We hiked all morning from our base-camp which was already pretty high in altitude.  Several in our group had already succumbed to the thin air and needed to ride horses or mules to reach the top.  Finally we made it to the pass, Salkantay Pass, right along side the Salkantay peak pictured here.

To date no one has successfully summited the Mount Salkantay yet everyday hundreds of holiday makers walk right next to it.  Looking at this picture it is easy to see why no on makes it to the top; it is rocky, covered in snow and fog, contains no smooth faces on which to walk, and is much taller still than the pass some of our friends couldn’t even get to on their own steam

IF YOU GO:  The only way you’re likely to see this image in real life is if you’re hiking the Salkantay Trail to Machu Piccu.  The route is well trodden with a variety of trips going every day.  Some people stay in tents while others in fancy lodges with Jacuzzis and satellite TVs.  There are lots of options, it’s just up to you to find the right tour operator for you and your budget.  Ours wasn’t so great.

To see more of our favorite photos from around the world check out our travel photo page. Let us know your favorites and we’ll include them in our photo of the day series.