Day 458 – Aguas Calientes to Cusco

Salkantay Trek: Modified Final Day

Today we undertook an itinerary that was unique to us. The standard Salkantay requires hikers to visit Machu Picchu in the morning and then be back in Cusco by night time. Our final day would just involve a leisurely hike to Hidroelectrica and then a van ride to Cusco.

Aguas Calientes

After so many days of early starts, we enjoyed waking up at 8am. We were able to check out of Eco Mapi Hostel with our backpacks. Around town, we couldn’t find too many options for breakfast. After a quick online search, we ended up going to Inkani Cafe for some muffins and coffee. 

• 

• 

Around 10am we started the walk down the railway tracks to Hidroelectrica. It took us 2.5 hours along this flat terrain. The walk is quite nice, between the lush trees. We saw the odd train and had a canine companion for most of the way, which was enjoyable.

Hidroelectrica

We stopped at the restaurant, where the others had dropped off their luggage 2 days ago (Day 456), for some lunch. The place was called Restaurant Babylon and the meal of the day or menu el dia (in Spanish) was tasty. 

As we were eating, the other hikers from the 5 day Salkantay group started to appear. We ended up chatting with them. The 4 day group, who were already in Cusco, told us that they had issues with the transport back not having everyone’s names. Therefore, we went to the pick up point early at 2pm to wait. Fifteen minutes later, we were all in the van without any issues.  

However, we did have to wait until 3pm to leave. The silver lining was that a guy was selling delicious ice cream cones. It was a nice way to end the trek.

The drive to Cusco was uneventful. We stopped once for a toilet and snack break after some time. There was intermittent light rain throughout the drive. 

Cusco

We arrived in Cusco, just before 9pm. After saying goodbye to everyone, we all went our separate ways. Since we were dropped off at the central plaza, we decided to have Maccas for dinner before checking back into the ever comfortable Cusco International Hostal. The group had agreed to meet up for drinks after showers, but there was only silence on the group’s Whatsapp chat. I assume everyone was way too tired.

The modified Salkantay trek was amazing and I would do it again in the same way. It allowed us to have a full day at the amazing site. But I think any time spent at Machu Picchu will be incredible. 

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