Salkantay Trek

Salkantay Trek (incomplete) solo
As part of my recovery I decided to hike the 2 first stages of the Salkantay Trek solo.
Departure with collectivos from Cusco early morning; it is incredible of well everything works.
3 hours drive to Mollepata, where a taxi is already waiting, and as we are 4 tourists staring the trek there is not a minute waiting time, we all embark and drive to Challacancha, the park entrance.
I start my hike, still feeling weak from the sickness but enjoying the beautiful flat path on my own.
I arrive to Soraypampa and my charming hostel after about 2,5 hours walk. A short beak and check in later, I start the ascension to the Humantay Lake. Beautiful views, I enjoy the scenes and the sun.
Back to the hostel for a cold shower, more views of the Salkantay and Humantay peaks (both above 6000 m) and a early dinner. Australians, lots of of French and some Swiss create a nice assembly. We all go early to bed, the beds are incredibly comfortable and I sleep very well.
The day after we have breakfast at 5:30 and start the ascent of the Salkantay Pass ( 4630 m). The day start beautiful but turns foggy, rainy and cold). I cross the pass and walk on the other side to the 10th kilometre. I then need to climb back in the rain, thunderstorms and fog. I hear the glacier falling in the background, which makes a special atmosphere. I arrive at the hostel, the sun shines again and I can dry my clothes. Second evening with notably more French people.
The third day is going back to Challakancha and hitch an empty bus going back after bringing more tourists to the departure.
I would have loved to continue but it was a good decision to plan it like this,as I was still recovering from illness.Read more