On June 20, 2024, I embarked on a thrilling 5-day, 4-night trekking adventure that began in Cusco and culminated at the breathtaking Machu Picchu, before returning to Cusco by train.
**Day 1** At 4:30 AM, I was already waiting for the bus in Cusco, ready to begin this unforgettable journey. After a two-hour drive, we arrived at a charming small town where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead. From there, we transferred to a car that took us to the starting point of our hike.
The first leg of the trek involved a two-hour climb through stunning landscapes, eventually leading us to our campsite, where we paused for lunch. Thankfully, I didn’t experience any altitude sickness, but the weather was bone-chillingly cold, so I bundled up in all my warmest layers.
After lunch, we tackled a challenging yet rewarding ascent up Humantay Mountain, a round-trip journey of about three and a half hours from the campsite. At its peak, a mesmerizing turquoise lake awaited us—a sight that made every step worthwhile. That evening, we settled into our tents at the campsite. Despite the frigid temperatures, I was grateful for the sleeping bag I rented; once inside, it felt like a cozy cocoon, making me reluctant to leave its warmth.
**Day 2** The second day was nothing short of epic as we conquered Salkantay Mountain, spending a total of approximately nine exhilarating hours on the trail. It took about two hours to reach the base of the mountain from the campsite, another two hours to ascend to the summit, two more hours to descend back to the dining area, and finally, three hours to return to the campsite.
The highest elevation we reached was an awe-inspiring 4,600 meters, where the wind roared relentlessly around us. Due to rain from the previous day, parts of the trail were muddy and rocky, adding an extra layer of challenge to our trek.
**Trek Tips:**
1. **Luggage**: The tour provides pack animals to carry your belongings, so lighten your load as much as possible. I cleverly stashed everything I needed in the nine pockets of my clothing—no backpack required! (My usual backpack is a hefty 44L model, which would have been far too cumbersome.)
2. **Outfit**: Layering is key when dealing with the unpredictable Andean weather. Opt for gear that’s windproof, waterproof, lightweight, warm, quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and versatile. Here’s what worked wonders for me: - 🧥 A reliable windproof and waterproof jacket - 👔 A cozy fleece for added warmth - 👔 A lightweight down jacket (Montbell 800 fill power, compact enough to pack away when not in use) - 👔 An Outopia merino wool quick-dry shirt (this was a game-changer—it felt like I wasn’t sweating even though I was!
) - 🩳 Quick-dry pants for comfort and practicality - 🩳 Thermal pants (highly recommended for those chilly nights) - 🧦 Smartwool merino wool socks (so soft and comfortable!) - 🥿 Hoka Anakapa hiking shoes (excellent grip and water resistance) - Plus accessories like a cold-weather hat, gloves, and scarf to shield against the biting winds
3. **Other Essentials**: - 🔋 Power bank: There’s no electricity along the route, so charge up beforehand! - 💡 Headlamp: With early morning starts each day, a headlamp becomes indispensable. - 💵 Cash: You’ll need it for essentials like toilet access (except at the camping site), Wi-Fi, and hot showers.
- 📚 E-books or entertainment: Most areas before Aguas Calientes lack cell service, and Wi-Fi comes at a premium. - 🧻 Toilet paper: Bring your own, as none of the toilets along the way provide it.
This trek might sound simple enough, but every moment was filled with wonder and discovery. If you’re looking for an adventure that pushes your limits while rewarding you with unforgettable views, this is it!
