Cusco, Perú
2 days
16 people
18 yo
Hotel (Historic Center)
Salkantay Trek 2 Days: Humantay Lake & Salkantay Pass is a short but intense adventure through some of the most spectacular high-Andean landscapes in Peru.
With Machu Picchu Expeditions, you’ll experience two of the most iconic highlights of the Salkantay route: the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and the legendary Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). Along the way, you’ll hike beneath snow-capped mountains, glaciers and dramatic Andean valleys while enjoying the raw beauty of this remarkable region.
You’ll spend the night at our private campsite in Soraypampa, staying in our Panoramic Sky Domes, where you can rest surrounded by the Andes and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere beneath the night sky.
From the moment you book, our Customer Service team is there to support you before, during and after the trek, helping with your preparation and making sure you feel looked after throughout the journey.
Why trek with Machu Picchu Expeditions? Because Salkantay is already incredible. We make the way you experience it unforgettable.
We make a great adventure feel well cared for from beginning to end.
Have more time and want to continue all the way to Machu Picchu? Explore our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu or enjoy the more complete experience with our Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu.
Ready for your Salkantay adventure? Select your departure date below to secure your spot.
The Salkantay Trek 2 Days is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience a genuine high-altitude adventure in the Peruvian Andes. Rather than completing the full route to Machu Picchu, this itinerary concentrates on two of its most impressive natural highlights: Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass.
The first day takes you into the mountains to discover Humantay Lake before spending the night at Soraypampa in our Panoramic Sky Domes. Early the following morning, the adventure continues toward Salkantay Pass, climbing through increasingly dramatic landscapes until reaching the highest point of the journey at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft).
With Machu Picchu Expeditions, this short itinerary still combines adventure with organization, support and comfort along the way, including our trekking team, freshly prepared meals, Panoramic Sky Domes and transportation back to Cusco.
If you have more time and want to continue through the changing landscapes of the Salkantay route toward Machu Picchu, explore our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu or our Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu for the complete journey through the high Andes, cloud forest and onward to Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek 2 Days: Humantay Lake & Salkantay Pass is a short but intense adventure through some of the most spectacular high-Andean landscapes in Peru.
With Machu Picchu Expeditions, you’ll experience two of the most iconic highlights of the Salkantay route: the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and the legendary Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). Along the way, you’ll hike beneath snow-capped mountains, glaciers and dramatic Andean valleys while enjoying the raw beauty of this remarkable region.
You’ll spend the night at our private campsite in Soraypampa, staying in our Panoramic Sky Domes, where you can rest surrounded by the Andes and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere beneath the night sky.
From the moment you book, our Customer Service team is there to support you before, during and after the trek, helping with your preparation and making sure you feel looked after throughout the journey.
Why trek with Machu Picchu Expeditions? Because Salkantay is already incredible. We make the way you experience it unforgettable.
We make a great adventure feel well cared for from beginning to end.
Have more time and want to continue all the way to Machu Picchu? Explore our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu or enjoy the more complete experience with our Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu.
Ready for your Salkantay adventure? Select your departure date below to secure your spot.
The Salkantay Trek 2 Days is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience a genuine high-altitude adventure in the Peruvian Andes. Rather than completing the full route to Machu Picchu, this itinerary concentrates on two of its most impressive natural highlights: Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass.
The first day takes you into the mountains to discover Humantay Lake before spending the night at Soraypampa in our Panoramic Sky Domes. Early the following morning, the adventure continues toward Salkantay Pass, climbing through increasingly dramatic landscapes until reaching the highest point of the journey at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft).
With Machu Picchu Expeditions, this short itinerary still combines adventure with organization, support and comfort along the way, including our trekking team, freshly prepared meals, Panoramic Sky Domes and transportation back to Cusco.
If you have more time and want to continue through the changing landscapes of the Salkantay route toward Machu Picchu, explore our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu or our Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu for the complete journey through the high Andes, cloud forest and onward to Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek 2 Days: Humantay Lake & Salkantay Pass is a short but intense adventure through some of the most spectacular high-Andean landscapes in Peru.
With Machu Picchu Expeditions, you’ll experience two of the most iconic highlights of the Salkantay route: the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and the legendary Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). Along the way, you’ll hike beneath snow-capped mountains, glaciers and dramatic Andean valleys while enjoying the raw beauty of this remarkable region.
You’ll spend the night at our private campsite in Soraypampa, staying in our Panoramic Sky Domes, where you can rest surrounded by the Andes and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere beneath the night sky.
From the moment you book, our Customer Service team is there to support you before, during and after the trek, helping with your preparation and making sure you feel looked after throughout the journey.
