Humantay lake and Salkantay pass trek 2 days / 1 night "Standard Service"

Physical Level:
Moderate

Max group size:
2 - 12 people

Max. Altitude:
4,630 m / 15,190 ft

Trip Details

Duration: 2 days / 1 nights
Activities: Trekking, Camping
Average Group Size: 12 to 16 people
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: 2 breakfast / 1 lunch / 1 dinner
Accommodation: 1 nights in a Mountain Hut
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Starts/Ends: Cusco/Cusco (Hotel to hotel)
Entrance permits: Entrance fee to the Salkantay
Starting Elevation: 3,400 m / 11,594 ft
Minimum Elevation: 3,400 m / 11,594 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft

Detailed infographic of the itinerary Laguna Humantay and Salkantay Pass 2 days and 1 night, highlighting the trekking route and the Sky Camp dome camp.

OVERVIEW

Live a unique experience with the Hike Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass 2 days, a short but impressive adventure that will allow you to discover the most spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. This excursion combines the natural charm of the turquoise Humantay lake with the imposing grandeur of the Salkantay Pass, the second highest peak in Cusco, which rises to 6,275 meters above sea level.

During this 2-day trek, you will enjoy snow-capped mountains, majestic glaciers, waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers. It is a perfect option for those who have already visited Machu Picchu and want to continue exploring the natural treasures of Peru.

As local operators of the Salkantay Trek, we give you the opportunity to experience this journey without worries. You only need your personal items; we take care of the rest. You will spend the night in our exclusive private camp in Quiswarniyoc, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. You will sleep in our comfortable glass igloos, a unique accommodation experience under the Andean stars.

As you walk along the trails of the Salkantay trek, you will feel a deep connection with nature. The Humantay Lake will welcome you with its turquoise blue waters, a natural mirror that reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains. It is a perfect place to meditate, take photographs and enjoy the silence and peace that the mountain range offers.

Each step of this route will fill you with energy and gratitude. Wild flowers and pure mountain air make this experience a spiritual encounter with nature. The Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Pass 2 days is not only a trekking excursion, but a trip that awakens the soul and leaves unforgettable memories.

TRIP ITINERARY

Start your adventure with the Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Pass 2 days, departing from Cusco around 5:15 a.m. Our transportation will pick you up at your hotel to head to Mollepata, where we will enjoy a delicious Andean breakfast. Here you pay the municipal entrance fee (10 soles) before continuing one more hour by vehicle to Soraypampa.

In Soraypampa you will meet the muleteers and horses who will carry your luggage, food and a canvas bag of up to 7 kg of personal belongings. From this point, the approximately two-hour ascent begins to the spectacular Humantay Lake, one of the most visited natural jewels in the region. Upon arrival, you will have time to tour the area, capture incredible photos, and listen to your guide, who will explain the spiritual and ecological significance of this sacred lake.

After enjoying this magical place, we will descend for two hours to the exclusive Quiswarniyoc camp, where a typical lunch prepared by our kitchen team will await us. This camp is located 4,000 meters above sea level and offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the snow-capped Salkantay.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the surroundings. If you wish, you can take a short walk to Mirador Salkantay, from where you can see mountains, waterfalls and Andean valleys. If you prefer to rest, you can relax in our glass igloos, comfortable cabins with glass doors, mattresses, pillows and night light, ideal for enjoying the stars.

The Quiswarniyoc camp is a unique space, surrounded by living nature and Andean animals such as llamas and alpacas, which provide an authentic and peaceful environment. Here you will live an unforgettable experience before continuing your journey through the majestic Salkantay trek towards Machu Picchu.

Total hiking distance:

10 km / 6.2 miles (5-6 hours).

Campsite altitude:

(4000m/13123ft).

Area:

Andes

Difficulty:

Moderate

Meals:

lunch and dinner included

Accommodation:

Mountain Hut

Weather:

Expect cold and windy nights during the dry season (May to August), with temperatures potentially dropping to -5 degrees Celsius.

The second day of the Hike Laguna Humantay and Salkantay Pass 2 days is the most challenging, but also the most impressive, since you will reach the highest point of the route: the Salkantay Pass, 4,630 meters above sea level. From there you can contemplate a majestic view of the snow-capped Salkantay and its glacial landscapes.

At 5:00 a.m., our team will wake you up with a hot cup of coca tea to acclimatize you and fill you with energy. Then you will enjoy a nutritious breakfast at 5:45 a.m., ideal for facing the ascent hike. The journey to the summit takes between 3 and 4 hours at a moderate pace, allowing you to enjoy the natural environment and the imposing Andean landscapes that surround the path.

