Tour Details:
The Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake 2-Day Trek is a condensed but powerful adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. Designed for those who want a high-impact experience in a short time, this trek combines majestic mountains, glacial lakes, and deep cultural immersion into just two unforgettable days.
On the first day, hike to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, nestled beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba range. After a restful night in sky domes under the stars, challenge yourself with a climb to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 ft), one of the highest and most scenic points on the trail.
Perfect for adventure lovers and those with limited time, this trek offers jaw-dropping scenery, peaceful nature, and the chance to walk in the footsteps of the Incas.
Highlights:
- Trek to the stunning Humantay Lake, known for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop.
- Reach the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), one of the highest and most impressive points in the Andes.
- Experience two iconic landscapes of Peru in just two days—glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks.
- Spend the night in comfortable sky domes, surrounded by mountains and stars.
- Learn about Andean culture, geography, and spirituality from a knowledgeable local guide.
- Ideal short trek for acclimatization or for travelers with limited time.
- All meals, transfers, and professional guide service included—just hike and enjoy!
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Approx. 6 hours trekking)
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 to 5:00 a.m., then drive for approximately 3.5 hours to Challacancha (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the starting point of our trek. After a light breakfast and a short briefing, we begin a scenic 3-hour hike toward Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), our base camp.
Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and a brief rest. In the afternoon, we ascend for about 1.5 hours to the spectacular Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking surroundings.
After time to explore and take photos, we descend back to Soraypampa. A warm coca tea and a delicious dinner will be waiting for you. Tonight, you’ll sleep in our cozy sky domes, surrounded by towering peaks and stars.
- Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
- Overnight: Soraypampa (Sky Domes)
DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Cusco (Approx. 7 hours trekking)
We start the day early with a wake-up call at 4:30 a.m., followed by a hearty breakfast at 5:00 a.m. to fuel up for the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek.
At 6:00 a.m., we begin our 3-hour ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the trek. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, Humantay, and Tucarhuay mountains. Your guide will explain the spiritual significance of this sacred place in Inca culture.
After taking time to rest, appreciate the views, and snap photos, we begin a 4-hour descent back through the scenic Andean landscapes, passing by waterfalls and rugged terrain, until we reach Soraypampa for lunch.
Following lunch and a well-deserved break, we’ll drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. We will drop you off at your hotel.
- Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Maximum altitude: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
- Return to Cusco: By private transport after lunch
Included / Excluded
-
Transport:
• Private vehicle from Cusco to Challacancha (starting point of the trek)
• Private vehicle from Soraypampa to Cusco (return after the trek) -
Meals:
• 2 breakfasts
• 2 lunches
• 1 dinner (on Day 1 only) -
Accommodation:
• 1 night in a shared glass-roof cabin (based on double occupancy) at our Soraypampa camp -
Tickets & Briefing:
• Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake
• Pre-trek briefing at our Cusco office the day before departure (between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.) with your guide
- Extra horses (available upon request)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Tips for guides, cooks, or horsemen (optional)
What to Bring:
- Original passport (and valid student ID if applicable)
- Sleeping bag (recommended for cold nights, rated to -8ºC / 17ºF)
- Sturdy hiking boots (preferably waterproof)
- Layers for variable temperatures, especially for cold nights
- Warm clothing: thermal base layers, fleece or down jacket, trekking pants (avoid jeans)
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Camera or phone with extra batteries/power bank
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and lip balm
- Wool socks, gloves, scarf, and warm hat (for high-altitude cold)
- Rain gear: rain jacket and/or poncho (especially during the wet season)
- Plastic bags to keep your gear dry (especially inside your backpack)
- Toiletries, including toilet paper and a small towel
- Swimsuit (for optional hot springs)
- Reusable water bottle (and optional water purification tablets)
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
- Extra cash for snacks, tips, or optional activities
Additional Information
IMPORTANT:
To issue your Machu Picchu entry ticket, the Peruvian authorities require the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
Please ensure all details are accurate when making your reservation.
Pre-Trip Briefing:
A representative from Sungate Peru Travel will contact you one day before your departure to arrange a pre-trip briefing. This meeting will take place in your hotel lobby or at our office, as agreed in advance, around 6:00 PM.
During the briefing, we will provide a detailed step-by-step itinerary map and deliver all relevant tickets and documents for your journey.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
