Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake 2-Day Trek

OVERVIEW

Discover the stunning beauty of the Andes with our 2-day Salkantay Pass and Humantay Lake trek. Hike through breathtaking mountain landscapes, reach the iconic Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m, and visit the crystal-clear Humantay Lake. A perfect short adventure for nature lovers and hikers seeking an unforgettable alternative to the Inca Trail.

Accommodation

Andean campsite

Highest Altitude

4,650 m / 15,255 ft (Salkantay Pass)

Group Size

Small groups: 4–10 people

Difficulty

Moderate to Challenging

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Cusco | Mollepata | Challacancha | Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)

Pick Up and Transfer: Cusco – Challacancha

We pick you up at 5:00 AM for a scenic 4-hour drive to Challacancha, passing through Anta and Mollepata. We make a short stop for restrooms and optional breakfast. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Apus Salkantay and Humantay.

Trekking: Challacancha – Soraypampa

Upon arrival at Challacancha, we meet our trekking team and begin a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,850 m). The 7 km trail offers beautiful Andean landscapes and sections of an ancient aqueduct still used by local communities.

Lunch & Rest: Soraypampa Campsite

We arrive at our first campsite in Soraypampa and enjoy lunch with stunning mountain views. After a short rest, we prepare for an afternoon hike

Hike to Humantay Lake

In the afternoon, we hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m), a 5 km round-trip journey. The lake’s vibrant turquoise waters and glacier backdrop create one of the most iconic views of the trek.

Evening: Sunset, Stargazing & Overnight

Back at camp, take in a peaceful sunset and a sky full of stars. With no light pollution, enjoy perfect stargazing before resting in your tent, surrounded by the quiet majesty of the Andes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Walking Distance: 13 km — approximately 6 hours of hiking
Campsite Altitude: 4,100 meters above sea level
Difficulty: Moderate — ideal for acclimatization to the Salkantay Trail
Weather: Warm and breezy during the day; cold at night
Overnight: Camping in tents
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner

DAY 2: Soraypampa | Salkantay Pass | Return to Cusco

Early Breakfast with Mountain Views

Wake up early to a nourishing breakfast with panoramic views of the Andes. Today’s trek will take you to the highest point of the journey.

Ascent to Salkantay Pass

We begin a gradual ascent to Salkantaypampa, then take on the dramatic and challenging Trail of the Seven Snakes—a zigzagging path that leads to the majestic Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). This section takes around 4–5 hours and rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and rugged peaks.

Descent: Salkantay Pass – Soraypampa Camp

After reaching the summit and enjoying a break with unforgettable mountain views, we begin our descent back to Soraypampa through rocky alpine terrain and vast scenic valleys. This stretch takes approximately 2 hours.

Lunch at Soraypampa & Final Walk to Transport

Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch back at camp and take some time to relax before heading out. A short 30-minute walk brings you to the pick-up point for your return transport.

Return to Cusco

Board our private transport for the drive back to Cusco. You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation in the late afternoon or early evening, ending your adventure with a great sense of accomplishment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Walking Distance: 22 km — approximately 9 hours of hiking
Campsite Altitude: 2,900 meters above sea level
Difficulty: Challenging — conquering the highest point at 4,650 meters above sea level
Weather: Warm and breezy during the day; cold at night
Meals Included: Breakfast, and Lunch

INCLUSIONS

Pre-Trek Briefing

Detailed briefing the day before departure at the Machu Picchu Reservations office.
Bilingual Tour Guides

Experienced English and Spanish-speaking professional guides throughout the trek.
Hotel Pickup

Pickup service from your hotel in Cusco on the day of departure.
Transportation

Round-trip transportation is included: from Cusco to the trek starting point on the first day, and return to Cusco at the end of the trek on the second day.
Meals Included

Lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast and lunch on the second day
Horse for riding (optional)

Horses are available for rent at S/120 per person, per day. Each horse can carry up to 80 kg (176 lbs). If your weight exceeds this limit, two horses will be required at a cost of S/200 per person, per day.
Dietary Options

Vegetarian and vegan meals available at no extra cost upon request.
Camping Night

1 Night of camping in scenic mountain location.
Comfortable Sleeping Pad

Double foam sleeping pad (2.5 inches thick) provided for extra comfort.
Emergency Equipment

First-aid kit and oxygen bottle available for emergencies during the trek.

