• Availability: Available now
  • Group size: 2-10
  • Tour Type: trekking/ experiential, adventurous
  • Max. Elevation: 4650 meters above sea level

Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Snowy 2D/1N

260 USD Per person

Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Snowy 2D/1N

Humantay is stunning teal glacial lake located close to Salkantay, the second highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco. The 2-day tour called, Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Snowy gives you the chance to explore 2 of the 100 world destinations to visit before die. Humantay and Salkantay peaks are located in the Vilcabamba mountain range and both snowy mountains have marvelous teal lakes. Combine Humantay lake and Salkantay lagoon in a 2-tour in Cusco.

The first day you will explore the electric teal Humantay lake and camp at the foot of the Salkantay glacier. It gives you a perfect chance to watch a breathtaking sunset over the Salkantay peak. The next day, you will hike up very early to contemplate a stunning sunrise in Salkantay. Also you will see the imposing Vilcabamba mountain range and then you will come back hiking and then by bus to Cusco, where you arrive around 17:00 pm.

Highlights of our Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Snowy.

* We wish to give you the best experience on this Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Snowy.
* We have the best and most passionate team of workers.
*Be part of our social and environmental projects.
*We provide you with an emergency horse, in case you need a little push.
*We provide you with an alpaca wool blanket and a hot water bladder
* Stargaze the andean sky over the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.
*Our campsite, is off the beaten path; Thus tranquility and direct contact with nature are assured.
* Our 2-day Humantay & Salkantay hike has a fair and cheap price compared to other operators.
*In addition to all the above, we prepare food for our hikers and team with 100% organic veggies purchased from local producers.

Trip Overview of our Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Snowy.

  • Trek Type: Trekking/hiking, scenic, cultural and informative
  • Good for: Those in moderate shape or better
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Season: From March 1st to January 31th

Day 1. Cusco- SorayPampa- SalkantayPampa- Soyrococha 

  • Hiking distance: 4.5 miles/7.2 km (6-7 hours)
  • Campsite altitude: 4.400 meters above sea leve
  • Considered:Difficult
  • Meals:Breakfast,snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner! All served as buffet.
  • Weather: Cold and windy

IncaGo Expeditions we collect you at 5:00 am. from your accommodation in Cusco, then you will be driven for 3 hours to Soraypampa, the beginning point of the Humantay Lake hike. Where we’ll enjoy an outdoor buffet breakfast. Afterwards we start hiking uphill for 2 and 30 minutes to the Humantay teal lake. Along the path your guide will show you interesting flora and fauna of the Salkantay region. Upon arrival to the summit, you’ll be taken to the most imposing Humantay lake overlooks, from where you will take unforgettable photos for you and your loved ones. Also your tour leader will teach you interesting facts about snow-capped mountains and the reasons of the lake pigmentation.

Continuing with this amazing first day of our 2-day trip in Humantay and Salkantay, we hike for 2 hours to a place called: Salkantaypampa, where we’ll have a delicious buffet meal. After a half an hour rest, we’ll hike uphill for 3 hours to Soyrococha, which is the most stunning Salkantay basecamp. This stretch will be adorned by imposing rugged peaks and a spectacular view of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain in front of us. Once we arrive to our campsite, our tents are already set up; also our support staff will provide us, a lukewarm water bucket, a small towel and a soap to wash up a bit and take a well-deserved nap, after a tiring but awesome first day in the Humantay Lake hike and Salkantay snowy. At night will stargaze over the Salkantay peak, while enjoying a charming tea time. Finally, we will have a yummy buffet dinner to then just sleep like bricks.

** The Humantay lake hike highlight is the contemplation of Humantay, one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Peru and a perfect sunset over Salkantay, the second highest peak in Cusco.

Day 2. Soyrococha – Salkantay Pass – Soraypampa – Cusco.

