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On Day 1, your adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a scenic drive to Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy breakfast before continuing to the trailhead and hiking to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). After enjoying the turquoise waters and spectacular mountain scenery, descend to Soraypampa for lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in comfortable glamping domes. On Day 2, enjoy breakfast in Soraypampa before beginning the challenging hike to the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft), the highest point of the trek, where you’ll admire breathtaking views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. After the pass, descend toward Mollepata for lunch before returning by private transportation to Cusco and your hotel.
On Day 1, your 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek from Cusco begins with an early pickup from your hotel and a scenic journey to Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding Andes. From there, continue toward the trailhead and begin your hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), following a scenic high-altitude trail surrounded by impressive mountains and valleys. Once you reach the lake, take time to admire its striking turquoise waters, capture unforgettable photographs, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this iconic Andean destination. After the visit, descend toward Soraypampa, where you’ll have lunch and later enjoy dinner before spending the night in comfortable glamping domes, surrounded by the majestic Salkantay mountain scenery. On Day 2, wake up early and enjoy breakfast in Soraypampa before starting the most challenging section of the trek toward the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft). As you ascend, the landscape becomes increasingly impressive, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the majestic Salkantay Mountain. After reaching the pass, take some time to appreciate the spectacular scenery before beginning the descent toward Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Finally, board your private transportation and return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel after two unforgettable days exploring the high Andes.
Your 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll travel by private transportation toward Mollepata, enjoying beautiful views of the Andean countryside along the way. Upon arrival, we’ll stop for breakfast and take a short break before continuing toward the starting point of the trek.
From Mollepata, we’ll continue by vehicle toward Soraypampa, where the hiking adventure begins. The trail gradually ascends through impressive Andean landscapes, surrounded by mountains, valleys, and spectacular views of the Salkantay Mountain.
After several hours of hiking, we’ll reach the magnificent Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). This turquoise glacial lake is one of the most beautiful natural attractions near Cusco, framed by the imposing peaks of the Andes. You’ll have time to explore the area, take photographs, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before beginning the descent.
We’ll return to Soraypampa, where a well-deserved lunch will be served. After lunch, you’ll have time to rest and relax in the surrounding mountain scenery. In the evening, enjoy dinner before spending the night in comfortable glamping domes, offering a unique overnight experience in the heart of the Andes.
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast at Soraypampa before beginning the most challenging and rewarding section of the trek. Today, we’ll hike toward the famous Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft), the highest point of the route.
The trail gradually climbs through the high Andes, offering spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and the imposing Salkantay Mountain. The ascent is demanding due to the altitude, but reaching the pass is an unforgettable achievement and one of the highlights of this short Salkantay adventure.
Once at the Salkantay Pass, take time to appreciate the incredible panoramic scenery and capture memorable photographs. After enjoying this high-altitude viewpoint, we’ll begin our descent toward the lower valleys, following the trail through the changing Andean landscape.
Eventually, we’ll reach Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and have time to relax after the hike. After lunch, board our private transportation for the return journey to Cusco.
We’ll arrive in Cusco in the afternoon and drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of your 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek.c
Although Machu Picchu is not included in this 2-day adventure, you can easily extend your journey by combining the trek with other unforgettable experiences. Depending on your schedule and interests, you can add a Machu Picchu day trip, Inca Trail trek, Classic Salkantay Trek, or other Machu Picchu tours to create a personalized Peru itinerary.
Our team can help you select the best combination based on your travel dates, available time, fitness level, and preferred travel style. If you’re looking for more options, explore our range of Salkantay Trek tours to Machu Picchu.
Your 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek from Cusco begins very early in the morning with pickup from your hotel. We’ll leave Cusco by private transportation and travel through the beautiful landscapes of the Anta Valley toward Mollepata. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy views of traditional Andean villages, agricultural fields, deep valleys, and impressive mountain scenery.