First breakfast, Last lunch and last dinner

Breakfast on the first day is not included, nor is dinner on the last day.
Drinks or meals not specifically mentioned

Any drinks or meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the package.
Trekking Poles Rental

Trekking poles are not included but can be rented for $10.00 per person for the duration of the trek.
Sleeping Bag Rental

Sleeping bags are not provided. You may rent one for $15.00 per person.
Riding horse rental

Horses are available for rent at S/120 per person, per day. Each horse can carry up to 80 kg (176 lbs). If your weight exceeds this limit, two horses will be required at a cost of S/200 per person, per day.
Travel Insurance

Personal travel insurance is not included but strongly recommended to cover unforeseen circumstances.
Tips for Staff

Gratuities for your guide, cook, and support team are not included. Tipping is optional but greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks.

PRICES

$ 165 Book with a $80 deposit.

The lowest price guaranteed
Real local operator (cusco)
English, Spanish

30% off

PRICES AVAILABLE ONLY FOR ONLINE RESERVATIONS: All prices and offers shown are only available for online reservations, any other payment method does not apply.

ASK FOR PRIVATE SERVICE

BOOK ONLINE

$115.00

Check-in 05:00

Check-out 21:00

Start date

Duration

2 days

People

Adult

Student

Additional Services

Sleeping bag for the whole trek $15

Walking pole $10

Totals

HAPPY CUSTOMERS FRIENDS FOREVER

We have a wide multimedia gallery where you can see photos of our groups of passengers on adventure routes such as the Salkantay Trekking of 4 and 5 Days as well. One of the most famous routes that is Machu Picchu by Bus (Acceso Amazonico) for 2 and 3 Days in addition to one day tours such as the Rainbow Mountain Full Day.

TALK TO AN SPECIALIST

HOW TO BOOK

Choose Your Package

Select the package that best suits your travel plans.

Fill Out the Online Booking Form

Click on the “Book Online” button, choose your travel date, and complete the booking form.

Important: Only one person should fill out the form for the entire group to ensure you're all booked together.

Make Your Payment

Secure your booking by paying online with any debit or credit card.

Our system will charge 40% of the total amount in advance.

Send Passenger Information

After your payment is completed, our reservations team will contact you via email to request the following information for each passenger (please include a photo or scanned image of the passport): Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth, Gender, Phone number

Full Payment Method

You can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns. Ask for the total payment link.

Balance Payment

The remaining BALANCE is due 48 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in CASH (soles or dollars) or CREDIT CARD (+ 4 %) at the office in Cusco or in your hotel/hostal/apartament.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.

Additional Enhacements

Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain: 30 USD (subject to availability).

→ Check availability

Sleeping Bag Rental: 15 USD or the entire trek
Trekking Poles Rental: 10 USD one pair for the entire trek
Extra night: 20 USD per person based 2 people 40 USD single accommodation

STUDENT DISCOUNT

If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.

All university cards must be laminated and clearly show the following information:

University Name

University Logo

Student full name and photo

Date of currently valid student card

You have to be under 25 years old

NOTE If your University ID is missing the Expiration Date or your Birth Date, You may also submit your Passport

NOT VALID CARD Cerficates of Studies, MasterCard, Doctorate and Postgraduate are not valid for Student discount

What to Bring for the Hike to Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek Packing List

Pack smart for your 5-day trek to Machu Picchu with this essential checklist

What to Expect Year-Round

Salkantay Trek Weather

Plan your adventure with the latest climate insights for every season

Everything You Need to Know

Salkantay Trek FAQs

Answers to the most common questions before your trek to Machu Picchu

Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake 2-Day Trek

OVERVIEW

Accommodation

Highest Altitude

Group Size

Difficulty

ITINERARY

INCLUSIONS

Pre-Trek Briefing

Bilingual Tour Guides

Hotel Pickup

Transportation

Meals Included

Horse for riding (optional)

Dietary Options

Camping Night

Comfortable Sleeping Pad

Emergency Equipment

First breakfast, Last lunch and last dinner

Drinks or meals not specifically mentioned

Trekking Poles Rental

Sleeping Bag Rental

Riding horse rental