The Trek to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is probably the most well-known hike that leads to Machu Picchu. However in actual fact, there are many different treks that also take you to these famous ruins. It all depends on what you're interested in. Some treks are culture focused, some incorporate excursions such as zip-lining and thermal baths, and others are more physically demanding.

After doing some research, Erin and I decided to do the four day Salkantey Trek. This hike covers a distance of 52km and reaches a summit altitude of 4630m. After seeing the 26km description of what Day 2 would entail, we knew that this trek would be tough. But we felt up for the challenge.

The first morning was an early one, heading out around 5:30am to drive the two hours to our starting point. Our spirits were high and we felt ready to conquer this mountain.

After a few hours, we made it to Humantay Lake. The scenery all along this hike was amazing, but the lake itself was breathtaking. The pictures do not do it justice. We spent about a half hour here exploring, refuelling, taking pictures and learning about the lake. Then it was time to head back down to our campsite for the night.

                          

We arrived at our campsite around 2:30pm. We had a delicious hot lunch, and then began preparing our huts for the cold night ahead and the long trek the following day.

Later that evening, Erin began suffering from altitude sickness. Her symptoms continued to worsen throughout the night and the next morning we decided to stop the trek in order to leave camp to seek medical attention.

Erin is an athlete and had been taking altitude medication since we got to Peru. However, altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of their fitness level. Unfortunately, no one really knows how their body will react to higher elevations until they experience them. Therefore it's important to be aware of what can happen, so that you're prepared just in case.

Once Erin was feeling better, we continued our journey by train to Machu Picchu. 

Machu Picchu is truly a magical place. It definitely deserves its title as one of the seven wonders of the world. Interestingly enough, when linked on a map with Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, the three make a perfect triangle. Simply amazing.

~Ms. C