If you ever feel like your daily commute is a struggle, let me introduce you to the Salkantay Trail; a scenic, reminder that humans do insane, physically demanding and pain-inducing activities for fun.
The adventure starts innocently enough. You lace up your boots, pack for a 5 day hike, take a deep breath, then a few more because it is already starved of oxygen, note the fresh Andean air, and think, “How hard can this be?” A few hours later, you’re negotiating with your own lungs like they’re disgruntled coworkers. The trail climbs, even the plateaus appear to climb. A couple of days later, you’re approaching the legendary Salkantay Pass; sitting at over 4,000 metres above sea level. That’s the kind of altitude where even tying your shoelaces feels like a full cardio session. Snow-capped peaks stretch into the distance, valleys, sheer rock faces, glaciers surround and engulf your senses.
At this height, every step becomes… meaningful. Not in a spiritual, I’ve found myself way, although that might happen too, but in a, I will celebrate this single step like I’ve just won a marathon, kind of way. The air is thin, a slight breeze helps, your legs begin sending strongly worded complaints to your brain. Meanwhile, the mountains around you look effortlessly majestic, as if they’ve been waiting centuries to watch hikers question their life choices.
Despite the challenge, everyone keeps going. There’s something oddly motivating about seeing fellow trekkers puffing along beside you, all sharing the same mix of determination and mild confusion. You bond over snacks, shared exhaustion, and the universal realisation that oxygen is truly underrated.
Just when you think you’ve reached your limit, you crest the pass. Suddenly, the world opens up. Clouds drift below you like lazy rivers, for a moment, you forget how much your calves hurt. It’s the kind of view that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
Skip forward a few more days of hiking…
The trail eventually leads you to the grand finale; Machu Picchu.
Honestly, nothing quite prepares you for it. After days of trekking, you arrive at this breathtaking ancient city perched high in the mountains, wrapped in mist and mystery. The stone structures, terraces, and temples feel almost alive, whispering stories of a once-thriving civilization.
It’s easy to see why people describe Machu Picchu as phenomenal. The craftsmanship alone is astonishing—massive stones fitted together so precisely that even modern engineers might raise an eyebrow. Walking through the ruins, you can’t help but imagine what life was like in this hidden society, tucked away from the world for centuries. Suddenly, all those uphill steps make sense. The aching legs, the breathless climbs, the dramatic internal monologues.
Today is an extrodonary day.
We didn’t just visit Machu Picchu; WE EARNED IT.
