domo from inside
dome mountains and mountain range in the background
night domes with stars in the sky
dome from inside with beds
salkantay pass
humantay lagoon
humantay lagoon
humantay lagoon
salkantay mountain
salkantay mountain
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Humantay Lagoon + Salkantay Trek 2 Days 1 Night

Hike the Salkantay route to Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Pass sleeping in exclusive Sky Lodge

(3 reviews)

Endless adventure, with departures every day of the year!

Cusco
2 days
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in Cuzco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.
Ends: To the center of Cuzco at about 7:00 p.m.
Flexible cancellation policy

Briefing

Embark on a unique adventure with the Laguna Humantay + Salkantay Trek 2 days and 1 night!

Explore the impressive Humantay Lagoon and reach the Abra Salkantay pass at 4,650 meters altitude in a small group of only 10 travelers. With a professional bilingual guide, you will enjoy a personalized experience. Relax in exclusive glass Sky Domes with private bathrooms and hot showers, while savoring delicious meals. This Salkantay trek does not end at Machu Picchu, but is ideal for those looking for a complete Andean experience in a short time.

Available all year round, even in February! This 2-day tour includes transfers from Cusco and the added bonus of trekking up to the Abra Salkantay pass without carrying luggage. Read on to discover the full itinerary 👇

Tour details

Included

  • Transportation from Cusco (round trip)
  • Bilingual English/Spanish guide
  • 1 night of lodging at Sky Dome Camp
  • All meals* (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 2 snacks)
  • Daily tea service
  • Water

Not included

  • Entrance to the Humantay Lagoon
  • Walking poles (available as EXTRA)

Important information

Soraypampa Sky Domes Camp

The exclusive Eco Domes at Soraypampa Camp have a diameter of 6 meters and are equipped with comfortable single beds, complete with blankets and pillows. In addition, each dome has a private bathroom with hot water shower, and a private terrace with breathtaking views of the surroundings. The domes are solar powered, and the water heater will be available depending on weather conditions.

The camp offers accommodation options in domes for 2, 3 or 4 people (with single beds), and you will have access to the common areas, such as the dining room, where dinner and breakfast will be served. If you are traveling alone, you can also opt for a private room for a small supplement. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 72 hours in advance, we will refund the full amount minus 110 USD per person. No refunds will be given for cancellations less than 72 hours in advance or for no-shows.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Cusco - Challacancha - Humantay - Soraypampa

Walking distance: 15 km.

Estimated walking time: 6 hours.

Starting altitude: 3800 m.

Maximum altitude: 4200 m.

Camp altitude: 3,800 m.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Lodging: Sky Domes Soraypampa Camp.

Departure from Cusco to Mollepata

To begin the hike to Salkantay and the Humantay Lagoon, our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. Once the group is gathered, we will leave by road to Mollepata in a comfortable transport (approx. 3 hours drive). This first stretch is to leave the city behind and enter a more rural area. Upon arrival in Mollepata, we will stop for breakfast and get ready for the start of the route.

start of the salkantay trek in Challacancha

First Part of the 2-day Salkantay Trek: Soraypampa

After breakfast, we will continue by vehicle for about 1 hour to Challacancha, where the trek begins. On the way we will cross the valley, passing through the Mollepata Valley and Challacancha sector, with punctual stops if the guide considers it necessary. Arriving at Challacancha, we will make a brief organization of the group and begin the trek on foot. The hike to Soraypampa takes about 3 hours, following a mountain trail with uphill sections. Arrival at the camp is expected around 1:00 p.m., at which time you will be able to settle in, rest and have lunch (food prepared by our chef).

Soraypampa

Hike to the Humantay Lagoon

After lunch, we will hike to the Humantay Lagoon. The ascent to the lagoon takes about 1.5 hours, on a steep trail, so it is advisable to maintain a steady pace and take short breaks. Upon arrival, we will have time to stop, take pictures and enjoy the environment calmly. Afterwards, we will start the descent by the same path to return to Soraypampa, where the afternoon activity ends.

humantay salkantay lagoon

Sky Domes Camp Soraypampa

We will arrive back to the camp around 6:00 p.m. On the way back, you will have some time to change, rest and have a hot drink. Later dinner will be served, and the guide will give practical indications for the next day (schedules, recommendations and organization). Finally, we will go to rest and spend the night in our domes in Soraypampa.

Sky Domes Soraypampa

DAY 2 Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Soraypampa - Cusco

Walking distance: 11 km.

Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours.

Starting altitude: 3800 m.

Maximum altitude: 4650 m.

Difficulty: moderate-high.

Breakfast at Sky Dome Camp

We will wake up very early to start the hike to the Salkantay Pass. We will start advancing through the valley between mountains, with a continuous and gradual ascent. As we gain altitude, the landscape changes and new views of the surrounding peaks open up. Weather permitting, we will also be able to identify in the distance the area where we spent the previous night.

inside the Soraypampa skydome

Abra Salkantay Pass

We will continue on the trail until we reach the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,090 ft), the highest point of the trek. This section requires maintaining a steady pace and taking short breaks when necessary. Once at the pass, we will make a stop to rest, hydrate and regain strength before starting the descent.

