Salcantay, A Journey to Machu Picchu
After looking through my journal this past weekend, I wondered how the summer dissappeared so quickly. Months have gone by since I shared my journey through Peru with 3 perfect strangers and I have yet to share my stories. To no further delay, enjoy…
Journal: May 11-May 15, 2008 Day 1 - The Begining - Soray Pampa
There is something so strange, yet so invigorating about traveling, trekking and camping with complete strangers. Though I traveled this route 1 year ago, I am seeing it through completely virgin eyes. It is very clear to me that the people can completely control your experience. I started off my day at 4:45am and because I could not fall asleep last night (perhaps due to the altitude or maybe just due to the shear excitement!) I am running on 5 hours of sleep. There is no better way to get to know your fellow trekkers than starting off on minimal sleep and trekking up to 13, 000ft. above sea level.
Arriving in Soray Pampa this time was quite different than last year. The clouds were set in and the rain was falling. The infamous Salcantay Mountain (standing over 20,000 feet) was no where to be seen.
Day 2 - The highest point of the trip - Salcantay pass (4600m)
What a day! We woke up to sleet and snow and the clouds set in. What
happened to the 20,000 ft mountain the Salcantay Trail was named after?! I am missing the sun and warm clothes! Regretfully, we pack up our frozen tent knowing full well that there is no way tonight is going to be a dry and cozy evening. I am not optimistic about the changing weather today. I toss on my fleece pants and rain gear…”let’s do this thing!”
Once I begin trekking, I remember how much I really do love the snow. There is a calming affect those
tiny, white, meandering pieces of ice hold. Everything is quiet and calm. I do not have to deal with any extreme winds or lightning. Everything is just right.
We continue to trek along and I feel fine. Every time I start to feel a little tired, I remember to lift up my head and open my eyes…I am in Peru trekking amongst some of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. So what if I cannot se Salcantay looming over my head – I now have the opportunity to enjoy the present…what a concept! That said, I must admit reaching the top of the pass at over 15,000 ft was quite rewarding, almost as rewarding as the 15 minutes of sun I would enjoy just 1 hour later. This 15 minutes would give me the glimpse of Salcantay that I had been waiting for…just as beautiful and massive as I remember it!
Day 3 - The Tropical Biozones - Colpapampa
Finally, a warm morning! I use the term “warm” very loosely. The test is not
frozen and there is no snow on the ground. After the last couple of days, my standards of “warm have certainly lowered. I do understand that today is the day I will get to experience the tropical biozones. I am ready to toss my fleece jacket in my backpack and soak up the sun rays!
We begin trekking and sure enough, 15 minutes into the trek I am 20 degrees warmer! I do have a great appreciation of the sun, having been away from it the past few days. Though today’s trek was much easier in comparison to the past couple of days, I can definitely feel the effects of hiking for 2 days up to 15,000ft. I feel a bit warn. I should say my body feels a bit warn, but my mind is constantly revived with each change in scenery. It seems like every time I lift my head I am in a whole new world! Peru is amazing! The terrain is ever changing and the people are so open and excited to share their country with us visitors. They are so proud of where they are from. These memories will last forever!
Day 4 - The long road down to Machu Picchu
The final day of the trek…it’s all down hill from here. I remember when I was a child, I thought going up was always the toughest part of the hike, though my dad always preferred going up. It is all very apparent to me now why he enjoyed the up hill…it’s the knees! I completed my first marathon less than one week before coming on this trip. Though the marathon was great training for my lungs, it was HORRIBLE on my knees. I know now how important it is to keep control of every step when descending. I may not have felt the affects when I was a child, but I can sure feel them now. The weather is beautiful and I am sure to take my time and remember to stop every so often to enjoy
the view, but it is a bit harder when going down hill! When we reach the bottom of the mountain, it is bitter sweet. I am certainly looking forward to a nice hot shower and a comfortable bed, but I am going to miss being in the Peruvian Andes immensely. Peru is amazing! The terrain is ever changing and the people are so open and excited to share their country with us visitors. They are so proud of where they are from. The pain is short-lived, but the memories, they last forever!
Day 5 - Culmination - Machu Picchu
Arriving at the entrance of Machu Picchu, I think, “there is no way this trip can get any
better!” I mean, I have felt such a sense of euphoria for the past 4 days, how can I possibly maintain this feeling?! Besides, I have seen Machu Picchu before, how can a bunch of rocks be exciting to see for the second time…?
…Peru does it again! Walking into Machu Picchu, the sun is perfect. I can see rays shining through the ancient windows and the wonderful people I get to share this with are glowing almost as brightly as the sun. I cannot tell you how lucky I am! It seems obvious that I should feel lucky to get to travel to Peru, but my true luck is the opportunity to share this journey with my new eclectic, animated friends.
Continuing up to Huayna Picchu, I continue to think, “this just cannot get any better!” And as usual I am proven wrong. At the final steps along side Hannu and Everertt, I reach the peak of my trip. I stand at the edge of a cliff towering 400+ above solid ground and I do not feel fear, I feel happy!
The key to a great outdoor experience is being properly prepared and outfitted. I make my living selling trips to hike the Salcantay trail and other treks within Peru so I often get the question, “is there anything you would recommend I don’t leave home without?” My answer is always this, “Bring layers, a good pair of waterproof shoes, full rain gear and a positive attitude knowing the weather could be ugly!” No matter how
bad the weather is, you always feel better if you end the trip in dry clothes and if you expect the worst weather, you will never be let down! It is very clear to me that the people you trek with and the gear you pack define the memories of your trip, for better or worse.
