Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain Trek

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Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Duration
Activity Type
Tour Cultural
Season
All Year
Food
Not included
Physical Level
Easy
Physical Level
Easy
Lodge/Hotel
Easy

Overview

 

The Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain Trek covers 2 days and 1 night. This path provides a direct view of natural features in the Andean region. Participants walk to areas with clear waters and high peaks. The route includes stops at places like Soyroccocha and Soraypampa. Peceros Expeditions sets this for those wanting a brief but active experience. The highest spot reaches 4,650 meters, testing physical limits in thinner air. Groups hold up to 8 members, allowing steady movement without large delays.

Travelers start from Cusco and move to the beginning point by private transportation. The first day involves climbing to Humantay Lake at the base of snow-covered ranges. Views include valleys and mountains like Huayanay and Salkantay. Camp occurs in open spaces under clear nights. The second day leads to Salkantay Pass for wide looks at glacial rivers and small bodies of water. A side path goes to Salkantay Lake with its blue tones.

Private transportation belongs to Peceros Expeditions, with drivers holding high skills for local terrains. These vehicles ensure safe rides through villages such as Limatambo and Iscuchaca. Guides speak several languages and possess deep knowledge in leading people from different places. They offer complete details at each natural spot along the way.

Meals come from nearby natural sources, using organic materials when possible. For varied choices, dishes from other areas can be added, though this might raise costs depending on the selection; inquire with the Peceros Expeditions reservations team. The setup allows time to absorb the surroundings without rush.

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Overview

Meals come from nearby natural sources, using organic materials when possible. For varied choices, dishes from other areas can be added, though this might raise costs depending on the selection; inquire with the Peceros Expeditions reservations team. The setup allows time to absorb the surroundings without rush.

An agency representative tracks the full schedule, ready to handle any shifts. This oversight runs from initial collection to end drop-off. The moderate difficulty fits those with some walking background, though steeper parts exist near the pass.

This trek stands out for its focus on two lake sites in one short period. Peceros Expeditions includes pack horses for personal gear up to 7 kilograms, easing the load. Compared to longer options, it packs intense views without extended time away.

The path detours from main ways to reach Salkantay Lake, adding unique colors not seen in standard routes. Peceros Expeditions manages all gear like tents and cooking items, simplifying the process. Relative to other short walks, the camp night amid peaks enhances the stay.

Trip details

  • Duration: 2 days and 1 night, offering a compact hike to Humantay and Salkantay Lakes with an overnight camp.
  • Difficulty: Moderate, with gradual climbs and steeper sections that require balanced steps and energy management at higher points.
  • Maximum Altitude: 4,650 meters at Salkantay Pass, where views expand but air thins, suggesting short rests.
  • Group Size: Up to 8 people, promoting easier trail flow and more guide interaction in narrow areas.
  • Transportation: Private transportation owned by Peceros Expeditions with highly trained drivers, handling all ground travel from Cusco to trailhead and back.
  • Hiking Distance: About 22 kilometers total, split between days with time for exploration at lakes.
  • Starting Point: Soraypampa trailhead, reached after drive through indigenous villages for cultural glimpses.

Trip Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha

  • 5:00 a.m.: Pickup at hotel in Cusco by private transportation, drive 3.5 hours via Iscuchaca and Limatambo.
  • Morning: Snacks at Soraypampa trailhead, hike 1 hour to Humantay Lake.
  • Midday: Explore lake, hike back to Soraypampa, then 2 hours to Soyroccocha camp.
  • Afternoon: Tents setup, hot drinks, appetizers.
  • Evening: Dinner.

Day 2: Soyroccocha – Salkantay Pass – Glacial lake – Cusco

  • Morning: Breakfast, moderate climb 1 hour to Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters.
  • Mid-morning: Relax at pass, view mountains, glacial rivers, small lakes.
  • Midday: Side route 0.5 hours to Salkantay Lake.
  • Afternoon: Hike back down same route to trailhead, lunch.
  • Evening: Private transportation to Cusco hotel by 6:00 p.m.

DAY 1 Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. using private transportation owned by Peceros Expeditions and driven by highly trained staff. Drive 3.5 hours to Soraypampa, passing villages like Limatambo and Iscuchaca with views of valleys and Salkantay Mountain. At Soraypampa trailhead, have snacks while seeing glaciers of Humantay at 5,900 meters and Salkantay at 6,217 meters. Begin 1-hour hike to Humantay Lake, taking in surroundings. Explore the lake upon arrival. A representative from Peceros Expeditions stays informed of your progress throughout.

Return to Soraypampa, then hike 2 hours to Soyroccocha camp. Tents ready on arrival, with hot drinks and appetizers before dinner from local organic ingredients. Sleep early for next day.

Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner. Accommodation: Camping facilities. Distance: 10 kilometers or 6 miles. Time: Approximately 6 hours. Difficulty: Moderate.

