Discovering Peru With 15th Signal Regiment

By Lance Corporal Nikesh Rana, 243 Gurkha Signal Squadron

Twenty‑two personnel from the 15th Signal Regiment deployed to Peru for a two‑week high‑altitude expedition, completing the Salkantay Pass Trek, reaching 4,630m at Salkantay Pass, and ascending to 5,038m en route to Rainbow Mountain. Organised by the Officer Commanding 243 Gurkha Signal Squadron, the journey took the team from historic Cusco through the Andes to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and finally the Pacific coast of Lima.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The expedition opened in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Three days of acclimatisation allowed the team to explore the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, and the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman. A visit to the Sacred Valley added insight into Andean life, from Pisac’s vibrant markets to the agricultural terraces of Moray.

Salkantay Pass Trek to Machu Picchu. The five‑day Salkantay Pass Trek offered a remote alternative to the Inca Trail. Early stages wound through mountain villages before rising towards the snow‑capped Salkantay massif. Crossing the 4,630m pass tested stamina but rewarded the team with sweeping alpine views. The route then dropped into cloud forest, with long days of trekking and evenings recovering in camps and lodges. Reaching Aguas Calientes brought anticipation for the final ascent. At sunrise, the team entered Machu Picchu, where mist‑covered peaks framed the iconic citadel, a fitting culmination to the trek.

Rainbow Mountain. A day trip to Rainbow Mountain pushed the team to over 5,000m. Though shorter, the ascent was physically demanding due to the altitude. The summit revealed the mountain’s striking mineral colours and panoramic Andean vistas, capturing the resilience and teamwork that defined the expedition.

Lima. The final phase took the group to Lima, where colonial architecture, coastal districts, and world‑renowned cuisine offered a contrasting end to the high‑altitude journey. From ceviche by the Pacific to exploring Miraflores and Barranco, the city provided space to reflect on the expedition’s achievements.

From Cusco’s cobbled streets to the heights of Salkantay, the colours of Rainbow Mountain, and the energy of Lima, the expedition delivered challenge, culture, and unforgettable experiences across Peru.