Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake 2 Days

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

To prepare for the trek, spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude. If you have already been at a high altitude before arriving, we still recommend resting for a full day in Cusco to recover and enjoy the city. It is important to take care of your body: drink plenty of water, eat well, and avoid alcohol. Chewing ecoca leaves or drinking coca tea can help alleviate altitude discomfort and ease acclimatization.

Q: I’ve made my reservation for the Salkantay Pass, now what?

Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departure at 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00, 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 any last questions you may have.

Q: 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.

Tour Availability
Available
Group Maximum
18
Arrival City
Cusco
Difficulty
Medium

SALKANTAY PASS & HUMANTAY LAKE 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

INCLUSIONS

FAQs

PACKING LIST

MAP

Overview Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake

Join our exciting excursion to the Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake! Located at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain (4,220 m), this sacred lake with turquoise waters, surrounded by the peaks of Salkantay, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Cusco.

Travel from Cusco in comfortable transport to Mollepata for a delicious breakfast before starting your hike. The trail offers incredible Andean scenery, from lush valleys and rugged mountain paths to panoramic views of Salkantay and Humantay.

After a 1.5-hour walk, reach the stunning Humantay Lagoon, where crystal-clear turquoise waters reflect the snow-capped peaks. The perfect spot for photos and peaceful rest before returning to Soraypampa for a hot meal and a well-earned break.

Highlights Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake

Start:

At 04:30, pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.

End:

At 6:30 p.m. in the center of Cusco.

Starting Altitude:

3,200m / 10,500ft

Highest Altitude:

4,650m / 15,200ft

Hiking Distance:

26 km / 16.16 miles

Altitude Acclimatization:

Recommended

Why book with KB Adventures?

KB Adventures offers small-group and private treks designed for comfort, safety, and authentic local experiences. Our expert guides share their deep knowledge of the Andes, while our team takes care of every detail. From fresh meals and private transport to cozy glass cabins under the stars. Hike at your own pace, enjoy personal attention, and make your visit to Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Check out our TripAdvisor reviews

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 descend from the Salkantay Pass to the base camp on our own, as the guide will continue on the path to Machu Picchu with the rest of the visitors. At the base camp, another guide will be waiting for us and will take us to the bus to return to Mollepata, where we will have lunch before heading back to Cusco.

Walking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles

FAQs Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake

Expand all

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

30L Backpack: For your essential items.

Waterproof Backpack Cover: Protect your belongings from rain.

Trekking Poles: Extra support and balance.

Warm Jacket: For cold temperatures.

Waterproof Jacket and Pants: (Gore-Tex or similar) To stay dry.

Base Layer: Synthetic clothing to absorb moisture and retain heat.

Short and Long Sleeve T-Shirts: To adjust to temperature variations.

Underwear: For comfort and moisture control.

Trekking Shoes: Comfortable and durable for uneven terrain.

Hat and Gloves: To protect from the cold.

Sun Hat and Sunglasses: For sun protection.

Sunscreen: To avoid sunburns.

Personal Hygiene Items: Like toothbrush and toothpaste.

Toilet Paper: For remote areas.

Headlamp: For visibility in the dark.

Extra Batteries: For the headlamp and other devices.

Water: Stay hydrated.

Energy Snacks: For the trail.

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

To prepare for the trek, spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude. If you have already been at a high altitude before arriving, we still recommend resting for a full day in Cusco to recover and enjoy the city.

It is important to take care of your body: drink plenty of water, eat well, and avoid alcohol. Chewing ecoca leaves or drinking coca tea can help alleviate altitude discomfort and ease acclimatization.

I’ve made my reservation for the Salkantay Pass, now what?

Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departure at 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00, 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 any 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.