Hike Around Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Pass 2D/1N.
Dificulty
Moderate
Duration
2 Dias / 1 Noche
Group Size
8 a 12 personas
Max Altitude
4,650 msnm
Description
Humantay and Salkantay is an adventure planned for people who do not have much time and who want to visit these Natural Wonders in the heights of the Peruvian Andes. Whether you are 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 will be able to escape the hectic city and connect with pachamama (mother nature) in the most picturesque setting you can imagine.
Our experienced guides will accompany you every step of the way, sharing their deep knowledge of the region’s history and natural wonders. Experience this trip in comfort and excellent company, surrounded by the beauty of the Andes. You will visit the famous Humantay lagoon, camp at over 4,000 meters of altitude and sleep where few venture! Then you will test your limits by climbing up to the Salkantay pass at over 4,650 meters; where a magnificent glacial landscape awaits you.
Day 1: Cusco | Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon.
We will start with a pick up from your hotel around 4:30 a.m. We will travel for 3 hours in our private transport to the point of the hike. After two hours of driving, we will make the first stop in the village of Mollepata, where there are restrooms and the first breakfast. Then the trip will continue another hour to Challacancha (the starting point of our hike).
There we will meet our support staff, organize all the equipment. At approximately 9:30 a.m. we will start our hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m/ 12,795 ft). The first part of the trail is a paved rock path. Along the way, we will see the old water channel that still supplies water to the new inhabitants. The first stretch is 6 km that we will complete in 3 hours to reach Soraypampa, the lunch spot. This will also serve as our base camp.
After lunch and a siesta, we will continue the hike to Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m/ 13,780 ft). This is a 4 km hike that will take 3 hours round trip. Once we reach the lake, we can observe the Humantay glacier and the stunning sunset. Soraypampa is located in the middle of the glacial valleys where at night it is so dark without ambient light making it a perfect place to appreciate the constellations in the sky.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Mountain Sky Cabins
⏱ Total walking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
🕰 Total hiking time: 6h
💪 Difficulty level: Moderate
📍 Minimum altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
🏔 Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
🏞 Accommodation elevation: 3,900 m / 12,975 ft
Day 2: Soraypampa| Salkantaypampa – Soyrococha – Salkantay Pass – Soraypampa – Cusco.
Today is the big day because you will reach the highest point of the trip, you will encounter wonderful landscapes bordered by an impressive complex of mountains. Around 5:00 a.m. the cooks will wake you up with a cup of hot coca tea, giving you time to pack and get ready for our hearty and nutritious breakfast. Afterwards we begin the hike to the highest point the Salkantay Pass (4,650 masl /15,255 ft). The distance is 7 km which we should complete in 4 hours during the ascent through the rocky valley, we can observe the magnificent Salkantay Peak (6,272 masl /20,577 ft), and we can even see chinchillas on the trail. Once we reach the top of the trail, we will enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay and Pumasillo. Salkantay is considered the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the main Incan gods known as “Apu Salkantay”. Hiking to the Salkantay pass is the most difficult part of the entire trek. You will feel so accomplished!
Upon reaching the top, you will have time to admire the mountain views, take pictures, and learn about the mountain gods from your guide. You will also participate in a small Andean ritual to honor the Apus, the mountain gods. You will then begin the 3-hour downhill hike back to Soraypampa, where transportation will be waiting to take you to Mollepata for lunch. After lunch, you will continue with a two-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch
⏱ Total walking distance: 14 km / 8.699 miles
🕰 Total hiking time: 7 hours
💪 Difficulty level: Challenging
📍 Minimum altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
🏔 Maximum altitude: 4,650 m / 13,780 ft
Incluye
✓ PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING:
- Reunión con el guía un día antes de la caminata en tu hotel para una orientación. La reunión será a las 6:00 p.m.
✓ FIELD STAFF:
- Professional guides:
Especializados en trekking y seleccionados de universidades acreditadas. Nuestros guías son bilingües en inglés y tienen de tres a diez años de experiencia en distintos trekkings en la región. Son expertos en manejo de grupos bajo presión y en técnicas de primeros auxilios y rescate. La mayoría proviene de diversas comunidades andinas y aportan su herencia cultural. Junto con el resto del equipo de campo, nuestros guías harán que tu viaje sea una experiencia única. - Chefs:
Formados en escuelas culinarias locales, son expertos en cocina andina moderna, comida peruana tradicional, estilos internacionales y opciones vegetarianas y veganas. Conocen a fondo las propiedades nutricionales de sus platos y son expertos en cocinar de manera rápida. Todo esto, con un fuerte énfasis en la higiene y la seguridad alimentaria durante la preparación.
