Salkantay Trek Day 1: Cusco > Soraypampa

Walking Distance: 13 km, approximately 6 hours of hiking.

Today was one of the earliest starts since my Camino days (4:00am!). We left Cusco bright and early towards Soraypampa, where we begun our two-hour uphill hike to the mesmerising Humantay Lake, its name deriving from “huma” for crest and “tay” for closeness.

Beside the lake, we got to enjoy some downtime and learn about landscapes and Incan culture from Abel, our guide.

We learnt that Humantay and Salkantay are special borders in the range, covering a lot of diversity in terms of nature and wildlife. Peru overall has over 80 of the 104 ecosystems/microclimates that exist in the world and and today’s trek covered 10, insane!

From the lake, it was an easy two-hour downhill hike to the Quiswarniyoc campsite, where lunch including mango ceviche awaited. 🤤

In the afternoon, we had a another gathering to learn more about our surroundings and hear Abel’s captivating thoughts.

Our campsite was nestled at an altitude of 4,100 meters and thanks to the slower pace of some in our group adjusting to the altitude (thanks Nath!), we were treated to the luxury of staying in the glass igloos, with their breathtaking mountain views and an illuminated night sky - an unexpected reward for a slower ascent. 💁🏻‍♀️

Just the first day and it was already filled with unique experiences!Read more