Sarnia's Daniel Tye has recently returned from a life-changing adventure that took him to the Peruvian Andes, hiking the renowned Salkantay Trek to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The trek, which spans five days and covers rugged, challenging terrain, is a bucket-list journey for many adventurers around the world. Tye’s experience, however, was far more than just a physical challenge—it became a journey of self-discovery and reflection.
Machu Picchu, a 15th-century archaeological wonder nestled high in the mountains of southern Peru, has captivated travelers for centuries. For Tye, it was both a dream and a test. Originally, he had planned to undertake the trek with a couple of friends, but when they were unable to make the trip, Tye found himself facing a choice: continue the adventure alone or cancel altogether. After some hesitation, he realized this was an opportunity to push his own boundaries in a way he had never done before.
"It sounded daunting, and there was just that mystery of not really knowing what I was doing, but I figured I’d just figure it out along the way," Tye said. Despite his initial doubts, the journey turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
The trek itself, which winds through high-altitude landscapes and beautiful valleys, was not just a hike—it was a challenge of endurance, both physically and mentally. Tye was part of a group of 10 hikers, made up of individuals from Australia, Canada, and the United States, ranging in age from 25 to 37. The bond formed between the group was immediate and strong, thanks to the shared hardship and the camaraderie that comes with such an intense experience. “We became super tight,” Tye said, reflecting on the relationships he built with his fellow trekkers.
To prepare physically for the trek, Tye didn’t take any chances. He participated in a 21 km Spartan marathon, a grueling test of strength and stamina. Additionally, he trained by doing the 1,000-step box step exercise while wearing a 20-pound vest. "I'm really glad I put in that work because the trek was much harder than I expected," he admitted. “There were days when it was tough, but I kept pushing through.”
A typical day on the Salkantay Trek started early, with the group rising at 4 a.m. to have breakfast and get ready for the day ahead. By 5 a.m., they were on the trail, often hiking until 1 p.m. before stopping for a lunch break. After a brief rest, it was back on the trail until 5 p.m., when the day's hike would come to an end. On the fourth day of the trek, Tye walked an astonishing 41,000 steps.
While the physical challenge was demanding, it was the altitude that truly tested the group’s limits. The Salkantay Trek takes hikers through altitudes up to 15,190 feet, and Tye quickly realized how much the high elevations could affect the body. "Altitude really messes you up," he said. "It feels like there’s a pressure in your head and you’re just constantly fighting to keep your balance.” The thin air left many hikers feeling dizzy and fatigued, and Tye learned quickly how important it was to pace himself.
In addition to the physical challenges, Tye encountered some unexpected obstacles along the way. On one of the days, a fellow hiker injured her knee, and she was struggling to continue the trek. The group rallied together, supporting her as she made her way down the mountain. “We took a 'we’re all in it together' frame of mind,” Tye explained. At one point, he even gave her a piggyback ride to help her reach a safe place.
The journey wasn’t just about pushing physical limits—it was also about connecting with the people and culture of Peru. Tye was deeply moved by the warmth, friendliness, and work ethic of the Peruvian people. “They take so much pride in their lives, their country, and their traditions,” he said. He became particularly close with one of the trek’s guides, Juan Carlos, who walks the 80-kilometer trek every week.
Along the way, Tye had the opportunity to converse with local Peruvians and learn about their way of life. One of the most fascinating things he learned about was Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage used in spiritual ceremonies by Indigenous cultures. Tye was fascinated by the traditional beliefs and practices surrounding Ayahuasca, which have long been an integral part of Peruvian culture.
As tourism continues to grow in Peru, Tye observed that it has both positive and negative effects on the country. “Tourism is bringing people new opportunities to make a living, but it also has its downsides,” he explained. “Some of the countryside is being treated poorly, but the government is trying to preserve and protect sacred places.” Tye found it heartening to see that efforts are being made to maintain the balance between tourism and cultural preservation.
But perhaps the most profound part of Tye’s journey was the self-awareness he gained during the trek. For the first time, he was completely disconnected from his usual daily distractions. "I found it frustrating at first when I couldn’t find people who spoke English or when I couldn’t get Wi-Fi,” he said. “There was that part of me that wondered what I was missing, but by the end, I realized I wasn’t missing anything at all.”
When Tye finally reached the top of the mountain, ready to take in the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, he was faced with a thick blanket of clouds that obscured the iconic sight. At first, he was angry and disappointed. "I was so upset that I didn’t get to see the view I had imagined," he admitted. But then, a shift in perspective occurred. “I thought to myself, ‘Think about where you are and how far you’ve come. Stop being ungrateful. It’s the journey that matters, not the destination.’"
In the end, Tye’s experience on the Salkantay Trek was more than just a physical test—it was a transformative journey that taught him lessons in patience, gratitude, and self-reflection.
For Tye, the trek to Machu Picchu was a reminder that sometimes the most important parts of our lives are not the grand destinations we reach, but the personal growth we experience along the way. And for anyone thinking of embarking on a similar journey, Tye has one simple piece of advice: “Don’t be afraid to go out there on your own. The adventure is waiting for you.”
