Witness the best of Peruvian highlands and the off-touristic sites amidst nature on this two-day Humantay Lake Salkantay Trek from Cusco with our English-speaking local tour guide.
Witness the best of Peruvian highlands and the off-touristic sites amidst nature on this two-day Humantay Lake Salkantay Trek from Cusco with our English-speaking local tour guide.
Our local travel experts design the trek to offer you the best and the most of the Peruvian Andes.
On the first day of the 2-Day Humantay Lake Salkantay Trek, you will visit the hidden gem, Lake Humantay. It is a glacier lake tucked under the snow-capped peaks of Mount Humantay. This hidden gem is sacred to locals and often Shamans (Andean Priests) visit the lake to make offerings to Apus (Sacred Peak).
On the second day of the 2-Day Humantay Lake Salkantay Trek, you will be hiking on the famous 7 Snakes Trail, named after its formation because of seven switchbacks. You will be conquering the renowned Salkantay Pass to soak in the pristine views of the snow-capped Andean peaks.
You will not only feel the energy of the mountains and peaks but also will get a closer insight into the life and culture of locals living here. They are untouched by modernity and maintain their age-old customs unblemished.
2-Day Humantay Lake Salkantay Trek is one of our signature tours. Our local tour guides are mountaineers with years of experience hiking in the Andes. On any trek with us, we aim to offer an authentic experience to our trekkers.
Join us to discover more about the Andes on this exclusive 2-Day Humantay Lake Salkantay Trek.
Your epic 2-day Humantay Lake Salkantay Trek experience begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. In our comfortable private transport, we will embark on a drive to a small Andean town called Mollepata. We will be stopping for breakfast here before continuing to Challacancha.
Challacancha
Our local expert will be sharing some insider tips on hiking in the Andes and will get you prepared for the exciting two days that follow.
We will begin hiking to Soraypampa. This leg of the trek is quite challenging as it’s mostly up the hill. But it would also help you to get acclimatized and get an introduction to the Andes. We will be hiking along an Inca canal. Along the way up, we will be having plenty of stops so you can regain your breath and contemplate the views.
Soraypampa
As we reach our campsite in Soraypampa, our local team will be serving you a delicious local lunch. After lunch, you will have some time to relax and enjoy nature in solitude.
Humantay Lake
Later in the afternoon, after the full-day trekkers would have left, we will start our hike to Humantay Lake. It nestles at 4200 meters above sea level (13780 ft). We will be hiking slowly at this altitude.
Once we reach Humantay Lake, you will have plenty of time to immerse in the dazzling views of the Andean jewel tucked amidst the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay Peaks. Our local expert will be explaining to you the prominence of the lake and will share some stories.
After soaking in the pristine views of the Andes, we will gradually start our hike back to the campsite. Our crew will be serving some tea or coffee and snacks. After witnessing the sunset, we will be having dinner under the clear Andean sky dotted with a constellation of stars.
As the sun would trounce the blanket of darkness, we will be serving you a hot cup of Peruvian coffee or coca tea and a nutritious Andean breakfast to get you prepared for the hike to the picturesque Salkantay Pass.
Salkantay Pass
We will gradually begin our climb to Salkantay Pass (4630m/15190ft) above sea level. The Trail of the snakes as it is nicknamed by locals is a set of seven switchbacks. Along the way you will be getting beautiful views of the Andes and pockets of small Andean communities tucked amidst the massive snowcapped peaks.
Once we reach Salkantay Pass, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the view as our guide will share some interesting facts about the Andes and the life of locals.
Soyorcocha
After contemplating the views, we will be hiking down the hill to Soyorcocha for lunch. We will be stopping for lunch in a camp with a backdrop of Salkantay peak.
Soraypampa
After lunch, we will continue descending to our campsite in Soraypampa. Along the way, we will be passing through some remote snow-covered stone forest. Our crew will be serving some snacks accompanied by coffee or tea.
Challacancha
After some rest, we will be hiking further down the hill to Challacancha where we will meet our transport for our ride back to Cusco city.
We will be reaching Cusco by 0700 PM.
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
4:00 a.m.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Recommended To Carry
The highest point is typically the Salkantay Pass, around 4,600 meters (15,092 ft). Humantay Lake sits near 4,200 meters (13,780 ft).
This trek is rated moderate to challenging, especially due to high altitude, steep ascents, and the route to Salkantay Pass. Good cardiovascular condition and prior trekking experience are beneficial.
On Day 1, the ascent to Humantay from base camp is about 5 to 7 km, depending on route.
