SALKANTAY DAY TWO
SALKANTAY DAY TWO
Day 02: Soraypampa – Paso Salkantay – Wayraqmachay – Colpapampa
Essential Tips
- Start early and stay steady: This is the toughest day, so begin with a calm mindset and a consistent pace. Avoid rushing, especially during steep ascents.
- Fuel your body: Eat a hearty breakfast rich in carbohydrates and proteins to sustain your energy throughout the climb. Snack regularly during breaks.
- Stay hydrated and breathe: Drink water frequently, and take deep breaths to help your body adjust to the altitude.
- Use trekking poles: They’ll provide extra stability and reduce the strain on your knees during the steep climbs.
- Layer up: The early hours can be cold, but you’ll warm up as you hike. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
- Listen to your body: If you feel dizzy, take a break, and don’t hesitate to inform your guide if symptoms persist.
Our most challenging day began at 5:00 AM with an energizing breakfast to fuel us for the ascent to the highest point of the trek — the Salkantay Pass (4,600 meters / 15,190 feet). The hike to the pass took about 4 hours, covering 7 kilometers of steep and rocky trails. This day is particularly demanding, and if you’re concerned about reaching the pass, the guides can arrange for a horse to help. Local vendors offer this service, allowing those who may struggle with the altitude or the steep climb to continue their journey. My girlfriend ended up needing to ride a horse to reach the summit, and it was a huge relief to get the extra support.
Standing at the summit, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of towering peaks like Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.
At the pass, we paused for a traditional Andean ceremony, offering gratitude and prayers to the mountain gods, or Apus, for a safe journey ahead.
From there, the trail led us downhill along a winding, rocky path to Wuayracmachay (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet), where we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch and a short break.
In the afternoon, the scenery transformed dramatically as we descended further into the lush cloud forest. The air grew warmer and more humid, and we were surrounded by mist and vibrant greenery. This marked our entry into a rich natural environment filled with stunning views and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
After approximately 10 hours of hiking and covering 22 kilometers, we finally arrived at our campsite in Colpapampa (3,910 meters / 12,828 feet). Exhausted but deeply satisfied, we enjoyed a hearty dinner and rested in our cozy dome accommodations, preparing for the adventures ahead. That night, the sky was even clearer and more stunning than the previous one. When I stepped outside around 2:00 AM to go to the bathroom, I was amazed to see the Milky Way stretching brightly across the heavens—a truly unforgettable sight.
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