In the relentless rhythm of entrepreneurial life, where emails flood your inbox and meetings blur into one another, I found myself yearning for an escape—a journey that transcends the mundane and reconnects with the soul. The Salkantay Trek, a challenging expedition weaving through the Andes mountains of Peru, emerged as the beacon of renewal. Little did I fathom that this adventure would not only quench my wanderlust but also kindle the flames of inspiration, laying the groundwork for a paradigm shift in my life.
The decision to embark on the Salkantay Hiking Adventure was not just about scaling mountains; it was a commitment to rediscover the essence of adventure, to explore the untamed beauty of nature, and to unveil the profound impact such a journey could have on one’s perspective
Day 1 to Day 2: Soraypampa to Colcapampa - The Ascent to Inspiration
The inaugural day unfolded with the sun barely gracing the sky. Our journey commenced with a pre-dawn pick-up, setting the stage for an odyssey into the heart of the Andes. The tourist-class bus wound its way through the awakening streets, picking up fellow adventurers en route to Mollepata, our first pitstop at 2,900 meters. Here, we stretched our legs and indulged in snacks, fortifying ourselves for the expedition ahead.
Continuing by car to Challacancha, anticipation simmered as final preparations unfolded. The trek officially commenced with a 3-hour ascent to Soraypampa, a campsite perched at 3,920 meters. The air grew crisper, and the landscape transformed into a canvas painted with snow-capped peaks. Lunch, against the backdrop of these majestic mountains, served as an appetizer for the grandeur that lay ahead.
In the afternoon, we embarked on a mesmerizing hike to Laguna de Humantay, a glacial lake nestled in the embrace of the Andes. The 1.5-hour trek each way was rewarded with unparalleled views, a sensory overload of nature’s beauty. As the day waned, we returned to camp, the highest and coldest point of our journey at 3,920 meters. It was a night immersed in nature’s symphony, a prelude to the transformative days that lay ahead.
Day 2 unfolded with an early breakfast, the mountain air invigorating our spirits. The 4-hour trek commenced, leading us to the pinnacle of our journey—the highest pass at 4,650 meters. Positioned between the colossal Salkantay (6,267m) and Humantay (5,900m) mountains, the pass offered panoramic views, a vista of snow-capped peaks that stretched as far as the eye could see.
For those seeking respite, optional horse rentals facilitated the ascent to the high pass. The descent, a 2-hour journey, unveiled Huayracpampa, where a well-deserved lunch awaited. The subsequent 3-hour trek brought us to our next campsite, Challhuay or Colcapampa, perched at the cusp of the high jungle region at 2,900 meters. As we descended, the air warmed, and the landscape transformed from alpine to subtropical—a tangible shift in the tapestry of nature.
Day 3: Santa Teresa Town - Nature's Symphony
The third day ushered us into the realm of the upper jungle. Breakfast at 6:30 am marked the commencement of a trek through verdant landscapes, crossing the Santa Teresa River and traversing a tapestry of valleys. Nature unfolded in all its glory—waterfalls cascaded, tropical fruits hung temptingly, and the air pulsated with the symphony of the jungle.
Lunch at La Playa (2,200m) was a pause in our journey, a moment to savor the sights and recharge for the road ahead. The journey continued by car to Santa Teresa town (1,700 meters), our haven for the night. The warmer climate was a welcome change, and as fatigue settled in, the option to visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa town presented itself—an indulgence that soothed our tired bodies and rejuvenated our spirits.
Preparing for the Salkantay Trek: Your Ultimate Training Guide
Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Nearing the Culmination
The penultimate day dawned with the promise of reaching Aguas Calientes, a stepping stone to the grandeur of Machu Picchu. After breakfast at 8:00 am, our journey unfolded with a leisurely path through Santa Teresa, a 3-hour walk that offered a respite from the rigorous trekking of the preceding days. The hydroelectric station (1,880m) marked a crucial juncture, where a box lunch recharged our energy for the final leg of the journey.
The subsequent 3-hour walk to Aguas Calientes (2,010m) was a gentle uphill ascent, a time to reflect on the profound experiences of the past days. The evening in Aguas Calientes was a prelude to the pinnacle of our adventure, as we dined in a local traditional restaurant, immersed in the flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
Day 5: Machu Picchu - The Summit of Wanderlust
The grand finale awaited—the dawn of our visit to Machu Picchu. We caught one of the first buses at 5:30 am, ascending to the ancient city bathed in the soft glow of the early morning light. The mist dissipated, revealing the marvels of this archaeological wonder.
A guided tour, spanning approximately 2 hours, unfolded the mysteries of Machu Picchu. The intricate architecture, the terraced fields, and the enigmatic aura of the site left an indelible imprint on our souls. For the adventurous spirits among us, the option to climb the formidable Huayna Picchu Peak added a thrilling dimension to the exploration—a test of physical endurance with a reward of unparalleled views.
As the day unfolded, we explored Machu Picchu at our own pace, marveling at the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. The history and spirituality embedded in the stones whispered tales of a bygone era, creating a connection that transcended time.
Final Word
As I boarded the train back to Ollantaytambo and then took a bus to Cuzco, the Salkantay Trek had not merely been an adventure; it had been a transformative journey, a saga of self-discovery. The physical challenges, the raw beauty of nature, and the cultural immersion had coalesced into an experience that transcended the ordinary.
It was during those moments of reflection, as the train wove through the Peruvian landscape, that a seed of inspiration took root—a vision for a business dedicated to adventure travel. The wanderlust ignited on the Salkantay Trek had become the driving force behind my newfound venture. The dream of curating experiences that blend the thrill of exploration with the cultural richness of each destination began to take shape.
The beauty of adventure travel lies not just in conquering physical peaks but in the introspective peaks it leads you to. The Salkantay Trek had been the crucible, forging a renewed passion for exploration and a commitment to sharing the transformative power of adventure with fellow wanderers.
As the train approached Cuzco, the city’s lights twinkling in the distance, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the journey that had unfolded—a journey that began with a quest for renewal and culminated in the inception of a business fueled by the spirit of adventure.
The Salkantay Trek, with its highs and lows, had become more than a trek; it had become the genesis of a new chapter. A chapter written in the language of exploration and inscribed with the memories of a journey that reshaped not just my travels but my life. The peaks of Salkantay had not only been conquered; they had become the launchpad for the peaks of a new business venture—an ode to the transformative power of adventure.
Check out our free Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N itinerary.
Guest post written by Yohan Bassef
Yohan Bassef, a seasoned businessman with a penchant for adrenaline-fueled excitement, seamlessly blends the worlds of commerce and adventure travel
