Set out on a remarkable 2-day adventure from Cusco to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass. This small-group trek takes you through stunning landscapes, with the chance to sleep under starry skies in cozy dome accommodations. Challenge yourself on challenging hikes to Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Pass, led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide. With meals and transportation included, you’ll have everything taken care of as you learn about the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. But what awaits you at the end of this unforgettable journey?

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Key Points

This 2-day tour from Cusco takes you to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass, both located at high altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters.
The tour includes a 6-hour trek on Day 1 and a 7-hour trek on Day 2, with overnight accommodation in shared dome tents.
Transportation, meals, and the services of a professional cook and bilingual guide are all included in the tour price of $450 per person.
The tour is suitable for nature lovers and hikers, but not recommended for children under 6 or individuals with heart problems.
The tour is limited to a small group of 10 participants, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Cusco: Humantay Lake & Paso Salkantay in Domos – 2 Days," offers a two-day adventure from Cusco, with prices starting at $450.00 per person.

This small-group experience is limited to 10 participants and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, allowing for hassle-free booking.

The tour showcases the stunning Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass, providing nature lovers with an unforgettable experience under the stars in shared domes with amenities.

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Itinerary Details

The tour lasts 2 days, starting at 04:30 in Cusco on Day 1 and concluding at 18:30 in Cusco on Day 2.

On Day 1, trekkers will hike for 6 hours from Cusco to Soraypampa. They’ll then visit the stunning Humantay lagoon at an altitude of 4200 meters.

Trekkers will hike for 6 hours from Cusco to Soraypampa and visit the stunning Humantay lagoon at an altitude of 4200 meters.

On Day 2, the group will trek for 7 hours to the Salkantay Pass, at 4600 meters, before returning to Cusco.

The itinerary includes:

6-hour trek from Cusco to Soraypampa on Day 1
Visit to Humantay lagoon (4200 m) on Day 1
7-hour trek to Salkantay Pass (4600 m) and return to Cusco on Day 2

Highlights and Experience

This tour offers a small group experience, limited to just 10 participants.

It’s a new hike perfect for nature lovers with limited time. Spend an unforgettable night sleeping under the stars, surrounded by the iconic Salkantay Mountain and Humantay lagoon.

You’ll trek to the Salkantay Pass, reaching an impressive altitude of 4600 meters.

With a professional cook and bilingual guide, you’ll enjoy meals and have your personal items transported by mules.

This is a chance to discover the stunning landscapes of Peru’s Andes in an intimate, immersive way.

Inclusions and Accommodations

This two-day tour includes transportation from Cusco to Challacancha and back.

It also provides:

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner on the first day.
Shared dome accommodations for 4 people with amenities such as hot showers, heating, private bathrooms, and balconies.
Services of a professional cook, bilingual guide, mules for personal items, and a dry bag with a maximum weight of 7 kg.

These inclusions ensure a comfortable and well-supported adventure through the stunning landscapes around Cusco.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Although not suitable for children under 6 years old or those with heart problems, this two-day Cusco adventure offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers with limited time.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, camera, cash, and any necessary personal medication. The tour includes pickup from the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The live tour guide is bilingual, providing commentary in both Spanish and English. This trek to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass is a must-do for those seeking stunning mountain views and a night under the stars.

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Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes transportation from Cusco to the starting point of Challacancha and back to Cusco at the end of the trek. This service is provided to ensure a seamless experience for participants.

The transportation is as follows:

Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 AM on the first day.
Transfer to the trailhead at Challacancha, which marks the start of the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass trek.
Return transportation from the endpoint back to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM on the second day.

This transportation service is included in the tour price, making it a hassle-free way to access the remote trekking routes.

Packing and Preparation

Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and successful trek to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass. Bring warm layers, including a down jacket, gloves, and a hat, as temperatures can drop dramatically.

Bring warm layers, including a down jacket, gloves, and a hat, as temperatures can drop dramatically during the trek to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass.

Wear proper hiking boots with good traction. Pack a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against the high-altitude sun. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Consider bringing snacks, as the trek can be strenuous. Remember to pack any necessary personal medications.

Ensure your daypack is lightweight yet durable to carry during the hike. Proper preparation will make your experience truly unforgettable.

Safety and Health Considerations

Because the trek involves high altitudes, it’s crucial for participants to be aware of potential health risks and take necessary precautions.

Symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, can occur at heights over 4,000 meters.

To minimize these risks:

Acclimatize by arriving in Cusco a day or two early to allow your body to adjust.
Stay hydrated, limit alcohol consumption, and eat nutritious meals.
Notify your guide immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms and be prepared to descend to lower elevations if needed.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Additional Snacks on the Trek?

Yes, you can bring additional snacks on the trek. The tour includes meals, but you’re welcome to pack extra snacks to have on hand during the hike. Just be sure to keep the weight under the specified limit.

Is It Possible to Upgrade the Accommodation?

Yes, you can upgrade the accommodation. For an additional fee, travelers can choose to stay in private domes instead of the shared domes. This provides more privacy and exclusivity during the trek.

How Long Does It Take to Reach the Highest Point?

The trek takes about 7 hours to reach the highest point at Salkantay Pass, which sits at an altitude of 4,600 meters or 15,100 feet. Trekkers can expect a challenging but rewarding climb to this impressive viewpoint.

Is There an Option to Hire a Personal Porter?

Yes, there’s an option to hire a personal porter. The tour package includes mules to carry personal items up to 7 kg, but travelers can also opt to hire a personal porter at an additional cost to carry heavier items.

Can I Rent Any Equipment On-Site if Needed?

Yes, you can rent equipment on-site if needed. The tour provider offers a dry bag (max 7 kg) for personal items, and they have mules available to carry your belongings during the trek.

The Sum Up

This 2-day trek from Cusco to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass offers an unforgettable adventure. Explore stunning landscapes, stay in cozy dome accommodations, and challenge yourself with challenging hikes. Led by a bilingual guide and supported by a professional cook, this small-group experience includes meals, transportation, and all the essential amenities for a seamless and memorable journey through the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: