Mountain Lodges of Peru

…After an early breakfast we set out in the rain on a two and a half hour hike to Humantay Lake situated at 14000 feet below Mount Humantay. In spite of the conditions, as the pictures show, it was worth the struggle, which it certainly was at times. We picnicked by the turquoise water of the lake before returning to the Lodge for lunch; I’ll vote for downhill any day! The afternoon was highlighted with jacuzzi time outside in the rain accompanied with a round of Pisco Sours, which we then had instruction on how to make before dinner. Just remember 3 1 1; three parts Pisco to one part each of fresh lime juice and cocktail syrup, plus half an egg white all blended together with ice…cheers! The staff here at the lodge have been wonderful and we shall miss them when we leave at 7am tomorrow morning for the most challenging day of the trek, hiking to the Salkantay Pass at 15,213 feet and descending to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay. More tomorrow – I hope!…

…and so after a seven o’clock start day one of our trek begins; Cusco to Soraypampa. We have a great group as you can see from the photo taken at our first stop at Quillarumiyuq, meaning moon stone, en route to the beginning of the trail at Marcoccasa. “We happy few” (a little Bard on the the Peak for Christopher) set off on a four hour hike excited, a little anxious but knowing we are in for the experience of a lifetime. Our senior guide is Pepe and his assistant Carlos. How lucky we are to have them lead us. The first hour was very challenging climbing it seemed at an angle of 70 degrees. Fortunately the remainder was very do-able with the trail lined by alpine flowers all the way. It was a welcome site arriving at the Salkantay Lodge situated at 12,690 feet with a feeling of relief and achievement. Refreshments awaited, and then a wonderful dinner of fresh trout, stargazing with Pepe; and so to bed. Wi Fi is very hit and miss so I don’t expect this will be posted for a day or two. Hopefully you will have faith and still be there…