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This 2-day trip to Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Pass can be considered one of the best attractions in Cusco. This lake has emerald-green waters and a wondrous glacier above.
Humantay Lagoon is located between Humantay mountain (5,473 m / 17,956 ft.) and Salkantay mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft.). You are not able to see the lake until you get to its bank.
I spent two days enjoying the beauty of the Andes while hiking in the vicinity of Salkantay mountain, the second highest snow mountain in Cusco. The trip to Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft.) is not a simple walk; it is the first lesson on caring for nature since the view is really breath-taking. You will understand the importance of protecting these mountains, and second day will be really hard but rewarding since you will ascend to 4630 meters.
Your tour begins with a 4:45 a.m. pickup from your Cusco hotel. Yes, it’s early, but coffee and spectacular views await! Our private transport takes you on an approximately two-hour drive through the Andes, offering views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m) and the Limatambo Valley.
Tip: Stay awake because the sunrise over the peaks is incredible! (The best views).
Around 6:30 a.m., we arrive in Mollepata (2,900 m), a welcoming village where you can fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Imagine scrambled eggs, freshly baked bread, local cheese, and sweet Peruvian coffee. Don’t miss the coca tea; it will help with the altitude later!
Then, we drive 45 minutes uphill to Soraypampa (3,900 m). Here, you’ll encounter the true essence of the Andes: rugged peaks, icy glaciers, and pure mountain air.
Your guide will perform a brief Andean ceremony (with coca leaves or flowers) to honor the mountains; it’s a local tradition, so feel free to join in!
We begin the 1.5- to 2-hour hike to Humantay Lake (4200 m / 13779 ft). You’ll ascend in a zigzag pattern along winding trails, passing grazing alpacas and, with luck, spotting condors. The thin air makes the hike challenging; take breaks, drink water, and eat coca sweets.
Arrival at Humantay Lake: BREATHTAKING! That turquoise water reflecting the glacier? Pure magic. You’ll have time to explore. Take photos, sit in silence (the silence here is breathtaking), or throw a small stone into the lake as a local blessing. But don’t swim—it’s freezing! Then the one-hour descent to the Soraypampa campsite begins. Tonight you’ll sleep in domes, and this evening you’ll have tea and dinner, followed by rest for the day: Salkantay Pass and Humantay trek 2 days
Total distance: 15 km (approx.)
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (approx)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (approx.)
Today we’ll wake up with coca tea, then get ready for breakfast. Afterward, we’ll begin a 3-hour hike to the highest point of the Salkantay Trail. Once there, you’ll have time to take photos, and then the guide will explain the area. Afterward, we’ll begin a two-hour descent along the same path we ascended to the Soraypampa campsite.
There, lunch will be prepared by the cook. Afterward, you’ll walk another 30 minutes to the bus station for the return trip to Cusco. We’ll drop you off at your hotel, and that concludes the tour.
Total distance: 11 km (approx.)
Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (approx.)
The Sakantay Trek 5-Day Tour is available all year round. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2025 through January 2026. All prices quoted are $USD.
Pricing details
Here is your packing list, and go over what is helpful, and what is a waste of money and backpack space. Now we show you the packaging list you need for the Salkantay Pass and Humantay trek 2 days
Key Trip Notes:
Why This Hike Sticks With You:
Final Tip: If your knees hate descents, rent trekking poles ($5-10). Your joints will thank you later. Now go crush that hike—Humantay’s waiting!
Included in the Salkantay Pass and Humantay trek 2 days
Not Included:
Optional:
Important:
Group tours: 10-15 people per guide. Private tours? Message us—we’ll assign a dedicated guide and van.
Daily departures: Even holidays! Book 2 days ahead for last-minute spots.
What to Bring:
Fleece jacket: Wind cuts through thin fabrics—go thick!
Pro Tips:
Heads Up:
This trek’s no joke, but Humantay’s turquoise waters? Pure Andean magic. Pack right, and you’ll nail it
This trek is considered moderate to challenging due to the altitude and the ascent to Salkantay Pass, which reaches approximately 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). The second day includes the visit to Humantay Lake, located at around 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). A good level of fitness and previous acclimatization in Cusco are recommended to enjoy the hike comfortably.
The best season for this trek is from April to November, during the dry season in Cusco. These months usually offer clearer skies, better views of the mountains, and more favorable conditions for hiking and photography. The months from June to August are the busiest, so booking in advance is recommended.
Yes. Since the route reaches high altitudes, we recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco or another high-altitude destination before starting the trek. Proper acclimatization helps your body adjust to the elevation and makes the experience more enjoyable.
During this adventure, you will hike through impressive Andean landscapes, cross the Salkantay Pass, and visit Humantay Lake, one of the most famous turquoise lagoons in Cusco. The route also offers views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and the natural surroundings of the Salkantay region.
During the trek, you will spend the night in a comfortable accommodation in the area near Soraypampa or the designated campsite depending on the itinerary. This allows you to rest before continuing the hike and visiting Humantay Lake the following day.
We recommend bringing warm clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, personal items, and a small backpack. Weather conditions can change quickly in the Andes, so it is important to be prepared for both cold and sunny conditions.
Yes, this trek can be done by travelers with a good physical condition, even without previous trekking experience. However, the altitude and long hiking hours require preparation, especially for the ascent to Salkantay Pass and the early morning hike to Humantay Lake.
The tour usually includes transportation from Cusco, professional guide service, meals during the trek, accommodation, entrance tickets, and assistance throughout the route. The exact inclusions may vary depending on the selected tour package.
Although some travelers hike independently, joining an organized tour with a professional guide is highly recommended. A local guide provides support during the route, helps with altitude challenges, and shares information about the landscapes and history of the area.
Temperatures can drop significantly, especially during the night and early morning near high-altitude areas. At Salkantay Pass and Soraypampa, temperatures can be very cold, so bringing thermal layers and warm clothing is essential.
100% Locally Owned by a Tour Guide
Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.
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