Day 2: Scaling Heights: Soraypampa to Chaullay via Salkantay Pass
At 5:30 am, as dawn breaks, we gear up for the trek’s pinnacle: Salkantay Pass at 15,190 ft. The ascent unfolds a panorama of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. A descent to Huayracmachay leads us to lunch and the transition into the lush “cloud forest” or Mountain Sky View.
The path to Chaullay unveils the wonders of the semi-tropical forest. As we reach Chaullay, Andean cabins become our haven for the night, offering a front-row seat to a breathtaking valley.
Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours
Kilometers covered: 13,67 mi (22 km.)
Low point: 12795 ft. (3900 m.) – High point: 15190 ft. (4630 m.)
1 Review
Salkantay trekking 5 days – freezing, epic and unforgettable
I did the Salkantay trekking 5 days with my parents — yep, real family bonding at 4,600 meters! 🏔️ It was cold (like, seriously cold), but also one of the most beautiful and wild adventures we’ve ever had.
Our guide Julver was a legend: calm, funny, and knew the mountains like a second home.
We laughed, we shivered, we climbed — and somehow ended every day with tea, good food and huge smiles. 10/10 would do it all over again (but maybe with an extra pair of socks next time).