The Best Night in the Andes, Under the Stars
If you’re visiting Cusco and like the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple of days and venturing to some of the most incredible scenery in the mountains, look no further than our 2-day Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass hike.
Visit two of the most imposing sites in the Cusco region of Peru, Humantay Lake, and Salkantay Mountain. You’ll also get to spend the night in our exclusive Sky Camp under the Andean starry sky and learn all about the constellations that were very significant in the Inca period. Join like-minded travelers on this epic 2-day trip.
Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass Trek 2 Days Map
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with a larger group, you can join us any day of the week on this incredible 2-day tour in the middle of the Peruvian Andes. You can escape the busy city and connect with Mother Nature in the most picturesque setting imaginable.
You’ll get to visit two of Peru's most impressive sights. On day 1, you’ll hike up to Humantay Lake, which looks like a glistening gem against the white mountainous backdrop. On the second day, you’ll trek up the Trail of the 7 Snakes to reach the Salkantay Pass, where you’ll get some truly astounding views of the snowy Andean mountain peaks.
If that’s not enough, you can enjoy the unique experience of sleeping in our Sky Camp. There, you’ll spend the night under the Andean starry sky and look through the glass roof of your igloo.
So, what are you waiting for? Join us on this amazing trip that’ll give you an experience you’ll never forget.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco | Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Head out to Challacancha to start hiking to Soraypampa. Hike up to Humantay Lake in the afternoon and spend the night in our Sky Camp.
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Day 02
Sky Camp |Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Pass - Soyrococha - Soraypampa - Cusco
Hike up to Salkantay Pass via the Trail of the Seven Snakes this morning and enjoy breathtaking views before lunch. Enjoy the ride as you return to Cusco on our company vehicle.
What's it like
Highlights
- Hike through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world in the middle of the Peruvian Andes.
- Walk up to the incredibly stunning Humantay Lake and witness its sheer natural beauty.
- Defeat the challenging hike up to the Salkantay Pass and see the Salkantay Mountain in all its glory.
- Spend two adventurous days away from the city in the hands of Mother Nature.
- Learn all about the Andean flora and fauna with your knowledgeable guide.
- Spend the night under the starry Andean sky and learn all about the constellations.
Why Travel with us
Cusco | Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Highlight of the day: Looking out over the gem that is Humantay Lake and enjoying the drastic change of color against the white backdrop.
Hike to the Turquoise Jewel in the Andean Mountains
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation and head to Mollepata for breakfast before continuing to Challacancha. We’ll spend the morning hiking to Soraypampa and our Sky Camp. You’ll have lunch and settle in before we continue our hike.
This afternoon, we’ll walk up to Humantay Lake; the most beautiful turquoise lake set against a snowy, white backdrop. You’ll spend some time at the top and capture some wonderful images before making your way back down to Soraypampa for dinner, star-gazing, and some well-needed rest.
Your exciting 2-day adventure begins early in the morning as your tour guide, and our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. The day's first stop will be in Mollepata to have a nourishing breakfast. Then we’ll continue on our way until we get to Challacancha for a short rest.
From here, we’ll begin our walk towards Soraypampa, where our camp is located. This first stretch isn’t too challenging and will help you adjust to the altitude. You’ll notice you follow a small Inca canal most of the way and can take in the pretty Andean scenery.
We will arrive at our destination, Sky Camp, located in front of the majestic and snowy Salkantay and Humantay mountains, where the reception staff will be waiting for you with an exquisite lunch. Afterward, you’ll have time to rest in your igloo or wander around the site before we prepare for our afternoon hike.
We’ll climb uphill to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). You’ll take things slowly due to the altitude, and once you reach the top, you’ll have time to take in the truly beautiful view of the jewel-like lake among the snowy, white backdrop.
You’ll then make your way back down to our Sky Camp for an enjoyable dinner and some star-gazing. Your guide will tell you all about Inca astronomy. When you head to bed, you’ll be able to stare out of the roof of your igloo and let the constellations send you off to sleep.
