Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass Trek – 2 Days / 1 Night

High passes, turquoise water, and a starry camp make this two day trek a strong choice for anyone short on time in Cusco. I like the combination of Humantay Lake on day one and the 4,630 meter Salkantay Pass on day two. I also like that the price includes private transport, meals, camping gear, a guide, and a personal duffel bag.

The catch is the altitude and the early start. You leave Cusco at 4:30 am, and this is not a gentle sightseeing outing. You should arrive in Cusco at least two days early to adjust, and you need a good level of fitness to enjoy the steep climbs rather than simply survive them.

The Sky Camp stay gives the trek a pleasant twist. Instead of a basic tent, you sleep in a panoramic igloo with a sleeping bag and blanket liner. Still, one guide described the company as disorganized and staff as unfriendly, so the experience can depend on the team assigned to your small group.

Key Points Before You Book

• Humantay Lake comes first: You climb to the turquoise lake on the afternoon of day one, with views toward Humantay Peak and nearby glaciers.
• Salkantay Pass reaches 4,630 meters: The second day follows the Trail of the 7 Snakes to Abra Salkantay, a serious high-altitude climb.
• Sky Camp changes the overnight experience: You get a private camping setup, dining room, dinner, breakfast, tea, and a panoramic igloo instead of a plain tent.
• The group is limited to 12 people: That is small enough for closer contact with the guide and a better chance of keeping the pace manageable.
• $310 covers a lot: Transport, entrance fees, meals, guide service, equipment, and a 5 kilogram duffel allowance are included.
• Horse rides cost extra: You can pay for a horse from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake or from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay if the climb becomes too much.

What the Two Days Really Feel Like

This trek packs two major Andean sights into a tight schedule. On day one, you visit Humantay Lake after reaching Soraypampa. On day two, you climb to Salkantay Pass, then return to camp for lunch and transportation back to Cusco.

That makes the route efficient, but it also leaves little room for a slow morning or a relaxed afternoon. You should think of it as a concentrated mountain experience, not a leisurely walk with a few viewpoints.

The company reports a maximum of 12 people. That is useful on a demanding route. A smaller group can make it easier for the guide to monitor your pace, explain the scenery, and help when altitude symptoms appear.

The strongest praise has focused on the guides and food. Jordan helped one delayed arrival cope with missing acclimatization time, while Jackson earned praise for his patience, humor, and steady encouragement when a hiker fell behind. That kind of support matters here, since you may be climbing while your lungs insist on a different plan.

The 4:30 am Start From Cusco

Your day begins before sunrise with hotel pickup at 4:30 am. The drive passes through Andean villages on the way to Mollepata, and the first transport section lasts about two hours.

This early departure is not just a scheduling quirk. It gives you time to reach the trail, complete the first climb, and arrive at the camp before the evening. You should have your daypack ready the night before, with warm layers, water, rain protection, and anything you may need during the hike.

The company provides a poncho and backpack cover, but the information does not specify the size or style of those items. I would still pack personal rain protection if you own reliable gear. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, and wet clothing is especially unpleasant at high elevation.

Mollepata is the breakfast stop. After eating, you begin the Challacancha hike. The route follows ancient Inca channels and opens toward snow-capped peaks, giving you an early taste of the high Andes before the harder climbs arrive.

Breakfast is included, as are trail snacks, water, tea, and tea time. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available if you request them when booking. That detail is worth handling early, since the food is a major part of the camp experience.

Challacancha to Soraypampa and Sky Camp

The walk from Challacancha leads toward Soraypampa, where the camp is located. The first part of the route is a useful warm-up, but do not mistake the gradual beginning for an easy day ahead.

At Soraypampa, you receive a freshly prepared lunch at the Sky Camp. The dining setup includes a private kitchen, tables, chairs, and a dining room. This is a welcome contrast to carrying all your own food and cooking equipment.

The food received some of the warmest praise. One chef prepared meals described as tasty and inventive, with generous portions. Another hiker enjoyed sharing meals with guide Jackson and using that time to ask questions about the route. I like this part of the setup because meals give you a chance to slow down, eat properly, and talk with the staff.

