Salkantay Trek 2 Days & Humantay Lake

The Salkantay Trek 2 Days is a short but memorable journey through some of the Andes’ most stunning mountain scenery near Cusco. On the first day, you’ll hike to Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lagoon set among tall mountains and striking landscapes. After visiting the lake, you’ll spend the night in Soraypampa, right below the snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay region.

On the second day, you’ll hike to the famous Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), one of the highest and most scenic mountain passes in the Andes. Surrounded by glaciers, remote valleys, and panoramic mountain views, this trek offers a real high-altitude adventure. Designed for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the best part of the Salkantay Trek, this two-day hike combines spectacular scenery, challenging mountain trails, and an authentic Andes experience before returning to Cusco.

Salkantay Trek 2 Days Overview

The Salkantay Trek 2 Days is great for active travelers who want to see the Andes but don’t have time for a longer trek. In just two days, you’ll hike through mountain landscapes, visit beautiful Humantay Lake, and cross the well-known Salkantay Pass, all with amazing views near Cusco. This short adventure is perfect if you want a challenging hike, stunning scenery, and a real Andes experience in less time.

Tour at a Glance

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Start / End: Cusco – Cusco
Max Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft (Salkantay Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodations: Scenic mountain campsite
Group Size: Small & personalized groups
Availability: The trek departs daily with groups of 2 to 8 hikers. We run this trek from April to December.

Salkantay Trek Highlights

Hike to Salkantay Pass, one of the most scenic mountain passes in the Andes.
Visit Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lagoon surrounded by towering peaks.
Camp beneath snow-capped mountains in remote Andean landscapes
Ideal for experienced hikers with limited time
Receive full support from experienced guides and trekking chefs.

Why Choose This Hike?

This two-day trek is ideal if you want a true high-altitude hiking experience but don’t have four or five days to spend on the trail. You’ll see remote mountain scenery, hike challenging trails, and enjoy some of the Andes’ best views, all in a shorter trip made for active hikers.

This hiking adventure is designed for travelers with limited time who want to experience the highlights of the Salkantay Trek. It combines scenic views, challenging trails, and an authentic Andes experience before returning to Cusco.

Trek Difficulty & Altitude

This two-day trek is rated moderate to challenging because of the high altitude and mountain paths. The highest point is Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m (15,255 ft). The distance isn’t too long, but the thin air and steep parts near the pass can be tough, especially if you haven’t adjusted to Cusco’s altitude.

We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize and ensure a safer, more comfortable experience in the Andes.

Best Time to Hike

We operate this hike from April to December, when the weather in the Andes is usually better for hiking. During these months, you’ll get clearer mountain views, better trails, and a more comfortable trek at high altitude.

The best time to hike is from May to September, during the dry season. You’ll have sunny days, cold nights, and amazing views of the snow-capped mountains. April, October, November, and December are also good, but you might get some rain, especially in the afternoons.

We don’t offer this trek in January, February, or March because the rainy season can make the trails unsafe and reduce visibility near Salkantay Pass.

Hike the Best of Salkantay in 2 Days

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake.

We start our two-day Salkantay Trek early, with a 4:20 am pickup from your hotel in Cusco. As we drive out of the city, you’ll see beautiful valleys and quiet highland villages, with the sunrise lighting up the mountains. After about three hours, we reach Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), our starting point at the base of impressive glacial peaks. Here, our chef will make breakfast for you. Once you’ve eaten, you’ll get ready to hike to Humantay Lake.

The trail climbs gently for about an hour and a half, leading us through rugged cliffs, high meadows, and streams fed by glaciers. As you walk, the fresh mountain air and bright native plants make it easy to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

At the top, you’ll see the bright turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, set below the snowy peaks of Mount Humantay and Salkantay. The Incas considered this lake a sacred place. Take your time to enjoy the view, take photos, or just sit quietly and appreciate the Andes.

We then walk back down to Soraypampa, where you’ll enjoy a farewell lunch with local dishes and thanks from our trekking team.

After lunch, you’ll have the afternoon free to walk around, relax, and get used to the altitude so you’re ready for the next day.

Accommodation. Camping in Soraypampa
Meals. B-L-D
Tickets. Include
Camp Elevation: (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Soraypampa - Cusco

On your last morning on the trail, you’ll start with a cup of coca tea brought to your tent and a hearty Andean breakfast made by our trekking chef. As the sun rises over the peaks, we pack up and get ready for our final adventure. After a safety talk and time to check your gear, we begin a steady two-hour hike up to Salkantaypampa, a wide alpine meadow where wild horses roam and the views go on for miles across the Vilcabamba Range.

After a short break, we keep climbing along old Inca trails for another two hours until we reach Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the trek. Reaching this spot is a real achievement. From here, you can see the snow-covered Apu Salkantay, which the Incas honored as a sacred protector. There will be time to enjoy the fresh mountain air, take photos, and feel the spirit of the Andes.

Once we’ve enjoyed the views, we head back down the same trail. The return is easier, and a hot lunch will be waiting for us at Salkantaypampa. After lunch, we go back to Soraypampa and take our private vehicle on a scenic three-hour drive to Cusco. This is a great time to relax, share stories, and, if you like, leave a tip. You’ll reach your hotel around 6 or 7 pm, tired but happy, with memories of an adventure in the heart of the Andes.

Accommodation: book on your own.
Meals. B-L
Tickets. Include

What’s Included in the Trek

Pre-Trek Briefing: Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before the hike to review the itinerary and final details.
Private Transportation: Comfortable round-trip transport to and from your hotel in Cusco.
Professional English-Speaking Guide: Experienced local guides with expertise in the Andes, local culture, mountain landscapes, and hiking routes.
Entrance Fees: Full entrance tickets to Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Trek route.
Meals Included: Day 1 (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) and Day 2 (Breakfast & Lunch).
Trekking Chef & Assistant: Our professional team will prepare fresh, gourmet meals throughout the trek.
Camping Equipment: All necessary camping equipment is provided, including dining tents, sleeping tents, sleeping bags, mats, and trekking poles.
Safety Equipment: A first-aid kit and a portable oxygen tank are available during the trek.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a personalized and authentic hiking experience in a small group setting.
Hotel Drop-Off: Return transfer to your hotel or a central location in Cusco after the trek.