→ Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass: 2-day Trek Adventure

The Andean Valleys of the Incas, and sacred snow-capped mountains such as the Salkantay Apu “the Savage sacred mountain”, Humantay lake is an amazing tour to visit and explore in Cusco, during the 02 days tour you can see the impressive lake its landscape, with stunning snow-capped mountains, also, during the night you can see, full of stars and constellations forming an exceptional night.

So if you are in Cusco or wherever you don’t miss out, the Humantay Lake Tours will be a spiritual gate to the Andean Gods, such as the Mother Nature "Pachamama", we are sure that you will have an unique and memorable experiences, Also, there is Humantay Lake full day tour and we can fix travel packages in Cusco including the experience for Humantay lake.

Day 01: Cusco to Soraypampa - Humantay Lake
Day 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Passa “After middle day, return to Cusco”

Itinerary

Day 1 | Humantay Lake

Cusco to Soraypampa - Humantay Lake

Your excing 2-day adventure begins early in the morning as your tour guide and our driver will pick you up from your accommodaon in Cusco. The first stop of the day will be in Mollepata to have a nourishing breakfast, then we’ll connue on our way unl we get to Challacancha for a short rest.
From here, we’ll begin our walk towards Soraypampa, which is where our camp is located. This first stretch isn’t too challenging and will help you adjust to the altude. You’ll nose you follow a small Inca canal most of the way and can take in the prey Andean scenery.
Here in Soraypampa our campsite is in the Lodge del Cielo.

After Lunch time, we’ll embark on the uphill climb to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ). You’ll take things slowly due to the altude and once you reach the top, you’ll have me to take in the truly beauful view of the jewel-like lake among the snowy, white backdrop. Fed by glaciers far above on the slopes of the impressive Mt. Humantay.

Our 4-hour walk is necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worth it and those brave enough can go for a swim! performed by our local Tour Guide, in full view of the awe-inspiring Mt. Salkantay, tops off this unique experience. Return to the Lodge.

Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including a picnic lunch in the route)
Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter, on open roads, some steep ascending trails.
Accomodation: Overnight at Soraypampa Lodge del Cielo “Sky Lodge” at 3,869 m/12,690 ft

Day 2 | Humantay Lake

Soraypampa – Salkantay Passa “After middle day, return to Cusco”

Today very early in the morning at 4:00 am we wake up with a very hot wake up té, at 4:30 am we going to have a nice breakfast and at 5:00 am we start our trek for climb the Salkantay Pass “We like to walk in a fresh early morning before it puts on us the strong heat characteristic of the Andes. We continue walking up the Rio Blanco valley and circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point of the ride is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 meters (15,213 ft).

At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. After a free time, we back and descend towards to Soraypampa, where we going to enjoy a delicious lunch, later we take our bus back to Cusco and continue for 03 hours drive to Cusco.
Trekking Time: Approximately 5 hours (including picnic lunch in the route), Approximately 8 hours. Our style is just walk slow, enjoy the scenery, and talk with our tour guide.
Walk and Terrain: Walk, on mostly steep trails, and some open slopes.

A Little of History:

The name Salkantay or Salcantay is coming from the Inca´s word Sallqa, a Quechua word meaning wild, uncivilized, savage, or invincible, and was recorded as early as 1583.The name is thus often translated as "Savage Mountain".
Directly to the north of Salkantay lies Machu Picchu, which is at the end of a ridge that extends down from this mountain. Viewed from Machu Picchu's main sundial, the Southern Cross is above Salcantay’s summit when at its highest point in the sky during the rainy season. The Incas associated this alignment with concepts of rain and fertility, and considered Salkantay to be one of the principal deities controlling weather and fertility in the region west of Cuzco.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
Difficulty: Moderate

What's Included?

Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your Salkantay guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can’t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time.
Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Soraypampa Village the starting point of the trek to the Humantay lake trek.
Adventure Experienced Humantay lake trek Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Private campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for have a very local experience.
- Night 1: Relax on your soft bed in our Lodge del cielo in Soraypampa Campsite under the watchful eye of Apu Sacred mountain Humantay and Salkantay. Spend as many hours as you would like star-gazing through your elegant glass ceiling!
- Note: It is not usual that the campsites, lodges or hotels change after the confirmation, however it can vary per government regulations and authorization, also for bad weather conditions and maybe because physical condition of our visitors: any changes in this matter ITEP travel will be informing you previously and as soon as possible.
Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
Entry ticket to the Humantay lake trail
Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunche, 21Dinner (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost)
Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Soraypampa to your hotel in Cusco (Day 2)
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.

What's not Included?

Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use.
Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation take with you usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction.
Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

Additional Services

What to Bring?

Original Passport
Day Pack
Full rain gear or poncho
Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves)
Trekking pants
Breathable dry fit top-wear
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Hiking socks
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Bathing suit
Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
Cold-weather jacket
Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Wool hat
Hiking boots
Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
Casual mountains wear for evenings
Photo/video cameras and chargers
Binoculars
Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)

PRICES

Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass 2 days

USD 199.00

Important information

Humantay Lake + Salkantay Pass in 2 days Map

What Our Travelers Say

RobiWanKenobi

October 6, 2026

Un sogno dal quale non vorremmo mai risvegliarci

Non esistono parole sufficientemente potenti per descrivere quanto questo breve ma intensissimo trekking possa cambiare la prospettiva del Tutto. Portato con impressionante maestria da Percy, una guida di grande esperienza e profonda conoscenza del territorio, della sua cultura e dell’animo umano più in generale, affiancato da Fran e Isa ed un esercito di ottimi cuochi e portatori di grande livello, il nostro gruppo ha solcato il Cammino Inca senza timore, ritrovando forze ed energie troppo spesso chiuse nei cassetti delle nostre vite frenetiche. Il tempo non esiste: in quei pochi giorni si vive e si respira un’aria diversa, usando uno specchio interiore che ci porta ad avvicinarsi passo dopo passo alla Meraviglia di Machu Picchu che a quel punto è sì la meta finale, ma di fatto il coronamento di un’esperienza ben più complessa. Il mio consiglio è quello di scegliere (ove possibile) la Persona che ci accompagna in una simile esperienza. Per quanto riguarda le attrezzature, sarebbe forse indicabile di avere spazi più ampi affinché le tende possano essere montate correttamente. Bollino nero per i servizi igienici nelle diverse aree campeggio che (come le nostre guide ben sanno e segnalano regolarmente) meriterebbero una seria manutenzione, vista la notorietà del cammino.

Pernille L

October 6, 2026

This crew is something really special!

I recommend this Inka Trail tour with Iza, Percy, and Frank if you really want to feel at home in a foreign country while experiencing the most amazing scenery. These 3 guides are absolute delights to be around. They are funny, friendly, and welcoming, and, most importantly, they CARE. They care about nature like no one I have ever met before, and they care about you too. By the end of the trail, they felt like friends, even though we only knew each other for 4 days. Furthermore, they have everything under control, yet everything feels so relaxed. They are knowledgeable and share stories and insights in ways that mesmerize you. Additionally, I can recommend using their porters. This group of men and women is absolutely extraordinary, and the work they put in must not go unnoticed. They make everything work behind the scenes, making sure you have a comfortable, dry place to sleep every night, fresh water, and that camp is set up for all 3 meals. Speaking about the meals… The cook, Julius Caesar, knows what’s good. He cooked 3 meals a day for us, making sure we got plenty of protein and carbohydrates to sustain us during the strenuous hikes, and at the same time, he managed to make everything taste wonderful with great attention to detail! I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of all the meals he provided for us, and these were not quick camping meals. They ranged from mango ceviche to lomo saltado and many other fresh, tasty Peruvian dishes. And there was plenty for everyone. I would do this again in a heartbeat (once my legs have recovered from this one!), and I hope to find this team again.

Flora W

October 6, 2026

Feedback for short Inca trail

Excellent experience of the short Inca Trail. I booked very last minute and they helped to get the permit and make it happen. The trek was very well organized. Lunch box and snacks were well prepared. The guide helped shooting great pictures for us.

BackPacker170509

October 6, 2026

Solo 4 day Inca trail through Yapa Explorers!

A once in a lifetime trip! Best experience for solo women in her fourties! Yapa Explorers handled everything door to door from pre briefing at my hotel to private taxi drop off making for a seamless trip. The group size was small and intimate. Our guide yisus was informative, knowledgeable and made us feel safe and cared for over the challenging terrain. Our chef Vicente created delicious, fresh, locally sourced and inspired food at every meal and the 8 porters were hard working, fun, friendly and supportive offering a genuine family/team spirit vibe. The equipment such as tents and rented items such as sleeping bag and poles were clean and in excellent condition. Once arriving at Machu Picchu, we had full access to the site and a deeply informative tour. I can’t recommend this tour group any higher! Some tips are train and be fit for this hike, wear very good GTX hiking shoes/boots. Take layers, water proof clothes, toilet paper, head torch, battery charger, Sun block, coins for toilets and antibacterial hand wipes. Take money for tipping as they deserve every cent. Only complaint is toileting facilities which every person on the Inca trail has to put ups with.