more about Peruvian life, culture and the Inka history.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Add an extra day in Cusco for acclimatisation just in case your flight is delayed or cancelled.
Enjoyable Peruvian trekking
This is a great trip to visit Cusco, The Andes and Machu Picchu, including physical, culinary and cultural delights.
As with all activity at altitude, a good fitness level is no guarantee that altitude symptoms will not occur, however it will certainly make the trekking more manageable and help assure that the group remains together.
The Moonstone Trek provides the opportunity for high Andean trekking away from the crowds that can be experienced on the “Inca Trail”. However, from discussions with other travelers, the Inca Trail offers greater variety of flora whilst trekking in the cloud forest. The landscape on the trek is stunning, but generally involves fairly barren and rugged mountain-scapes, as might be expected at such altitudes.
Visiting in July, the days were warm to hot and the nights often sub-zero, requiring a range of clothing.
Most Inspirational Moment
It’s difficult to identify a single highlight, but Machu Picchu is set in a stunning landscape and a marvel to behold, whilst Cusco offers a more Spanish colonial feel and waking-up on a mountainside always stimulates the senses.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fabrizzio, our main tour leader, was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and clearly passionate about his country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
No amount of training can counter the impact of altitude, but a good fitness level should help assure enjoyment whilst trekking and even walking around Cusco. A good sleeping bag and warm layers will help with avoiding the evening/night cold and getting a sound sleep.
Start
Finish
Availability
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Saturday Friday
24 Jun 2023 23 Jun 2023
Sunday Monday
02 Jul 2023 03 Jul 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From CAD 3,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 532
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
19 Aug 2023 18 Aug 2023
Sunday Monday
27 Aug 2023 28 Aug 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From CAD 3,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 532
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
16 Sep 2023 15 Sep 2023
Sunday Monday
24 Sep 2023 25 Sep 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From CAD 3,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 532
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
14 Oct 2023 13 Oct 2023
Sunday Monday
22 Oct 2023 23 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From CAD 3,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 532
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
11 May 2024 10 May 2024
Sunday Monday
19 May 2024 20 May 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,445
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 570
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
22 Jun 2024 21 Jun 2024
Sunday Monday
30 Jun 2024 01 Jul 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,445
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 570
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
17 Aug 2024 16 Aug 2024
Sunday Monday
25 Aug 2024 26 Aug 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,445
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 570
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
14 Sep 2024 13 Sep 2024
Sunday Monday
22 Sep 2024 23 Sep 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,445
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 570
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
12 Oct 2024 11 Oct 2024
Sunday Monday
20 Oct 2024 21 Oct 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,445
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 570
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
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- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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