After breakfast from natural sources, climb moderately 1 hour to Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters. Relax there, viewing Salkantay at 6,217 meters, Humantay, Huayanay, glacial rivers, and small lakes. Guides, experienced in these routes and speaking multiple languages, provide full explanations of the landscape.

Take side route 0.5 hours to Salkantay Lake for its colors. Hike back down same path to trailhead for lunch. Capture more images of mountains. Private transportation returns to Cusco hotel by 6:00 p.m.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch. Distance: 12 kilometers or 9 miles. Time: Approximately 7 hours. Difficulty: Challenge.

Included

  • Pickup at your hotel the morning of your trek, starting directly from your location in Cusco for a seamless beginning without extra travel.
  • Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa trailhead and back to Cusco, using agency-owned vans with drivers expert in Andean valleys for safety.
  • English speaking, experienced professional guide, offering detailed landscape info and handling multilingual needs for global participants.
  • Comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent, providing space for gear and rest during the camp night.
  • Foam mattresses and pillows, to ensure better sleep on the ground after the day’s hike.
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary, prepared with local organics and adjustable for vegetarian or other requests if noted ahead for energy without issues.
  • All camping equipment such as dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent, set up for communal use and hygiene in remote spots.
  • Separate tent for staff to sleep in, keeping group areas clear.
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle, ready for altitude effects or small injuries on the trail.
  • Pack horses for equipment and personal items including horsemen, carrying up to 7 kilograms like clothes, sleeping pad, bag to lighten your load (count 3 kilograms for bag and pad, leaving 4 kilograms for items).
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes, supplied to maintain health in outdoor settings.
  • Plastic poncho and daypack rain cover, to protect from sudden mountain weather changes.

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of -5 degrees Celsius at $20 USD, for warmth in the high camp if not bringing your own.
  • Air mattresses at $20 USD, to add comfort layer on tent floors during the overnight.
  • Trekking poles at $15 USD, for support on climbs and descents if needed.
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage above the 7 kilograms allowance, for those with more items.
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and porters of Peceros Expeditions, as fair wages issue post-trip, but extras optional.

Pricing

Pricing and Availability for Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain Trek

The 2-Day Humantay Trek is available for any date with a minimum of 2 hikers.


Group Service

  • $297 USD per person


Private Service

  • 2–3 people: $327 USD per person

  • 4–6 people: $307 USD per person

  • 7–8 people: $297 USD per person

Pack horse included


Extras

  • Sleeping Bag: $15 USD per person

  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person

  • Walking Poles: $20 USD per pair


Added Values (Included)

  • Airport transfer

  • Duffel bag and liners

  • Boiled water

  • Oxygen tank

  • Small pillow

Travel Guide

Travel Tips

Weather Conditions

Weather shifts often in Andes. Dry May-September clear but nights 5 degrees Celsius. Wet October-April showers afternoons, greens valleys. June hike I jacketed camp, shed day. Check weekly; 70% sunny June data.

Year-Round Dressing

Layers always: wick base, insulator mid, wet outer. Boots grip; gloves hats cold, sun hats day. Rainy poncho; dry breath. Function first, test hikes.

Local People and Culture

Cusco area folks friendly, Spanish Quechua. Value greetings. Villages farm, weave. Vendor shared traditions helpfully. Engage polite, words learn.

Typical Food

Meals potatoes, corn, veggies farms. Try quinoa soup. Organics fresh. International pasta extra cost. Light height. Trail snacks fruits.

Cheap Eating Spots

Cusco markets bowls $2 USD. Villages sets $4 USD. Trail no, but Cusco return cheap spots.

Free Places to Visit

Cusco plaza views no cost. Valley paths. Lake edges sit. Village walks people watch.

Physical Effort and Health Needs

Moderate: 6-7 hours, pass climb. Incline train. Acclimate Cusco. No intense, cardio check. Paced breaths, snacks helped. 50% mild tired, reports.

Day Hours Gain Notes
1 6 Med Lake focus
2 7 High Pass peak

FAQs

Best time for the Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain Trek?

Dry season from May to September suits the Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain Trek with firmer paths and clearer skies for views of peaks, though nights drop to around 5 degrees Celsius requiring warm layers. Wet months October to April add greenery but increase slip risks on climbs. Fewer groups travel then for quieter spots. Peceros Expeditions recommends checking recent weather to adjust packing like waterproof items for safety on rocky sections.

Physical preparation needed for this moderate hike?

Build stamina with 6-8 kilometer walks weekly including inclines to match the 6-7 hour days and 4,650-meter pass. Add core exercises for balance on uneven ground. Drink plenty to practice hydration at height. Acclimate in Cusco before starting. Doctor check for joint or breathing issues. The 2-day format spaces effort, but fitness lets focus on lake colors without fatigue.

