I’ve had this short but epic journey to Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass on my hit list for a while now. I’m desperate to escape the bustle of the city and get my history fix and my fresh air fix all at once. This two-day hike is the perfect quick escape for anyone craving a truly impressive adventure in the Andes, offering a chance to see some of Peru’s most incredible scenery. The thought of witnessing the impossibly turquoise Humantay Lake and conquering the legendary Salkantay Pass is calling my name.
This trip isn’t just about the hiking, though. It’s about connecting with nature in its purest form. It’s a chance to spend a night in an exclusive glass-roofed Sky Camp, staring at the constellations that were so significant to the Inca people. I can just picture myself there, feeling completely removed from the hoards of tourists and city life, soaking up the pervasive sense of calm. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, this trek is a top-tier option for a brief but potent adventure.
This trip is firmly in my sights because it promises to deliver on two of Peru’s most stunning sights in a manageable two-day trip. On the first day, you get to hike up to Humantay Lake, which looks like a glistening jewel against a backdrop of snow-white mountains. The second day is all about tackling the challenging Trail of the 7 Snakes to reach the Salkantay Pass, where the reward is truly astounding views of the snowy Andean peaks. And I can’t stop thinking about sleeping in that igloo with a glass roof—it’s the epitome of a cottage-core journey.
Why I’m Booking This Trek
This isn’t just a trek; it’s an immersive experience in the hands of Mother Nature. I’m excited to trek through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and push myself to conquer the challenging climb to the Salkantay Pass. I know I’ll love learning about the local Andean flora and fauna from a knowledgeable guide and spending a night learning all about the constellations under the starry Andean sky. It’s the kind of experience that inspires you to travel further and connect with a destination’s culture and people
The day kicks off with a bright and early pickup from your accommodation in Cusco (11,155 ft / 3,400 m), where we’ll head to Mollepata for a nourishing breakfast. We’ll then continue to Challacancha and begin our walk toward Soraypampa (12,860 ft / 3,920 m), where our unique Sky Camp is located. This initial stretch isn’t too difficult, helping your body adjust to the altitude as you follow a small Inca canal and take in the pretty Andean scenery.
Upon arrival at the Sky Camp, which is located directly in front of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains, the staff will be ready with a delicious lunch. After settling into your igloo and resting, we’ll prepare for the afternoon’s main event: the hike up to Humantay Lake (13,780 ft / 4,200 m). We’ll take it slow due to the altitude, but once we reach the top, you’ll have time to soak in the incredible views of the jewel-like turquoise water.
Afterward, we’ll make our way back down to the Sky Camp for a hearty dinner and some stargazing. Your guide will provide a detailed explanation of Inca astronomy. When you go to bed, you can gaze through the transparent roof of your igloo and let the constellations lull you to sleep.
You’ll wake up early and have a filling breakfast before we set out on a gradual ascent to Salkantaypampa and then embark on the challenging path known as the “Trail of the 7 Snakes,” which leads to the highest point of the trip, the impressive Salkantay Pass (15,190 ft / 4,630 m). This is where you’ll find yourself surrounded by a dramatic complex of mountain peaks. You’ll have plenty of time at the pass to rest, take photos, and feel the raw power of nature.
After enjoying the breathtaking views, we’ll descend through a unique stony landscape back to our campsite for lunch. This part of the journey offers an incredible view of a vast, snow-covered forest of stones. After a little break at the Sky Camp, we’ll head out on the last 30-minute stretch to board the transport. The ride back to Cusco provides plenty of photo opportunities of valleys, rivers, and farming fields, and you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation for some well-deserved rest.
A highly qualified professional with extensive experience in the art of guiding will lead your tour. They have years of dedication to nature walks, have medical certifications and an overflowing passion for leading people on unforgettable adventures.
We understand how essential a delicious hot meal is to revitalize and comfort your body after a challenging hike. Therefore, on each expedition with Ausangate Peru, you will find chefs with extensive experience in preparing meals during the hikes.
All our hiking trips offer a varied selection of delicious meals, rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats. We have carefully selected foods that adapt perfectly to the natural environment.
Our experienced muleteers and their faithful horses are responsible for all our equipment and will always be available in the safe and comfortable camps, ready to receive us.
No, there is no age limit, but if you are older, it is recommended to have a medical check-up before traveling, try to acclimatize at altitude (see altitude sickness). We have had 7 year olds and people up to 68 years old many times. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you do it! When there is a will, if possible.
