Humantay Lake & Salkantay – 2 Days
Humantay Lake and Salkantay Mountain
The Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass 2 day tour is a stunning hike through Andean valleys in the shadow of glacial mountains. Perfect for those seeking a wild adventure in the mountains. you will be guided along the trail to Salkantay, whilst being treated to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru.
Book now for a adventure like no other in the heart of the Peruvian Andes!
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Itinerary
- Day 01: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon Hike.
- Overnight stay in cabins Soraypampa
- Day 02: Soyroccocha – Salkantay Glacier Hike – Glacial Lake – Return to Cusco.
DAY 1 – CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – LAKE HUMANTAY – SORAYPAMPA
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 a.m. and travel approximately 2 hours by private transportation to the town of Mollepata. Along the way, you will see Andean villages such as Izcuchaca and Limatambo, as well as beautiful valleys and views of the Salkantay Glacier. Upon arrival in Mollepata, you will have time to enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant (optional, at an additional cost). We then continue by vehicle for 45 minutes to Soraypampa (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), the starting point of the hike.
From here, we begin a 1 hour and 30 minute uphill hike to Humantay Lake, one of the most stunning glacial lakes in Cusco, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You will have time to explore the area, take photos, and rest. The hike back to Soraypampa takes approximately 1 hour downhill. We will spend the night in cabins with views of the Salkantay Glacier.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
- Accommodation: Cabins with comfortable facilities.
- Distance: 4 km / 3 miles.
- Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours.
DAY 2 – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – GLACIAL LAKE – SORAYPAMPA – CUSCO
After breakfast, we begin a 2-hour uphill hike to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,367 ft), the highest point of the route. From here, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Salkantay Glacier (6,217 m / 20,717 ft), as well as the Humantay and Huayanay snow-capped mountains, and the surrounding glacial valleys.
From the pass, we take an additional 30-minute hike off the main trail to visit Salkantay Glacial Lake, a turquoise lake surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. You will have time to explore the area and take photos. We then return the same way to Soraypampa, with approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of downhill hiking. Lunch will be served in Soraypampa, followed by our return trip to Cusco by private transportation, arriving around 5:00 p.m. Drop-off will be at your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
- Distance: 9 km / 6 miles.
- Duration: Approximately 6 hours.
2-day Humantay Lake tour inclusions
Included
- Briefing at your hotel in Cusco the night before the trek.
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transport to and from Soraypampa.
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide.
- Entrance ticket to the Humantay Lagoon.
- 1 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner (All prepared by our chef).
- Vegetarian/vegan and special diets requested
- Hot coca tea brought to your cabin in the morning.
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle.
- Trekking Poles 2 per person.
- 01 night accommodation at our cabins in Soraypampa.
Not Included
- Emergency horse to carry you up the trail.
- Gratuities / Tips for the guide, porters and cook.
Recommendations to bring
- Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months.
- Valid Student ID card (if student booking).
- Good quality walking boots or shoes.
- Sandals for down time (very important).
- Baselayers of varying temperatures, especially for the night.
- Thermals, gloves, scarves, wooly hat.
- Good quality trekking socks to avoid blisters.
- Raincoat or long poncho (for rainy season).
- Waterproof trousers (for rainy season).
- Long sleeve shirts.
- Long trousers.
- Shorts suitable for hiking.
- Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude.
- Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid on the trail.
- Headlamp/Torch (very important).
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Medicine/personal effects (eg. contact lense liquid).
- Personal First Aid Kit.
- Camera or phone camera.
- Portable battery charger.
- Toilet paper (not usually found on trail).
- Small travel towel.
- Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars.
Packing List
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Original Passport
- VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
- Good quality backpack (medium sized)
- Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
- Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons)
FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:
The horses have a luggage limit of 7 kilograms per person. We therefore recommend bringing only important and necessary items to Salkantay.
- 2 Long sleeve shirts
- 2 Breathable t-shirts
- 2 Sets of underwear
- 2 Pairs of socks
- 1 Hiking trousers
- 1 Shorts (suitable for hiking)
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons)
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sandles
- Small quick-drying travel towel
- Portable battery charger for your phone and cameras
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Facial moisturiser
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
Additional Information
- Departure dates: We have groups for the Salkantay trek every day of the year. But it is more advisable to make this trek between the months of April to December, since the months of January, February and March are the rainy season in Cusco.
Where does the tour start and end?
- All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
- All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
- The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
- To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
- For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
- The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
- We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?
The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.
Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
- The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.
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Years of experience operating routes such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and cultural tours, with packages throughout Peru.
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