📍Route Selection
Initially, we had our hearts set on the iconic Inca Trail, but it was closed in February due to landslides. The Salkantay Trek seemed like an exciting alternative, with its dramatic peaks reaching up to 5,600 meters—but let’s be honest, that sounded a bit too challenging for this trip.
In the end, we opted for the Lares Trek, a more moderate journey that still promised stunning landscapes and even included a relaxing soak in natural hot springs. Pro tip: if you’re planning a visit, don’t wait too long! This hidden gem is bound to become a hotspot in just a few years.
🚶♀️Daily Itinerary (Detailed itinerary in Figure 16)
**[Day 1]** Altitude Adventures and Hot Spring Bliss
Lares Hot Springs → Blue Lagoon (6.3 km / ascent 600m)
The Lares Hot Springs are nothing short of magical—wild yet enchanting. Soaking in those warm waters felt like pure heaven, hahaha! But the day wasn’t without its challenges. At 3,800 meters, altitude sickness hit hard, bringing with it a fever and splitting headache.
Despite popping antipyretics, relief only came after inhaling oxygen for a minute. And here’s a heartwarming moment: at night, at the astonishing height of 4,100 meters, our chef whipped up a homemade birthday cake by candlelight. Talk about making memories under the stars!
**[Day 2]** A Test of Endurance
→ Condor Pass → Maucau (3.5 km ascent 600m + 5 km descent 700m)
Approaching Condor Pass felt like stepping into another world—or maybe battling nature itself. The weather turned fierce, with howling winds, relentless rain, and even hailstones pelting down. Altitude sickness reared its ugly head again, leaving me so exhausted I dozed off for five minutes mid-hike.
Thankfully, a quick hit of oxygen revived me. Lesson learned: always pack a waterproof jacket or poncho! On the flip side, Maucau was breathtakingly serene, with llamas grazing peacefully near our tents 🦙—a perfect reward for enduring the storm.
**[Day 3]** Rocky Trails and Development Concerns
→ Salt Lake → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (10 km descent 1,103m)
This section tested our balance as much as our resolve. The downhill trail was rugged and uneven, requiring every ounce of concentration. Along the way, we noticed signs of progress—or perhaps overdevelopment—as a real estate project encroached upon the pristine path leading to Maucau.
Reports suggest that within a year, there will be a hospital, school, and eventually hotels. While development brings convenience, it also threatens the untouched charm of this region. On a brighter note, the train ride from Ollantaytambo was pure magic, reminiscent of Hogwarts Express, complete with cheerful travelers singing and dancing along the way!
**[Day 4]** Machu Picchu: Crown Jewel of the Journey
When purchasing tickets, routes 2 and 3 offer the best views and can easily be combined for a fuller experience. Route 1, unfortunately, lacks variety and isn’t worth the effort. After spending around two hours exploring this ancient wonder, we boarded a bus back to Cusco, carrying unforgettable memories of one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