✓ SERVICE OF A 5 KILOS DUFFEL BAG FOR THE TRIP:
- Durante la orientación, se te proporcionará una bolsa de viaje en la que podrás empacar hasta 5 kilos de tus pertenencias personales.
✓ ACCOMMODATION:
- Personal Accommodation in Private Campsites:
Al igual que nuestros ancestros, somos muy respetuosos con Pachamama (Madre Tierra). Por lo tanto, nuestros campamentos y lodges están adaptados al entorno para no generar impactos negativos.
✓ KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS:
- Te proporcionamos todo el equipo y utensilios necesarios para la preparación y el servicio de las comidas. Nuestro equipo se encarga de transportarlos a cada campamento, asegurándose de que disfrutes de tus alimentos en condiciones óptimas.
✓ FOOD:
- Meals:
• 2 desayunos, 2 almuerzos, 1 cena.
• Té de bienvenida.
• Hora del té o happy hour.
• Aperitivos en el camino.
• Productos de higiene.
✓ TRANSPORTATION:
- Day 1:
Serás recogido en tu hotel por la mañana y viajarás en transporte privado con el grupo hasta el punto de inicio del trekking. - Day 2:
Transporte de regreso desde la estación Soraypampa hasta Cusco.
✓ EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND REMOTE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE:
- Radios:
Tienen un alcance de 10 km y 8 frecuencias para que nuestros guías, cocineros y porteadores puedan comunicarse entre sí. Además, las radios pueden utilizarse para comunicarse con los guardabosques del parque Salkantay en caso de emergencia. - First Aid Kit:
Contamos con alcohol, peróxido de hidrógeno, tintura de yodo, jabón germicida, algodón, gasas, vendas, cinta adhesiva médica, guantes quirúrgicos, analgésicos para dolores musculares y estomacales, antitérmicos. Si tomas medicamentos recetados, puedes traer los tuyos. - Portable oxygen tank.
✓ IMPORTANT:
- Por favor, ten en cuenta que solo un profesional médico puede emitir una receta. Nuestros guías NO tienen la autoridad para recetar tratamientos para los clientes durante el trekking, y todos los medicamentos serán administrados con tu consentimiento y bajo tu propia responsabilidad. Si tienes una receta, se recomienda que traigas tus propios medicamentos.
No Incluye
× ENTRANCE TICKET TO HUMANTAY LAGOON AND SALKANTAY TRAIL:
- On the first day you must pay an entrance ticket to the local government of Mollepata, the cost is 20 soles for foreigners (approximately 6 dollars) and 10 soles for Peruvians (approximately 3 dollars). Payment is made in soles and in cash upon entry.
× SLEEPING BAG:
- If you do not have your own, you can rent one from our company. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping bag. The bags are cleaned after each trip.(Rentals available for $20 USD at the bestreks agency).
× TREKKING POLES:
- With rubber tips, these are extras included in our service and are very useful for rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a pair from the company. (Rentals available for $20 USD at the bestreks agency).
× BOTTLED DRINKING WATER:
- We do not include refilling of water bottles, but we provide hot and cold drinks at each meal. For bottled water, you have two options: buy mineral water in small shops along the Salkantay Trail, with prices ranging from 5 to 12 soles per 2.5 liter bottle, or bring a filter or purification tablets for mountain water.
× INTERNET CONNECTION:
- There is no cell phone signal from 9:00 a.m. on the first day until you reach the camp. At the first camp, Wi-Fi is available for 10 soles.
× DINNER IN CUSCO ON DAY 2.
× CLOTHING AND PERSONAL HIKING EQUIPMENT.
× TRAVEL INSURANCE:
- This is not a requirement, but we always recommend that our clients purchase it in case problems arise with their flights or unexpected health problems arise. Please note if your travel insurance policy has altitude restrictions – some policies are void above (4,000m /13,123ft)
× ADDITIONAL COSTS:
- Delays beyond management’s control (landscape, bad weather, itinerary modification due to a safety issue, illness, change in government policy, political instability/strike, etc.
✓ TIPS FOR YOUR CREW:
- Tipping is a norm in tourism or on any tour. Although we pay good wages to all our crew, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips.
✓ Backpack:
- Choose a small, ergonomic backpack to be comfortable while hiking.
