Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu

After a couple of days in Cusco to 'acclimatize' we set off on the Salkantay Trek (an alternative Inca trail) on November 6th. The Salkantay is a four day three night trip involving hiking on all four days and covering 53km in the first three days. We started at 4am in Cusco and got a bus to Mollepata - the starting point of our trek. After a brief breakfast we started hiking at approx. 8am.

The first day involved quite a bit of climbing (1000m to be exact) as we made our way to Soraypampa where we camped at an altitude of 3900m in the shadow of Mount Salkantay - it was pretty cold and we were glad of a warm meal and an early night after 9 hours walking.

The second day was the longest, hardest, but ultimately the most rewarding. We were up at 5.30am for coca tea and porridge and started walking at 6.30am. We made our way to the highest point of the trek known as the Salkantay Pass (4600m). As we approached this point it was hard going to say the least, each step was a massive effort and each breath didn't give you enough oxygen! However, the scenery was spectacular, especially the snowcapped Salkantay and the lush green valley behind us.

We were at the top of the Pass for 10.30am and although we were worn out we knew we still had another six hours to go. As the afternoon wore on the scenery began to change dramatically as we lost altitude and began to enter the jungle. We eventually arrived at our camp in Chaullay (2900m) at 5.30pm, which gave us time for a couple of well deserved beers before bed.

Day three started at 5.30am again, but was to be the shortest of the first three days. The five hour walk to our final destination Playa (2400m) was a beautiful hike through the jungle, where we saw numerous different types of vegetation and wildlife, including some amazing butterflies. After lunch at Playa we got the Hidroelectrica train to Aguas Calientes where we finally saw some civilisation, had a warm shower, and a comfy bed.

Day four was the day we had been waiting for - Machu Picchu. Eager to beat the crowds and get a valuable ticket for Wayna Picchu (the peak in the background of the famous Inca ruins), we set off at 4.15am. The asscent was hard going with over 1000 steps to climb. However, we were spurred on by what we were about to see and arrived at the gates at 5.30am - numbers 6 and 7 in the queue! As we were let through the gates it was well worth the early start as for the first 20 minutes or so we were able to witness the incredible site without people spoiling the view.

We headed straight for the entrance of Wayna Picchu and managed to get tickets 1 and 2 (they only allow 400 people in per day), which ensured that we would be able to climb the amazing peak and get the panaramic views of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, and the surrounding landscape. We spent eight hours exploring and marvelling at this unbelievable place, but had to draw ourselves away around 2pm, as we were absolutely exhausted after four long days.

After an 'interesting' journey, we arrived in Cusco via Ollantaytambo at approx. 11.30pm on the fourth day and crashed into bed tired yet exhilerated from a truly incredible trek.

Next stop.... Sao Paulo, Brazil!