The Salkantay Trek
Did you know there are many different “Inca Trails” that lead to Machu Picchu? The original or classic Inca Trail follows ancient stone paths and has become increasingly crowded with tourists over the years. Another that has gained popularity of late is the Salkantay Trek. This path follows more rugged trails and crosses over Salkantay Pass. The Peruvian government has cracked down on the number of hikers allowed on these trails in an effort to conserve these ancient sites. You need to book your hike through one of the approved trekking companies that will escort you along the trail, and provide accommodation and food.
Our group used Salkantay Trekking for our 4-day hike. We had two guides, Jorge and Carlos, a chef and a couple of cooks, and horse wranglers that drove the horses that carried our gear for the first 2 days. They really knew how to take care of us and were extremely knowledgeable.
Day 1 – Humantay Lake
July 18, 2019
The first day we drove to our camp, picked up our gear, and got ready for our hike up to Humantay Lake. This was just a warm-up for the following 3 days. We were above the tree line and surrounded by towering rocky peaks, some covered with snow. It really emphasized how small we really are in the world! The hike to the lake was all uphill and at one point it was raining. Humantay Lake is a glorious blue-green color with a huge glacier on the other side. It sits at 13,780 ft so it was literally breathtaking!
Once we got back to camp, we had a wonderful lunch waiting for us and got settled in. We’d be sleeping at the Sky Camp which is at 12,795 ft elevation in preparation for the next day’s crossing over Salkantay Pass. This would also be our coldest night getting below freezing. They only kept the electricity on at camp until 8:00 so it was an early night.
Photos
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