Fantastic holiday, a real adventure. We saw sights I had only dreamed about. Every day there was something new to wonder at, from…
Anonymous | Traveled in MayBooking the Salkantay Pass Trek and Humantay Lake 2 Days / 1 Night is simple.
Select your preferred travel date and check availability before completing your reservation.
Because this trek has limited spaces and operates with designated accommodation at the private campsite, advance booking is recommended, particularly during periods of higher demand.
Your adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point in Cusco at approximately 5:15 AM.
From Cusco, we travel for around two hours through the beautiful Andean countryside toward the traditional village of Mollepata.
During the drive, you can enjoy views of valleys, agricultural areas and mountain landscapes as we gradually leave the city behind.
Upon arrival in Mollepata, we stop for a freshly prepared breakfast before continuing deeper into the Salkantay region.
The local entrance fee for the Humantay area is not included and must be paid separately.
After breakfast, we continue by vehicle for approximately one additional hour until reaching Soraypampa, located at approximately 3,900 m / 12,795 ft above sea level.
Soraypampa is where the hiking portion of the adventure begins.
Here, you will meet the muleteers and horses that support the trek by transporting camping equipment, food supplies and up to 7 kg / 15 lb of personal belongings per traveler.
This service allows you to hike with only your personal daypack containing the items you need during the day.
From Soraypampa, we begin the climb toward one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Cusco region: Humantay Lake.
The ascent takes approximately two hours, depending on the group’s pace and altitude conditions.
As you climb, the scenery becomes increasingly impressive, with high-altitude valleys and snow-covered mountains surrounding the trail.
Eventually, you will arrive at Humantay Lake, famous for its striking turquoise waters beneath the impressive Humantay Glacier.
Once at the lake, you will have time to enjoy this remarkable landscape.
During the visit, you can:
Your guide will also explain some of the beliefs and traditions associated with this spectacular part of the Andes.
After completing the visit to Humantay Lake, we begin descending toward the lower section of the trail.
The hike continues for approximately two hours until reaching our private campsite at Quiswarniyoc.
Upon arrival, our trekking team will welcome you with a freshly prepared lunch.
You will then have time to settle into your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
The afternoon is more relaxed, allowing you to decide how you would like to spend the remainder of the day.
Travelers who still have energy can continue exploring the surrounding area, while those who prefer to rest can simply enjoy the camp.
Depending on conditions and available time, you may:
The optional viewpoint is particularly rewarding on clear days, offering another opportunity to appreciate the scale of the mountains surrounding the Salkantay region.
One of the most memorable parts of this trek is the opportunity to spend the night in a Crystal Igloo.
These accommodations are designed to provide additional comfort while maintaining a close connection with the surrounding natural environment.
Your Crystal Igloo includes:
After dinner, you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the high Andes before resting for the most challenging section of the trek the following morning.
Located at approximately 4,000 m / 13,123 ft, Quiswarniyoc is surrounded by impressive Andean scenery.
Mountains, waterfalls, open valleys and high-altitude landscapes create a peaceful environment far from the noise of the city.
The campsite also provides opportunities to see llamas and experience a more traditional atmosphere in the mountains.
Spending the night here gives you the opportunity to enjoy fresh mountain air, dramatic scenery and the extraordinary night sky of the Peruvian Andes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crystal Igloo at Quiswarniyoc Private Camp
Maximum campsite altitude: Approximately 4,000 m / 13,123 ft
Main attraction: Humantay Lake
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The second day is the most demanding and rewarding part of the adventure.
Today, you will reach the highest point of the trek: Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Your morning begins early, at approximately 5:00 AM, when the trekking team will wake you with a warm cup of coca tea.
You will have some time to get dressed and prepare your equipment before breakfast.
At approximately 5:45 AM, enjoy a nourishing breakfast designed to provide the energy required for the climb ahead.
After breakfast, we begin our ascent toward Salkantay Pass.
The climb takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the group’s pace and how everyone responds to the altitude.
The trail gradually climbs through a spectacular high-altitude environment surrounded by rugged valleys, glaciers and enormous snow-covered mountains.
Although this is the most physically demanding section of the journey, the scenery makes it one of the most memorable.
Your guide will maintain an appropriate pace and make stops along the route whenever necessary.
As you approach the pass, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic until you finally reach the highest point of the trek.
Reaching Salkantay Pass is the main achievement of the two-day adventure.
At approximately 4,630 meters / 15,190 feet above sea level, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most impressive mountain scenery in southern Peru.
From the pass, you will have time to:
Your guide will share stories and cultural information that help explain the importance these mountains have held for generations of Andean people.
