This Was NOT The Machu Picchu Experience We Expected (Raw & Honest Salkantay Trek Struggle)
523K views · Jul 14, 2025 · People & Blogs
Comments · 2.1K
@dayneandjo · 1 year ago · pinned
🔥 NEW VLOG JUST DROPPED: JOIN US IN BOLIVIA 🇧🇴 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptMHa1YRiUM">https://youtu.be/ptMHa1YRiUM</a>
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@majimespirit8421 · 1 year ago
As a 61 year old with mobility limitations, I can enjoy vicariously the adventures of these energetic young people. Don’t put living off people. You may not be able to fulfill your dreams later!
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@allenlunde7908 · 1 year ago
Fascinating. I tracked the Inca train to Machu Pichu back in the 80s and it was nothing like this. There were no prebuilt shelters. We stayed in canvas tents. During the trip we passed through and, some nights, stayed in four or five Inca ruins. The last couple of days were on roads that had been paved by the Inca themselves. There were no towns to go through. You were away from civilization the whole time. Rather entering Machu Pichu the way the train does, we entered through the gate of the sun, high above Machu Pichu. I know there were some concerns that trek would become too popular. We probably ran into two or three groups the whole time. It’s an archaeologically sensitive area, so it seems they have found a way to give people the experience of trekking to Machu Pichu without taking them through the sensitive areas. It’s weird how the world changes. That trip was life changing to me. The two things that were familiar, a porter waking you with coca tea first thing in the morning and our guide would follow us along playing the flute, which would echo through the mountains.
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@G.L.JaniceBoyes · 1 year ago
Since I was in grade 9 in 1958, and saw a photo of Machu Picchu, I have wanted to go there. Thank You for taking me along on this exhausting trip I am grateful you had your cameras and used them.
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@chrismc8000 · 1 year ago
Many in our group of 11 were not prepared for the cold weather in the summer up in the Andes in Peru. Mid February into March for 3 weeks in the Sacred Valley, and my brother and I were ready. Although he questioned many of my choices of what to pack, but allowed me to pack for him. We woke up many summer mornings with frost on the ground, but our gloves, wool hats, wool sweaters and down jackets kept us warm. It is all about layering. A comfortable backpack to carry the layers as it warms up. Also, brush your teeth with bottled water and try not to get shower water into your mouth and nose. As a retired RN, I travel with everything from antibiotic ointment, diarrhea meds, antibiotics, etc. There are suppositories for vomiting. Highly suggest these. Because I cannot take sulfa meds, altitude meds are out, so had meds for headaches and carried plenty of water and pushed myself to drink. Went up as high as 13,500’ and did not have a problem with the altitude, except I needed to keep my breaths deep and my movements were slower. But then I was 69 and my brother 73. Yes, we used hiking poles and comfy hiking boots. We were prepared and enjoyed every minute! <br>There were others in our group who never gave a thought to what the weather might be and there were a lot of complaints… Felt so sorry for our guide.<br>Oh, yes, and long pants every day and wide brimmed hats when the sun comes out. Check and see how close Peru is to the equator. <br>It was an amazing trip!
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@DebBee0301 · 1 year ago
I'm 71 and I applaud you two for living life's adventures while you are so young. It's an invaluable education.
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@francistrujillo2488 · 1 year ago
Ex sailor wisdom. The most valuable things when traveling abroad. Toilet paper, Immodium AD, extra underware, A+D ointment. Does not take up a lot of space. Better to have and not need, then need and not have. I commend you for your stamina! You guys rock!!!
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@ExpansivenessofLight · 1 year ago
For those who are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, you can take a train from one of the towns to Agua Calientes town and then take buses up to Machu Picchu. Also, book at least 2 days at Machu Picchu as it tends to rain often.....when I went the first day was sunny and the second day pouring rain, I felt bad for the tourists who had only booked the rainy day. Also, have coca tea often as it will help with the elevation as some do get very sick where they have to go the the hospital. Machu Picchu is a magical place!
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@johnmcnulty4425 · 1 year ago
Wow, what a difference from our experience a few decades ago! There were no prefabbed camping areas, no wide paths, no horses. We carried all of our equipment including food, tent, sleeping bags, etc. Once we left the town of Ollyantantambu, we were exclusively in the back country and hiked through other ruins higher than Machu and descended on the famous sky city on the actual Inca trail - the actual stones that the Inca laid out centuries ago which I didn't recognize in this video. We descended on MP from above like the ancients did and didn't get to soak in the hot springs in Aquacaliente until the trek was done.<br><br>This was at the beginning of September in 1989 and there were no hiking fees there yet either. With the equipment we rented it cost us only about $20 US for the week.
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@KarlVerick · 1 year ago
In 1968 my Dad was an archeology student. The caretaker at Machu Picchu let them camp in one of the Inca houses
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@nikiryan8648 · 1 year ago
I did kilimanjaro last year at 63 years old, and that taught me that I am pretty much done with these kinds of hikes. 20 years ago I was all in at every national park out west. Now I am more cautious, especially with altitudes.
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@lisaflowers6894 · 1 year ago (edited)
My husband (passed in 2017) and I went on many memorable adventures throughout our 35 years together. It was always a guess as to who would be the first one to say “Who’s idea was this anyway”. Thanks for your channel. I’ll be watching it often now. Love the reality of it all….it’s not an adventure unless you embrace the good and the bad. You will be able to look back on these memories in years with smiles on your faces.
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