Salkantay Trek + Humantay Lagoon + Maras Moray

High Mountains, Glacial Landscapes, and Inca Heritage in Cusco

The Salkantay Trek + Humantay Lagoon + Maras Moray is a comprehensive journey through the Andes of Cusco that combines high-altitude trekking, glacial landscapes, and the cultural legacy of the Inca civilization. Along the route, travelers hike ancient Andean trails, cross high passes, and discover ecosystems that change from the glacial mountain range to the Andean rainforest, before culminating with a visit to Machu Picchu and the enigmatic sites of Maras and Moray.

This tour is designed for those who want more than just a hike: it’s an experience that integrates nature, history, and living culture, allowing you to understand how the ancient inhabitants of the Andes adapted to one of the most challenging environments in the world.

🏛️ History and Significance of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Maras Moray Route

The Salkantay mountain was considered by the Incas to be an Apu, a sacred mountain and protector of the Andean peoples. Since pre-Incan times, the routes surrounding this mountain have been used as paths for spiritual pilgrimage and as a connection between the highlands and the rainforest. Hiking the Salkantay Trek today is to traverse an ancient natural corridor that for centuries united communities, cultures, and ecosystems.

Humantay Lagoon, fed by the glaciers of Humantay Mountain, was and continues to be a place of profound spiritual significance. For Andean communities, these high-altitude lagoons represent sources of life and energy, which is why rituals of gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) are still performed on their shores.

On the other hand, Moray stands out as one of the most advanced centers of agricultural experimentation in the Andean world. Its circular terraces allowed the Incas to study microclimates and adapt crops to different altitudes. Just a few kilometers away, the Maras Salt Mines reflect the continuity of ancestral knowledge, as their salt ponds have been worked using traditional methods from pre-Hispanic times to the present day.

This tour not only takes you through spectacular landscapes but also connects you with the living history of Cusco, showing how nature and Inca engineering came together to shape one of the most fascinating civilizations in the Americas.

Salkantay Trek + Humantay Lagoon + Maras Moray Itinerary

📍 Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Camp

The adventure begins very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco and transfer by tourist transport to Mollepata, where we make a brief stop for breakfast and final preparations. From there, we continue to Soraypampa (approx. 3,900 m a.s.l.), the starting point of the Salkantay Trek.

We begin the hike towards the imposing Humantay Lagoon, one of the most photographed landscapes in Cusco. The trail ascends gradually, allowing you to enjoy open views of the snow-capped Humantay mountain and the surrounding high-altitude environment. Upon arrival, you will have time to rest, take photographs, and connect with the Andean nature.

Then we descend to Soraypampa and continue to the campsite, surrounded by glacial mountains and with views of the Salkantay snow-capped peak. Enjoy a hot dinner and rest under a starry sky.

🏔️ Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay

After breakfast, we begin the ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,650 m a.s.l.), the highest point of the trek. During the trek, the landscape becomes increasingly breathtaking, with views of glaciers, mountains, and deep valleys.

From the pass, we begin the descent to Huayracmachay, where we stop for lunch. Afterward, we continue to Chaullay, gradually entering the Andean cloud forest, where the climate is milder and the vegetation begins to change. Dinner and rest at the campsite.

🌿 Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica

Today’s trek takes place in an Andean rainforest, following trails surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and plantations of coffee and tropical fruits. We hike from Chaullay to La Playa, enjoying the lush green landscape and warmer temperatures.

After lunch, we continue to Santa Teresa and then transfer to Hidroeléctrica, the end of today’s hike. Dinner and overnight stay at our tourist accommodation.

🌄 Day 4: Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Very early, we hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, following the railway line surrounded by verdant vegetation. From here, we take a tourist bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where we enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the main archaeological sites.

After the tour, we return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by tourist transport to Cusco. Overnight stay at a hotel.

🏛️ Day 5: Cusco – Maras and Moray – Return to Cusco

After breakfast, we begin our tour to Maras and Moray. We first visit Moray, famous for its circular terraces that served as an Inca agricultural experimentation center. Then we continue to the Maras Salt Mines, an impressive complex of salt ponds that are still in operation today.

During the visit, you will learn about the history, the ancestral use of the land, and the cultural importance of these sites in the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco, concluding a trip that combines trekking, history, and unforgettable landscapes.

