September 1–12 | With Gold Adventure
There are few journeys in the world that leave you feeling both physically accomplished and spiritually fulfilled—and the Salkantay Trek is one of them. Over 8 unforgettable days, our group experienced everything from glacier-clad peaks and alpine lagoons to tropical cloud forests and ancient Incan ruins. All of this was made seamless and heartfelt by our guides and support team at Gold Adventure.
Day 1 – Altitude, Ancient Stones & a City That Breathes History
We landed in Cusco just after sunrise, and the Andean light hit us before the altitude did—crisp, golden, unforgettable. At 12,400 feet, the air is thin, but thanks to coca tea and Gold Adventure’s warm welcome, we eased into it.
After settling in, we spent the afternoon exploring Cusco’s historic heart. The cathedral at Plaza de Armas was both grand and surreal, especially the painting of the Last Supper—complete with guinea pig. At Qoricancha, Inca engineering took center stage—massive stones locked without mortar, still standing strong beneath Spanish architecture. From there, we climbed to Sacsayhuamán, where giant walls zigzag like a fortress of giants, then onward to Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, both smaller but rich in atmosphere.
We dined at one a best restaurant that offer local cousine, dinner was special, we enjoyed Peruvian specialties like Andean quinoa soup, Trout Tiradito and Ceviche Carretillero. Cusco had already worked its spell. It’s not just a gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s a city of layers, where every stone tells a story.
Day 2 – Sacred Valley Wonders & Starry Skies at Soraypampa
We hit the road early, leaving Cusco behind for a journey through the Sacred Valley. First stop: Pisac, where ancient terraces curve around cliffs like open arms. At Moray, we descended into circular terraces once used by the Incas for agricultural experiments—living proof of their harmony with nature and science.
A visit to the Cacaccollo weaving cooperative was a beautiful interlude. Watching local women spin and dye alpaca wool with ancestral techniques reminded us that tradition here isn’t preserved—it’s practiced. My baby alpaca scarf will forever carry that story.
After a serene garden lunch in Urubamba, we explored the salt ponds of Maras, shimmering like a mosaic across the mountain, and then climbed the steep terraces of Ollantaytambo, where the Incas made their final stand.
By sunset, we reached our lodge at Soraypampa—remote, peaceful, and glowing under the Milky Way. That night, we stood under a sky so clear it felt unreal. With music, laughter, and a little dancing under the stars, we ended the day feeling lighter than air—even at 12,800 feet.
Day 3: The Lagoon at Dawn & Salkantay Pass
We began our day with a gentle wake-up of hot tea and coffee delivered to our beds—something I never get back home in the U.S. The kindness of the Gold Adventure staff added warmth to the cold mountain morning. After a hearty breakfast, we set off in the early light toward Humantay Lagoon. Spending the night at the mountain’s base allowed us to reach the lagoon before most other trekkers—just as the first sunlight lit up the surrounding peaks, while the moon still lingered in the sky. It was a moment of duality and wonder.
The path to the lagoon was rocky but rewarding, every turn revealing a new angle of the mountain. We returned, rested briefly, then started our gradual ascent toward Salkantay Pass. The views were breathtaking. Snow-covered peaks glowed under shifting morning light. We stopped for a hot, freshly prepared lunch beneath the towering presence of Salkantay Mountain at 15,200 ft. The pass itself offered panoramic views so magnificent, we almost didn’t want to leave—but we had to descend to Wayracmachay campsite, tucked below the mountains, where a warm meal and cozy tents awaited.
Day 4: From Glacier to Jungle
I stepped out of my tent at sunrise and felt as though God’s own light had graced our camp. The golden rays spilled over glacier peaks and clouds nestled below. We descended into the cloud forest, watching as the landscape transformed from icy heights to lush, vibrant greenery. Orchids, ferns, and fruit trees lined our path, and our knowledgeable guide explained the rich biodiversity of this microclimate.
At Collpapampa, we stopped for lunch and enjoyed cold drinks from a small local shop (pro tip: carry some cash). The afternoon took us through farms growing coffee, papaya, and more—traditional farming still thriving in the jungle’s embrace. We arrived at Loreta, a tropical haven by the Salkantay River, where flowers bloomed and the soothing sound of water lulled us into relaxation.
Day 5: Coffee, Culture & A Mountain Swing
This was one of the most interactive and joyful days. We visited a local coffee farm and learned every step of the process—from picking the beans to roasting and grinding, and finally sipping our hand-crafted coffee. A traditional Peruvian stir-fry demo by our chef and fresh-squeezed orange juice capped off the experience.
The afternoon hike offered sweeping views of Santa Teresa Valley, ending at Llactapata, our scenic campsite. On the way, we saw free-roaming dogs, chickens, and cheerful locals selling cold drinks at just the right time. From Llactapata, we caught our first view of Machu Picchu, glowing in the golden sunset. Later, we enjoyed a hot meal, a surprise cake from our amazing chefs, and even a campfire under the stars. Our guide gave a passionate talk about Inca constellations, and for the first time in my life, I saw the Milky Way clearly—stretching across the sky in silent wonder.
Day 6: Into the Jungle Town
We bid farewell to our magical campsite and descended through dense cloud forest to the Hydroelectric Station, stopping at a majestic 300-meter waterfall. We also visited the Sundial Rock, an Incan ceremonial site used to mark the agricultural seasons.
After lunch, we walked along the train tracks, spotting Peru’s national bird—the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-Rock—on our way to Aguas Calientes. We reached town by evening, showered (finally!), and explored the artisan markets. Some went for massages, others simply enjoyed walking the cobbled streets. That night, we shared a special farewell dinner filled with laughter, memories, and anticipation—because the next morning was Machu Picchu.
Day 7: Machu Picchu – A Dream Realized
Rain greeted us early, and fog clouded the view as we rode the shuttle bus. I worried that poor visibility might ruin the day—but nature had its own plan. As we arrived, the rain stopped, the fog danced among the ruins, and suddenly, we were standing in the clouds with Machu Picchu. The mystical atmosphere was more breathtaking than I imagined, like stepping into a dream. Our guide shared the incredible history of the site while we wandered, stunned by its scale and serenity.
Then came the challenge: Waynapicchu, the iconic mountain behind the ruins. With narrow, steep steps and stunning views, it was not for the faint of heart—but the reward at the top made every step worth it.
We returned to Aguas Calientes, enjoyed lunch with a live folk dance performance, then boarded the panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport returned us to Cusco.
Day 8: The Rainbow Finale
On our final day, we rose early for a journey to Rainbow Mountain, one of the most colorful and surreal landscapes on Earth. The 3-mile trek reached 16,200 ft—a test of will more than muscle. Horses were available, but I challenged myself to hike it. When we arrived, I felt I had stepped into a postcard.
The descent was quiet and reflective. The Andean peaks, the swirling clouds, and the golden light gave me company as I said goodbye to these sacred mountains. We ended the day with a hot lunch by our ever-reliable chef, and one last dinner in Cusco, laughing and reminiscing about the week that changed us.
Final Thoughts
This journey was not just about reaching Machu Picchu—it was about the land, the people, the stars, the food, the altitude, the fog, the sweat, and the joy. Every detail was handled with care by the team at Gold Adventure. From coffee farms and cloud forests to glacier lakes and ancient temples, the Salkantay Trek awakened something in all of us. If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to reach the “Lost City of the Incas,” this is it.