Experience the beauty of the Humantay Lake Salkantay 2 Days trek, hiking through breathtaking mountain landscapes and visiting the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. A perfect short getaway!
Overview:
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.
Itinerary trip
Day 1: Cusco - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake
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.
Day 2: Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Pass - Soyorcocha - Soraypampa - Cusco
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.
Inclusions
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
4:00 a.m.
Price Includes
- Pre Trek Briefing
- Highly Experienced Local Tour Guide
- Camping Gears
- Walking Sticks
- All entrance fees
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- 01 Night accommodation
Price Excludes
- Duffle Bag
- Horse from Soraypampa to Humantay
- Lake/Salkantay Pass (Optional)
- Travel Insurance
- Any Private Expenses
Pricing
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience) :
2 -3 People – 320US$ Per person
4+ People – 300US$ Per person
Children/students 290US$ Per person
Exclusive Private Tour:
2 -3 People – 370US$ Per person
4+ People – 350US$ Per person
Children/students 320US$ Per person
Frequently Asked Questions – 2 days Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek
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.