What’s included in the Salkantay Trek + Humantay Lagoon + Maras Moray Tour?

🚐 Transportation and Logistics

• Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (city center)
• Private tourist transport Cusco – Mollepata –
• Soraypampa
• Internal transfers during the Salkantay Trek
• Tourist train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Tourist transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco
• Tourist transport for the Maras and Moray tour

🧭 Professional Guide

• Certified professional guide, bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Continuous accompaniment throughout the trek
• Guided visit to Machu Picchu
• Specialized guide for the Maras and Moray tour

🏕️ Accommodation

• 2 nights camping en route (Soraypampa and Chaullay)
• Equipped double tents
• Sleeping mats or thermal insulation
• 1 night tourist accommodation in Aguas Calientes

🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast (4)
• Lunch (4)
• Dinner (3)
• Energy snacks during the Hiking
• Vegetarian options and special diets available upon request

🥾 Equipment and support on the trail

• Complete camping equipment (tents, dining tent, kitchen)
• Mules or horses for transporting group equipment
• Trekking cook and support team
• First aid kit and portable oxygen

🎟️ Entrance fees and tickets

• Entrance to Humantay Lagoon
• Permits for the Salkantay Trek
• Entrance to Machu Picchu (depending on the available circuit)
• Round-trip tourist bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to Moray
• Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines

❌ What’s not included in the tour?

🍴 Meals not specified

• Breakfast on the first day
• Lunch and dinner on the last day in Cusco

🎒 Personal equipment

• Sleeping bag (available for rent)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Trekking clothing and footwear

💼 Personal expenses

• Additional drinks
• Extra snacks
• Personal purchases or souvenirs

🚑 Additional services

• Travel insurance or medical insurance
• Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers (optional)
• Services not mentioned in the “Includes” section

🌟 Practical recommendations

✔️Acclimate before the trek

It is recommended to spend at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before starting the Salkantay Trek to acclimatize to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

✔️Walk at your own pace

Trekking is not a race. Maintain a steady pace, breathe deeply, and always follow the guide’s instructions.

✔️Stay hydrated

High-altitude hiking requires good hydration. Drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

✔️Dress in layers

The weather on the Salkantay Trek changes rapidly. Wear layers of clothing to adapt to the cold, wind, and sun.

✔️Sun protection is mandatory

Solar radiation is strong at high altitudes. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat throughout the trek.

✔️Respect nature and culture

Leave no trace, respect archaeological sites, and follow the principles of responsible tourism.

✔️Listen to your body

If you experience dizziness, headaches, or extreme fatigue, inform the guide immediately. Safety is our priority.

🎒 Recommended Gear

👕 Clothing

• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Thermal or fleece jacket
• Quick-drying T-shirts
• Trekking pants
• Thermal underwear
• Warm hat and sun hat
• Thermal gloves

🥾 Footwear

• Trekking boots or shoes with good traction
• Trekking socks (bring an extra pair)

🎒 Personal Equipment

• Daypack (20–30 L)
• High-altitude sleeping bag
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Headlamp
• Reusable water bottle or canteen

🧴 Personal Items

• Sunscreen
• UV-protective sunglasses
• Lip balm
• Personal hygiene items
• Personal medication

📄 Other

• ID or passport
• Cash
• Camera or cell phone with a charged battery

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓What does the Salkantay Trek + Humantay Lagoon + Maras Moray tour include?

It includes transportation, a professional guide, meals during the trek, camping, entrance fees to Humantay Lagoon, Machu Picchu, Maras, and Moray, and all transfers back to Cusco.

❓What is the difficulty level of the Salkantay Trek?

It is moderate to challenging, especially the Salkantay Pass crossing. Good physical condition is recommended.

❓What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m above sea level).

❓Do I need prior trekking experience?

It is not required, but experience with long hikes or good physical stamina is recommended.

❓What is the best season for the tour?

The best time to go is from April to October, during the dry season. From November to March there is rain, but the tour is conducted with caution.

❓Does it include Machu Picchu?

Yes, the tour includes entrance and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.

❓Can I rent equipment?

Yes, you can rent sleeping bags and trekking poles in advance.

❓Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?

It is suitable for people in good health. We recommend assessing your physical condition before booking.