Salkantay and Humantay Lake 2 days: the complete guide
If you want a real taste of the high Andes without committing to a long expedition, this two-day trek is hard to beat. You hike to the glowing turquoise of Humantay Lake, sleep in a cozy cabin beneath the glacier, and climb the Salkantay Pass the next morning.
The short trek with big rewards
Most people see Humantay Lake on a rushed day trip. This two-day version lets you linger — watching the light change on the water, sleeping under the stars, and adding the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) on day two for glacier views few day-trippers ever reach.
The route, day by day
| Day | Route | Sleep |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake | Cozy cabins |
| 2 | Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) → Soraypampa → Cusco | — |
See the full itinerary
Read the day-by-day plan, inclusions and dates.
How hard is it, and what to bring
This is a moderate trek — the climb to the lake is steady rather than brutal — but everything happens at high altitude, so acclimatize in Cusco first. Bring warm layers for a genuinely cold night; see our packing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Humantay Lake sits at about 4,200 m, and the Salkantay Pass on day two reaches 4,650 m. Acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand is important.
It is moderate — a steady uphill to the lake — but the altitude makes it feel harder, so prepare in Cusco first and take it at a comfortable pace.
No, this is a mountain-and-lake trek that does not include Machu Picchu. For that, see the longer Salkantay routes.