One day trip Sacred Valley
The trip is Sacred Valley, the daily trip is wonderful, the guide Grobert and the driver are nice. We enjoyed the full trip.
Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain Trek 2 Days
- Duration 2 Days
- Type Group or private
- Group Size Up to 8 people
- Languages English, Spanish
From $297.00 / Person
Overview
Cusco • Soraypampa • Humantay Lake • Soyroccocha • Salkantay Pass
Discover the raw beauty of the Peruvian Andes on this 2-day wilderness adventure to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Mountain. Perfect for hikers eager to experience the high mountains up close, the route takes you past brilliant turquoise glacial lakes, beneath soaring snowy summits, and along quiet trails well away from the busy tourist circuits.
The journey starts with a scenic drive through the traditional Andean villages of Izcuchaca and Limatambo before you set off on foot from Soraypampa. After climbing to the world-famous Humantay Lake, you continue up to Soyroccocha to spend a memorable night camping beneath a sky full of stars. On the second day, you conquer the spectacular Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,256 feet) and visit the hidden Salkantay Lake. Thanks to personalized service, knowledgeable local guides, and all camping equipment provided, this short trek packs an incredible amount of mountain scenery into just two days.
Trek Highlights
- Humantay Lake: Walk up to the celebrated turquoise lake that sits right at the foot of the Humantay glacier.
- The Salkantay Pass: Stand at 4,650 m (15,256 ft) and take in sweeping views of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay peaks.
- A Secret Glacial Lake: Follow a little-used side path to the untouched Salkantay Lake, off the usual trekking routes.
- Andean Village Life: Travel through remote farming communities in the Limatambo Valley, where age-old traditions are still part of daily life.
- Small-Group Comfort: Benefit from personal attention in groups of no more than 8 trekkers, gourmet Andean cuisine, and high-quality 4-season camping equipment.
Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco • Soraypampa • Humantay Lake • Soyroccocha
Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive to Soraypampa
Your adventure gets underway at 5:00 AM, when our private vehicle picks you up at your hotel in Cusco. The road winds through the beautiful Limatambo Valley, past the rural farming villages of Izcuchaca and Limatambo. After roughly 3.5 hours, we reach the trailhead at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). While our crew serves warm snacks, you can enjoy your first close-up views of the Humantay and Salkantay glaciers.
Hike to Turquoise Humantay Lake
From the trailhead, a 1-hour uphill climb leads to the brilliant waters of Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). There is plenty of time to stroll along the shore, take photos, and hear from your guide why this glacial lake is considered sacred in the Andean worldview.
High-Altitude Camp at Soyroccocha
After the lake, we head back down toward Soraypampa and then follow the valley trail uphill for about 2 hours to our campsite at Soyroccocha (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). Your tent will already be set up when you arrive. In the dining tent, warm drinks and afternoon snacks are followed by a freshly cooked gourmet dinner, and then it is time for an early night to rest up for tomorrow.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Hiking Time: About 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals Included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite at Soyroccocha
Day 2: Soyroccocha • Salkantay Pass • Salkantay Lake • Cusco
Sunrise Climb to Salkantay Pass
After an early, hot breakfast, we set out for the highest point of the trek. Around an hour of steady climbing brings you to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). Here, at the foot of mighty Mount Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), you are surrounded by huge glaciers, mineral-colored streams, and the towering summits of Humantay and Huayanay.
Detour to Salkantay Lake
Once you have soaked in the scenery, we leave the main path for a short 30-minute side trail to the stunning turquoise Salkantay Lake, the second glacial lake of the trip. We then walk back down the valley to the Soraypampa trailhead, where our chef serves a final hot lunch.
Return Drive to Cusco
After lunch, our private transport takes you back to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel door at around 6:00 PM.
- Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Hiking Time: About 7 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Arrival in Cusco: Around 6:00 PM
Inclusions
What Is Included in the Humantay Lake & Salkantay 2-Day Trek?
- Pre-Trek Briefing: Orientation meeting at our Cusco office the evening before your trek.
- Airport Pickup: Free transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel.
- Private Transport: Round-trip private vehicle between Cusco and the Soraypampa trailhead.
- Licensed Guide: Fluent English-speaking guide with training in Andean history and first aid.
- Trek Crew: Professional mountain chef and experienced horsemen who handle all group equipment.
- Pack Horses: Carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) per person of your personal gear, including your sleeping bag and pad.
- Camping Gear: Roomy 4-person Eureka Timberline tents shared by just 2 trekkers, plus a dining tent with tables and chairs and a full camp kitchen.
