2-Day Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek
This 2-day adventure is perfect for those looking to experience the beauty of the
Humantay Lake
and the dramatic landscapes of the
Salkantay Pass
without committing to a longer trek. Immerse yourself in the rugged Andes, enjoy breathtaking views, and trek through varied landscapes while enjoying the comfort of camping in the shadow of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
Summary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Start with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and drive through the Sacred Valley, stopping for breakfast in Mollepata. Afterward, continue to Soraypampa (12,631 feet/3,850 meters), where the trek to Humantay Lake begins. Hike up to the stunning turquoise lake, nestled at the base of Humantay Mountain. After exploring the lake and taking in the views, return to Soraypampa for lunch. Spend the evening relaxing at camp with dinner under the stars.
Hiking Distance: 5 miles (8 kilometers) | Difficulty Level: Moderate
Overnight: Campsite at Soraypampa
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Cusco
After breakfast, begin the challenging ascent to Salkantay Pass (15,213 feet/4,638 meters), the highest point of the trek. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Salkantay Mountain and surrounding glaciers. After reaching the summit, descend back to Soraypampa for lunch before driving back to Cusco in the evening.
Hiking Distance: 8 miles (13 kilometers) | Difficulty Level: Challenging
Overnight: Cusco
Complete Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
5:00 a.m. – Hotel Pick-Up and Drive to Mollepata
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. You’ll drive through the scenic Sacred Valley and stop at the charming village of Mollepata, where you’ll have breakfast and prepare for the trek.
After breakfast, continue the drive to Soraypampa (12,631 feet/3,850 meters), where the trek begins. From Soraypampa, start the hike to Humantay Lake (13,780 feet/4,200 meters), a stunning turquoise glacial lake nestled at the base of the Humantay Mountain. The hike is moderately steep, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the lake, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Take time to relax, explore the lake, and snap photos of this beautiful natural wonder. Your guide will explain the significance of the area to local indigenous cultures.
Descend back to Soraypampa, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
After lunch, you’ll have time to relax or explore the area around Soraypampa. You can take a short walk to enjoy views of the Salkantay Mountain or rest in preparation for the next day’s challenging trek.
Settle into your camp at Soraypampa for dinner and spend the night under the stars, surrounded by the Andes Mountains.
- Elevation: 12,631 feet (3,850 meters)
- Hiking Distance: 5 miles (8 kilometers) round-trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Overnight: Campsite at Soraypampa
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Cusco
5:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Start of the Trek
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast as you prepare for the most challenging part of the trek. Today, you’ll ascend to the Salkantay Pass (15,213 feet/4,638 meters), the highest point of the trek.
Begin the steep ascent towards the Salkantay Pass, surrounded by dramatic alpine landscapes. The trek takes you through rugged terrain, with awe-inspiring views of the towering Salkantay Mountain and glaciers. The climb is strenuous, but the views from the top are truly unforgettable.
Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and the valleys below. This is a perfect spot to rest, take photos, and celebrate reaching the highest point of the trek.
After enjoying the summit, begin your descent into the warmer valleys below. Stop for lunch in Soraypampa, where you can relax and enjoy a hot meal while surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
After lunch, continue our trip from Soraypampa, you’ll drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-day adventure.
Arrive back in Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, concluding your two-day trek to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass.
- Elevation: 15,213 feet (4,638 meters) at Salkantay Pass
- Hiking Distance: 8 miles (13 kilometers) round-trip
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
- Overnight: Cusco
What does this tour include?
Included
- Hotel pick-up and private transportation to Mollepata and Soraypampa
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 1; breakfast and lunch on Day 2
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Professional bilingual guide
- Entry fee to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass
- Private transportation back to Cusco
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Personal expenses and tips for guides and porters
- Dinner on Day 2 after return to Cusco
Discover Our Prices
At our agency, tour prices are calculated per person in double or matrimonial room – Minimum 02 People, and vary depending on the category and type of experience you choose. We aim to offer you flexible and affordable options tailored to your travel needs and preferences.
Note:All our prices are based on standard room accommodations, with train services in Expedition or Voyager class, and tours in regular high-quality service.
We also offer special discounts for large groups, families, and seasonal promotions.
Price
Optional Add-ons for Your Machu Picchu Trip
To enhance your Machu Picchu experience, we offer a variety of optional services that you can add to your tour, tailored to your interests and preferences. Below is a list of add-ons along with their prices:
- Private Tours
For those seeking a more personalized experience, we offer exclusive tours just for you and your group. These tours have special pricing, calculated based on the group size and level of customization. Contact us today for more details and to secure your spot for an unforgettable adventure. - Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike
Additional Price: Starting at $65 USD per person
Climb the famous mountain that rises behind Machu Picchu and enjoy stunning views of the citadel and surrounding valley. This challenging hike takes about 2 hours round trip and has limited availability each day. Advanced reservation is required. - Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
Additional Price: Starting at $60 USD per person
This hike is less crowded than Huayna Picchu but equally spectacular. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu from a higher altitude. The hike lasts 3 to 4 hours in total. Advanced reservation is required. - Vistadome or 360° Luxury Train (one way)
Additional Price: Starting at $60 USD per person (per trip)
Upgrade your train experience with the Vistadome service, which offers panoramic windows. You’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountains and Sacred Valley as you travel in greater comfort. - Vistadome Observatory Luxury Train (one way)
Additional Price: Starting at $80 USD per person (per trip)
Enhance your train experience with the Vistadome Observatory service, featuring panoramic windows and onboard entertainment. Enjoy stunning views of the mountains and Sacred Valley in a more luxurious setting. - Lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant in Machu Picchu
Additional Price: Starting at $45 USD per person
After your tour of Machu Picchu, enjoy a buffet lunch at the exclusive Tinkuy Restaurant, located at the Sanctuary Lodge hotel near the entrance to Machu Picchu. - Personal Backpack Porter for the Inca Trail
Additional Price: Starting at $90 USD per person
If you’re trekking the Inca Trail before reaching Machu Picchu, you can hire a personal porter to carry your backpack (up to 7 kg), allowing you to hike without the burden of extra weight.
How to Add Optional Services to Your Reservation
To add any of these optional services to your Machu Picchu tour, simply let us know when making your booking or contact us via email or WhatsApp. We will handle the arrangements and confirm your spot for the additional activities or services.
Note: Some add-ons, such as the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes, require advance booking due to limited availability. We recommend reserving these services well in advance to secure your spot.
To book, contact us with the tour, dates, and number of people. We will confirm and send the details along with the payment link via Wise or credit card.
- Deposit 40% of the total amount.
- Remaining 60% in cash before the start of the tour in Cusco or, if preferred, up to 10 days prior by credit card. Learn more