Day 2 includes the ascent to the pass and descent, totaling additional kilometers according to route.
The dry season (May–September) offers the best conditions less rain, clearer skies, safer trails.
During rainy months (November to March), trails may be slippery and more challenging.
From:
$
Find out what those who have trusted us to explore unique destinations and live extraordinary adventures have to say.
Posted on zinougymJune 25, 2025Verified Extraordinary experience We did the 2 days and 1 night Inca trail. I was really surprised that everything was perfect from start to finish. We were first met to explain each step of the journey in detail. The staff is punctual. Everything was fluid and so well organized. Lunch box very good. Our guide Luis was perfect, kind, passionate, we received good explanations (no too much or little). It was nice to spend these 2 days with him.Really great experience and very high quality! I can only highly recommend! +++Posted on Elba KJune 25, 2025Verified Best tour Waooo really best tour and service . Everything was perfect . I highly recommend it . The organization was top notch . The tour guide Willy was the best he’s knowledgeable and it was so fun we laugh ., loved it .one of the best spotsPosted on Silmara LJune 23, 2025Verified Viagem maravilhosa Travel with the agency Machu Picchu Tours was a wonderful experience! From the first contact, even before the trip, I received all the necessary assistance — always with great attention, agility and care. Already in Cusco, everything was impeccably organized: punctual transfers to the hotel, accompaniment on all tours and a staff always available to help.Being able to travel peacefully, without worrying about anything but enjoying every moment, made all the difference! I highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Peru. The Machu Picchu Tours made this experience even more unforgettable!Posted on Brianna BJune 15, 2025Verified Highly Recommend Our guide Edwin and the team of porters were phenomenal. They were patient, encouraging and worked so hard for us! The food was gourmet and amazing. They set up camp each night and kept us very comfortable. Highly recommend!Posted on JulianaJune 6, 2025Verified It was great to be able to count on the Machu Picchu tours during our stay in Cusco. I made the contract with Machu Picchu tours to spend a week in Cusco as the starting point for our tours. The contact was all through Elaine who carried out the hiring of the hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, tours to Sacred Valley, Humantay lagoon, Machu Picchu and colorful mountain. Everything was great, organized so that our acclimatation to the walks of the colorful mountain and Humantay lagoon was the best possible, our expectations about the stay and tours were very well met, they left us very safe and peaceful. The tours and transfers were punctual, with great guides and assistance. It was a difference to have hired the same agency for all tours, because every end of the day Elaine contacted to know how we were and to announce the departure time for the next day.Posted on Dani CMay 29, 2025Verified Excellent! Highly recommend Great tour! Great accommodations with a lovely river view and breakfast. Machu Picchu of course was amazing and the guide (Roy) provided excellent information, history, details, and photo taking skills. Excellent, smooth communications and travel coordinations. Highly recommend!Posted on Maja HMay 23, 2025Verified Incredible 4-Day Inca Trail Experience! The 4-day Inca Trail was unforgettable journey through stunning mountain landscapes, ancient ruins, and cloud forests, culminating with the amazing Machu Picchu. The experience was even more special by our incredible guide and the dedicated team who supported us every step of the way.Our guide was incredibly full of knowledge about the history of the Incas. Apart from that, we learned so much about the flora and fauna of the Andes. Thank you Christian, you are the king of the jungle!The porters and cooks were outstanding—hardworking, kind, and the meals were delicious! So, another thanks to the master chef Carmello.The entire team made us feel safe, supported, and inspired every step of the way. Highly recommend this trek with such a dedicated and professional team!Posted on Karina TMay 21, 2025Verified Lifetime experience! 10/10 An unforgettable adventure! The Rainbow Mountain trek was incredible, with stunning scenery and adorable llamas and alpacas along the way. Huge thanks to Machu Picchu Tours and our fantastic guide John for making it a truly special experience.Posted on Karina TMay 21, 2025Verified Fantastic tour with John Taqquere The Sacred Valley tour was a whirlwind, but Machu Picchu Tours made it unforgettable. Their service was flawless. I'm eager to recommend them to friends and family – great jobPosted on Karina TMay 21, 2025Verified Wonderful tour Completing the 2 day Inca Trail was an incredible achievement! The hike was demanding, but the stunning views and double visit to Machu Picchu made it worthwhile. Thanks to Machu Picchu Tours for their top-notch organization. I'm excited to explore more destinations with you! Tupananchiscuna!
Contact us with Machu Picchu Tours