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 Size
2 - 17
Arrival City
Cusco
Difficulty
Medium

MAP

Overview Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake

Join our exciting 2 Day Salkantay Trek to 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.

2 Day Salkantay Trek

The 2 Day Salkantay Trek is a great option for travelers who want to experience the highlights of the Salkantay route without committing to a longer trek. In just two days, you’ll hike to Humantay Lake, cross the spectacular Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters, and spend a night in a comfortable Sky Dome surrounded by the Andes. This short Salkantay Trek from Cusco combines high-altitude mountain scenery, turquoise waters, and an unforgettable trekking experience.

Sky Dome accommodation is now included on all Salkantay Treks ✨

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

Looking for a different Salkantay Trek?

Choose the option that best fits your time and travel plans:

Salkantay Trek 5 Days Salkantay Trek 4 Days Salkantay Trek 3 Days

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. In the afternoon, we will settle into our comfortable Sky Domes, where you can enjoy the mountain surroundings, followed by a hot cup of coca tea and a freshly prepared dinner made by our cooks.

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

If you are a student, you may be eligible for a $20 USD discount. However, you must meet the Peruvian government requirements, as the discount is applied to the cost of your Machu Picchu ticket and is not something that we are able to negotiate.

To be able to receive the discount, please send us a photo of both sides of your student card, and another photo of your passport after your booking. The student ID must be an original ID from your university in PVC material and include:

University information
Personal student information
Student picture
Expiration date valid only for one year
Must coincide with the year of visit

You also need to bring your original student card on the day you visit Machu Picchu for verification at the checkpoint.

Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:

Example of a student card meeting all the requirements.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, you can leave extra luggage in our office free of charge. Just let us know if you have any fragile or technological items that require special care, and we’ll ensure they are handled appropriately.

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.