✓ Water storage:
- Carry 1.5-2 liters of water; consider a Camelbak or similar system, you can buy water along the way.
✓ Hiking boots:
- Select lightweight options with good traction.
✓ Headlamp:
- A must for early or late morning visibility.
✓ FOR YOUR TRAVEL BAG:
- 1-2 moisture-wicking t-shirts.
- 1 pair of hiking pants.
- 2 sets of underwear.
- 2 pairs of hiking socks.
- 1 fleece jacket and 1 warm down jacket for cold nights.
- 1 waterproof jacket and pants for unpredictable weather.
- 1 sun hat and 1 wool hat for different temperatures.
- Comfortable camping shoes and sturdy hiking boots.
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves are fine).
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho for heavy rain.
- Quick-dry towel (larger than provided, if preferred)
- Small bottle of soap for personal hygiene.
- Battery charger (power sources are scarce on the trail)
- Large plastic bags to organize and protect items.
- Sleeping bag (resistant to at least -10°C for cold nights)
- Toiletries.
- Sunscreen and facial moisturizer to protect skin.
- Hand sanitizer for hygiene.
- Wet wipes for quick cleanups.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste for oral hygiene.
- Toilet paper for personal use.
- Personal medications and a basic first aid kit.
✓ Price per person:
- $180 USD – Adults
✓ Additional Equipment:
✓ Additional items you can rent for this trip:
- Sleeping bag: $20.00 USD.
- Trekking poles (pair): $20.00 USD.
✓ Price Guarantee:
- Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Therefore, before booking, make sure to read all the important information about the tour.
✓ How to book:
- You can reserve your spot online through our website, where our booking platform will guide you step by step. Payment for the tour can be made with any credit or debit card, and you can also pay in the currency of your home country for added convenience.
✓ Tour Reservation:
- To reserve your spot on the Laguna Humatay and Paso Salkantay trek, we require a non-refundable deposit of $90 USD. This deposit secures your spot on the trek.
- Our booking platform gives you the option to pay only the deposit, along with any additional options you select, or you can choose to pay the full tour amount in advance. If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival in Cusco, one day before the tour departure.
- Payment of the remaining balance: If you choose to pay only the prepayment, the remaining balance must be paid upon your arrival in Cusco one day before the start of the tour. The balance can be paid in soles or dollars in cash or by card (with an additional 5% charge). You also have the option to pay online on our website with a 5% charge.
- Full payment option: You can choose to pay the full cost of the tour online at the time of booking.
✓ CANCELING YOUR RESERVATION:
- If you cancel between 2 and 3 days before your trip, you will be considered a “no show” and you will be required to pay 100% of the total cost.
- If you decide to stop for personal reasons once the trek has started, you will automatically lose all included services. Any costs you incur during your return, such as food, transportation, or accommodation, will be at your own expense.
- Events beyond our control that make any part of the trip impossible, such as strikes, protests, flight cancellations, weather conditions, or overbooking of hotels or flights. In any of these cases, we will suggest alternative arrangements (if available) to make the trip possible. Any costs associated with these alternative arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler.
- Recommendations: We strongly recommend that you fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure that your investment is protected and that you have a seamless booking experience for your adventure.
✓ Briefing:
- All briefings and briefings take place one afternoon before your trek starts at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 6:00 p.m. And your guide will also give you the hiking bag. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. In case you cannot attend, you will have to coordinate another time by email, or by phone.
✓ Payment of the trek balance (in Cusco)
- If you still have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 1 day before your trek/tour, otherwise your tour reservation will not be confirmed. If possible, it would be highly appreciated if you pay the trek/tour balance in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco or at the briefing time. You can withdraw money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or Peruvian soles). You can also pay by credit/debit card or through IZIPAY, online or in person, but you will need to pay a 5% service charge, issued by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and IZIPAY.
✓ Customer pick-up:
- Please note:
All pick-ups are done within the city of Cusco, but we recommend you book a hotel in the historic center with a good location. Our guide or staff will confirm the pick-up time with you one day before the tour. Due to traffic conditions, the pick-up time may vary between 30 to 45 minutes. Cusco is an old city with many narrow, cobblestone streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets with no transportation access or on long, steep climbs, making it difficult to transport your luggage. We strongly recommend you book accommodation with easy access. - Lost and found:
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to pick them up once you leave our transportation, campsites or restaurants. You are the only one responsible for your things during the tour. - Weather:
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April to October, but this doesn’t prevent rain in June or sunshine in December, so be prepared – no matter what month you’re trekking in, make sure you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget gloves, but the cold and humidity make hiking very unpleasant.
