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Embark upon a singular journey with our Humantay Lake 2 Days and Salkantay Pass Expedition, featuring lodging within a distinguished Glamping Sky Lodge Dome Premium. Traverse the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, cross the imposing landscapes of the Salkantay region, and retire beneath the Andean heavens in unparalleled comfort.
Moderate
Hike, Culture, Adventure
4600 meters
08ppl Max
Begin a spectacular two-day premium glamping experience to Humantay Lake, designed for travelers who seek comfort, exclusivity, and breathtaking Andean landscapes. As you journey through the remote communities of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, you’ll enjoy a deeper cultural connection while exploring the scenic routes that lead to both Humantay and Salkantay Lakes.
At the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain Range, Humantay Lake reveals its iconic turquoise waters and sweeping alpine views. Your evening unfolds in a luxury glamping camp, featuring refined comfort, exceptional service, and a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by the towering Andes. The next morning, ascend to the trek’s highest viewpoint to take in the impressive snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay.
Activities: High-Altitude Trekking, Natural Exploration, Mountain Scenery
Sites to visit:
Important Information:
This 2-day Salkantay adventure is now a premium glamping experience, perfect for active travelers who want to explore the Andes with comfort and style. With flexible departures and no permits required, it’s an excellent option even for last-minute bookings.
The route includes significant altitude changes, so proper acclimatization is recommended. Horses are available to carry gear or assist travelers who may need support along the way.
The highlight of this upgraded version is the night spent in our Sky Lodge Glamping Domes, offering a luxurious mountain retreat, panoramic Andean views, and an unforgettable night beneath a sky full of stars.
Although this trek doesn’t include Machu Picchu, you can easily add a train journey and guided visit to extend your adventure. Just let us know if you’d like it included.
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
Begin your journey with a beautiful drive from Cusco to the Andean village of Mollepata. From there, continue toward Soraypampa and start your hike through wide valleys and towering peaks until the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake come into view, shimmering beneath the shadow of the glacier and surrounded by dramatic mountain walls.
After exploring the lake and soaking in the scenery, return to Soraypampa for a memorable night in our Sky Lodge Domes, a glamping experience that lets you fall asleep under a sky full of stars in the heart of the Andes.
Day 2: Salkantay Pass – Return to Cusco
Wake up to crisp mountain air and a panoramic sunrise before beginning the ascent toward the impressive Salkantay Pass, one of the highest points of the trek at 4,600 m. Take in sweeping views of the snow-covered Salkantay Mountain and the vast surrounding landscapes.
After enjoying the summit, start your descent back toward Mollepata, where your transportation awaits. Finally, travel back to Cusco, closing your unforgettable 2-day adventure through one of the most iconic regions of the Andes.
The day begins before the sun. Cusco is still asleep when you step into the van, wrapped in a mix of cold air and quiet excitement. The cobblestone streets fade behind you, and slowly the dawn starts painting the mountains with that golden light the Andes seem to keep for themselves.
The road winds through silent valleys, passing villages where life moves without hurry. In Mollepata, a warm breakfast waits, fresh bread, steaming coffee in your hands, and that crisp mountain air that clears your mind with every breath.
Then the journey continues toward Soraypampa, where the world feels different. The mountains rise taller, the clouds hang lower, the wind gets thinner. When you finally arrive at camp, the Sky Lodge Domes sit gleaming under the cool morning light, cozy spheres tucked between snow-crowned giants.
The trail to the lake starts gently but soon climbs steep. You walk slowly, following your breath, feeling each step like a small pact with the mountain. And then, when your heart is pounding and the air burns just a little… it appears.
Humantay Lake.
Emerald. Turquoise. Absolute silence.
A glassy mirror holding the face of the glacier.
You stand there for a moment, as if something inside you needs to align with the water and the wind.
The descent is lighter, as if the landscape itself guides you back to Soraypampa. And when you return, the camp feels like a refuge from the world: warm domes, soft beds, the smell of dinner mingling with the cold evening air.
Night falls quickly in Soraypampa. Outside, the stars don’t just shine, they blaze. Thousands of them. Dark mountain silhouettes carved against a sky that looks unreal. From your Sky Lodge Dome, the world feels immense and, at the same time, intimate.
You breathe. You listen to the wind.
You fall asleep knowing you’re in a place most people only imagine.
Meals Included: Lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Accommodation: Sky Lodge domes facilities
Distance: 10kms/6 miles
Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
After a nourishing buffet-style breakfast, you’ll begin a steady ascent for the second day of the trek. In roughly one hour, you’ll reach the highest point of the route at 4,650 m / 15,367 ft, where the landscape opens into a dramatic panorama of Salkantay (6,217 m / 20,717 ft), Humantay, and Huayanay, three towering, snow-covered giants. Glacial streams and small crystalline lakes complete this breathtaking mountain scene.
