Treks and routes to Machu Picchu
Humantay and Salkantay Trek 2 Days / 1 Night
Two days in the high Andes with a night in a Sky Camp igloo: a hike to Humantay Lake on day one and a trek to Salkantay Pass, at 4,600 m (15,090 ft), on day two. Mountain guide, private transportation and five meals.
- We assist you in English on WhatsApp
- English-speaking guides
- Local agency in Cusco since 2003, registered with MINCETUR
Pickup at your lodging in Cusco at the agreed time, early in the morning
Explanations in English or Spanish throughout the tour
Mollepata, Challacancha, Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass
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Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass in two days, with a night in a Sky Camp igloo
The 2-day, 1-night Humantay and Salkantay Trek combines the two most striking sights on the Salkantay route without the full four- or five-day trek. On day one, you hike from Challacancha on a scenic trail above the canyon valley to Sky Camp and, in the afternoon, climb to Humantay Lake, with its glacier rising above the water.
You spend the night in the Sky Camp igloos, high in the mountains, with private camping equipment (dining tent, kitchen, tables and chairs). The next day, the route follows the 7 Snakes Trail to Salkantay Pass, at 4,600 m, a round-trip trek of about 6 hours among snow-capped peaks.
It costs US$ 235 per person and includes a briefing before departure, a mountain guide, private transportation, the night at Sky Camp and five meals. If you only want the lake in one day, there is the Humantay Lake tour; and if you want to hike all the way to Machu Picchu, the 4-day Salkantay Trek.
A night in the Sky Camp igloos
Comfortable domes high in the mountains, with private camping facilities and equipment (dining tent, kitchen, tables and chairs) and an exceptional night sky.
Humantay Lake and its glacier
A steep 1- to 2-hour hike from camp to the lake, with time to walk around it and photograph the glacier that crowns it.
Salkantay Pass via the 7 Snakes
Climb the 7 Snakes Trail to the pass, with views of snow-capped peaks and your guide's explanation of Salkantay's importance in the Andean worldview.
Mountain guide and full logistics
Briefing before departure, experienced mountain guide, private transportation, five meals, water, tea time and snacks along the way.
Itinerary
Your 2-day program, step by step: from Cusco to Sky Camp and Salkantay Pass
Day 1 · Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Sky Camp – Humantay Lake
- Pickup at your lodging in CuscoThe day starts with a drive of about 2 hours.
- Mollepata · BreakfastFirst stop in the village for breakfast before continuing to the trailhead.
- Challacancha · Start of the hikeMorning hike on a scenic trail along the canyon valley, with your first views of Humantay peak.
- Sky Camp · Lunch and check-inArrival at camp, lunch and settling into your igloo.
- Humantay LakeA steep 1- to 2-hour hike to the lake, with views of the glacier that crowns it and time for photos.
- Back to Soraypampa · Dinner and overnightA warm dinner at camp and a night under the mountain sky.
Day 2 · Sky Camp – Salkantay Pass – Soraypampa – Cusco
- Early breakfastWe start the day with energy before the main hike.
- 7 Snakes TrailClimb toward Salkantay Pass on this iconic section of the route.
- Salkantay PassTime at the top to rest and take in the snow-capped peaks, with your guide's explanation of Salkantay's importance in the Andean worldview. The round trip takes about 6 hours.
- Sky Camp · LunchDescent to camp for lunch before heading back.
- Return to CuscoTransfer in comfortable transportation to your lodging in the city.
What's included in your Humantay and Salkantay Trek 2 Days / 1 Night?
No surprises and no fine print: this is exactly what the service covers and what you will pay separately on the day of the tour.
2 days / 1 night
4,600 m above sea level
Very early morning departure, with pickup at your lodging at the agreed time
English or Spanish
Included
- Briefing before departure and an experienced mountain guide
- Pickup and drop-off at your lodging, private transportation and transfers throughout the route
- Private camping facilities and equipment (dining tent, kitchen, tables and chairs) and 1 night at Sky Camp
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner, plus water, tea time and snacks along the way
- Salkantay Trail access fee
Not included
- Trekking poles and sleeping bag
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
- Humantay Lake entrance fee
- Horse support on the trail (optional), travel insurance (recommended), personal expenses and tips
Note: the Humantay Lake entrance fee is paid separately, in cash, at the access checkpoint. Sleeping bags and trekking poles are not included but can be rented; let us know when you book. Horse support on the trail is an optional service at an extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
Here we answer the most common questions so you can book with peace of mind.
Do I need to acclimatize before the Humantay and Salkantay Trek?
Yes, it is essential. The program reaches 4,600 m at Salkantay Pass, and you spend the night at high altitude. We recommend spending at least two or three days in Cusco before departure and having already done a high-altitude tour.
How difficult is the tour?
Challenging. On day one, you hike up the valley to Sky Camp and then another 1 to 2 hours to Humantay Lake; on day two, it is about 6 hours round trip to Salkantay Pass. You need good fitness and to be acclimatized.
Which tickets do I need to buy separately?
The Salkantay Trail access fee is already included. The Humantay Lake entrance fee is paid separately, in cash, on the day.
What time does it start and how long does it take?
The adventure starts very early in the morning with pickup at your lodging. On day one, the drive to Mollepata takes about 2 hours, and the full program lasts 2 days, with 1 night at Sky Camp.
What should I bring?
A daypack, sleeping bag and trekking poles (not included, available for rent), hiking boots, warm layers and a windbreaker, a rain poncho, gloves and a warm hat, a headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash for the lake entrance fee and your passport.
How do booking and payment work?
Before buying, please contact us to confirm availability at Sky Camp. Then we arrange the pre-departure briefing and all the gear details with you. We have English-speaking guides: ask about availability when you contact us.
What happens if the weather affects the departure?
The trek runs most of the year, but in the high mountains the weather changes fast and there can be rain or snow. If conditions do not allow a safe crossing of the pass, the guide adjusts the route or we agree with you on a date change or a suitable alternative.
How much does the 2-day Humantay and Salkantay Trek cost?
The price is US$ 235 per person. It includes the pre-departure briefing, an experienced mountain guide, pickup and drop-off at your lodging, private transportation, private camping facilities and equipment, one night at Sky Camp, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner, water, tea time and snacks, and the Salkantay Trail access fee. The Humantay Lake entrance fee, the sleeping bag and trekking poles are at your own expense.
What is it like to sleep at Sky Camp?
You sleep in igloos set up high in the mountains, with private camping facilities and equipment that include a dining tent, kitchen, tables and chairs. Nights at altitude are very cold, so bring warm clothes; the sleeping bag is not included, but you can rent one when you book.
How is it different from the full Salkantay Trek?
This program climbs to Humantay Lake and crosses Salkantay Pass on a round-trip trek, but it does not reach Machu Picchu or continue toward the jungle. The 4-day Salkantay Trek and the 5-day version cover the whole route to Aguas Calientes and include the sanctuary entrance ticket. This one is the best option if you are short on time or want to experience the high mountains without spending several days hiking.
Ready to book or have a question?
Talk to one of our travel advisors in English. We reply Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Peru time, GMT-5).