The camp itself is one of the tour’s main selling points. You spend the night in a panoramic igloo, with a sleeping bag and blanket liner provided. The camp also offers wake-up tea, and the clear nights can reveal a dense field of stars.

That last point depends entirely on weather. You may get a brilliant starry sky, or you may get clouds and cold. Either way, the igloo is more memorable than a standard overnight campsite, but it is still camping at high altitude. You should not expect hotel-style comfort.

The Afternoon Climb to Humantay Lake

After lunch, you climb to Humantay Lake. The listed walking time is about three hours, and the lake is the day’s main prize.

Humantay is known for its turquoise water and dramatic mountain setting. The route also gives you views of Humantay Peak and nearby glaciers. The color of the lake is the sort of sight that makes the hard climb worthwhile, but reaching it takes effort.

The climb comes after the early start and the walk from Challacancha. That combination can make the afternoon feel harder than the distance alone suggests. Pace yourself from the beginning, drink regularly, and use the breaks rather than trying to race ahead.

An optional horseback ride is available from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake, but it is not included in the $310 price. The supplied information does not state the extra cost or whether the horse covers the entire route, so ask the operator before departure if you think you may need it.

You return to camp around dusk for dinner. This timing means you should bring a headlamp if you have one, even though the supplied equipment includes basic hiking gear. The equipment list specifically names a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a hand towel, but it does not mention a headlamp.

From the Trail of the 7 Snakes to Abra Salkantay

Day two begins early with breakfast and the climb toward Salkantaypampa. The route follows the Trail of the 7 Snakes, a winding ascent that leads to Abra Salkantay at 4,630 meters, or 15,190 feet.

This is the hardest and highest part of the trek. Snowy peaks and glaciers fill the view from the pass, and reaching the summit gives you a clear sense of accomplishment. The scenery is grand, but the altitude is not forgiving.

You should treat the pass as a physical challenge, not simply a photo stop. Even fit hikers can feel slow at 4,630 meters. Arriving in Cusco two days early is strongly advised, and more acclimatization time is sensible if you know you react badly to altitude.

The guide carries or has access to oxygen, a first aid kit, and walkie-talkies. Those are reassuring safety provisions, but they do not replace preparation. If you feel unwell, tell the guide early. Trying to hide symptoms to reach the summit is a poor bargain.

Horseback riding is also available from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay for an additional fee. Since the climb is the tour’s most demanding section, ask about this option during the pre-departure briefing if you are unsure about your ability to finish on foot.

After reaching the pass, you descend to camp for lunch. The return route lets the scenery change as you lose altitude, then private transport takes you back to Cusco. The schedule does not give a precise arrival time, so avoid booking a tight evening connection or an important appointment.

What $310 Includes, and What It Does Not

At $310 per person, this is not a budget day hike. It is also more than a bare-bones camping trip. The value depends on how much of the included package you would otherwise need to arrange yourself.

The price includes:

• Private transport and transfers during the trek
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• An experienced mountain guide
• Entrance fees for the Salkantay Trek and Humantay Lake
• One night at Sky Camp
• Breakfast on both days
• Lunch on both days
• Dinner on the first night
• Trail snacks, water, tea, tea time, and wake-up tea
• A personal duffel bag for up to 5 kilograms, or 11 pounds
• Sleeping bag, trekking poles, and hand towel
• Rain poncho and backpack cover
• Private camping equipment and dining facilities
• Oxygen, walkie-talkies, and a first aid kit
• Pre-departure briefing

That is a useful list for a two day outing. You avoid arranging several transfers, entrance tickets, camping equipment, and meals separately. The 5 kilogram duffel allowance is especially helpful because you can leave some gear with the support team rather than carrying everything on your back.

The exclusions matter. Dinner on day two is not included, and you need your own travel insurance, hiking clothes, and personal equipment. Tips for staff are optional. Horse rides also cost extra.

I would compare this price with the cost of a private transfer, guide, camp, food, equipment rental, and entrance fees before deciding it is expensive. For a well-run trip, the bundle offers reasonable value. The risk is that the service quality may vary, as one account described poor internal communication and an indifferent guide.

