Trekking Vs Training to Machu Picchu
To trek or not to trek… that should NOT be the question. If you have time, do the hike. It was one of the highlights of my entire year, and I found it incredibly rewarding. There are multiple routes and lengths you can choose from, and it’s really up to you on what sounds best.
We chose to do the Classic 5 day trek with Salkantay Trekking.
I wanted a trip that would take me through the mountains, valleys, lakes, and forests. Salkantay fit the bill, and sounded more intriguing than the classic Incan trail with a million stairs. Plus, you get to sleep in a glass dome under the stars. It was like enduring all four seasons in one hike, from the snowy peaks to the tropical forest, before reaching the grand finale.
Tips:
Book in-person while you’re in Cusco, as you can typically negotiate a lower price once you’re there. Plus you get a much better “feel” for each company than you would online. It doesn’t matter how far in advanced you book, as long as you have a few days in Cusco beforehand. Note: we paid $400 USD, and the price has since gone up.
You can run around to each company and decide what is best for you, as they’re all located near the main square in Cusco. We spent an entire afternoon going from place to place before landing on Salkantay Trekking.
The Trek:
Day 1: Hiked to Humantay Lake, which is considered too scared to swim. Slept in a glass dome in their “Sky Camp”, with the milky way above us and a huge mountain beside us.
Day 2: Trekked up to Salkantay Pass, and reached the highest level of elevation we’d ever been (until Bolivia). The longest and hardest day, but the best. Slept in an Andean hut among the trees.
Day 3: Left the snowy mountain peaks behind and hiked through a tropical jungle, alongside the river.
Day 4: Hiked to the town at the base of Macchu Picchu, exploring the colourful markets and sleeping in a comfortable hotel bed before the big day.
Day 5: Final stretch of hiking before reaching the Wonder of the World, which is over-photographed for a reason. Try to get tickets to climb the Machupicchu Mountain while you’re there - an extremely challenging yet exciting hike up to a peak looking down on the famous spot.