Upon reaching Salkantay Pass, you will have time to rest, take photos and admire the spectacular snow-capped mountains. Your guide will explain the spiritual meaning of the Apus, the protective deities of the Andes, and you will participate in a small traditional ceremony of gratitude to the mountain. This sacred moment will connect you deeply with nature and the mystical energy of the place.

After enjoying the surroundings, you will begin the descent for approximately 2 and a half hours to Soraypampa, where our private transportation will wait for you. From there, you will travel to Mollepata to enjoy a well-deserved lunch and relax before returning to Cusco, which you will arrive at around 6:00 p.m.

This experience will leave you with indelible memories of the powerful beauty of the Salkantay trek, combining the magic of the Andes with the tranquility of nature. Without a doubt, the Hike Laguna Humantay and Salkantay Pass 2 days is an ideal adventure for lovers of trekking and Inca culture.

Total hiking distance:

12 km / 7.5 ml (5 - 6 hours).

Area:

Andes

Difficulty:

moderate

Meals:

breakfast

Weather:

cold and windy

INCLUSIONS

What is included?

Pre-departure information
Before you begin the Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Pass 2 days, please attend our briefing at 6:00 p.m. the day before your departure. In this meeting, our tour guide will provide you with all the details about the tour, the necessary equipment and important recommendations so that you can enjoy the adventure in complete safety. If you want a personalized session, you can request it at least 48 hours in advance.
Permits and Entry Tickets
Entrance to the Salkantay Sanctuary
Experienced tour guide
You will have a bilingual expert guide (Spanish and English), with professional training in tourism. Our guides stand out for their experience, cultural knowledge and passion for sharing Andean traditions. Your safety, comfort and enjoyment are always our priority.
Muleteer and Horse Team
Our dedicated muleteers and horses play an important part in ensuring a smooth trek. They are responsible for safely transporting all equipment to each campground.
Pick up at the hotel (4:30 – 5:00 am)
We offer direct pick-up service from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco. Our team will pass between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., ensuring a calm and organized start to the trip.
Private Transportation
Includes private tourist transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa, starting point of the walk. The journey lasts approximately 3 hours, in a comfortable and modern vehicle.
Kitchen equipment
A professional chef and his teamwill accompany you throughout the tour, preparing fresh, nutritious and delicious meals. vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options are included at no additional cost.
Meals and snacks
Our tour provides a comprehensive dining experience with 02 nutritious lunches, 01 delicious dinners, and 01 comforting breakfasts, ensuring you’re well-fueled for the trek.
Vegetarian and vegan meals
We serve vegetarian and vegan meals and can accommodate dietary needs, including gluten-free options. These adjustments have no additional cost; Simply notify us to make your reservation.
Accommodation
Immerse yourself in the embrace of nature with our carefully curated accommodations.
Night 1.- Spend 1 night in a spacious mountain refuge
Return transportation to Cusco
Return bus from Soraypampa to Cusco
Medical kit or first aid kit
All our guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen on hand in case of a basic emergency (altitude sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, scrapes, scrapes, etc.). If necessary, we will evaluate it
quickly get out of the way and we will transport you to a clinic for treatment.
24/7 customer service
We provide ongoing supportbefore, during and after your experience. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to resolve any questions or requests.

What is not included?

Hiking equipment
All of our passengers require a sleeping bag for camping, and trekking poles (with rubber tips) are optional but strongly suggested. If you don’t have them, don’t worry; you can rent them from us.
Sleeping bag: US$ 10.00
Trekking poles (pair): US$ 10.00
Tips for our staﬀ
Tipping is customary on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire crew well, anything extra is always appreciated, especially given how hard they work. Typically, group members collect their tips to distribute to the porters and chefs collectively.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.

What to Pack?

If you plan to do the Salkantay trek 4 days to Machu Picchu and visit the Humantay Lake, it is important to pack properly to enjoy the trek in comfort and safety. Below, we share a list of essential items that you should consider bringing:

CLOTHING:

Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
Moisture-wicking hiking socks
Quick-drying pants
Lightweight T-shirts
Long sleeve shirt
Wool jacket or sweater
Waterproof jacket and pants
Hat or cap
Gloves

SLEEPING EQUIPMENT:

Sleeping bag (rated for cold weather) if you don’t have one, you can rent one from the company
Pillow (optional)

TREKKING EQUIPMENT:

30 to 40 liter backpack
Hiking poles, if you don’t have them you can rent them from the company
Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
Sunscreen (factor 50 or more recommended)
Mosquito or insect repellent
Water bottle or hydration system
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)

ADDITIONALLY:

Passport and necessary documents
Original student card if you request the student price
Camera or phone with a good camera to capture memories
Portable charger for electronic devices
Light towel

Small Groups