From there, we’ll take a brief 30-minute side trail to admire the striking turquoise waters of Salkantay Lake, a true high-Andean gem. After enjoying the view, we return to the main trail for a well-deserved lunch. Capture a final round of photos of the surrounding peaks before we begin our journey back to Cusco. Our private transport will drop you at your hotel around 6:00 p.m.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 12 km / 9 miles
Duration: 7 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
2-Day Humantay trek availability:
Available on any date that suits you.
Group price:
$280 USD per person
Private price: Upon request
EXTRAS
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG
At your briefing, you will receive a duffel bag and an additional pack horse to carry up to 7 kg or 14 lbs, including your 2.5 kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
TOILETRIES
WHAT TO CARRY IN YOUR BACKPACK
A small backpack (30 to 40L) is recommended for daily hikes. The rest of your belongings will be in your duffel bag carried by the horses.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Arrival in Cusco
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and transported to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days before the trek. Look for our representative holding an orange INCAS EXPEDITIONS board at the airport exit.
The Briefing
A briefing will occur the night before the trek at 6 p.m. at our office
Luggage Storage
You can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the Humantay Lake 2-day Trek.
Booking the Humantay Lake 2-Day Trek
To book, complete our booking form by clicking on the “BOOK NOW” button on our homepage or use the link provided.
Please have the following information ready for each participant:
A deposit of $211.00 USD per person is required. You can make this payment via VISA or PAYPAL on our homepage or booking page.
Balance Payment
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay the balance in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office. ATMs are available in the historical center. Alternatively, you can pay by VISA or PAYPAL online, with a 5.5% service fee. For PAYPAL payments, use our email address: incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
Changing Departure Dates
If you need to alter your trek date, notify us as soon as possible. Fees may apply based on how close the change is to the departure date.
Passport Requirements
You must bring your original passport, which must match the number provided during booking. If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, send us your old passport information. We can update the permit for a fee of $25 USD per person, requiring copies of both your old and new passports. Without both passports, you will need to show both to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.
Weather
Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so dress in layers to adjust to rapidly changing conditions.
Altitude Sickness
Regular exercise and a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley typically help with acclimatization. Remedies for altitude sickness include water, coca tea, and oxygen if needed. Our guides are trained to manage altitude sickness. For more information, visit our link on Altitude Sickness.
Group Size
We limit group sizes to a maximum of 8 people, with typical groups ranging from 2 to 6 participants. INCAS EXPEDITIONS specializes in small, private groups for a personalized experience.
HIKING TO HUMANTAY LAKE
The night before your trek begins, you will receive a small duffel bag for packing your clothing for the next four days. The maximum weight allowance for this bag is 7kg/14lbs. Your duffel will be carried by our team of pack horses, along with the food and camping equipment.
Please note that you won’t have access to your duffel bag until the end of each day, as porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you should have a day backpack capable of holding essentials like a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water. A 30 to 50L backpack is recommended.
IS THE HUMANTAY LAKE 2-DAY TREK CHALLENGING? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The trail poses a challenge, but you don’t need to be an athlete to complete it. Fitness will enhance your enjoyment and ability to appreciate the scenery and Inca ruins. If you don’t engage in regular exercise, it’s advisable to do additional walking, hiking, or aerobic activities leading up to your trek. The difficulty level of this trek ranges from moderate to difficult.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREK?
Our clients have highly valued the privacy and cleanliness of our toilet facilities. INCAS EXPEDITIONS provides a dedicated tent with a camping toilet and seat. You can view a picture of our setup by following this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilets are located a comfortable distance from the campsite and are accessible and clean, unlike the government-provided facilities.
WHAT IF I CAN’T COMPLETE THE TREK?
In the unlikely event that you cannot finish the trek due to a health issue, INCAS EXPEDITIONS will assist with transportation to the nearest town for help. We carry oxygen for respiratory issues, and in extreme cases, a helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your own expense (travel insurance required). Please note, no refunds will be issued if you are unable to complete the trek.
WILL WE BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL?
Yes, we will drop you at your hotel on the final day of the trek. If your hotel is located in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will also provide transportation there.
TIPPING
While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated if you are satisfied with the services provided. Although tipping may not be customary in your home country, it is significant for our staff, motivating them to offer excellent service. You are free to tip according to your perception of the quality of service and the length of your trip. Tips should be given for outstanding service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, as a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator, we adhere to universal tourism principles: protecting the environment and benefiting local communities while respecting their culture and traditions. Our local staff is trained to understand and respect the places and people we visit.
Need help deciding on the right trip? Whether it s a quick question or full itinerary advice, we re here to help.
Experience two unforgettable days exploring the turquoise beauty of Humantay Lake and the dramatic landscapes of Salkantay. This premium journey offers breathtaking mountain views at every step. Spend the night in our Sky Lodge Dome, where luxury glamping meets the peaceful silence of the Andes.
