Short Salkantay Trek – 2D/1N
The 2-day, 1-night Short Salkantay Trek from Cusco is a short but intense adventure that takes you to two natural jewels of Cusco: Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake. Along the way you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, green valleys and turquoise waters that look unreal. On the first day you visit the beautiful Humantay Lake and spend the night at a campsite surrounded by nature. The next day you climb to the Salkantay Pass and the lake at the foot of the imposing Salkantay (6,271 m), a sacred Apu for Andean people. This trek combines challenge, spectacular scenery and a deep connection with the energy of the Andes.
Short Salkantay Trek – 2D/1N
2 Days / 1 Night
Best Price
US$ 160
per person
LOCATION:
Cusco
AVAILABILITY:
Every day
PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL:
Challenging
MAX. ALTITUDE:
4,650 m.a.s.l.
Trip Details
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
- Departure from Cusco: Very early we leave in private transport for the picturesque town of Mollepata (2,900 m.a.s.l.), where we make a short stop for introductions and last-minute shopping.
- Start of the hike in Marcoqasa: After 30 more minutes of driving we reach Marcoqasa, the starting point of our hike, following the trail through the Challacancha area.
- Trek to Soraypampa: About 3 hours of hiking to the Soraypampa campsite (3,900 m.a.s.l.), where a well-deserved lunch awaits in the middle of the mountains.
- Ascent to Humantay Lake: After lunch and a short rest we climb for 1.5 hours to the majestic Humantay Lake (4,200 m.a.s.l.), famous for its turquoise waters at the foot of the glacier.
- Exploration and return: Free time to take photos and listen to the guide explain the spiritual importance of the place before returning to camp.
- Night in Soraypampa: Afternoon tea time, Andean dinner under a starry sky and overnight at camp.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Salkantaycocha – Cusco
- Early breakfast: We start the day with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the most challenging stage.
- Ascent to the Salkantay Pass: A hike of about 3 hours to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the trek, with a panoramic view of the imposing glacier.
- Visit to Salkantaycocha: After the guide’s explanation we descend to Salkantaycocha, a beautiful lake where we can explore and take amazing photos.
- Return and lunch: We descend back to Soraypampa for a comforting lunch before boarding our transport back to Cusco.
- End of the tour: Estimated arrival in Cusco at around 6:00 p.m., with drop-off at your hotel.
Included
- Private round-trip transport from your hotel in Cusco.
- Professional bilingual guide with wide experience in high-mountain trekking.
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner (vegetarian options on request).
- Camping equipment: tents, kitchen equipment and dining tent.
- Emergency horse.
- First-aid kit and oxygen.
Not Included
- Entrance fees to Salkantay and Humantay Lake.
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program.
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent).
- Extra horse (optional).
- Tips and extra activities.
What To Bring
- Original passport (and valid student card if you booked as a student).
- Small daypack (20–30 L) and a water bottle or hydration bladder (2–3 L).
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots and comfortable sandals for camp.
- Layers: 2–3 breathable T-shirts, hiking pants, thermal underwear, fleece and a warm down jacket.
- Waterproof jacket and pants or a rain poncho.
- Wool hat, sun hat, gloves and warm socks.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent.
- Personal first-aid kit, toiletries, small towel and toilet paper.
- Swimsuit if the route includes hot springs.
- Energy snacks and cash (soles) for tips and extras.
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent).
Recommendations
- Want to extend your adventure? Contact our travel advisors and we will tailor the trip for you.
Prices
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Short Salkantay Trek – 2D/1N
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