Sky Camp |Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Pass - Soyrococha - Soraypampa - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Reaching the Salkantay Pass and taking in the amazing mountainous scenery.
Defeat the Trail of the Seven Snakes
Wake up bright and early for a nourishing breakfast before we set out on our hike up the Trail of the 7 Snakes to the Salkantay Pass. Once you reach the peak, you’ll have lots of time to rest and soak up the astounding views of the snowy mountain peaks. Then, we’ll descend to our lunch spot in Soraypampa, our Sky Camp.
After lunch, we’ll rest a little before walking another 30 minutes to board our transport. Enjoy the last scenic views out of the window as we take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
Today’s the grand day because we’ll reach the highest point of the trip, where you’ll come across marvelous landscapes bordered by an impressive complex of mountains. You’ll enjoy a filling and nutritious breakfast before we gradually ascend to Salkantaypampa and then through a challenging path known as “The Trail of the 7 Snakes” until we get to the impressive Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. You’ll spend some time at the pass to take memorable photos and enjoy the fantastic landscape.
After enjoying a view of the snowy mountains and feeling the force of nature, we’ll pass through some unique stony scenery and descend to our campsite for lunch. On the way, we’ll have a remote view of the great snow-covered forest of stones. All your efforts are greatly rewarded with incredible views everywhere you look.
After lunch at our Sky Camp, we’ll have a little break before heading out on the last stretch for 30 minutes to board the transport. Along this last part of the journey, you’ll get plenty of opportunities for great photos of valleys, mountains, rivers, and farming fields. We’ll finally reach Cusco and drop you off for some well-deserved rest at your accommodation.
At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entrance to the Salkantay Sanctuary
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
The evening before the trek, you will meet with your guide and trekking group to receive orientation about the trip. The meeting is at 6:00 pm at our office or at your hotel.
Experienced Tour Guide
English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Private Camping Equipment
Our Sky Camp has a well-equipped kitchen and spacious dining room where you can enjoy your food without problems.
Sleeping Bag
Trekking Poles (pair)
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Extras Included in our Service
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the route and a rain poncho.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
Accommodation
Accommodation in our Exclusive Sky Camp (Day 1)
Our Sky Camp was a sensation so far in 2018. Our clients recommend it for its novelty, comfort, and balance with the environment.
Our incredible Sky Camp is located in front of impressive glacier mountains, Humantay and Salkantay. This campsite allows for the perfect union of sky and earth. It will enable you to sleep calmly under a deep, blue sky starred with an exceptional view of the constellations. At the same time, you can enjoy all the comforts of a first-class vacation home.
Meals
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 1 Dinner
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the trail
We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters). You’ll be able to fill your bottles during each meal.
Wake up tea
You'll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea! Our staff will provide you the tea in your tent so that you will be warm from inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
The first afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Snacks on the trail daily
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Hygiene Products
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
Transport
All your transportation is included in this package. We'll pick you up from your hotel and take you to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike. Once you complete the tour, the second day, we'll take you back to the door of your hotel in Cusco.
What Is Not Included?
Duffle Bag
Day 2 Dinner
Horse from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake nor Salkantay Pass (optional)
Hiking Clothes & Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is the norm on any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Have another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line and we will get back to you asap!
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 6:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historical Center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time in the briefing session, but please keep in mind that the time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an old city, meaning it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, restaurant, or camp. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
"Humantay Lake & Salkantay Pass Trek" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2023 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 195.00 per person
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 5%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.
Extensions & Deals
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.
- Cusco City Tour: US$ 30.00 US$ 20.00
- Sacred Valley: US$ 60.00 US$ 50.00
- Moray & Maras Salt Mines: US$ 60.00 US$ 50.00
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Waqrapukara Tour: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Ausangate Seven Lakes: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Queswachaka Inca Bridge: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
Additional Items
There are additional items you can include in this trip.
- Walking poles (pair): US$ 10.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Note | Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!
Feel free to reach us via email at info@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179
Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Triunfo Street 346 - Main Square of Cusco, Peru
