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Just completed the Salkantay Mountain trek.
Got collected at 4:30am and travelled by minibus into the countryside. Our group of 14 were a great crew, especially the Irish contingent. The first day was fairly straight forward with great views of Salkantay Mountain by the evening. However, it rained all night. Luckily our tents were under shelter, although everyone was freezing at night.
Day 2 involved us trekking uphill from 5.30am to the peak at just over 4600m. Gen and I really struggled as we hadn't acclimatized (only 2 days from sealevel to 3300m). Felt like old gits and way off the pace of the rest! The peak was stunning, but the rains were upon us again. Wet gear was an issue for most!
The night of day 2 was back down to 1900m, so warmer, but wet!
Day 3 was just outside a small mountain town and we had sunshine for most of the day. By night, the rains had returned. Had to do a repair job on our tent with a poncho!
Day 4 we walked for 25km with full packs ip the winding valley towards Machu Picchu, finishing at the scenic town of Aguascalientes. Had beds and showers there. Heaven. Bed at 10 as we had to wake at 3.45am. Our bloody assistant guide failed to wake up after a night on the beer, so we all waited around seething from 4:10 to 4:50! Risked missing sunrise, so legged it to the base of Machu Picchu and went as fast as we could up the 1667 steep granite steps to the top (guide had told us it was only 1000!). Managed to get to the top in under 30 mins, so pretty chuffed, but sweaty.
The site was stunning and the weather perfecto! See pics!
Walked back down at 2pm (not like t of the people in the bus) and shnaffled a rewarding beer and pizza with the group.
The train and bus got us back into Cusco at 11pm. Knackered!
- comments
Diana well done you deserved the beer I have to admit xxx PS love the blog paul great job!