Salkantay and Humantay Lake in 2 days: complete guide
This short trek packs two of the most spectacular places near Cusco into one weekend: the turquoise Humantay Lake and the high pass beneath the Salkantay glacier, with a night in cosy cabins in between. It is the perfect taste of high-mountain trekking without committing to a multi-day route to Machu Picchu.
The trek at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night in cabins |
| Distance | About 4 km on day 1 and 9 km on day 2 |
| Highlights | Humantay Lake (about 4,200 m) and the Salkantay Pass (over 4,600 m) |
| Difficulty | Moderate, at high altitude |
| Price with us | US $150 |
Day 1: Humantay Lake
Pickup at 5:00 am and a drive of about two hours to Mollepata for breakfast, with views of the Salkantay range, then on to Soraypampa (about 3,850 m). From there you hike about an hour and a half up to Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lake beneath the snow, with plenty of time to enjoy it. You return to Soraypampa for the night in cabins with glacier views.
Salkantay and Humantay in one weekend
Transport, guide, entrances, meals and a night in cabins — US $150.
Day 2: the Salkantay Pass
After breakfast, a climb of about two hours takes you to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek, with views of Salkantay, Humantay and the surrounding peaks, and a short detour to the small Salkantay lake. You descend to Soraypampa for lunch and drive back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 pm.
What is included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup and private transport to Soraypampa and back | Sleeping bag (rent in Cusco) |
| Bilingual professional guide | Extra meals |
| Entrance to Humantay Lake and Salkantay | Tips |
| Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner | — |
| Trekking poles, coca tea and one night in cabins | — |
How hard is it?
The distances are short, but the altitude is high: you sleep at almost 3,900 m and cross a pass above 4,600 m. Spend at least two days in Cusco first, walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you feel unwell; oxygen is carried. Nights in the cabins are cold, so bring warm layers. Horses can usually be hired locally for part of the climbs.
Short on time? Humantay Lake alone is a classic day trip — see our Humantay Lake guide. Want to continue to Machu Picchu? See the Salkantay trek in 4 days.
What to bring
- Warm layers, a down jacket, hat and gloves for the night and the pass.
- Rain jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- A sleeping bag (or rent one in Cusco), water bottle and snacks.
- Cash in soles for horses, toilets or extras — see our Cusco packing list.
Frequently asked questions
Moderate in distance but high in altitude: Humantay Lake is at about 4,200 m and the Salkantay Pass is above 4,600 m. Acclimatize in Cusco first.
In cabins at Soraypampa, with views of the glaciers.
Yes. Day two climbs to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek, before returning to Cusco.
It is not included; you can bring your own or rent one in Cusco.
No. It returns to Cusco. To continue to Machu Picchu, choose the 3- or 4-day Salkantay trek.