Abra Salkantay Pass

Return to Cusco

If cloud conditions permit, during the ascent or on the pass we will have a close view of the snow-capped mountains Salkantay and Humantay. We will take advantage of the break to observe the surroundings and take pictures. Afterwards, we will start the descent from the Salkantay Pass to the base camp, following the same marked route, at our own pace and with time to regroup when necessary.

skydome camp dining room

What to bring to Humantay Lagoon + Salkantay Trek 2 Days 1 Night tour

To do the Salkantay Trek 2 days and 1 night, keep in mind that you will need to carry much less luggage, but it is equally important to be well prepared, as the weather can be unpredictable and the terrain conditions are challenging.

Here is a list of recommendations:

Clothing:

  • Base layer: synthetic or wool t-shirts.
  • Middle layer: sweater or fleece.
  • Outer layer: waterproof and breathable jacket.
  • Comfortable and quick-drying pants.
  • Thermal clothing: gloves, hat and scarf.
  • Thermal socks.
  • Waterproof trekking boots with good grip.

Accessories

  • Backpack of about 30 L.
  • Waterproof backpack cover.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Trekking poles (available as extra).

Other

  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Camera or cell phone.
  • Cash.
  • Personal medication.
  • Passport.

Where does the tour Humantay Lagoon + Salkantay Trek 2 Days 1 Night start

The tour includes pick up from your accommodation in Cusco at the beginning of the tour. Remember to tell us in the booking form or by email the name of your accommodation so we can coordinate the pick up with the guide.

Questions & Answers

  • Can I see Machu Picchu after completing the 2-day Salkantay Trek?

    No, this version of the Salkantay Trek does not end in Machu Picchu. If you want to do the full 4 or 5 day trek and finish at the citadel of Machu Picchu you can book your trip here .

  • How difficult is this 2-day version of the Salkantay Trek?

    The Salkantay route is considered a moderate to difficult trekking. It requires a good physical condition, as it involves walking through mountainous terrain and at high altitude. However, the pace is leisurely and you can always rest when you need it. Being a reduced version in 2 days you will walk less kilometers than in the original route of 4 or 5 days, which makes it a little less difficult.

  • Do I need previous hiking experience for this hike?

    It is not essential to have previous hiking experience, but it is advisable to be in good physical shape and used to walking long distances. Our professional guide will assist you throughout the tour.

  • What should I bring for the 2-day Salkantay Trek?

    We recommend that you bring comfortable clothing suitable for mountain weather (thermal, waterproof and quick-drying clothing), trekking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap, water and snacks, as well as a light backpack. If you are traveling in the rainy season, it is especially recommended that you bring waterproof clothing and backpack covers. It is also important to carry your passport or identity card.

  • Can I have any symptoms of altitude sickness due to the high altitude?

    Yes, this trek reaches altitudes of up to 4,600 meters in the Abra Salkantay Pass even in this reduced version. It is common to feel some symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache or nausea, especially if you are not used to those altitudes. We recommend drinking plenty of water and ascending slowly to minimize the effects.

  • Are meals included during the 2-day trek?

    Yes, all meals during the trek are included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. We offer local and nutritious food options to keep you energized during the trek.

  • What kind of accommodation will I have during the trek?

    During the Salkantay trek of 2 days and 1 night, you will spend the night in the exclusive Sky Domes of Soraypampa, glass domes with private bathroom, hot water shower and breathtaking views of the mountains.

  • How high will we get with this two-day version of the Salkantay Trek?

    The highest point of the trek is the Abra Salkantay Pass, located at 4,600 meters above sea level. You will also visit the Humantay Lagoon, at 4,200 meters above sea level.

  • Can I rent equipment such as trekking poles or sleeping bags?

    Yes, you can rent trekking poles, just add it as an extra in your reservation form. In this short version of the Salkantay Trek it is not necessary to rent or have a sleeping bag because the beds at the camp are armed with all the necessary bedding.

  • What is the weather like during the trek and how should I prepare myself?

    As with the full 4 or 5 day trek, the weather on the 2 day Salkantay Trek can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures, wind and occasional rain. We recommend that you bring adequate clothing for all weather conditions, such as waterproof jackets, thermal clothing and sun protection.

  • How long is the trekking each day?

    The 2-day trek is divided into two days: the first day you will walk about 6 hours to the Sky Domes camp, and the second day about 5 hours to the Abra Salkantay pass.

  • Do I need to carry cash for purchases along the way?

    We recommend carrying some cash, as although some places accept cards, there is not always an internet signal or availability for card payments.

  • Are guided tours available in English?

    Yes, all our tours are available with professional bilingual guides in English and Spanish so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Humantay Lagoon + Salkantay Trek 2 Days 1 Night tour reviews with Howlanders

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