Machu Picchu: Grom, Wedel & Team Arrive in the heart of the Andes
Thursday, August 8, 2924 - 5:11 am PT
Hola!
We left Cusco early this morning, taking a bumpy and winding road into the heart of the Andes. We were all a little queasy from the bus ride but when we opened the door to views of Tukarway (19,499ft) and Salkantay (20,574ft) all was okay. There are no words for the feeling of being surrounded by jagged peaks with glaciers, snow and ice. The views were beyond beautiful.
After a second breakfast, we started our trek. Winding through the valley with mountains reigning above us at every turn. After a few hours we stopped for lunch. We promise not to tell you all because we want you to think we’re hardcore but we did indeed have a 3-course meal seated at a table right in the middle of the trail. Fresh avocado and vegetables, warm soup, followed by mashed potatoes and beef medallions. Okay, okay, okay. I’ll move on, but it was divine.
After lunch we had a steeper climb for a couple hours to our camp at 15,500 feet!! Right at the toe of the Salkantay Glacier. Our tents opening up to the mountain before us, we saw ice falls and avalanches cascading down the slopes. We are all exhausted after little sleep last night and our first big day on the trail.We’re tucked in now with hot water bottles and sleeping bags fully zipped - it’s likely our chilliest night of the whole trek.
Tomorrow we’ll head over Salkantay Pass at nearly 16,000 feet and then descend around the mountain to our next camp.
With tired feet and big smiles,
RMI Guides Jess, Casey and team
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