In mid-August of 2015, I received a text from some old high school friends that said they wanted to go on a hike in Peru in the spring of 2016. They asked if I wanted to go, I (of course) said yes, and so did three other people. This episode of MtnMeister is a trip report about six dudes in their twenties who want to go on an adventure. They have limited time to take off of work, and they don’t have sponsors to pay for it. To put it simply, it’s real life. I know listening to professional athletes and extreme adventurers is fun, and yes, it definitely serves a purpose. But the meisters are outliers. They show us what is humanly possible, not humanly probable.
10% off your trip to Peru!
Kaypi Peru Tours is offering MtnMeister listeners 10% off of a group rate for most of their trips. If you’re interested, email me at ben@mtnmeister.com.
20% off Big Agnes
Our sponsor, Big Agnes, is giving you 20% off with the code “meister” at checkout. Shop here.
40% off Mishmi Takin Virunga
I used the Virunga on a cold, damp morning on Day 2. Mishmi Takin is giving MtnMeister listers an extra-special discount on their Indigogo campaign. Check it out here.
Pictures from Salkantay Trek
Unloading the van and getting ready at the trailhead.
Coca leaves to keep us energized.
The group with Salkantay in the backdrop. From left: Phil, Ben, Max, Matt, Brub, Zeke (in front).
Phil, Max, and Brub feeling the altitude on the first night.
Mishmi Takin Virunga jacket performing well on a cold and damp morning.
Zeke near the high point of our trek.
The group at the high point (15,200 ft) in our trek. From left: Brub, Zeke, Phil, Ben, Max, Matt.
Our guide Santiago and me at the top.
Santiago, Phil, and a beautiful lake.
Quick break on the way down.
The food on this trip was gourmet and delicious.
Zeke and Phil crossing a jungle river.
Day 3 hike to Aguas Calientes, a touristy town near Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes
The group at Machu Picchu. From left: Phil, Zeke, Ben, Max, Brub, Matt.
Deals, Deals, Deals
10% off Kaypi Peru Tours
By: Kaypi Peru
Kaypi was our guiding outfitter for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. We were thrilled with their kindness, service, cooking, knowledge, and flexibility. They are everything we wanted and more.
Email me at ben@mtnmeister.com
20% off Big Agnes
By: Big Agnes
Big Agnes manufactures the world's most comfortable tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads for backpacking, camping and outdoor adventure.
Use code "meister" at checkout.
Additional $25 off Mishmi Takin
By: Mishmi Takin
I used the Virunga shell on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and was pleased with it's performance. Made with the most breathable fabric around, eVent DV Storm, the Virunga jacket is optimized for maximum breathability. Features include 88 laser cut vents in front and back, pit zips, abrasion resistant panels.
Purchase with this link.
Additional Resources
Check out these links to additional episode content.