If you can change the departure but not the date of entry to the Machu Picchu citadel, tickets are purchased well in advance. If you change the departure, your tour could become one of four or three days, depending on the reserved program. Remember to schedule your trip to Peru in advance to avoid problems and stay in Cusco 3 or 4 days before the trip). Please note that on this trip you will find people of different sex and nationality than yours, we are an organization that cannot guarantee the sex and nationality of our tourists.
We have an excellent kitchen that offers an amazing variety of dishes:
Breakfast: Varies depending on the difficulty of the trip that awaits you. Usually a wide selection of products: oatmeal, eggs, pancakes, bread and jam. You can have hot chocolate, coffee, English tea and/or a selection of infusions (chamomile, lemongrass, tea or simply traditional coca).
Lunch and dinner: always have a bowl of soup followed by a main dish (chicken, meat, fish, etc., with rice or pasta). Next, dessert and a forever herbal drink.
Refreshments (Happy Hour): After the walk every day there will be hot drinks, popcorn, cookies, bread and jam, chocolate, milo, etc., etc.)
Snacks: Before starting the walk, for the day you will receive a gift – a piece of fruit, a chocolate bar, a small package of cookies and some sweets.
Vegetarian/special diet options are available upon request (see below)
Yeah. We offer vegetarian food. Please specify your dietary requirements when making your reservation.
Yeah. We add previously boiled water or at least 5 minutes (water treatment tablets are not necessary). Therefore, you only need one bottle of water for the first part, for lunch, on the first day and then from there you refill your bottles until Machu Picchu.
Yeah. There are several bathrooms along the trail and at the campsites (please avoid using nature)
The tents for all our tours are for 4 people, but the modern man is very tall and only 2 can fit in each one, which allows for more space and comfort. If you are traveling alone you have to share the tent with another person unless you request a private one, (single tent $25).
Tipping is a personal decision. Depending on the work performance of each of the people who accompany you on this trip.
All hostels and hotels in Cusco have a warehouse to store tourists’ belongings, to make this trip they only have to leave them in the place.
Yeah. There are several bathrooms along the trail and at the campsites (please avoid using nature)
We have a very low rate of people returning once the trip has started. Our priority is to help complete it; All of our guides are well trained and have a top-of-the-line emergency first aid kit and oxygen. Please don’t think this (you are in good hands)
In Cusco we only have two rainy seasons 6 months and dry 06 months, the dry season begins in April and October, the days are usually sunny and warm, but we must keep in mind that the weather is very variable in the high and mountain cities. , from November to March the rainy days and many unstable months, where the rains can be heavy.
Note: Temperatures are for the Cusco Valley 3400m. And temperatures change depending on altitude (higher altitude = cold or vice versa)
The train included in all tours is the (Expedition Service), the schedules are the spaces available in the carriages and once the agencies make full payment. The first train can be taken at 6:20 p.m. and the last at 10:50 p.m.: Salkantay Expeditions. Organize transportation back to Cusco (by taxi or bus).
Note: Trains are sometimes subject to change depending on Peru Rail train operators. If desired, the train can be modified for better service by making the corresponding price increase.
From Cusco, you can start several multi-day hikes to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay trail is very diverse. During the 5-day Salkantay trek you cross different climatic zones (from tropical to icy peaks), these are intense days where you can enjoy Peruvian hospitality, beautiful mountain villages and arriving at Machu Picchu at dawn.
Salkantay trekking in Peru is one of the most impressive things you can do during your trip to Peru. We are sure that you will be surprised by the landscape from the first day. The Salkantay hike is not an easy hike, preparation is essential. In this article, read everything you need to know about the hike, how to prepare, what to expect, where you should book the hike, and many more tips.
Before we get into the details of what you need to know about the Salkantay Trail, here are some quick facts about the hike.
• Location | Peru
• Duration of the walk | 5 days
• Home | Cusco
• End | Macchu Picchu
• Distance | 74 kilometers / 46 miles
• Highest point of the Salkantay trek: 4630 meters
• Highest point of the Salkantay mountain: 6271 meters
It is not uncommon to do the Salkantay hike individually, however, you don’t see many other people doing it individually. Most people do it through a group tour.
The advantages:
• The freedom to go wherever you want;
• Often much cheaper than a tour.
• You have to carry everything yourself, organize your accommodation, determine your own route, organize all your tickets. You have to fix everything yourself;
• You do not have an experienced guide with you who can help you in case of an emergency;
• It is always safer to walk in a group than alone;
• For female travelers, we do not recommend walking alone.
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
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