Soraypampa, base camp at 12,500 feet!
Day 1: Salkantay Trek to iconic Machu Picchu
After 48 hours of acclimatization in Cusco, we explored the vibrant city and hiked to the scenic Red Valley and the iconic Rainbow Mountain. Now, the day of our trek has finally arrived.
Post a heavy Peruvian lunch, we all gathered at the operator’s office in the Plaza de Almas for a 3.5-hour drive to the Glass Cabañas in Soraypampa (12,500 feet). During the commute, we caught glimpses of the magnificent Salkantay Mountain.
Upon reaching the Soraypampa, the scenery changed dramatically. As we stepped off the bus, we were all in awe of the stunning landscape surrounding us.
The golden hour of the evening light made it look like a fairy tale village nestled near the majestic glacial peaks illuminated by the setting sun! Have a glimpse https://youtube.com/shorts/61eZogMtDf0?feature=share
The dominant snow clad Humantay peak was shining and looked pristine. While we absorbed the panoramic views, we also met other group members who had come from all over the world, and we all compared the view to a Swiss village, and I couldn’t agree more! The air was filled with the smell of the mountain, and the cold breeze felt soothing. Chickens were wandering around, and the wildflowers added a lovely touch to the valley!
As we settled into our rooms, the Glass Cabañas took my breath away. The clear blue sky and white mountains were visible through the glass ceilings and the east-facing wall.
We were then called in for evening tea and snacks, which were a delightful treat for our tired senses, especially with the hummingbirds feeding on the flowers nearby.
Later, we enjoyed a hot, delicious dinner and shared our hiking experiences. We were now officially Salkantay hikers!
As the lights went out, we retired to our much-anticipated Glass Cabañas. The wall displayed a painting of the Milky Way similar to a painting I had seen in the Sun Temple in Cusco! Inca Version of Milky Way Constellations – Qorikancha! An interesting read https://www.salkantaytrekking.com/blog/qorikancha-temple-of-the-sun/
As the lights went out, looking through the glass ceiling came alive with stunning views of the night sky, offering unforgettable stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere! I saw a shooting star amidst the star-studded sky shining millions of years away!
We woke up early morning at 4:00 with the call of the rooster, calls of the lark and the morning breeze!
We all gathered as a new family over a delicious, warm breakfast and hot tea!
I got to taste the juicy fruits of Peru and marked the start of a delightful trek to Humantay Lake through the rugged beauty of the Andes!
Our journey begins on the classic Salkantay trek, which connects the city of Mollepata, Cusco, to the iconic Machu Picchu with the new hiking family!