- Extra Comforts: Foam sleeping pad, small pillow, duffel bag, waterproof backpack cover, and rain poncho.
- Private Toilet: A biochemical camping toilet in its own tent, reserved only for our group.
- Meals & Drinking Water: Freshly prepared gourmet meals as listed in the itinerary (vegetarian, vegan, and other special diets on request), with safe drinking water supplied from the first lunch onward.
- Safety Equipment: First-aid kit and emergency medical oxygen.
What Is Not Included?
- Breakfast on Day 1: You can eat in Cusco before pickup or during a short stop on the drive.
- Sleeping Bag Rental: $15 USD per person (rated to -15°C / 5°F).
- Air Mattress Rental: $20 USD per person (Therm-a-Rest inflatable).
- Trekking Pole Rental: $20 USD per pair.
- Tips: Optional gratuities for your guide, chef, and horsemen, based on the service you receive.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for any high-altitude trek.
Price
Trek Prices & Optional Rentals
| Service Option | Price per Person (USD) | Details |
| Small Group Tour (Max 8) | $297 USD | Shared departure with a maximum of 8 trekkers |
| Private Tour | $327 USD | Your own guide, crew, and vehicle |
Optional Gear Rentals
- Down Sleeping Bag (rated to -15°C / 5°F): $15 USD
- Therm-a-Rest Inflatable Air Mattress: $20 USD
- Professional Trekking Poles (per pair): $20 USD
Please note: Group departures are guaranteed to run with as few as 2 trekkers.
Why Us
Why Trek with Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu?
Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu is a family-run local tour operator based in Cusco, built on years of hands-on trekking experience in the Andes. We are a 100% Cusco-owned company with no corporate investors, which lets us focus on what matters most: personal, high-quality service and direct support for the mountain crews who make every trek possible.
A Truly Local, Independent Team: We run every part of your trek ourselves from Cusco, with no middlemen involved. That means genuine Andean hospitality and full control over the quality of your experience.
Small Groups, Always: Departures never exceed 8 trekkers. Smaller groups mean more one-on-one time with your guide, greater safety on high mountain passes, and less impact on the environment.
Guides with University Degrees: Our English-speaking guides have studied Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. They love sharing the history of the Incas and offer reliable, in-depth cultural insight along the trail.
Outstanding Mountain Cuisine: Our chefs cook generous gourmet meals with fresh local produce and classic Peruvian ingredients, and they adapt every menu to vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly diets.
Quality Gear Built for High Altitude
- 4-Season Eureka Tents: Strong 4-person Eureka Timberline tents for only 2 trekkers, with room for your duffel bags and a front vestibule to keep boots and poles dry.
- Insulated Sleeping Pads: Foam pads keep the cold ground at bay, and Therm-a-Rest inflatable mattresses can be rented for extra comfort.
- Comfortable Dining Area: A dining tent with tables and chairs and two entrances that can be adjusted to the weather, plus a fully equipped kitchen.
- Thoughtful Extras: Duffel bags handed out at the briefing, small pillows, rain covers, a trek t-shirt to take home, warm washing water, and a private chemical toilet.
Private Toilet Tent: Instead of crowded public restrooms, we set up a clean camping toilet in its own tent, placed a comfortable distance away from the sleeping area.
Responsible Tourism: Our crew is like family to us. We pay fair living wages, hire mountain staff from local communities, follow Leave No Trace principles, and support social projects in remote highland villages.
Packing List
What to Pack for the Humantay Lake & Salkantay 2-Day Trek
Documents & Essentials
- Original Passport: It must be the same passport you used when booking the trek.
- Valid Student ID: Only needed if you booked at a student rate.
- Cash in Peruvian Soles: For souvenirs, snacks, extra drinks, and tips for the crew.
Your Daypack (30L to 40L)
This is the backpack you carry yourself while hiking during the day.
- Water: 2 to 3 liters of capacity in reusable bottles or a hydration bladder (please avoid single-use plastic). Bring your own water for the first morning; after that, our crew refills your bottles with cooled boiled water at every meal stop.
- Hiking Boots: Comfortable, well broken-in boots with good ankle support.
- Rain Gear & Layers: Waterproof jacket or poncho, a fleece, and a warm down jacket.
- Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Cold-Weather Accessories: Warm wool hat and insulated gloves.
- Headlamp: With spare batteries, a must for evenings at camp and pre-dawn starts.
- Snacks: Energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate.
- Camera: Bring spare batteries, as the cold drains them quickly.
- Hygiene & Safety: Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, small bags for your trash, and personal first-aid items.