  • Hiking distance: 6 miles/10 km (5 hours)
  • Considered: Moderate
  • Meals: Breakfast,snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner! All served as buffet.
  • Weather: Cold and windy

To begin another dazzling day in this 2-day Humantay Salkantay hike, we come to your tents at 5:30 am. with a hot coca tea or coffee to wake you up, then our super porters brings you a bucket with warm water to you wash your faces and get up in a better mood. We get up very early to have a unique opportunity to watch an awesome sunrise over the Salkantay mountain. After having a nutritious breakfast, we’ll hike uphill for 1 hour to the Salkantay Pass; Once there you´ll be astonished by the greatness of this snowy peak. Let’s take thousands of unformantay gettable photos and make a small gratitude ceremony to mother earth that we lovingly called Pachamama in the Andes.

If you still have the energy to explore a bit more the Salkantay region, we will hike on a flatter path for one hour go and back to a fantastic overlook from where we observe in all its splendor the Salkantay lagoon and the Vilcabamba mountain range. Then, we leave the dominions of the Salkantay peak and we start hiking down for 3 hours to Soraypampa, where we will have lunch. Upon arrival our cook will be waiting us with a cold fruit juice and a varied and yummy buffet lunch. To end up with this 2-day tour in Salkantay and Humantay, we´ll be transported by car, for 3 hours back to Cusco; where we arrive around 17:00 pm.

** Our Humantay Lake hike tour has a door to door service.

Included in the Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Snowy

Professional local English speaker Guides: All our super leaders grew up in Cusco region and studied tourism for five years at Cusco’s university, they are friendly, funny charming, knowledgeable, professional and will care your safety into our one-day hike

Permits: As soon as we get your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits for the Yanacocha lake.

Briefing: You should come to our office at least one day prior to your hike to pay the balance, provide exact information about your accommodation and receive some details for the tour.

Transportation: IncaGo Expeditions will be providing all transportation for this one-day trek. You will be picked up from your hotel at 5:00 am. You will be taken to the starting point of the trek, transferred to the hot springs and brought back to the door of your hotel.

Food: We will enjoy a delicious box breakfast and packed lunch. We honor all food restrictions, so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let us know.

Details: It is the attention to small details that separates us from other travel agencies, each hiker receives a cloth bag with fruits, cookies, dried seeds and a bottle of water, as well as a plastic rain poncho.

First Aid: Every guide has got training in first aid from a physician and firemen. We elaborate mandatory training sessions every February on the hiking treks, which every INCAS PATH tour guide must attend. Your tour leader is going to have always a first-aid kit for basic medical problems.

Not Included in the Humantay Lake Hike and Salkantay Snowy

Due we are hiking the one-day hike program, each trekker needs trekking poles (with rubber tips). They are optional but encouraged for a better comfort. If you don’t want to bring it, it is available for rent:

  • Trekking Poles (Pair): $5

Prices

We would love to tour the Humantay lake hike with you and your loved ones and take care of immortalizing your visit to the land of the Incas. We can leave any day from March to January as the one-day trek is always available.

Group Price (2020):

  • $260 per person

Packing list

We suggest you to carry lightweight backpack that the is key to feeling good during this one-day hike.

Essentials:

  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) remember that the path is entirely dirt soil.
  • Original Passport.

Inside Your Daypacks:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Some items are listed below.

  • Rain gear.
  • Music (IPhone).
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste.
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips.
  • Personal medication.
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Where do we pick up the hikers for the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

Pick up will be from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. Please provide clear contact information of your place of accommodation when approaching our office in Cusco.

Where to pay the remaining amount for the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

Most hikers arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days before the 2 day trek or a 4 day trek for proper acclimatization. Once you are in Cusco it is imperative that you come to our office to review the last details of your excursion and also pay the remaining amount of your Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier.

Reserve for the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

We try to make the booking as easy as possible in Incas Path. We prepare a reservation form where you will complete and include all the details for the excursion, and then a deposit of $ 200 per person. Once we have all the deposits and details, we will reserve your permits. Once the 2 day trek permits are in our hands, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All excursions once confirmed, are guaranteed.

Permissions for the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

Only tour operators licensed by the goverment, such as Incas Path, can obtain the corresponding permits from the government. Once we have obtained your 2 day trek permits, the name and start date cannot be changed under any circumstances. The only information that the government allows us to change are passport numbers.

Passport Number Update?

The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and the old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any identification document that you have in your hands will be accepted while the name is the same as in your passport.

Where to stay in Cusco?

