Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass Trek 2 Days
Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass are part of one of the most sought-after mountain routes near Cusco, ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a complete trekking experience. In two days, you will explore a landscape that ranges from 3,800 m.a.s.l. at Soraypampa to 4,650 m.a.s.l. at Salkantay Pass, passing by the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, located at approximately 4,200 m.a.s.l., with the Salkantay Mountain as a stunning backdrop throughout the journey.
This tour combines moderate to challenging physical effort with glacier landscapes, valleys, and mountain trails that change at every stage. It is a perfect alternative if you have already visited Machu Picchu and are looking for a short but demanding trek, or if your Cusco itinerary does not allow enough time for the complete five-day trek. Before booking, it is recommended to spend one or two days acclimatizing in the city, as the altitude of this route is significantly higher than Cusco and can be noticeable from the first section.
Below, you will find the detailed day-by-day itinerary, including schedules, distances, and rest points, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage of the trek.
Itinerario del tour Laguna Humantay y Abra Salkantay
CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE
Your day begins before sunrise. At 5:00 a.m., we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (3,350 m.a.s.l.) and depart by tourist transportation toward Mollepata, a journey of approximately 2 hours that also serves as the first altitude descent, as the town is located at 2,900 m.a.s.l. Here, we stop for breakfast and take some time to stretch our legs before continuing.
From Mollepata, we continue by vehicle to Challacancha (3,600 m.a.s.l.), arriving around 9:00 a.m., where the walking portion of the route begins. The first 25 minutes involve an uphill section leading to an ancient water canal that was built generations ago and still provides irrigation to local communities. After this section, the trail becomes much easier, opening up to impressive views of the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains that accompany you for most of the day.
The morning hike takes approximately 3 hours to reach Soraypampa (3,900 m.a.s.l.), where lunch awaits and where you will spend the night at Eco Lodge Mamá Andrea. After eating and taking some time to rest, we begin the afternoon ascent: a 1-hour and 20-minute climb to Humantay Lake (4,200 m.a.s.l.), a turquoise body of water fed by the melting glacier of the same name. Take your time at the top to enjoy the views, take photos, and appreciate the landscape before descending back to the lodge.
Dinner is included at the accommodation, and if the sky is clear, you will have the opportunity to admire the stars with almost no light pollution, something that is no longer possible in Cusco city.
- Accommodation: Eco Lodge Mamá Andrea, Soraypampa.
- Hiking: approximately 5 hours, 11 km.
- Weather: cool and windy.
- Altitudes of the day:
Cusco: 3,350 m.a.s.l.
Mollepata: 2,900 m.a.s.l.
Challacancha: 3,600 m.a.s.l.
Soraypampa: 3,900 m.a.s.l.
Humantay Lake: 4,200 m.a.s.l.
SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – SORAYPAMPA – CUSCO
The most challenging day of the tour starts early, with a coca tea prepared by the kitchen team at 6:00 a.m. to help you warm up before setting off. Today’s goal is clear: climb 7 km to the highest point of the entire circuit, an ascent that requires approximately 4 hours of steady effort.
Leaving Soraypampa, the trail gradually climbs for about 1 hour and 30 minutes along the valley until reaching Salkantaypampa, a great place to take a break before the next section. From there, the landscape becomes more rugged: you walk across rocky terrain and face the steepest part of the day, known as the “7 Serpents” due to its sharp switchbacks, which takes another 2 hours and 30 minutes until reaching Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route.
At the top, you will have two impressive peaks right in front of you: Salkantay Mountain, the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range, and Humantay Mountain rising beside it. It is worth spending some time enjoying this panoramic view, which few places in the area can offer, before beginning the descent.
The way down takes another 2 hours and 30 minutes, crossing the rocky landscapes typical of this section of the route until reaching the Eco Lodge again, where lunch will already be waiting. After regaining your energy, you will board transportation back to Cusco, completing the circuit at around 6:00 p.m.
- Hiking: approximately 7 hours, 12 km.
- Weather: cool and windy.
- Altitudes of the day:
Soraypampa: 3,900 m.a.s.l.
Salkantaypampa: 4,200 m.a.s.l.
Salkantay Pass: 4,630 m.a.s.l.
View Route Map
What’s Included?
- Briefing with the guide, a few days before the tour, at our office
- Hotel pickup and round-trip tourist transportation to Challacancha
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- Cook service and all meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner
- Tea time with hot drinks and snacks
- Vegetarian menu or special dietary requirements at no additional cost
- Boiled water to refill your bottle during the trek
- Personal luggage transportation, up to 7 kg / 15 lbs, with a duffel bag included
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
- 1 night accommodation at Eco Lodge Mamá Andrea, in Soraypampa
- Cabins equipped with beds, thermal blankets, hot water showers, and solar panels for charging devices
- Tourist transportation back to Cusco
Does Not Include
- Personal items
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake
- Dinner on day 2
More Information About the Trek
List of Personal Items to Bring
The weather at high altitudes can change several times throughout the day, with low temperatures especially at night in Soraypampa. If you are missing any item from this list, you can buy or rent it in Cusco before departure, as the city has specialized trekking equipment stores.
Documents
- Original passport or ID.
- Valid student ID, if applicable.
- Copy of your travel insurance.
Essentials
- Small daypack
- Sleeping bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Energy snacks: cookies, dried fruit, chocolate, cereal bars
- Some cash, in case you want to buy souvenirs along the way
Clothing and Footwear
- Trekking shoes and sandals for the lodge
- Warm clothing for the night: thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, hat, and wool socks
- Rain gear: waterproof jacket and rain poncho
- Technical or cotton clothing: 3 or 4 shirts, pants, and shorts
- Hat or cap for sun protection.
Pharmaceutical Products
- Personal medications and basic anti-inflammatory pills
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with UV protection.
Personal Hygiene Items
- Small quick-dry towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Toilet paper.
Other Items
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Camera with extra battery and memory card
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional)
- Plastic bags for wet clothes or trash
* If you have any questions or need more information about the items you should bring for this route, please contact us via WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047
What altitude does the 2-day Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass tour reach?
The highest point of the route is Salkantay Pass, located at 4,630 m.a.s.l. Humantay Lake is at 4,200 m.a.s.l., and the starting point, Soraypampa, is at 3,900 m.a.s.l.
Is the 2-day Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass tour difficult?
It is a moderate to challenging trek due to the altitude rather than the distance. The second day is the most demanding, with an approximately 4-hour ascent to Salkantay Pass.
Do I need to acclimatize before doing this tour?
Yes. It is recommended to spend at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before the trek, avoiding intense activities and getting proper rest to adapt to the altitude.
Where do we sleep during the tour?
The only night of the trek is spent at Eco Lodge Mamá Andrea, in Soraypampa, staying in cabins equipped with beds, thermal blankets, and hot water showers.
Important
- We recommend securing your spot as early as possible.
- If you would like a PRIVATE TOUR, request your quote by phone: +51 984525006 / WhatsApp: +51 984683047, or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
Exclusive Prices for the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass Tour
| Category | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 150 | Per person |
| Infant | Free | From 0 to 3 years old, traveling with parents |
Things to Consider
Please consider the following points:
- Prices are expressed in US dollars (USD) and are per person.
- Please note that a minimum of 2 people is required to book this trek.
- Our company also offers promotions and discounts for student groups. Contact us to receive our special offers.
- For your greater peace of mind and comfort, our tours have no hidden fees or additional charges.
- If you are interested in this route and would like to make a reservation or receive more information, please contact us:
- Phone: +51 984 525 006
- WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047
