The Salkantay trekking experience

When I started the Salkantay trekking, I realized how difficult it would be to write about this experience.  If living a few days of this was possible then writing about it would be too.  

In December of 2018, Joel (my husband) and I left for the city of Cusco in Peru.  With the support from the company Mit Viajes Cusco we planned the Salkantay trek for five days and four nights.  Before we started, we went to the company headquarters where we received instructions.  We were informed about which items to bring with us. We received our tickets to Machu Picchu… as well as step by step instructions and details in order to avoid any inconveniences during our adventure.

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Day 1

When the day arrived, a van picked us up at the hotel to take us to the starting point of our hike.  In a journey, that lasted approximately two hours, we observed the cities along the way. 

We stopped to observe the mountain that we would soon face. Salkantay is imposing and it is always possible to take good pictures of it.

Finally our van arrived at Mollepata.  All visitors must pay a fee of 10 soles to enter the site.  (at the time of our visit)  In the vicinity of Sayllapata we began our trek.  And the altitude?  Soon it turned out to be my biggest enemy on the hilltop hikes.

Walking and admiring the view, in a few hours we arrived at Soraypampa where we would spend the first night.  After lunch I faced my first big challenge.  In a few hours walk we drove to Humantay Lake.  Again the altitude was revealed to be my enemy but I was rewarded with one of the most impressive visions of my life.

After going to Lake Humantay we returned to the camping. Do you want to know what it is like to sleep there?  On the first night it was possible to spend the night in domes or tents.  

Day 2

The following day was the day destined to go to Salkantay mountain.  The guides, Sunika and Flor, led us on this day.  They labeled us as Viskachas group (Andean rabbits from the mountains).  We walked for a few hours through incredible places. 

I felt again my body being challenged to the limit.  On this route it was possible to rent a horse, however we chose not to.  Aside from wanting to complete the “mission” with my own efforts. I’m not the bravest when it comes to horses.

After a long walk and lots of help, I finally reached the highest point of the trekking: 4630m!

After lunch we walked, for a few more hours, down the mountain.  The walk was not so sacrificial and the temperature was higher. 

We spent the night at a campsite in Chaullay.  

Day 3

In the morning we started walking, not as much as previous days. In the forest I continued to admire the beauty of the places we passed.

During the trekking we made some stops. One of them made me remember the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Some walkers played football on a field in the mountain. If you are a fan of the movie you will remember.

We chose to go to the Cocalmayo thermal water park, in which a shuttle took us there.  The ticket for Cocalmayo cost 10 soles and the transport was an additional 20 soles. The warm waters worked as a refreshment for our aching bodies. 

After enjoying the relaxing warm waters, the transport took us to the camping in Santa Teresa.

Two members left the group on this day, because They had opted for the 4-day trek. If anyone is not interested to spend 5 days in trekking it is possible choose stays there less time. It is important analyse the options.

Day 4

Most of our group chose to do the zip-lining with the Zip Line Vertikal company between Santa Teresa and Lucmabamba. Zipline is fun and adventurous already. But, in a scenario like this it gets better!

After that, the transportation, which the value was included in the price of the zipline of 100 soles, took us to Hidroelectrica. Where we had lunch and then walked two and a half hours to Aguas Calientes. The hike was along a railway line between mountains and rivers which gave us impressive views.

 

It was very good to get to Aguas Calientes. Where there are many restaurants, monuments … It’s a good place to be.

We spent the night in a simple lodging: Sinchi Roca. After two nights of camping.  Sleeping there was refreshing.

Day 5

It’s time to go to Machu Picchu. The climb up to the place on foot lasts about an hour and a half and is a of a heavy hike. BUT, you can take a bus there for US$ 24 (round trip). I confess my husband and I chose to take the bus. #judge me

At last we arrived at Machu Picchu. Tickets were previously delivered by Mit Viajes Cusco company. We had no problems about our Machu Picchu tickets but we knew about some travelers that had problems with other companies.

We walked around there learning a little more about that city that is so important to the Inca society. The guides explain what each building was before Spanish colonization. Talking about Inca history makes Peruvians  people proud.

There were llamas and alpacas there. Everyone expects to see these animals over there.

It was exciting to see a place that I had heard about since I was a child.

What did Salkantay teach me?

After walking about 22km in different situations, it is impossible not to learn something. I discovered that coca leaves and a bottle of flowery water (Peruvian recipe to help breathe) can be precious elements. I learned to cherish the small luxuries of everyday life like using a bathroom and taking a good shower. I have discovered that the beauty of nature can help to forget misfortunes which, although they may seem great, are insignificant. I’ve also learned that having help can be the difference between climbing the mountain or giving up.

Part of the activities carried out were offered by Mit Viajes Cusco. It is worth mentioning that all content expresses our real opinions.