Day 5 Part 2: Conquering Huayna Picchu

Day 5: Machu Picchu Part 2

Hiking Up Huayna Picchu Mountain

The ruins of Machu Picchu were stunning in the morning light, but our adventure wasn’t over. Looming in the background was Huayna Picchu Mountain, our next challenge. Only 400 people are allowed to climb this mountain each day, and we were fortunate to have secured our tickets in advance.

We’d heard this hike described with words like “dangerous,” “death stairs,” and “steep.” Perfect. As I stood at the base, gazing up at the daunting peak, I couldn’t help but think, “How on earth am I supposed to get to the top?” But with time ticking, we couldn’t afford to hesitate. Bill, Greg, and I, along with our friend Brook, began our ascent with determination.

The climb was indeed strenuous, but we took breaks whenever we needed to. Thankfully, most of the trail was shaded. The path was steep, with endless narrow stairs cut into the mountainside, but it was wide enough for faster hikers to pass. We went at our own pace, encouraging one another and exchanging friendly words with fellow climbers. It felt like a team effort, everyone united by the shared challenge.

An hour later, we reached the summit. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. From the top, the view of Machu Picchu was breathtaking. Seeing the ancient city from this vantage point gave us a new perspective on its intricate beauty. The sprawling ruins looked even more magical from above, nestled perfectly in the surrounding mountains.

The descent took us along a different route, featuring a fun cave to pass through before rejoining the main path. We hurried down, conscious of the time, and reached the bus stop to find a long line. Initially worried, we were relieved as the line moved swiftly. Soon, we were back in Aguas Calientes, reuniting with our group and celebrating with a well-deserved pizza.

Reflecting on our five-day journey, we realized how much we’d accomplished. We crossed mountains, trekked through rainforests, and navigated rocky, muddy trails. The trek was grueling and tested us all, but it also brought us closer together. We made lifelong friends and shared stories that enriched our experience. For Bill, Greg, and me, the Salkantay Trek and our time in Peru left a lasting impact. We left a piece of ourselves in those mountains and carried a piece of Peru in our hearts.