2 Day Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass Trek

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. and travel toward Mollepata, where breakfast will be served. We then continue by vehicle to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.

Before setting out, your guide will explain the day’s route, trail conditions, and how to manage your pace at high altitude. The morning hike follows a gradual uphill path alongside an Inca water channel, with views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

We reach Soraypampa around midday and settle into our campsite. After lunch, you will have time to rest before beginning the afternoon ascent to Humantay Lake.

The trail to the lake is short but steep. Because Humantay sits at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), we will walk slowly and stop whenever necessary. At the viewpoint, your guide will explain how the lake was formed and its cultural importance to the surrounding communities.

Visiting later in the day often provides a quieter experience because many full-day groups have already started returning to Cusco. After the visit, we descend along the same trail to Soraypampa, where hot drinks and snacks will be waiting.

Dinner will be served at the campsite before you rest for the night beneath the Humantay and Salkantay mountain range.

Day 1 at a Glance

• Departure from Cusco: Approximately 4:00 a.m.
• Highest point: Humantay Lake at 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
• Main route: Challacancha, Soraypampa, and Humantay Lake
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Accommodation: Soraypampa campsite

The second day begins early with a hot drink followed by breakfast at the campsite. We then start the main ascent toward Salkantaypampa, walking through an increasingly rocky high-mountain landscape.

The steepest section follows the switchbacks commonly known as the Seven Snakes Trail. We will maintain a steady pace as we climb toward Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the journey at approximately 4,630 meters (15,190 feet).

From the pass, weather permitting, you can see Salkantay Mountain, nearby glaciers, and the surrounding Andean peaks. Your guide will allow time for resting, photographs, and an explanation of the mountain’s importance in Andean culture.

We then begin the descent through the rocky terrain toward Soyrococha, where we stop for lunch. Afterward, the trail continues through Soraypampa and toward Challacancha, where our transportation will be waiting.

The drive back follows the mountain road through Mollepata before continuing to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel is expected at approximately 7:00 p.m., depending on traffic and trail conditions.

Day 2 at a Glance

• Highest point: Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft)
• Main route: Salkantaypampa, Salkantay Pass, Soyrococha, and Challacancha
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Return transportation: Challacancha to Cusco
• Estimated arrival: Approximately 7:00 p.m.