Gazing through the windows, majestic mountains surround me on either side. The forceful winds sway our plane, akin to a tiny boat navigating the tumultuous sea waves. Cusco airport boasts a reputation as one of the most challenging to land at globally. Finally, we make a triumphant landing, marking the commencement of our thrilling adventure.
Cusco lies near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range. It sits at an elevation of 11,275, at least that’s the elevation at the coffee shop I currently sit at and write this blog. The locals didn’t move the mountains to live upon, they moved into the mountains. Civilation carving up the valley hills leads to a mesmerzing site. Cobblestone roads and sidewalks covered the San Blas district. Long before American was founded civilations were thriving.
I stayed at a hotel called Casa San Blas in the San Blas district. Know for its art work, restaurants, and for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. I sat on the park benches sketching The Plaza de Armas dreaming about dreams. Soaking in the new world and all it entails.
We used two different tour groups to explore the region, which turned out to be a great idea considering how far away many of the places were I wish to see. We did all the below in two single days trips.
Points of Interest:
- Rainbow mountain & red valley
- Salt mines
- Sacred Valley
- Town of Chinchero
- Moray Incan Ruins
- Maras Salt Mines
- Ollantaytambo Archeological Ruins
Cusco city was the capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th century until the 16th-century Spanish conquest.
Francisco Pizarro renamed it as the “very noble and great city of Cuzco”. Buildings often constructed after the Spanish invasion have a mixture of Spanish influence and Inca architecture. The Spanish destroyed many Inca buildings, temples and palaces. They used the remaining walls as bases for the construction of a new city. Cusco was the center for the Spanish colonization and spread of Christianity.
Machu Picchu
One of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu did not disappoint. What an incredible archeological site. Built in 1450 and abandoned in 1572 it was home to the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472). Discovered by a Spanish soldier named Baltasar Ocampo. Its three primary structures are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek (4 day, 3 night)
- Day 1:
- Challacancha to Collpapampa
- Ascend to Humantay Lake – Distance: 2 miles
- Start: Tues Nov. 14th, 6:00 am , Alt. 12857 ft
- Humantay Lake Elev: 13,995 ft, Eleven gain: 1,138 ft
- Time: 1:12:11
- Humantay Lake to Salkantay Pass (summit)
- Eleven: 15261 ft, Distance: 6.58, Time: 3:59:23, Elev. Gain: 2404
- Camp site #1 Collpapampa
- Elev: 9,457 ft, Decent: 5,804 ft, Distance 15.23 miles
- Total time: 8:04:24
- Day 2:
- Collpapampa to La Playa
- Camp site #2: La Playa:
- Elev: 6,857 ft Decent: 2,600 ft time: 4:12:53 Distance: 10.69 miles
- Day 3 :
- La Playa to Llactapata Inca Site
- Elev: 8,984 ft Gain: 2,127 ft, time: 2:29:35, Distance: 4.91 miles
- Inca site to Aguas Caliente
- Hotel Gringo at Aguas Caliente
- Elev: 6,703 ft, Decent: 2,281 ft, time: 6:27:55, Distance: 15.35 miles
- Day 4:
- Machu Picchu
- Bus ride to site: 25 min
- Aguas Calientes to Cusco
- Train ride: 2 hours
- Private driver: 1.5 hours
Our journey included the remarkable Salkantay trek spanning four days and three nights, covering a total distance of 41.27 miles. The first day our brains throbbed and our lungs burned in the thin air starting at 12,857 feet and climbing to 15261 feet, the effects of altitude became palpable. The final quarter-mile ascended steeply, gaining 1,000 feet in elevation. Battling against headwinds and relentless rain, we pressed forward. Those who endure the storm emerge on the other side as champions.
Starting the trek at an elevation of 12,857 feet, we reached the summit on the first day at an altitude of 15,261 feet, covering 6.58 miles with an elevation gain of 2,404 feet. The entire day’s trek spanned 15.23 miles, making this journey a truly unforgettable experience. On the third day, we arrived in Aguas Calientes, the town nestled near Machu Picchu. The following day, a 25-minute bus ride took us up the mountain’s side to the breathtaking site.
Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
The residents offered their horses for hire at a rate of $60 sol, approximately $16 USD, catering to those who either couldn’t or wouldn’t cover the 2.2-mile journey to the summit on foot. Astonishingly, after dropping off one set of passengers, they would dash back the same two miles to secure another customer. Picture this: a two-mile run at an altitude of 16,000 feet, all while wearing sandals. Yes, sandals! The feat is nothing short of impressive, to say the least..
The scenery, with its striking interplay of sky, mountains, and earth, captivates the beholder’s gaze in sheer awe. While pictures convey a thousand words, they fall short of narrating the complete tale. To truly comprehend the unadulterated joy and happiness that one’s eyes witness in person, one must delve into the entire book of the experience.
Peru holds a unique and enchanting allure. Its awe-inspiring landscapes, rich historical tapestry, and archaeological wonders have deeply resonated with my soul. The mountains embracing Machu Picchu, shrouded in clouds that gracefully cascade into the valleys, create a magical spectacle. There’s an undeniable energy in the air, one that you can truly feel and absorb.
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” —T.S. Eliot
Viva la Peru,
Fish
Fishtales 