Humantay Lake & Salkantay Tour 2D/1N (With Premium Domes)

Activity summary

Experience a unique natural adventure exploring Humantay Lagoon and the snowy Salkantay Mountain.

The wonders of Cusco seem endless, and if you’re visiting the imperial city, you can’t miss our Humantay Lagoon & Salkantay Tour. During the two-day, one-night tour, you’ll have an extraordinary experience at the second-highest mountain in the Vilcabamba Range and the sacred lagoon of the Inca people.

Main Attractions of the Tour

Mollepata

This district is one of the most picturesque and beautiful in Cusco, making it a perfect stop to enjoy the best of local cuisine. Archaeological tourism in this area is increasingly common, and many people visit due to its proximity to significant tourist spots.

Challacancha – Soraypampa

Challacancha is a must-see destination for those wanting to enjoy the best views of the region. On the other hand, Soraypampa is a campsite marking the starting point for the trek to Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Mountain. This place is perfect for acclimatizing before beginning the adventure.

Humantay Lagoon

This glacial lagoon stands out for its intense turquoise blue color. It has been considered a sacred place in Inca culture since ancient times. Ceremonies are held at this beautiful destination in honor of Pachamama (Mother Earth), where visitors place a stone to thank for arriving safely.

Path of the 7 Serpents

This is one of the most interesting trails you can hike before reaching Salkantay Mountain. It gets its name from the zigzagging natural path, whose sharp curves create the illusion of a constantly moving serpent.

Salkantay Pass

This is an impressive mountain pass located over 4000 meters above sea level. This stop is one of the most breathtaking, offering panoramic views of Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Mountain.

Soyrococha

Soyrococha is a beautiful paradise hidden among the mountains. This rocky landscape is one of the most beautiful sights on the Humantay Lagoon & Salkantay Tour route.

Snowy Stone Forest

The snowy stone forest is another majestic site near Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Mountain. Among other things, it stands out for its rocky appearance, which gives it its name, and its stunning natural beauty.

Itinerary for the Salkantay & Humantay Lagoon Tour 2D/1N

Day 1: 

Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Domes

Pickup in Cusco
Our mountain guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco very early in the morning. You will enjoy a comfortable ride to our first stop.

Breakfast in Mollepata
We will arrive in Mollepata, where you will enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast. This meal will help prepare you for the adventure-filled day ahead.

Transfer and Hike to Soraypampa

After breakfast, we will continue our journey by vehicle to Soraypampa, where we will begin the hike. This segment is an excellent opportunity to acclimate to the altitude and enjoy the panoramic views.

Lunch at the Domes Camp
We will arrive at the Domes Camp, where you will be welcomed with a delicious lunch prepared by the camp staff. After lunch, you will have free time to rest and enjoy the views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.

Hike to Humantay Lagoon
In the afternoon, we will take a light hike to Humantay Lagoon, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. Enjoy the serenity and stunning views of this glacial lagoon.

Return to the Domes Camp
After enjoying Humantay Lagoon, we will return to the Domes Camp to rest. You can relax in the camp’s facilities, which include private bathrooms and hot showers.

Day 2: 

Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Cusco

Breakfast at the Domes Camp
We will start the day with an early breakfast at the camp, preparing our bodies for the most challenging day of the journey.

Hike to Salkantay Pass
We will begin our hike to Salkantay Pass, the highest point of our journey, at 4,638 meters above sea level. We will ascend via the “Path of the 7 Serpents,” surrounded by stunning mountainous landscapes.

Descent to Soyrococha
After enjoying the views from Salkantay Pass, we will descend through a rocky landscape until we reach Soyrococha, where we can rest and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Return to Soraypampa and Lunch at the Domes Camp
We will continue descending towards Soraypampa, enjoying the views of the snowy stone forest. Upon arriving at the Domes Camp, a delicious lunch will be waiting for you.

Transport back to Cusco
After lunch, we will board our transport back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6 pm.

The price of the Humantay Lagoon & Salkantay Tour 2D/1N includes:

  • Bilingual professional guide (Spanish – English).
  • Hotel pickup from hotel located in the Historic Center of Cusco.
  • Return to Plaza Regocijo or Calle Plateros (Historic Center of Cusco).
  • Shared transportation (Cusco – Soraypampa – Cusco).
  • A cook to prepare all meals.
  • Meals Day 1: lunch and dinner
  • Meals Day 2: breakfast and lunch
  • Ceviche and Pisco Sour preparation show.
  • Shared domes with capacity for up to 4 people. They include a private bathroom and hot shower. Note: If the group has fewer than 4 people, the dome may be shared with travelers of different genders, or you can upgrade to a private dome (at an additional cost).
  • Wood-burning fireplace.