Also, be prepared for four seasons. Hiking in the Andes involves several microclimates, and you’ll need to be prepared. Layers are always essential as they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm jacket as the night will be cold. - Altitude sickness (soroche) and stomach pain:
For those hikers who come to Cusco directly from places at sea level, we recommend arriving 2 days before their hike. Two of the most common health problems among tourists in Cusco are: Altitude sickness (Soroche) and stomach pain caused by slow digestion. - Altitude sickness; some of the symptoms are:
- Headache and nausea. There are some over-the-counter medications (pills) that help minimize the symptoms of this problem, Aspirin, Diamox, Soroichi Pill, alti vital, among others. If the symptoms persist, the next step is the use of oxygen. In these circumstances, we have the equipment and staff ready to help our hikers.
- Stomach pain. It is recommended to drink between 3-4 liters of water a day. Your body will need it to stay hydrated. Hot drinks such as coca leaf mate are especially recommended. Soups, vegetables and carbohydrates (not fried or heavy) are also recommended. Sweets, chocolates, biscuits and fruit are also good options. In general, all foods that are easy to digest. Do not drink alcohol or smoke.
- Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep and do not exercise too much. Keep your body at a suitable temperature by wearing warm clothing to protect yourself from the cold. During adaptation to altitude, there is a general rule to follow: eat what is necessary and drink plenty of fluids.
Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region at 6,271 m / 20,574 ft. It is located in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, 6 km northwest of Cusco in the central mountain range of the Peruvian Andes. Salkantay means “Wild Mountain” and is considered a sacred deity that controls the weather and fertility by the locals since Inca times.
The snowy Salkantay has an extreme climate. During the day temperatures reach 25 ℃ while at night they can reach -10 ℃. However, this varies depending on the time of year.
Salkantay between October to March:
From October to March the rainy season occurs. During these months, the days are cloudy (19℃) and the nights are not as cold (4℃), compared to the rest of the year. However, the frequency of rain increases considerably, making the trek more difficult.
Salkantay between April and September:
From April to September is the dry season. During these months, the days in Salkantay remain stable (20℃). However, the nights have their lowest temperatures of the year (-10℃). Despite this, the weather is less rainy, making the trek through the snow-covered mountains more viable.
Most people travel to Cusco by air. Please note that Cusco airport only operates domestic flights. Therefore, if you are coming directly from abroad to Lima, you will need to pick up your luggage at the airport and check it in again for your flight to Cusco. There are four airlines that fly back and forth between Lima and Cusco: LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Star Peru. All of these airlines offer similar flight schedules and services, but we generally recommend LATAM Airlines. You also have the option to travel to Cusco by land. Please note that the trip from Lima to Cusco takes approximately 24 hours.
It is very important to be well acclimatized before trekking. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least days before you start trekking to help you adapt and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness during the trek. You will likely have already been in another high altitude area of Peru before arriving in Cusco in this case, we recommend that you rest for a day in Cusco to recover.
While you don’t need to do any specific training to do the treks in Cusco, we suggest that the best way to prepare yourself physically is to work out on the treadmill, selecting the steep incline setting, as well as going up and down stairs or using the stair climber. Please note that you will need between 2 days in Cusco before the start date of your trek.
We always recommend using trekking shoes that are as light as possible. Those that provide ankle support are very useful, especially for inexperienced hikers, as you will be going up and down many stairs made by our ancestors, the Incas.
Walking sticks are always useful for hikers, especially when completing this trek. This is because there are many trails that vary in altitude and are not always straight. Therefore, when you are on these trails, using walking sticks can really help relieve the pressure built up on your knees, as well as help you climb the mountain. Also, our walking sticks are adjustable. So when you are not using them, you can shorten them so they don’t bother you. For those who want to bring their own walking sticks, make sure they have rubber tips or the rangers won’t let you use them. In case you forgot to bring them from your home country, you can buy rubber tips in Cusco.
All luggage that is not needed for the trek must be left in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are accustomed and prepared to store luggage. In case you don’t have anywhere to store your luggage, you can leave it in our offices until our adventure ends. We will make sure your luggage is safely stored, don’t worry!
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, delicious, and fruits, freshly prepared by our local chef. We also have great vegetarian and vegan options. We accommodate specific dietary requests with proper preparation and good communication.
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