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A Journey Inspired.

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Save these tips and follow for Part 4 (and see Par

Save these tips and follow for Part 4 (and see Parts 1–2 if you missed them!)

In November, I led a women’s-only @mapo_tapo group trip with @trekwithalpaca and it was the most heart-filling trip we could’ve asked for.

Days 3–5 of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu are where everything shifts…alpine terrain turns into jungle and the excitement towards seeing one of the world’s greatest wonders really starts to build.

This is Part 3 of my “What It’s Really Like to Hike the Salkantay Trek” series, covering the journey from Wayracmachay Camp to Machu Picchu, including jungle hiking, coffee farms, Llactapata ruins, and our first Machu Picchu sighting.

Since there wasn’t room to fit everything into the slides, here are a few extra tips ⬇️

1️⃣ Don’t underestimate the jungle heat!
After days in alpine conditions, the descent into the jungle feels hot and humid. We were suddenly grateful for light wool layers, sunscreen, and bug spray.

2️⃣ even if you’re hiking with strangers talk about tipping. Assign a group leader and Pre-arrange tips with your group so no one feels put on the spot at the end. We followed Alpaca’s tipping guidelines, but amounts are very subjective and what matters most is doing it thoughtfully and as a group.

3️⃣ You can get cash in Aguas Calientes (day 5) if you run low before you tip your guide on Day 6 (the other tips are given before that so bring enough). If you feel attached to your guides like we did, you can buy cards for them at the market in Aguas.

4️⃣ you’ll need a pack big enough to carry your camp clothes for day 4, but small enough to enter Machu Picchu. There is a bag check at the entrance, and if your pack is too large, you’ll have to pay to store it. A 30L pack is ideal and anything bigger becomes a hassle later.

5️⃣Align expectations with your guide for Machu Picchu day. Confirm timing, logistics, and tickets before you go to sleep in Aguas Calientes so nothing catches you off guard the next morning.

And that brings us to the big question…
after all this effort will we actually get to see Machu Picchu?

👉 stay tuned for all the Machu Picchu tips in Part 4, coming up next!

Save this and follow for Part 3 (and refer to part

Save this and follow for Part 3 (and refer to part 1 if you missed it!)

I have sooo much to tell you about what it’s actually like to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru (using a big photo dump from my phone!)

In November, I led a women’s-only @mapo_tapo group trip with @trekwithalpaca and it was the most heart-filling trip we could’ve asked for.

This is Part 2 of my “What It’s Really Like to Hike the Salkantay Trek” series, covering the day 2 which was arguably the hardest day of the trek.

Since there was way too much to fit into the slides, here are more tips👇 (save for your bucket list trip planning!)

1️⃣ Pack extra snacks! The amount that the tour gives you will not be enough

2️⃣ Hike slowlyyyy, stay hydrated and breathe! Altitude gets to you when you least expect it

3️⃣ Bring sources of quick carbs like candy and eat it before you feel hungry - make sure to fuel your body!! (runner’s tips right here)

4️⃣ first day of hiking is when you’ll need the most layers - it gets so cold leading up to Salkantay Pass. Wear wool / synthetic clothing, not cotton

5️⃣ rent poles if you can! If you’re not a seasoned downhill runner (not many people are) the elevation loss will get to your knees

6️⃣ the crowd free photos at Humantay that I showed you are real!! I loved being on a tour that prioritized getting us there early not only because we had a long day ahead of us but also to avoid the crowds. Our Alpaca guides absolutely nailed the timing and were so accommodating of our girls group speed. No one got altitude sickness!

Any questions? Was the Inca Trail or Salkantay hike to Machu Picchu on your bucket list or is it now?

👉Follow @ajourneyinspired for part 3!!

#perutravel #hikingtips

Save this and follow for Part 2! I have sooo much

Save this and follow for Part 2! I have sooo much to tell you about what it’s actually like to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru (using a big photo dump from my phone!)

In November, I led a women’s-only @mapo_tapo group trip with @trekwithalpaca and it was the most heart-filling trip we could’ve asked for.

This is Part 1 of my “What It’s Really Like to Hike the Salkantay Trek” series, covering the planning, orientation, and the pre-trek journey to basecamp.

Since there was way too much to fit into the slides, here are more tips👇 (save for your bucket list trip planning!)

1️⃣ A guided group tour makes the multi day hike much more accessible

Yes, you can hike the Salkantay Trek alone but guided tours take care of all permits, logistics, transportation, meals, camping, and allow you to actually enjoy the experience instead of managing details. Plus the group camaraderie on trail and the things the guide will teach you are so important!

2️⃣ Don’t trust the weather forecast in the Andes

Peru weather forecasts LIE 😅 We trekked in rainy season (Nov 11-16) and got perfect weather when storms were promised every day!

Mountain weather changes by the hour so pack layers (and extra garbage bags) and go with an open mind.

3️⃣ About altitude sickness (the biggest question I get!) … No one on our group trip got sick, and we’re soo grateful 🙌

My personal tips:
• Pre-trip: train your cardio
• In Cusco: arrive early, hydrate, avoid alcohol + caffeine
• On the trail: hike slow, sip water constantly, breathe
• Coca candies help!
I didn’t take Diamox but the other girls did and felt tingly limbs. I just packed Sorochi Pills (purchased OTC in Cusco) as a natural backup but no one used them

4️⃣ Give yourself more vacation than you think
The 5-day Salkantay trek is actually an 11-day commitment once you include flights + acclimation time. Our trip totalled 19 days

5️⃣ Pack light but warm, especially on the first two days of the trip. Nights in Soraypampa drop below freezing even when days are warm.

Any questions? Was the hike to Machu Picchu on your bucket list or is it now? 😍

Follow @ajourneyinspired for part 2 with more Salkantay Trek tips!

Save these insider tips to plan your backpacking t

Save these insider tips to plan your backpacking trip to Berg Lake!

Permits open tomorrow Dec 2 at 7am PST so set your alarms!

Berg Lake in Mt Robson Provincial Park is undoubtedly one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been. It’s beginner friendly and not a tough trail at all, but it’s so beautiful that it might just ruin other backpacking trails for you 🙈

In 2025 Berg Lake reopened after a long closure and we were grateful to score permits (although we purposely went during shoulder season and it wasn’t that hard to get a spot 🤭)

This year permits are opening up REALLY early so I thought it’s necessary for me to tell you all the insider details, because I found some really useful info through experience and I’ve never seen some of these tips online.

💌 Share this post with the people you’re going with and let me know if you have any questions!

Do you plan to backpack the Berg Lake Trail in 2026?

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