Tour Availability

Every Day
Arrival City

Cusco
Minimum Age

8
Maximum Age

60
Group Size

4 - 12

SORAYPAMPA CAMPSITES

Overview

Join us on an adventurous hike to the stunning Humantay Lake! Lake Humantay, named after the nearby snow-capped peak (Humantay, 4,220 m), is one of the most beautiful and sacred lagoons in Cusco. Its turquoise waters, framed by the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, reveal why it is so revered and popular.

Highlights

Start:

Day 1 at 04:30 at your hotel in Cusco.

End:

Day 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the center of Cusco.

Day 1 :

DAY 1: CUSCO – CHALLACANCHA – HUMANTAY – SORAYPAMPA (06 hours trekking)

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. We will travel in comfortable transport to Mollepata (approx. 3 hours), where we'll enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Afterward, we'll drive another hour to Challacancha (3,380 meters / 11,090 feet), the starting point of our hike, passing through the valley divided into Valle de Mollepata and Challacancha. The trailhead offers beautiful views as we begin our 3-hour hike, arriving at our first campsite at Soraypampa (3,900 meters / 12,800 feet) around 1:00 p.m. There, you'll have time to relax and savor a delicious lunch prepared by our chef.

Following lunch, we'll visit the famous Humantay Lagoon! After a 1.5-hour walk, we'll reach the lagoon (4,220 meters / 13,850 feet), where you'll be greeted by its stunning blue-green waters and the snow-capped peak of Humantay Mountain, one of the most impressive peaks in the Andes. We'll take some time to enjoy the breathtaking views before descending back to our camp in Soraypampa. We'll arrive around 6:00 p.m., where you'll be treated to tea and dinner before spending the night in our beautiful glass cabins.

Walking distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles

Day 2 :

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CUSCO (7 hours of trekking)

We will wake up very early to begin our trek to the Salkantay Pass. We’ll traverse the landscape formed between the mountains, gradually gaining altitude to gain a new perspective of the surrounding peaks and, weather permitting, glimpse the site where we spent the night.

We will continue along the path until we reach the pass at 4,600 meters (15,090 feet), the highest point of the trek.

If the cloud conditions are favorable, we will enjoy a close-up view of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains during a break in our ascent. After taking in this spectacular natural scene, we will retrace our steps back to our base camp to collect our belongings and then transfer to a vehicle that will take us back to Cusco, where the activity concludes.

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What should I pack for the two-day hike to the Humantay Lake?

30-liter Backpack: To carry your essentials during the daily hikes.
Waterproof Backpack Cover: To protect your belongings from rain.
Trekking Poles: For additional support and balance.
Warm Jacket: To keep you warm in cooler temperatures.
Waterproof Jacket and Pants (Gore-Tex or similar): To stay dry in wet conditions.
First Layer (Synthetic Shirts and Pants): For moisture-wicking and warmth.
Short-Sleeved and Long-Sleeved Shirts: To adjust to varying temperatures.
Synthetic Underwear: For comfort and moisture control.
Trekking Shoes: Durable and comfortable footwear suitable for rugged terrain.
Hat and Gloves: For warmth in cold conditions.
Sun Hat: To protect your face from the sun.
Sunglasses: To shield your eyes from UV rays.
Sunscreen: For protection against sunburn.
Personal Hygiene Items: Essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
Toilet Paper: For personal use in remote areas.
Headlamp: For visibility in low-light conditions.
Extra Batteries: For your headlamp or other electronic devices.
Water: Stay hydrated with enough water for the hike.
Snacks: Energy-boosting snacks for the trail.
Cash: For expenses not included in the trek, such as extra drinks, snacks, or souvenirs.

How can I prepare for the hike and prevent altitude sickness?

The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experience is easy: spend at least 2 to 3 days at a high-altitude place like Cusco, so your body gets used to the high altitude. If you have already been to a high altitude destination before arriving to Cusco, we still recommend you spend at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recuperate from your trip, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city before your trek.

Additionally, taking good care of your body helps deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. We recommend you to eat healthy food, drink lots of water and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves, drinking coca tea helps to alleviate any discomfort associated with the altitude.

I’ve made my reservation, now what?

Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departuer at 5:00 pm, please stop by our office located in Portal Espinar Nro 163 to receive the informative briefing. Our professional guide will tell you everything about your trek and clarify last questions you may have.

What are your cancellation and refund policies?

Please feel free to review our Terms & Conditions and let us know if you have any questions or requests regarding our cancellation policy, which is available on our website.