Let the Trek Begin & a Breathtaking View

The alarm painfully went off at 3am for a 4.10 pick up! Boarded the mini bus full of excitement and quickly realised we are likely the only morning people of the group and stopped cackling and whooping on the back seats.

After a beautiful 1.5 hour drive watching the light fade in over the Andes, driving through tiny mountain villages and listening to the faint jaunty Spanish music playing from the front, we arrived at Mollepata (2850m) for a buffet breakfast, followed by a bumpy ride up to Challanancha (3800m) to start the trek!

Amazing views whilst trekking, initially of the snow capped Humantay mountain, then as we approached our “Sky Camp” the Salkantay mountain Came into view. Felix (our guide) told us the mountains are very spiritual and respected in Peru and mean a lot to Peruvians, symbolising protection and strength.

Still surprised how out of breath the inclines made us (blaming altitude not fitness). Also got to know some of the other 6 trekkers in the group - from UK, USA and Brazil.

On arrival at the campsite, we settled into our dome. The views from inside were incredible - seeing the snowy peaks and glaciers from our beds an experience like no other.

Gorgeous Lunch (pumpkin fritter, roast potatoes, rice, quinoa soup, avocado salad etc), and a little siesta; we hiked to Humantay Lake. This was a steep ascent of 300m, but absolutely worth it. Swift descent admiring the horses grazing below, then a rest before tea at 5 (meeting the rest of the trekking team - horseman, chef and assistant chef) and dinner at 6. Lovely food and finishing again with a traditional mint tea.

The temperature had already started to drop outside….Emma almost cried with happiness when the chef brought everyone a fleecy hot water bottle to go to bed with after tea. We were provided with super thick sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and really comfy beds; this combined with Rach’s great idea to wear tomorrows trekking outfit under PJs were all a recipe for a good nights sleep to set us up for tomorrow’s trekking adventures!
Falling asleep under the stars, but so comfy and cosy was really special.Read more