Alecia Hunter

Alecia Hunter

Backpack the Ausangate Trek

09/08/16

Ausangate was outstanding and one of the most difficult backpacking trips I've taken. This trip may be additionally difficult without Spanish and without a hiking partner. My friend and I caught a bus from Cuscoo to Tinqui. We hiked 5 days but could've extended it to stay in the hot springs and to go to rainbow mountain. Something we did not read by others were the fees that some locals demand. We're not sure if we really needed to pay the 20 soles or not. It's not a significant fee, but carry small bills and change. The terrain is at a high elevation, it's cold, but absolutely stunning sites of Ausangate, lakes, locals, and wildlife. Would highly recommend! We used maps.me and a topo map to follow others routes. You can hire a guide and mules in Tinqui if desired.

5.0

Alecia Hunter

Backpack the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

09/08/16

This trek was incredible! My friend and I went through salkantaytrek.org, but it is absolutely doable (and much cheaper!) without a guide. Noted, the proper equipment and experience is required. It can be extremely cold, high altitude, and I've heard the routes can sometimes be difficult to follow. The trek starts in the snowy mountains, reaches the pass next to Salkantay mountain, and drops down into the jungle with avocado and banana trees. Finally, you end in Aguas Calientes where you hike up to Machu Picchu. Absolutely fantastic!

5.0