Salkantay Trek Tour + Humantay Lagoon 2 Days from Cusco

Description

The 2-day Salkantay Trek + Humantay Lagoon is the perfect trekking experience for those who want to explore the high Andes in a short amount of time and discover one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Cusco. This short route combines natural trails, glacial mountains, and a visit to the iconic Humantay Lagoon, famous for its turquoise waters and stunning natural surroundings.

During the trek, you’ll hike sections of the Salkantay Trek, one of Peru’s most renowned adventure routes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, open valleys, and pure mountain air. The pace of the trek allows you to calmly enjoy the scenery, take photographs, and connect with Andean nature without rushing or crowds.

🧭 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’ll make a brief stop for breakfast and final preparations. We then continue to Soraypampa (approx. 3,900 m a.s.l.), the starting point of the short Salkantay Trek.

From Soraypampa, we begin the hike to the spectacular Humantay Lagoon, one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on the Cusco trek. The trail ascends gradually, allowing you to enjoy the high mountain environment, with views of the Humantay and imposing Salkantay mountains.

Upon arrival at the lagoon, you’ll have time to rest, take photos, and connect with the natural surroundings. Then we descend again to Soraypampa and continue to the campsite, located in a tranquil setting surrounded by glacial mountains. Enjoy a hot dinner and rest under the starry Andean sky.

🏔️Day 2: Campsite – Soraypampa – Mollepata – Return to Cusco

After breakfast, we enjoy a peaceful morning in the mountains, with sweeping views of the Salkantay snow-capped peak and the Andean valley. Depending on the group’s pace, we take a leisurely hike around the area or simply soak in the scenery and tranquility.

Afterward, we begin our descent to Soraypampa, where our tourist transport awaits to take us back to Mollepata. We stop for lunch along the way and then continue our journey back to Cusco, concluding a short but profoundly enriching experience in the Andes Mountains.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

✔️ Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco

We’ll pick you up directly from your accommodation located in the historic center of Cusco so you can start your experience worry-free from early in the morning.

✔️ Tourist Transportation Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Cusco

Includes comfortable and safe ground transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa, the starting point of the Salkantay Trek, and the complete return trip to Cusco at the end of the tour.

✔️ Professional Guide in Spanish and English

Throughout the trek, you’ll have a certified guide with extensive experience on the Salkantay route and knowledge of Andean history, geography, and mountain ecosystems.

✔️ Meals during the Trek

Includes lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast on the second day. Meals are energizing, balanced, and prepared for high-altitude trekking. Vegetarian or vegan options are available upon request.

✔️High-altitude camp accommodation

One night of camping in the Soraypampa area, with equipped tents and thermal sleeping mats, in a natural setting surrounded by glacial mountains.

✔️Entrance to Humantay Lagoon

Includes the entrance fee to Humantay Lagoon, one of the main natural attractions of the trek in Cusco.

✔️First-aid kit and oxygen

For safety, the guide carries a complete first-aid kit and portable oxygen to attend to emergencies or symptoms of altitude sickness.

❌ What’s not included?

✖️Breakfast on the first day

Breakfast is not included before starting the trip from Cusco. A stop is made en route where you can purchase food.

✖️Lunch on the second day

Lunch on the last day is not included and is not included and can be arranged on your own during the return to Cusco.

✖️Sleeping bag

Sleeping bag not included. You can rent one in advance if you don’t have your own, especially recommended for nights at high altitude.

✖️Trekking poles

Trekking poles are not included in the package. They are optional and can be rented for greater stability during the trek.

✖️Additional drinks

Extra bottled drinks, energy drinks, and food and beverages outside of scheduled meals are not included.

✖️Personal expenses

Personal purchases, souvenirs, and additional services not mentioned in the itinerary are not covered.

✖️Tips for the trekking team

Tips for the guide, cook, and support team are not included and are entirely optional.

✖️Unspecified Services

Any service not expressly mentioned in the “Includes” section is not part of the package.

🌟 Recommendations

✔️Acclimate beforehand in Cusco

It is recommended to stay at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before the tour to acclimatize to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness during the trek.

✔️Stay well hydrated

Drink water constantly before and during the trek. The altitude and physical exertion can cause dehydration more quickly than usual.

✔️Walk at your own pace

The short Salkantay Trek is not a race. Move calmly, breathe deeply, and follow the guide’s instructions to better enjoy the trek.

✔️Dress in layers

The weather in the high Andes changes rapidly. Wear layers of clothing to adapt to the morning chill, the midday sun, and the low nighttime temperatures.

✔️Protect your skin from the sun

Solar radiation is intense at high altitudes. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, even on cloudy days.

✔️Pack only what you need in your backpack

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight. A light backpack will make the hike more comfortable and reduce fatigue.

✔️Eat energy-rich foods

Take advantage of the included snacks and, if you wish, bring extra dried fruit or energy bars to maintain a good energy level during the trek.

✔️Listen to your body

If you feel dizzy, have a headache, or experience excessive fatigue, inform the guide immediately. Safety is the top priority during the Humantay Lagoon trek.

✔️Respect the natural environment

Do not leave any trash on the trail or in the lagoon. Take all your garbage with you and help preserve this unique natural environment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓What is the difficulty level of the trek?

The Salkantay Trek + Humantay Lagoon has a moderate difficulty level, with sections of ascent and high-altitude hikes. No prior trekking experience is required, but a basic level of fitness is necessary.

❓At what altitude is Humantay Lagoon located?

Humantay Lagoon is located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, so proper acclimatization in Cusco is recommended.

❓Do I need to acclimatize before the tour?

Yes. It is recommended to stay 1 or 2 days in Cusco before the tour to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and better enjoy the trek.

❓Is the tour suitable for all ages?

The tour is suitable for people in good health, generally from 10 to 60 years old, depending on their physical condition. It is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory problems without medical authorization.