Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

I made sure to fly into Cusco, Peru several days before the start of my trek for adequate time to adjust to the high altitude. This is very important to rest and move slowly for the first 24-48 hours after landing in Cusco. At 11,152 feet Cusco is sure to have some sort of effect on you. I was both naive and optimistic before stepping foot in Peru - hoping not to suffer from the dreaded altitude sickness, however, it hit me hard as well as the other tourists. I recommend spending 3 slow days in Cusco soaking in the colorful culture around the cobble stone streets, San Pedro Market and Plaza De Armas before undertaking any hikes in the rugged Andes mountains. 

Machu Picchu National Park distributes 500 permits per day to control the trail traffic. To obtain a permit you must book through a trekking company. Permits help to preserve the environment and also offers a better overall experience for hikers. May-October is the dry season and July/August are peak tourist months. It is important to keep this in mind as trekking companies sell out months before. 

Be sure to research tour companies, check out the itinerary and read reviews - these treks are not for everyone! 

If you are planning your trip for the peak months be aware that it is Peru's winter and you don't want to be freezing in your tent in the middle of the Peruvian mountains. 

Packing List:

• Insulated or fleece jacket (Patagnoia Nano Puff, North Face fleece, etc.)
• Hiking boots 
• 5 pairs of wool hiking socks
• Teva hiking sandals for around camp 
• Hydration blatter
• Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow
• 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent lotion 
• Wind resistant hiking pants
• Camera/extra batteries
• Portable phone charger
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Daypack
• Rain jacket
• 3 pairs of athletic pants
• 1 long sleeve shirt
• 4 athletic shirts
• Sunscreen
• Roll of toilet paper
• Baby wipes
• Chapstick with spf
• Personal first aid kit

I rented trekking poles and a sleeping bag through my trekking company. Most companies provide tents, boiled water and full meals but be sure to bring personal snacks for the trail. 

Hitting the trail

Day 1: 3:00 AM wake up call to begin this journey. Our group met at 4:00 AM and after a 3 hour bumpy bus ride we arrived at the trailhead, nervous and anxious to begin. After hiking a little more than 8 miles we made camp at 20,574 feet elevation. The trail was a slight incline winding deep into the mountains. Breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, crisp air and trail talk with our new group members filled the air. After a short rest, the group hiked to Humantay Lake which is the highest peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range, part of the Peruvian Andes. This glacial lake is hard to get to, steep incline all the way up - but well worth it! On the hike from camp to the lake, me and fellow hikers were all chewing on coca leaves to calm the symptoms of altitude sickness. Surrounded by snowcapped mountains the turquoise lake is a popping scene and worth the scramble up. 

Day 2: This is the hardest day. By far, the hardest day. Be mentally and physically prepared for an intense and long day of hiking. 11 miles across rough terrain with endless switchbacks up the side of a steep mountain. However, after conquering the incline you find spectacular views of Cusco's second highest peak, Mount Salkantay. After the exhausting day, the group kicked back at night with some much deserved cold beers and played card games. We were all happy to be past the steepest part of the trek. 

Day 3: It's a 10 mile day up and down, up and down. Very hard on the ankles and knees. But on the 3rd day we all powered through because after the 10 miles we set up camp at La Playa then took a taxi to the local Hot Springs where we swam and soaked our muscles in the natural springs. 

Day 4: 8 mile hike then a train ride to Aquas Calientes. The 4th night the group stayed in a hostel in the town of Aquas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. We indulged in some pizza roamed around the streets and the group's excitement was building.

Day 5: 3:00 AM wake up call, grabbed our bags and headed straight to the bus station where a line was already forming. Once we entered Machu Picchu, our guide gave us a tour of the ruins, our Sun Gate ticket was for 8:00 AM so at that time we entered the gate and began the hike up the   countless soapstone steps. At the top, we were surrounded by clouds, waited a few moments for the clouds to clear then finally had the iconic view of Machu Picchu that we worked so hard to reach. You could feel the ancient vibes all around.