- Backpack Rain Cover: A waterproof cover for your daypack (rain ponchos are provided by Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu).
Duffel Bag Carried by Horses (Max 7 kg / 15 lbs)
We give you this bag at your briefing, and our pack horses carry it between campsites. Your sleeping bag and pad count toward the weight limit.
- Sleeping Bag: Rated to at least -15°C / 5°F (you can rent one from us).
- Clothing:
- 1 to 2 pairs of light hiking pants
- 2 quick-dry t-shirts or base-layer tops
- 2 to 3 pairs of thermal hiking socks
- 2 to 3 changes of underwear
- 2 thermal or fleece base layers (top and bottom)
- Warm clothing and a heavy down jacket
- Camp Shoes: Sneakers, sandals, or other comfy shoes to relax in at camp.
- Extra Gloves: A separate warm pair for the freezing nights at altitude.
- Toiletries:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Moisturizer and lip balm
- Wet wipes and a small bottle of biodegradable soap (warm washing water is provided every day)
- Quick-dry towel (we supply a small one, but bring a bigger one if you prefer)
- Personal medicines and blister care (moleskin, adhesive bandages)
- Power Bank: A portable charger, as there is no electricity on the trail.
- Waterproof Liners: Large plastic bags to line the inside of your duffel (available at our office).
Important Info
How can I book the Humantay Lake & Salkantay 2-Day Trek?
Booking takes just a few minutes on our online booking form. Enter the passport details of every trekker (full name, passport number, gender, date of birth, and nationality), then pay a non-refundable deposit of $211 USD per person by VISA or PayPal to confirm your place.
How can I pay the rest of the trek price?
You can pay the balance in cash or online. Paying in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our Cusco office during the pre-trek briefing means no extra fees. If you prefer to pay online by VISA or PayPal, a 5.5% service fee is added.
Do I have to bring my original passport?
Yes. Please bring the original physical passport you used to make your booking. If you get a new passport before the trek, either let us know so we can update your details ($25 USD fee) or carry both your old and new passports with you.
What weather should I expect on the trail?
Be ready for anything. Andean mountain weather changes quickly and is hard to predict. Days can be sunny and pleasantly warm, while nights often drop below freezing. Wearing breathable layers lets you adapt fast as the temperature shifts.
How big are the groups?
Groups never have more than 8 trekkers. Most of our departures have between 2 and 6 people, so you get personal attention and a more intimate wilderness experience.
How hard is the hike to Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass?
This trek is rated moderate to challenging. Day 1 involves steady uphill walking to Humantay Lake and then to the Soyroccocha camp, and on Day 2 you climb to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,256 feet). We highly recommend staying active in the weeks before your trip and spending 2 to 3 days acclimatizing in Cusco first.
Will I have to carry all my gear?
No. You only carry a light daypack (30L to 40L) with water, a rain jacket, warm layers, your camera, and personal items. Our pack horses take care of your duffel bag (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs per person), as well as the camping equipment and food.
What kind of toilets are there on the trek?
You will have a private toilet at camp. Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu sets up a clean chemical camping toilet with a proper seat inside its own tent. Our crew places it a respectful distance from the campsite for privacy and hygiene.
Do you cater to special diets?
Yes, at no extra charge. Our mountain chefs can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free meals, and they can work around any food allergy. Just tell us about your dietary needs on the booking form.
What if I cannot complete the trek?
Your guide will make sure you get back safely. If illness or altitude problems stop you from continuing, you will be escorted to the nearest road so you can be driven back to town. Emergency oxygen is always carried on the trail. Any helicopter evacuation is at the trekker’s own expense, which is why valid travel insurance is required.
Can I change my trek date after booking?
Yes, but let us know as early as possible. A date-change fee may apply, depending on how close your request is to the original departure date.
Should I tip the trek crew?
Tipping is optional, but our guides, chefs, and horsemen truly value it. If you are happy with their service, a tip is a meaningful way to thank the team for all their effort during the trek.
Is Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu a responsible tour operator?
Yes. As a locally owned company, we are committed to protecting the environment, following Leave No Trace practices, paying fair living wages to our support staff, and directly funding community projects in remote Andean villages.
What You'll Experience on the Trail
From the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, every step brings you closer to the lost city of the Incas.
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Stop 01 / 03Wiñay Wayna
Its agricultural terraces cover half the mountainside, making it a trail favorite. Its name means "Eternally Young" in Quechua.
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Stop 02 / 03Inti Punku
The "Gate of the Sun" was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and gives you your first view of the citadel, a view you can only earn on the Inca Trail.
