Day 455 – Soraypampa to Colcapampa
Salkantay Trek: The hardest day
We woke up to the sound of our alarm at 4.30am. The guides had told us that we would get a wake up call with coca tea, but this never happened. Most likely because we were in a separate camp area than the rest of the group.
We packed our things and got ready to have breakfast. Then the final preparations were made. We gave our large backpack in to be tied to a donkey along with the rest of the group’s supplies. I definitely felt sorry for the donkeys, who carry all this weight. By the time we left the camp site it was 6am.
Today is known as the hardest day of the hike. This is because we will reach the highest point. But we would need to take it step by step. The climb was slow going, but for the start at least the group of 23 tourists and 2 guides stayed together.
As the climb got harder and harder, the group started to separate. One of the guides stayed at the front of the group and the other bought up the rear.
Salktantay Mountain
We reached the summit of the hike at 9.30am. That was a 6km uphill hike with an elevation from 3,900m up to 4,600m in 3.5 hours. We were meant to be able to see Salkantay Mountain here. Unfortunately we were surrounded by heavy fog.
After taking some photos and regrouping, we started the descent. No one wanted to stay up here for too long, as it was cold once we stopped hiking.
After a short downhill section, we stopped at a beautiful blue lake. We were guided through a traditional Inca coca leaf ritual, which involved 3 leaves, some alcohol and a wish. It was really cool, as the guide was really into explaining the ritual.
The rest of the 14kms were all downhill through more amazing scenery. Along the way, we stopped at some huts in Huayracmachay for lunch. The lunch was already made by the time we arrived. Most of our group was already at the lunch site too. The group was separated into two different rooms so that we could all get seats. The lunch was wonderful once more.
Camp site
After lunch we continued downhill to our final camping site, Camping Florentino in Collpapampa. Our journey was over, at 4pm. Once again, most of the others were already here. The tents were already set up at these camping grounds. There is a little shop that sells beer and water. We were also able to have cold showers for free and paid hot showers. I opted for a nice cold shower. Cold isn’t the word I would use to describe it though. It was #$%:)@$ freezing!
By the time I got out of the shower, everyone was starting to have some drinks and playing card games. We joined in on the fun. Dinner was served a few hours later.
After dinner, the guides gave us information about the next day before starting a bonfire. It was amazing and we all gathered around it and chilled into the night.
The one bad thing happened today, but it didn’t happen to us. One of the guys thought (like us) that there would be a wake up call in the morning so he stayed in his tent. Because of this he missed breakfast. And then he was pretty slow on the downhill section, so he missed lunch. Essentially, he had to do the entire 20km without any meals, which is very harsh.
Travelled November 2019
Expenses and Transport
- Tour – Salkantay (5 days / 4 nights) with optional Montana Mountain – 600 PEN (~$282 AUD) per person with Carlos Guest House