We’ll arrive in Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast and have some time to relax before continuing our journey. After breakfast, we’ll continue by vehicle toward Soraypampa, the starting point of our hike. As we approach the highlands, the landscape changes dramatically, with larger mountains, open valleys, and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Once we arrive at the trailhead, we’ll begin our hike toward Humantay Lake, located at approximately 4,200 m (13,779 ft) above sea level. The trail gradually ascends through the high Andes, and although the altitude makes the hike challenging, the spectacular scenery makes every step worthwhile. Along the way, our professional guide will accompany you, helping you maintain a comfortable pace and providing information about the mountains, local traditions, and the natural environment.
After approximately one to two hours of hiking, depending on your pace and conditions, we’ll reach the magnificent Humantay Lake. The lake is famous for its striking turquoise color, created by the melting glaciers of the surrounding mountains. From this viewpoint, you’ll have impressive views of Humantay Mountain and the dramatic Andean landscape.
We’ll spend time at the lake so you can explore the area, take photographs, appreciate the scenery, and simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at this incredible altitude. Your guide will also explain the cultural and spiritual importance that the mountains hold for local Andean communities.
After enjoying Humantay Lake, we’ll begin our descent along the same trail toward Soraypampa. Once back at the campsite, a freshly prepared lunch will be served, giving you time to recover and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
During the afternoon, you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of Soraypampa. You can rest inside your comfortable glamping dome, admire the surrounding mountains, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the high Andes.
As evening approaches, we’ll have dinner in Soraypampa. After dinner, you can relax and enjoy the incredible night sky, weather permitting, before heading to your comfortable glamping dome for a well-deserved night of rest. Being surrounded by the mountains at this altitude offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the city and experience the natural beauty of the Andes.
Wake up early in the morning surrounded by the impressive mountains of Soraypampa. After getting ready, enjoy a nutritious breakfast at the campsite to prepare for the most challenging section of your 2-Day Salkantay Trek.
Today’s main objective is reaching the famous Salkantay Pass, located at approximately 4,600 m (15,091 ft) above sea level. This is the highest point of the trek and one of the most spectacular places in the entire Salkantay region.
We’ll begin hiking from Soraypampa, following a gradually ascending trail through the high-altitude landscape. As we gain elevation, the views become increasingly impressive. You’ll be surrounded by enormous mountains, rocky slopes, glaciers, and wide-open Andean landscapes, with the majestic Salkantay Mountain dominating the scenery.
The ascent can be physically demanding due to the altitude, so we’ll maintain a steady and comfortable pace with regular breaks when necessary. Our guide will be with you throughout the hike, providing assistance and helping you manage the challenging conditions of the high mountains.
As we approach the Salkantay Pass, the landscape becomes even more dramatic. Reaching approximately 4,600 meters above sea level, you’ll arrive at one of the highest and most impressive viewpoints in the region. From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and take time to celebrate completing this challenging section of the trek.
We’ll have time at the pass to rest, take photographs, and appreciate the extraordinary scenery before beginning our descent. The landscape gradually changes as we lose altitude, providing a completely different perspective of the Andes.
We’ll continue our descent toward Mollepata, where the warmer climate and lower altitude will provide a welcome change after the demanding mountain hike. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and have time to relax after completing the main hiking portion of the adventure.
After lunch, we’ll board our private transportation and begin the journey back to Cusco. During the drive, you can relax and enjoy the changing scenery as we leave the high mountains behind and return toward the city.
We expect to arrive in Cusco in the afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek.
Choose between our premium small-group departures for the 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek or enjoy the comfort and flexibility of a private tour for a more personalized experience.
Small-group departures operate on selected dates and are subject to availability, so we recommend contacting our team in advance to confirm departures before finalizing your travel arrangements.
To secure your day tour, full payment is required at the time of booking. This allows us to immediately confirm all travel arrangements for your experience. We accept secure payments by credit card, PayPal, and bank wire transfer. If you prefer another payment method, please contact our team, and we’ll be happy to assist you. To process your reservation, each traveler must provide the following information exactly as it appears on their passport:
For cancellations made 72 hours or more before the tour departure its not refound any payment. This amount is non-refundable and non-transferable, as it covers the purchase all your travel services required to operate the tour. Any remaining balance will be refunded to the original payment method.
This is a streamlined, daypack-only trek—no porters handle personal belongings on the hotel-based version—so traveling light is key to maximizing comfort and performance on the trail. A well-fitted, ergonomic daypack is all you need for an optimal experience.