Food, Gear, and Comfort at High Altitude

Food is one of the tour’s strongest features. Breakfast and lunch are included on both days, and the camp team prepares dinner on the first night. The positive accounts describe food that is plentiful and creative, not just functional trail fuel.

You should still bring personal snacks you know you can eat at altitude. The tour supplies snacks, but personal preferences matter when your appetite is low or your stomach feels unsettled.

The sleeping bag and trekking poles reduce the amount of equipment you need to rent in Cusco. The hand towel is a small but practical touch. The personal duffel allowance also helps with the overnight stay, though you need to keep within the 5 kilogram limit.

The tour does not include hiking clothing or all personal equipment. Pack layers, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and rain protection. Because the trek includes cold, high sections and a camp night, cotton clothing alone is a poor choice.

The panoramic igloo is comfortable by camping standards, but do not confuse it with a heated room. Temperatures at altitude can be low, and the weather may shift. Your sleeping bag and layers will matter more than the novelty of the dome.

Who Should Book This Trek

This trip suits you if you want to see both Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass but do not have time for a longer Salkantay route. It also works well if you value organized transport, prepared meals, and a guide rather than planning every detail independently.

You need strong physical fitness. The company allows children aged 10 and older, but they must stay with a responsible adult. Age alone does not make the trek suitable. A young hiker with strong fitness and altitude preparation may manage it well, while an older but fit hiker may also do fine.

I would not choose this trip if you dislike early starts, steep climbs, cold nights, or uncertain mountain weather. I would also avoid booking it immediately after arriving in Cusco. Give yourself at least two days to adjust.

The group limit of 12 is a practical advantage. It is not a private trek, but it is small enough to feel more personal than a large coach-based outing. Guide quality remains important, so use the pre-departure briefing to ask about pace, horse options, meals, gear, and altitude procedures.

The experience has earned a five out of five rating from 380 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it. That points to a strong overall record, while the less positive account is a useful reminder to keep expectations realistic about organization and staff style.

Booking Timing, Weather, and Cancellations

This experience is commonly reserved well ahead, with an average booking time of about 76 days. Book early if your dates are fixed, especially if you plan to connect the trek with Machu Picchu. The company advises booking at least three months ahead for Machu Picchu spaces, though this two day trek itself does not include a Machu Picchu visit.

You must provide each participant’s passport name, number, expiry date, and country at booking. Check that your passport is current before paying.

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least six full days before the 4:30 am start time. Cancelling two to six full days ahead brings a 50 percent refund. Less than two full days before departure is nonrefundable.

Bad weather or failure to reach the required minimum group size can cancel the trip. In those cases, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Keep your schedule flexible enough to handle a change.

Is the Humantay and Salkantay Trek Worth It?

Book it if you want maximum scenery in minimum time. The mix of Humantay Lake, glacier views, Salkantay Pass, strong meals, and Sky Camp gives you a memorable two day sample of the Andes.

The price is fair for the services included, especially if you need transport, equipment, meals, and a guide. Just prepare properly for altitude, bring suitable clothing, allow extra time on your return day, and ask about horse rides before you need one.

Skip it if you want an easy excursion or a relaxed overnight stay. This is a demanding high-altitude trek with a very early start. For fit hikers who prepare well, it offers a compact and rewarding route, with the Sky Camp night providing a welcome bit of comfort between two hard walking days.

FAQ

What time does the trek begin?

Hotel pickup and the tour start are scheduled for 4:30 am.

How high is Salkantay Pass?

Abra Salkantay reaches 4,630 meters, or 15,190 feet, above sea level.

How many people can join the tour?

The group can have a maximum of 12 participants.

Is food included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included on both days, and dinner is included on the first night. Dinner on day two is not included. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested at booking.

Is horseback riding included?

No. Optional horseback rides from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake and from Soraypampa to Abra Salkantay cost extra.

How far in advance should I prepare for the trek?

You should arrive in Cusco at least two days before the trek to adjust to the altitude. The experience is often booked about 76 days ahead, and Machu Picchu spaces should be reserved at least three months ahead if you plan to add that visit.