You can stay in a hotel that you consider convenient, however you must have the account of the location of the hotel because the traffic within the city has become stressful in the last 5 years. Many roads are up to 100 years old; Especially near the main square the roads are only for pedestrians. We will notify you if it is not possible to pick you up by car from your hotel and coordinate another nearby pick-up point. For a list of recommended hotels, consult your Incas Path sales representative.

Can I stay in the sacred valley?

Not, as the driving route to get the trailhead of the short salkantay trek does not go through the sacred valley of the incas.

During the trip, how challenging is the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

Remember that this 2 day trek, it is challenging  because you will climb one very high mountain pass; if rains, the dirt soil path could be muddy ( don´t worry if you have good hiking boots).

Will I need extra money on the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

Of course, if you want to buy some type of drinks, snacks, souvenirs «also remember that along the days of hiking into the salkantay trek just cash is accepted».

How many people will be in my group on the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

We require a minimum of 2 people for our tour, and if you are traveling alone, we invite you to join our groups that start each day. We can have up to 8 hikers with a guide and if our groups are between 9 and 16 people, we have 2 accredited guides with a lot of experience in this 2 day trek. During the low season it is most likely that the groups are small and during the high season the groups are probably much larger.

Do you need hiking boots for the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

We always recommend hiking boots, since if it rains a little the 2 day trek can become a bit muddy and slipery. Please make sure they have good soles.

Are trekking poles really necessary on the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

For the 2 day trek we recommend the use of trekking poles for everyone, especially for those passengers with knee problems or older people. There are several sections during the tour where you will need to use the walking sticks, either climbing or descending the dirt soil path. 

Are there any toilets along the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

Along the 2 day trek there are 3 places that has toilet. Firstly at the hiking start, then at lunch spot and at basecamp. Please carry a roll of toilet paper in your daypack.

Can I use plastic botles during the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

Due to New goverment regulations for the salkantay trek it will be 100% BANNED to BRING PLASTIC WATER  BOTTLES. We kindly suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any dissapointment at the check points along the salkantay trek.

Aluminum water bottles can be bought in many different shops around the main square. 

If you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.

Where do I store my luggage?

All luggage not necessary for the hike must remain in Cusco. All hotels are very helpful and are quite accustomed to storing luggage of their guests, or if you wish you can store it safely with our customer service team in our office storage

What should I expect from the weather on the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

Please understand that this is a very difficult question to answer. Historically, from April to October it is the dry season, from November to March it is the rainy season, but in recent years our weather has been affected by climate change and today it is very difficult to predict. Remember that in the mountains the radiation and heat are very high during the day and the evenings and nights always cold. We always recommend a short sleeve shirt for the salkantay trek and Machu Picchu, long pants to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, rain jacket and a fleece jacket and for the night a down jacket.

Can Incas Path please my dietary needs? What kind of food will there be?

For us it is an honor to please all kinds of dietary needs, just let us know at the time of booking. If you are vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant or any type of allergies, we have a team of chefs with a lot of experience in the preparation of all types of diets on the Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier. Also remember that we want to pamper you during your trip to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier and for that reason we use 100% organic vegetables for the elaboration of our buffets.

What type of outlet is used in Cusco and Machu Picchu?

Most hotels and even homes in Peru now have the standard US output and also that of South America.

What is the standard procedure when it comes to tip?

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trip in Peru and, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, We always appreciate any extra appreciation. Keep in mind that this is not mandatory and that you should never feel pressured for this reason.

In general, participants in a group show their appreciation as a group for their porters and chef and a personal appreciation towards their tour guide, which will be according to their degree of satisfaction with the service provided.

Is there a possibility to cancel my Humantay Lake and Salkantay Glacier?

There is no possibility to cancel this 2 day trek. Even in extreme weather conditions or even in case of a strike there will be no cancellation. The Peruvian government does not have any type of refund or change of date, because if there is any weather problem or strike that prevents us from entering the salkantay trek; We will do our best to provide you with an alternate hike or take you to the lake and trek in some way. We will keep you very informed in case there is a strike or weather inconvenience in Peru, Cusco or Machu Picchu. In the event that a passenger decides to cancel their trip to Peru, they will lose the total amount deposited because the entrance permits, bus and logistic have already been purchased.