Trekking the Salkantay Trail: A Peruvian Adventure with Friends

Lost in the Majesty of Machu Picchu

Today was the day I had been anticipating since we first sketched out this Peruvian adventure with my friends: Machu Picchu. After days of trekking through stunning landscapes, the ancient citadel finally revealed itself, and it was even more breathtaking than I could have imagined. I'm still trying to process everything I saw and felt, but I'll do my best to share the highlights.

The day began early, with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Apu Salkantay. Fueling up with a mix of Peruvian and international options, including some homemade pizza, was essential for the day ahead. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and I enjoyed watching the trains rumble by as I ate. After breakfast, we made our way to the entrance of Machu Picchu, eager to explore the Historic Sanctuary.


Explore Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel, where history meets breathtaking natural beauty in the heart of the Andes.

As we stepped through the gates, the sheer scale of the city was overwhelming. Stone structures rose from the landscape, perfectly integrated with the surrounding mountains. The craftsmanship was incredible, with massive stones fitted together without mortar. It's amazing to think that this city was built in the 15th century by the Incas. I learned that Machu Picchu was likely built as a refuge for the elite members of Inca aristocracy. The city had a strategic location surrounded by steep cliffs and away from the sight of strangers in a tangled forest.

We spent hours wandering through the different sections of the city, marveling at the temples, palaces, and residential areas. The architecture was amazing, and it was easy to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. The weather in November is mild, with average daily highs around 19°C (66°F), but there is a chance of rain. We were lucky to have a mix of sunshine and clouds, which made for some dramatic photos.

To walk through Machu Picchu is to walk through history, a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of the Inca people.

One of the highlights of the day was hiking to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). The trail to the Sun Gate wasn't too steep, but the altitude definitely made it a bit challenging. It took us a couple of hours to reach the top, but the view was worth it. From there, we could see the entire city spread out below us, with the mountains rising in the distance. The Sun Gate was a control gate for people entering and leaving the city, and it's believed that only the Inca elite were allowed to pass through it.


Experience breathtaking views and rich history at Sun Gate, the iconic gateway to Machu Picchu, nestled in the stunning Andes of Peru.

According to what I've read, the Sun Gate is dedicated to the sun god Inti, and during the summer solstice, the sun's rays would pass through the gate. It was easy to see why the Incas considered this place sacred. I took some time to sit and meditate, soaking in the energy of the place and feeling grateful for the opportunity to be there.
Sun Gate, we were ready for a late lunch. We stopped at Piedra & Sal Restaurante, where I had a delicious meal. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the menu featured a variety of Peruvian dishes. I tried the Lomo Saltado, which was fantastic, and Greta enjoyed a fresh salad.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Piedra & Sal Restaurante in Cusco's historic center – where culinary tradition meets modern bistro charm.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Before heading to our accommodation, we decided to stop at Paddy's Irish Pub for a drink. It was a bit of a surprise to find an Irish pub in Peru, but it was a welcome sight. We enjoyed a couple of beers and chatted with some fellow travelers.


Experience authentic Irish hospitality in the heart of Cusco at Paddy's Irish Pub, offering delicious food, drinks, and live music.

For dinner, we chose Toto's House, a restaurant known for its traditional Peruvian cuisine and buffet. The restaurant was huge, with a seating capacity of 400 people, and it had a lively atmosphere. I opted for the buffet, which had a wide selection of entrees, main courses, and desserts. Greta chose a vegan pasta option. The food was delicious, and it was a great way to end a perfect day.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Toto's House in Aguas Calientes – where every dish tells a story.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Machu Picchu, including Machu Picchu Peak and the Temple of the Moon. I'm also hoping to do some souvenir shopping at Salkantay Trekking. I'm sure there will be even more amazing sights to see and experiences to share. But for now, I'm content to reflect on the wonder of Machu Picchu and the incredible journey that brought me here with my friends. I almost forgot to pack my portable phone charger, but luckily I remembered at the last minute. I would have been devastated if my phone had died during the day.

It's fascinating to think about the history of this place. Machu Picchu was founded by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui in c. 1450 CE. The Incas abandoned Machu Picchu one hundred years after its construction, fearing that the Spanish invaders would find it. The city was abandoned around the early 16th century. It remained unknown to the outside world until it was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. It's amazing to think that this place was hidden for so long.

November is a unique time to visit Machu Picchu, as it marks the transition from the dry season to the rainy season. The weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and a chance of rain. The crowds are also smaller than in the high season, which makes for a more enjoyable experience. The landscape is lush and green, thanks to the rain.

I'm so grateful to be here with my friends, sharing this incredible experience. It's moments like these that make life worth living. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's adventures, but for now, I'm going to get some rest and dream of the ancient city in the clouds. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.