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Stop 03 / 03Machu Picchu
By far the most well known UNESCO world heritage site in Peru and the pinnacle of many people's visits to South America. This is where you wanted to be.
Lovely Words From Our Travelers
Real reviews from travelers who explored Machu Picchu and Cusco with us, straight from Tripadvisor, Google and Trustpilot.
Tripadvisor Reviews
Read all on Tripadvisor
Amazing experience with Sam travels
I had the best experience with Sam travels, we had an amazing time doing the 4d Salkantay trek, we had the best weather. Specifically want to mention Josep what an amazing cool guy he was. A real leader, great story teller, motivator and made you feel like you were taking on something special. Secondly another special mention for Andres and his catering team. The food was amazing, real nutritious and energising for the long trekking days.
Finally the horse man Donato, he managed to get all of our fresh clothing to the next camp very efficiently. Highly recommend a trip with this company.
Great experience at short Inca trail
We did the 2-day Short Inca Trail and it was a fantastic experience! Our guide, Fredy Zapata, was excellent. He told us so much about the history of the Incas and the region, and was able to answer every question we had. He did a great job and made the whole experience really enjoyable.
The highlight was definitely arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. An unforgettable experience that we would highly recommend!
Great experience because of the team!
Amazing trip! What a great experience, so well organized. Our guide Josep was a guiding star who knows so much and shared a lot of information. Very kind and helpful in every way. The cooking team of Andres was amazing and we had wonderful and a great variety of meals every evening. Donato the horseman made sure we got our stuff safe and in time to every stop. I could not ask for a better experience to be honest. Especially Josep, thank you for being so flexible, organized and sharing your knowledge.
Unforgettable Salkantay Experience with Sam Travel
We did the Salkantay Trek with SAM Travel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice! Our guide, Josep, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. He answered every single one of our questions about nature, history and Peruvian culture honestly, even better than ChatGPT! ;) We especially loved being in such a small group. It made the whole experience feel much more personal, relaxed and authentic.. The accommodations throughout the trek were excellent, and the food prepared by Andrés was absolutely outstanding. We were honestly surprised by the quality and variety of the meals, especially considering we were in the middle of the mountains. We spent a long time researching different companies before booking the Salkantay Trek, and choosing SAM Travel was definitely the right decision. Everything was extremely well organized, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We would 100% recommend SAM Travel, and especially Josep and Andrés, to anyone planning to do the Salkantay Trek!
SAM travel
Great trip. Great people. Loved my time with Joseph, Andres, Donato.and Elvis. Amazing world to explore made extra special with great people. Shout to my fellow travellers
Best trek ever!
It was amazing. We had the best Guide with Josep who is Sperling really good English and explaining so many things to us as well as introducing us perfectly to the altitude and the landscape. The Pick Up, accomodation and especially the food was so well organized and delicious. I highly recommend doing this trek, it was spectacular. 😍
Google Reviews
Read all on Google
We had an amazing experience on the 4 day/3 night Salkantay Trek with Sam Travel Peru. Everything was seamless from beginning to end.…
I joined the 2-day, 1-night tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu with SAM TRAVEL, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.…
We had an incredible time on the 3D/2N Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour and would highly recommend it. It was fantastic to visit some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray on the first…
We did the 4-day Inca Trail with Sam's Travel, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. It's something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.…
We had a great time on our 3d/2n tour of the sacred valley and short inca trail. The sacred valley prepared us very well for Macchu Picchu and the information provided was great. Our guide Rolando was very knowledgeable about the inca…
We’ve just done the 4-Days Inca trail with SAM travel. Our main guide Josep was very professional, knowledgeable and considerate. He really made sure that we enjoy the journey and our needs are addressed. Jimmy, our assistant guide, helped…
We had a great experience with Sam Travel Peru. Always felt well taken care of and safe. Our guide, Israel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The office staff were always quick to reply to emails.…
Trustpilot Reviews
Read all on Trustpilot
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide…
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide Mario the chef with amazing food and porters who were our hero’s.
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow…
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow Mountain and it had been just perfect. Fernando, our guide, was really kind and attentive. All the staff is professional and friendly, totally recommended!
Incredible Salkantay Trek with Exceptional Guide Jhordy
We recently completed the Salkantay Trail trek with Sam Travel, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Our guide, Jhordy, was exceptional. He was highly professional, providing great insights, facts, and stories that enriched our journey. Jhordy was very patient with us and demonstrated remarkable flexibility, adjusting the itinerary when we weren't feeling our best. We highly recommend Sam Travel, especially Jhordy, for making our trek an incredible time.
