Trekking the Salkantay Trail: A Peruvian Adventure with Friends

Echoes of the Incas, Tastes of Today

As the sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows across the ancient stones, I found myself reflecting on the incredible journey that was the Salkantay Trail. Today, the final day of our trek, was a blend of historical exploration and culinary indulgence, a fitting end to an adventure that has tested our limits and enriched our souls.

Our day started early, with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Tupana Wasi. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of new discoveries. After fueling up, we set off to explore Juchuy Coscco, a site whose name translates to Little Cusco in Quechua. And indeed, perched high above the Sacred Valley, it felt like a miniature version of the Inca capital. The views were simply breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the valley below and the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Exploring Juchuy Coscco, I learned that it was once a royal estate of Inca Wiracocha. The site dates back to the pre-Inca era, but it was Wiracocha who expanded it in the 15th century. As I wandered through the ruins, I imagined what life must have been like here centuries ago. I could almost hear the echoes of Inca voices and the rhythmic sounds of daily life. The site includes temples, plazas, and storage buildings. The Incas were incredibly advanced, and Huchuy Qosqo had an intricate 800-meter irrigation canal that supplied water to the site. My friends and I spent hours exploring the ruins, marveling at the ingenuity and skill of the Inca people. It's a bit of a climb to get up there, but the views and the history are well worth the effort.

Explore the serene beauty and rich Incan heritage at Juchuy Coscco, a hidden treasure in the Peruvian Andes, perfect for adventurous travelers.

Travel is more than seeing sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.

After our historical immersion at Juchuy Coscco, we journeyed to the Ollantaytambo Sanctuary. Ollantaytambo is often called a living Inca town because people have lived there continuously since the Inca era. The town retains its original Inca layout, with cobblestone streets and water channels still functioning. The Ollantaytambo ruins are a testament to the Incan civilization's adaptation to the Andean environment. The sanctuary was built during the reign of Inca Emperor Pachacuti. It served as a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. I was struck by the sheer scale of the stonework and the precision with which the stones were fitted together. Some of the stones were brought from a quarry 6 kilometers away, near the Urubamba River. To transport these stones, the Incas had to divert the entire water channel around them, meaning a masterful engineering work and much wisdom. As I explored the Temple of the Sun, I learned that Ollantaytambo played a role during the Spanish conquest. Manco Inca Yupanqui used Ollantaytambo as a stronghold against the Spanish in 1537.

Explore the stunning Ollantaytambo Sanctuary, a historical landmark showcasing Inca architecture and breathtaking views in Peru's Sacred Valley.
After a morning filled with history and exploration, it was time for a well-deserved lunch. We stopped at Casa Salkantay for a late lunch. The restaurant was charming, and the staff welcomed us with warm smiles. I had heard great things about Casa Salkantay. It is on the way to Humantay Lake, and many tours stop there. Some reviewers mentioned that Casa Salkantay is set up more for tours, but that you can order there. The ladies in the kitchen were smiling and welcoming. After lunch, we made our way back to Ollantaytambo, where we had dinner at Toto's House. Toto's House is a restaurant that began with the dream of offering travelers Peruvian cuisine at the level of a wonder of the world. The restaurant maintains customs and embraces Peruvian roots. I ordered Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian stir-fry, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich and complex, a testament to the culinary heritage of this region. The location was perfect and near the train station. The huge menu serves the same international and Peruvian staples as everywhere else, though much of it is cooked in an open fire pit.

Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Toto's House in Aguas Calientes – where every dish tells a story.
After dinner, we decided to check out Multiverso Resto-Bar. We enjoyed some local beers and reminisced about the trek. It was the perfect way to celebrate the end of our adventure.

Multiverso Resto-Bar: Experience Cusco's vibrant nightlife with a unique blend of local drinks and live music, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
As I sit here now, penning these words, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and accomplishment. The Salkantay Trail has been more than just a trek; it has been a journey of self-discovery, a celebration of friendship, and an immersion into the rich tapestry of Peruvian culture. I've learned a lot about the Inca civilization, and I am excited to bring that knowledge back to my classroom in Berlin. I am also bringing back a lot of photos, which I know Lila will love. And of course, I will be bringing back stories to tell Greta. As much as I love traveling with my friends, I always miss my family and look forward to seeing them again. I know Greta is looking forward to me making some Peruvian dishes.
Tomorrow, we leave Peru, but the memories of this incredible journey will stay with me forever. The towering mountains, the lush valleys, the ancient ruins, and the warm smiles of the Peruvian people have left an indelible mark on my heart. I am so grateful for this experience, and I know that it will continue to inspire me for years to come. I am already thinking about what my next adventure will be! Perhaps I will explore more of South America, or maybe I will go back to Southeast Asia. The world is a big place, and there is so much to see and experience.

Tonight, though, I will sleep soundly, knowing that I have completed one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. The Salkantay Trail, you will be missed, but never forgotten.