While at the pass, you may also participate in a short symbolic Andean ceremony honoring the mountains.
This cultural moment provides a deeper introduction to the relationship between Andean communities and the natural world around them.
The ceremony is intended as a respectful cultural experience and a moment to appreciate the significance of Salkantay within traditional Andean beliefs.
After spending time at the pass, we begin descending toward Soraypampa.
The descent takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Although descending is less demanding than the morning ascent, the high altitude and uneven mountain terrain still require careful walking.
Upon reaching Soraypampa, our transportation will be waiting to begin the journey back toward Mollepata.
From Soraypampa, we travel by vehicle toward Mollepata.
Once there, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch after completing the trek.
After lunch, we continue by road toward Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco is expected at approximately 6:00 PM, depending on road conditions, traffic and the pace of the group during the trek.
This concludes an intense but rewarding two-day journey combining Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, spectacular mountain scenery and Andean cultural experiences.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Highest point: Salkantay Pass
Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Ascent: Approximately 3–4 hours
Descent: Approximately 2.5 hours
Estimated arrival in Cusco: Around 6:00 PM
Difficulty: Challenging
Transportation required for the scheduled itinerary is included.
The service begins with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point in Cusco and transportation toward the Salkantay region.
At the end of the second day, transportation is also provided for the return journey to Cusco.
This allows you to complete the trek without having to arrange separate transportation to or from the trail.
The tour includes a total of five meals:
Meals are prepared during the journey to provide sufficient energy for high-altitude hiking.
Our trekking cooks use a selection of fresh ingredients to prepare satisfying meals throughout the experience.
If you have dietary restrictions, food allergies or special requirements, please communicate them when booking so arrangements can be made whenever possible.
A professional guide accompanies the group throughout the trek.
Your guide is responsible for coordinating the itinerary, helping maintain a safe hiking pace and providing information about the natural and cultural attractions encountered along the route.
During the experience, you will learn about:
The guide will also assist the group throughout the more demanding high-altitude sections.
A sleeping bag is included for your overnight stay.
The sleeping equipment is suitable for the cold conditions commonly experienced at high-altitude campsites.
This allows you to travel with less personal trekking equipment while remaining comfortable during the night.
Your overnight stay at the Quiswarniyoc Private Camp is included.
You will sleep in a distinctive Crystal Igloo designed to offer both protection from the mountain weather and an immersive experience surrounded by the Andes.
The accommodation provides a comfortable place to rest before continuing toward Salkantay Pass the following morning.
Pack horses are used to transport camping equipment, food and personal belongings during the trek.
Each traveler can send up to approximately:
7 kg / 15 lb of personal belongings
Because these items travel separately with the support team, you should carry everything you need during the hiking sections inside your personal daypack.
The entrance fee to the Humantay Lake area is not included in the tour price.
The fee indicated for this itinerary is:
20 soles per person
The payment is collected locally by the corresponding authorities in the Mollepata area and should be paid in cash.
Because local entrance fees may be modified, the applicable amount at the time of travel may differ.
We recommend carrying Peruvian soles in cash for this payment and other small expenses during the journey.
Travel insurance is not included.
Because this adventure involves trekking at elevations above 4,000 meters, travelers are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate travel insurance before beginning the trek.
Your insurance should ideally provide coverage for unexpected situations such as:
Personal expenses are not included in the tour price.
These may include:
Bringing some additional cash in Peruvian soles is recommended.
Any additional activity or service not specifically described as included in the itinerary may involve an additional payment.
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From USD 150 per person
The Salkantay Pass Trek and Humantay Lake 2 Days / 1 Night offers an excellent option for travelers who want to experience the spectacular Salkantay region without completing a longer trek to Machu Picchu.
Rates depend on the traveler’s category.
| Traveler Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Student | USD 150 per person |
| Child | USD 150 per person |
| Adult | USD 170 per person |
USD 150 per person
A valid student identification card is required to qualify for the student rate.
The corresponding documentation should be provided during the booking process.
USD 150 per person
Applicable to travelers between 8 and 17 years old.
Age verification may be required during the reservation process.
USD 170 per person
This is the standard rate for adult travelers participating in the group service.
This trek operates as a shared group experience.
Groups generally consist of approximately:
6 to 8 travelers
The maximum group size is:
16 travelers
Keeping groups organized allows travelers to enjoy the social atmosphere of a shared adventure while still receiving professional assistance from the trekking team.
If you have a question about this or any other trip, our travel experts are ready to help with dates, availability and private options.
