Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
🌄 First steps on the Salkantay! We kicked off the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with a 12–13 km (7.5–8 mile) hike from Challacancha to Soraypampa, climbing nearly 700 m to camp at 3,850 m. Honestly, I swear the first 20 minutes were the hardest, and I wondered if I’d even be able to do this. But once I found a rhythm, the Andes opened up in front of us. We added a side trek to Humantay Lake at 4,200 m, where glacial waters made the climb worth every step. Falling asleep under the stars felt like the perfect start to this journey to Machu Picchu.
🌄 First steps on the Salkantay! We kicked off the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with a 12–13 km (7.5–8 mile) hike from Challacancha to Soraypampa, climbing nearly 700 m to camp at 3,850 m. Honestly, I swear the first 20 minutes were the hardest, and I wondered if I’d even be able to do this. But once I found a rhythm, the Andes opened up in front of us. We added a side trek to Humantay Lake at 4,200 m, where glacial waters made the climb worth every step. Falling asleep under the stars felt like the perfect start to this journey to Machu Picchu.
