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Moderate
Hike, Culture, Adventure
4600 meters
16ppl Max
Embark on a stunning two-day hike Humantay lake tour to experience the beauty of both Humantay and Salkantay Lakes. This trek also includes visits to the remote native villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Located at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain Range, Humantay Lake offers breathtaking views. Camp amidst the splendid Andes mountains and hike to the trek’s highest point to take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the snow-capped Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay mountains. Before returning to Cusco, you’ll make a detour to the panoramic and exquisite turquoise Salkantay Lake.
Activities: High-Altitude Trekking, Natural Exploration, Mountain Scenery
Sites to Visit:
Important Information:
This 2-day version of the Salkantay Trek is designed for experienced hikers or active travelers short on time but eager to witness Peru’s majestic mountain landscapes. It does not require special permits, allowing for flexible last-minute departures.
The trek includes significant altitude gain and descent in a short time frame—acclimatization is strongly recommended before starting. Horses are available to assist with gear or for those who may need support at higher elevations.
While this version does not include a visit to Machu Picchu, it can be combined with a separate train trip to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu for a more complete experience. Let us know if you’d like to extend your journey!
Please be aware that this trek involves high physical demand. Our guides are well-trained in altitude management and safety, and they’ll ensure you’re supported throughout. Private service is available upon request for a more personalized pace and experience.
Day 1: Cusco to Lake Humantay
Start your adventure with a scenic drive from Cusco to Mollepata. Afterward, enjoy a hike to Soraypampa, where you’ll witness the breathtaking Humantay Lake with its turquoise waters, surrounded by majestic mountains. Return to Soraypampa for the night, immersed in the beauty of the Andes.
Day 2: Salkantay Pass & Return to Cusco
Begin your day with a challenging hike to the stunning Salkantay Pass, one of the highest points of the trek at 4,600 meters. Enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. After the hike, descend back to Mollepata and return to Cusco, completing your unforgettable 2-day trek through the heart of the Andes.
Our Andean adventure starts early at 5 a.m. with a pickup from your hotel. We’ll drive for 3.5 hours in a private van to Soraypampa, passing through the scenic indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the renowned snow-covered Salkantay Mountain and beautiful valleys
At Soraypampa, enjoy some snacks and take in the impressive views of the glaciers at Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft). After donning our hiking boots, we’ll embark on a 1-hour hike to Humantay Lake, soaking in the surrounding beauty. Once at the lake, take time to explore and appreciate its splendor. Afterward, we’ll return to Soraypampa and continue with a 2-hour hike to our campsite at Soyroccocha, where tents will be set up for you. Enjoy hot drinks and appetizers before dinner, and rest early in preparation for the next day’s adventure.
Meals Included: Lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 10kms/6 miles
Time: Approximately 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
After a hearty gourmet breakfast, prepare for a moderate climb on the second day of the trek. In about an hour, you’ll reach the highest point of the trek at 4,650m/15,367ft. Here, take in the stunning views of the imposing Salkantay (6,217m/20,717ft), Humantay, and Huayanay snow-capped mountains. Admire the glacial rivers and small scenic lakes.
We’ll then take a half-hour side trail to view the panoramic and truly magnificent turquoise Salkantay Lake. Retrace your steps to the trailhead, where we’ll have lunch. Capture a few more photos of the majestic mountains before heading back to Cusco in our van, arriving at your hotel around 6 p.m.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch
Distance: 12kms/9 miles
Time: Approximately 7 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
2-Day Humantay Trek Availability:
Available on any date that suits you.
Group Price:
$120 USD per person
Private Price: Upon Request
$290 USD per person
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.
Ben Tooth2025-06-23Verified "Amazing experience with Incas Expeditions on the Slcante Trek. From the logistics to the knowledgeable guides, everything was planned out. We were able to fully appreciate the region's rich history and scenic splendor during the walk. Great value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highly recommended for hikers of all skill levels. René Lehrer2025-06-14Verified An Unforgettable Journey Through Cusco. Incas Expeditions went above and above! Transportation, lodging, and guiding were excellent, and their staff made everything run smoothly from the minute we arrived in Cusco. Every ruin was brought to life with stories by our guide, who was quite educated about Inca history. Highlights of my trip included the walk to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley excursion. Throughout the entire process, I felt motivated, informed, and safe. Excellently suggested. Diego Fernando R2025-06-12Verified Amazing Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with friends I booked with my friends the Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with a group of friends and it was an experience that changed my way of seeing the Andean tours. The first day we walked around the city of Cusco and started the Inca Trail and camped at night but one of my friends got hurt during the last day in the Salkantay Pass and the guides were ready with their first aid kit and the attention was great! I recommend you to have a good stamina for this kind of multi-day treks. This tourism agency in Cusco is the best for trekking to Machu Picchu, thank you very much Incas Expeditions! Arianna O2025-06-12Verified The best travel guide We traveled with our teenage children and chose the short Inca trail with camping because it offered the right balance of adventure and comfort. It was our kids' first time camping and they loved it! The porters and guides were very friendly and always made sure we were ok. The trail itself was breathtaking, especially the views of Wiñay Wayna. At night, we stargazed and shared stories by the tent. I want to thank Incas Expeditions who took care of the logistics and even the food! My family and I will be returning to Cusco in a few months and we are happy to do the tour with you again :) Belén Lázaro2025-05-08Verified My experience on the Cusco day tour I'm going to tell you about my experience with Incas Expeditions. The truth is that they exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived in Cusco, everything was perfectly organized. The guides were not only professional but also incredibly passionate about Peruvian culture and history, which made each tour feel personal and unique. They were also very attentive and helped me arrange some free time to explore on my own, which I truly appreciated. If you're looking for Peru tour packages, Incas Expeditions is, without a doubt, the best option. An incredible experience from start to finish! Departure586242359702025-05-08Verified An unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu My partner and I had always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, but we wanted to make this experience something unique. From the first contact with Incas Expeditions, everything was perfect. The team was incredibly attentive and helped us create a personalized itinerary that suited our preferences, and the guides explained the history and even taught us a little Quechua. Arriving at Machu Picchu was a dream come true, and having the opportunity to explore it so intimately on our personalized tour was something we will never forget. We definitely recommend Incas Expeditions to any couple who wants to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in a unique and worry-free way. Russ M2024-09-13Verified This was the best and most amazing tour. This was the best and most amazing tour. I wonder how I hadn't come across it sooner. Everything they did was perfect, from the accommodation to the hospitality—they did a great job. Nenuz M2024-09-12Verified We both enjoy this tour together with our kids. We both enjoy this tour together with our kids. It was an awesome feeling and experience. Guide were friendlily from the beginning to the end and we were took to my place. They're the best.
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