On the Short Inca Trail, you’ll be immersed in remote Andean terrain—beyond cellular coverage and far from any commercial services. Proper preparation is essential to fully enjoy the experience. These items are not optional; every hiker should invest in or rent high-quality gear to ensure safety, comfort, and performance throughout the trek.
For the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, strategic layering is essential. As you traverse diverse ecological zones—from high-altitude mountain paths to warmer valley sections—temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. The optimal approach is to wear lightweight, breathable layers that can be easily adjusted in response to changing conditions. Here’s what we recommend wearing:
Travel smart by keeping your daypack light and comfortable. Please note that entry to Machu Picchu allows backpacks up to 40 × 35 × 20 cm (16 × 14 × 8 inches). We recommend leaving any extra belongings at your hotel before your Day 2 visit.
Trekking poles can be very helpful for navigating stairs and downhill sections on Day 1. If you plan to use them, they must be equipped with rubber tips. Please keep in mind that trekking poles are not permitted inside Machu Picchu.
Forgot an essential item? No problem—we offer a selection of camping gear available for rent at an additional cost, ensuring you’re fully equipped without any hassle.
This section provides essential information to help you prepare for your 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek, a short but demanding high-altitude adventure. Here, you’ll find helpful details about altitude, weather conditions, trek difficulty, accommodation, meals, what to expect on the trail, and ways to combine this experience with longer trekking or Machu Picchu itineraries.
This 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek from Cusco reaches extreme high-altitude environments, making proper acclimatization essential. The route reaches approximately 4,774 m (15,663 ft) at Waywakunka Pass, while Humantay Lake stands at around 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. Although this is a short Salkantay trek, the combination of steep terrain and high elevation can make the hike physically demanding.
For a safer and more enjoyable Salkantay Trek experience, we strongly recommend spending at least 1–2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the hike. During your first days at altitude, stay hydrated, eat light meals, avoid excessive alcohol, and maintain a slow, steady pace while walking. Proper acclimatization can significantly improve your ability to handle the high elevations encountered on the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass trek. If you are concerned about altitude sickness, consult reliable medical or official high-altitude travel guidance before your trip.
Humantay Lake is one of the most spectacular high-altitude lakes near Cusco, Peru, renowned for its striking turquoise waters, glacial scenery, and breathtaking location beneath the towering Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Reaching Humantay Lake at 4,200 m (13,779 ft) is one of the main highlights of this 2-day Salkantay Trek, offering incredible panoramic views and an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Before your adventure, we recommend preparing for the altitude, changing mountain weather, and challenging hiking conditions. Check our complete Humantay Lake guide for practical tips, what to pack, altitude information, and recommendations to make the most of your trek. For additional official information about the destination, you can also consult the MINCETUR Humantay Lake resource.
Weather conditions along the Salkantay Trek can change rapidly due to the high altitude and mountainous terrain. During your 2-day Salkantay and Humantay Lake trek, you may encounter intense sunshine, strong winds, cold temperatures, rain, and freezing conditions at night. The first day can be particularly exposed as you hike through open high-altitude landscapes toward Humantay Lake, so being prepared for changing weather is essential.
We recommend dressing in layers so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures. Pack a thermal base layer, fleece, warm jacket, waterproof rain jacket, warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and a waterproof rain cover for your backpack. Proper clothing and protection will help you stay comfortable and enjoy the spectacular scenery throughout the Salkantay Trek from Cusco.
Our Salka Glamp Campsite in Salkantaypampa offers a unique glamping experience beneath the majestic Salkantay Mountain, surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Located away from the busiest trekking areas, this peaceful mountain campsite provides a more private and immersive way to experience the Salkantay Trek from Cusco.
After a day of high-altitude hiking, you can relax in comfortable glamping tents with warm bedding, enjoy freshly prepared meals, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. At night, the clear Andean skies create the perfect setting for stargazing and disconnecting from the noise of everyday life.
With its tranquil location, comfortable accommodation, and close proximity to Salkantay Mountain, Salka Glamp is an ideal overnight base for travelers completing the 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek and looking for a more comfortable and exclusive trekking experience.