The price of the Humantay Lagoon & Salkantay Tour 2D/1N (With Premium Domes) not included:

  • Breakfast on Day 1, dinner on Day 2.
  • Does not include entrance to Humantay Lake and Salkantay (approximately $10)
  • Trekking poles.
  • Private dome option. Available at an additional cost.

What to bring for the Humantay Lagoon & Salkantay Tour 2D/1N:

  • Walking boots (with ankle protection)
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Warm jacket, hat, and gloves
  • Comfortable shirts and pants
  • Sunscreen (recommended SPF 35)
  • Insect repellent with at least 30% DEET
  • Toiletries
  • Personal medications
  • Camera
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
  • Toilet paper
  • Extra suggested contribution

Considerations for the Salkantay & Humantay Lagoon Tour 2D/1N (:

  • The seating arrangement on the transport is random, based on the order of arrival and pickup.
  • The city streets are narrow, which limits vehicle access to certain areas; in this case, the guide will suggest a nearby point for pickup to enjoy the tour.
  • You should be in reasonable physical condition to complete the journey.
  • It is important to spend a few days in Cusco before doing the Tour; this way, your body will be acclimated to the region’s altitude.
  • This tour is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Adults over 60 years old should be aware that this activity demands being in good physical condition.
  • Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.
  • Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.

Not Allowed

  • Pets
  • Smoking
  • Large suitcases or bags

Not recommended for:

  • People with heart, back, asthma, or high blood pressure issues
  • People in wheelchairs
  • Pregnant women

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign tourists may be exempt from the local tax IGV (VAT). As a formal and registered travel agency, we are required to submit to the local authorities a copy of the document you used to enter the country, as well as your date of entry. For this reason, a few days before your arrival, we will contact you to request a photo of that document and ask you to let us know the date you entered Peru. If we do not receive this information, we will be required to add the 18% corresponding to the IGV tax. 

Thank you for your cooperation!

Cancellation Policies:

  • More than 10 days: The penalty is the deposit.
  • 10 days or less: The penalty is 100% of the total.

Date Changes subject to availability:

  • More than 10 days: The penalty is the deposit.
  • 10 days or less: The penalty is 100% of the total.

 

There will be no refunds in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

Force Majeure Policy

  • Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between the Laguna Humantay & Salkantay 2D/1N tour and the Laguna Humantay & Salkantay in Premium Domes 2D/1N tour?

The itinerary is similar for both tours; however, the main difference lies in the level of comfort during the overnight stay. On the Laguna Humantay & Salkantay 2D/1N tour, accommodation is in a double dome without heating, with a shared bathroom located outside the domes and no shower available. Meanwhile, on the Laguna Humantay & Salkantay in Premium Domes 2D/1N tour, you will stay in shared domes for up to four people, each equipped with a bathroom, hot shower, and wood heating inside the dome. Additionally, this option includes a special pisco sour and ceviche preparation demonstration on the second day of the tour.

Can the section to Humantay Lake be done on horseback?

Yes. On day 1, during the ascent to Humantay Lake, local residents offer a horseback riding service and will accompany you along the route as muleteers. This service is available only for approximately 80% of the ascent, as the final section to reach the lake must be done on foot. In addition, it is subject to availability at the moment, since it cannot be reserved in advance.

What is the difficulty level of the hike?

The hike is of moderate to high difficulty due to the altitude and duration. It is recommended to be in good physical condition.

Are there bathroom and shower facilities in the domes?

Yes, the premium domes are equipped with private bathrooms and hot showers.

What is the weather like during the Humantay Lagoon Tour?

The cold season is from May to October, and the rainiest months are from November to April. However, the weather at high altitude is unpredictable, ranging from sunny, windy, and cold to sudden rain.

We recommend preparing your clothing to withstand the climatic conditions. The sun is usually intense during the morning and part of the afternoon, and the temperature can range from -5 to 18 °C.

Humantay Lake & Salkantay Tour 2D/1N (With Premium Domes)

Price per person from

US$
345
US$360

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