Documents required for the trek?

Bring passport for any checks, though not always needed on this route. Peceros Expeditions handles all logistics without extra papers. If discounts apply, send copies at booking for verification. Confirm details to avoid delays at start.

Altitude effects on participants?

At 4,650 meters, mild tiredness or headaches can occur. Stay in Cusco days prior, sip water, eat light. First-aid kit has oxygen for quick aid. Guides watch symptoms, suggest pauses. If sensitive, meds from health expert help. Short trek allows faster adjustment.

What if weather turns wet during the walk?

Pack rain gear as mountains bring sudden showers. Trails slicken, so grippy footwear. Ponchos provided. Guides slow for caution. Damp adds mist to lakes. Peceros Expeditions monitors and adapts with covers for dry camps.

How is the camp set up?

Team pitches tents before arrival with mattresses and pillows for comfort. Site at Soyroccocha near peaks. Dining tent for meals. Cool nights, sleeping bags warm. Follow clean rules preserve area.

Meals accommodate special diets?

Notify Peceros Expeditions at booking for vegan or no-nuts; cooks use organics like grains. International like soups add cost, ask team. Food energizes safely. Boiled water prevents issues.

Cell service on the path?

Fades in remote valleys, no reliable. Some trailhead spots text. Charge ahead. Guides have radios for urgents. Disconnect enhances nature focus. Agency handles outside via reps.

Add own porter?

Peceros Expeditions supplies horses and staff, trained for loads. Rules limit extras. Carries 7 kilograms fairly. Ensures smooth logistics.

Cancellation policy?

Contact Peceros Expeditions early; deposits forfeit by time, like half near date. Reschedule if slots open. Insurance covers unexpected. Agency assists alternatives.

Transport details?

Private vans own by Peceros Expeditions, drivers skilled mountains. 3.5 hours each way via villages. Comfortable for views.

Extra activities at sites?

No formal adds, but time at lakes for photos, walks. Guides suggest spots. Focus on main hike.

Age limits for hikers?

None strict, under 18 guardian ok. Seniors check fitness moderates. Preparation key over years. Agency paces safely.

Nature seen on route?

Glacial rivers, small lakes, birds flying. Respect space. Guides tie to Andean lore. Preserve for others.

Group size advantages?

Up to 8 allows questions, less wait views. Beats large elsewhere, eases climbs. Peceros Expeditions quality focus.

What to Bring

What to Bring

  • Sleeping Bag at $15 USD per person per trek, to stay warm in cold camp conditions at higher elevations without carrying your own.
  • Air Mattress at $20 USD per person per trek, like Therm-a-rest, for better cushioning on uneven ground during the night.
  • Walking Poles at $20 USD per pair per trek, professional extendable ones to aid stability on rocky sections.

Important

  • Transfer from airport to Cusco hotel included, for easy arrival without separate arrangements.
  • Duffel bag and liner bags provided, to organize and protect personal items carried by horses.
  • Boiled water included along the trail, for safe hydration at each stop.
  • Oxygen tank available, ready for any altitude-related needs during climbs.
  • Small pillow included, adding to camp rest setup.

What you should take with you

  • Original passport (must match the one used for booking).
  • Valid University card (if booked as a student).
  • Good daypack (smaller is better).
  • Water storage: 2 to 3 L (reusable bottles).
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support.
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Peceros Expeditions).
  • Headlamp: essential.
  • Toilet paper.

What to put in your duffel bag

Peceros Expeditions provides a duffel bag at the briefing and includes an extra pack horse to carry up to 7 kg (14 lbs), including the 2.5 kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.

  • 1 t-shirt.
  • 1 pair of hiking pants at least.
  • 2 sets of undergarments.
  • 2 sets of hiking socks.
  • 2 fleece/thermals, depending on the season.
  • Warm clothes, down jacket (depending on the season).
  • Warm gloves.
  • Comfortable shoes for camp.
  • Quick-dry towel (small ones provided, larger ones may be brought).
  • Small bottle of soap (warm water provided daily for washing).
  • Battery Charger (no electricity along the trek).
  • Large plastic bags (provided at the office to line the duffel).
  • Sleeping bag: Must be at least -15ºC (can be rented).

Toiletries

  • Face moisturizer.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Wet wipes.
  • Toothbrush and paste.
  • Personal medications.
  • First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.

What to put in your backpack

A small backpack of 30 to 40 L is recommended for hiking during the day. The remaining belongings go in the duffel bag carried by horses.

  • Water: Supply your own water until the first lunch spot; afterwards, cold boiled water is provided at every mealtime. Please bring canteens.
  • Sun hat.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Headlamp: essential.
  • Wool hat.
  • Rain gear.
  • Fleece.
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or dry fruits.
  • Rain plastic poncho.
  • Gloves.
  • Camera.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste.
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.

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