Travel On Green is a 100% Peruvian local tour operator committed to creating premium trekking experiences while protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the Andes. Our Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek is designed with responsible tourism in mind, supporting local communities and ensuring fair and respectful treatment of our guides, chefs, muleteers, porters when required, drivers, and other local team members.
We encourage every traveler to help us protect this extraordinary destination by staying on designated trails, avoiding single-use plastics, carrying all waste back with you, and respecting the peace and traditions of the mountains. By practicing responsible travel, we can help preserve the Salkantay and Humantay Lake region, support local families, and ensure that these spectacular landscapes remain protected for future generations of travelers.
No. The 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek does not include Machu Picchu, train tickets, Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain. This short high-altitude trekking experience is focused on the spectacular landscapes of the Salkantay region, including Salkantay Mountain and Humantay Lake, with an overnight stay in a comfortable glamping dome in Soraypampa.
If you would like to include Machu Picchu in your Peru itinerary, you can combine this trek with a Machu Picchu day trip, Inca Trail, train journey, or another Machu Picchu tour. Contact our local travel team, and we’ll help you create a personalized itinerary based on your travel dates, available time, and preferred trekking experience.
The 2-Day Salkantay Trek from Cusco is considered a moderately challenging hike, mainly due to the high altitude and steep uphill sections, particularly on the way to Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m (15,091 ft). You’ll hike for several hours each day, but the pace is steady and designed to allow time for rest, hydration, and enjoying the spectacular Andean scenery. With proper acclimatization in Cusco, a reasonable level of fitness, and the support of an experienced trekking guide, most active travelers can comfortably enjoy this Salkantay and Humantay Lake trek.
The highest point of the 2-Day Salkantay Trek is Waywakunka Pass, reaching approximately 4,774 m (15,663 ft) above sea level. Along the route, you’ll also visit the spectacular Humantay Lake, located at around 4,200 m (13,780 ft). Since both destinations are at high altitude, proper acclimatization is essential. For a safer and more enjoyable Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek from Cusco, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 1–2 days before the hike to allow your body to adjust to the elevation.
The Salkantay Trek weather can change rapidly due to the high altitude and mountainous terrain. You may experience sunny skies and pleasant conditions during the day, while temperatures can drop significantly in the early morning, evening, and at night, especially around the Salkantay Pass and glacial areas. Rain is also possible throughout the year, including during the dry season, so it is essential to be prepared for changing conditions. We recommend wearing warm, layered clothing and carrying waterproof rain gear to stay comfortable throughout your Salkantay and Humantay Lake adventure.
Yes. Travel On Green provides all the essential camping equipment for your 2-Day Salkantay Trek, including comfortable glamping-style accommodation, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, a dining area, tables, and chairs. Everything is prepared to make your high-altitude trekking experience more comfortable, so you only need to bring your personal clothing, hiking gear, and essential belongings.
High altitude can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level or trekking experience. During the 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek, our professional team carries emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit, while the hiking pace is adjusted to help you acclimatize and trek safely. For a more comfortable experience, we recommend spending at least 1–2 days in Cusco before starting the Salkantay Trek, staying well hydrated, eating light meals, and getting enough rest. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or unusual shortness of breath, inform your guide immediately so our team can provide appropriate assistance.
Yes. One of the main advantages of our 2-Day Salkantay and Humantay Lake Trek is the opportunity to visit Humantay Lake at a quieter time of day. Instead of arriving during the busiest morning hours, our itinerary is designed to reach Humantay Lake later in the day, when there are often fewer visitors. This allows you to enjoy the famous turquoise waters, surrounding snow-capped mountains, and peaceful Andean scenery in a more relaxed atmosphere, while having more time to take photos and appreciate this spectacular destination.
Yes. If you’re looking for a longer Salkantay Trek experience, explore our selection of Salkantay Trek tours from Cusco. Choose from a short high-altitude adventure, the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, or extended trekking itineraries that combine the spectacular landscapes of the Andes with a visit to Machu Picchu. Our team can help you select the best Salkantay Trek based on your travel dates, fitness level, available time, and interests.
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