Why trek with Machu Picchu Expeditions? Because Salkantay is already incredible. We make the way you experience it unforgettable.
We make a great adventure feel well cared for from beginning to end.
Have more time and want to continue all the way to Machu Picchu? Explore our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu or enjoy the more complete experience with our Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu.
Ready for your Salkantay adventure? Select your departure date below to secure your spot.
The Salkantay Trek 2 Days is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience a genuine high-altitude adventure in the Peruvian Andes. Rather than completing the full route to Machu Picchu, this itinerary concentrates on two of its most impressive natural highlights: Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass.
The first day takes you into the mountains to discover Humantay Lake before spending the night at Soraypampa in our Panoramic Sky Domes. Early the following morning, the adventure continues toward Salkantay Pass, climbing through increasingly dramatic landscapes until reaching the highest point of the journey at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft).
With Machu Picchu Expeditions, this short itinerary still combines adventure with organization, support and comfort along the way, including our trekking team, freshly prepared meals, Panoramic Sky Domes and transportation back to Cusco.
If you have more time and want to continue through the changing landscapes of the Salkantay route toward Machu Picchu, explore our Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu or our Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu for the complete journey through the high Andes, cloud forest and onward to Machu Picchu.
You’ll start the day bright and early, with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco at around 4:00 am. From there, we’ll travel comfortably for approximately two hours to Mollepata, where a delicious buffet breakfast will be waiting for you.
After breakfast, we’ll continue for about another hour to Challacancha 3,800 m (12,467 ft), the starting point of our adventure. Here, we’ll get ready, meet the trekking team, and begin our first hike through the beautiful Andean landscape.
Before setting off, you’ll meet our cooks and horsemen, who will be accompanying and supporting the group throughout the trek. We’ll also take a few moments for a final equipment check before hitting the trail.
From Balcompata, we’ll begin our hike toward the spectacular Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The trail starts relatively gently, with mostly flat terrain and a gradual uphill climb through a beautiful glacial valley. Along the way, you’ll follow sections of a restored Inca water channel, which is still used by local farmers today.
The hike to Humantay Lake is part of a scenic route through the high Andes, and although the distance is manageable, the altitude makes the ascent more demanding. We’ll take our time and hike at a comfortable pace, allowing you to adjust to the elevation and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Once at the lake, you’ll have time to relax and take in one of the most impressive landscapes in the Andes: turquoise waters framed by the towering Humantay Glacier and surrounding mountains. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop, look around, and simply take it all in.
After enjoying Humantay Lake, we’ll continue down toward Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,796 ft), where we’ll spend our first night. Once at camp, you’ll settle into our Panoramic Sky Domes and have some time to relax after the morning’s hike.
Surrounded by impressive mountain scenery, the domes provide a comfortable place to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Soraypampa.
We’ll then enjoy a well-earned lunch in the mountains, followed later in the afternoon by tea time, giving you another chance to unwind, enjoy a warm drink, and take in the incredible surroundings.
Our meals are freshly prepared by the trekking team, giving you the energy you need while adding another enjoyable part to your experience in the mountains.
As the afternoon comes to an end, you’ll have time to simply relax at camp and enjoy the changing light over the surrounding Andes.
As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious and well-deserved dinner while watching the light fade over the surrounding mountains. Soraypampa has a special sense of calm that is difficult to put into words — it’s something you simply have to experience for yourself.
After dinner, it’ll be time to settle into your Panoramic Sky Dome and get some well-earned rest before the next day’s adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner
Accommodation: Panoramic Sky Domes
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Hiking distance: 10 km (6.21 miles)
Trekking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Campsite Elevation: 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
Starting Elevation: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
Highest Elevation: 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Weather Forecast: Expect cold and windy nights
You’ll be woken up at the first signs of daylight with an energizing cup of coca tea to get you going. After enjoying a nourishing breakfast, we’ll begin our trek toward the highest point of the entire route: Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft) above sea level.
The ascent covers approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) and takes around three hours. It is one of the most challenging sections of the trek, as we gradually make our way higher into the dramatic Andean landscape.
One of the most memorable sections is the famous “Trail of the 7 Snakes,” named after the series of winding switchbacks that climb steadily toward the pass.
As you continue climbing, the surroundings become increasingly rugged and spectacular, with sweeping views of the high Andes accompanying you toward the top.
Once you reach the pass, the effort is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the imposing Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) rising beside you. Salkantay is one of the most important sacred mountains, or Apus, of the region.
From the pass, you can also admire Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo, creating one of the most impressive mountain panoramas of the entire trek. We’ll spend some time here resting, taking photos, and enjoying this unforgettable high-altitude setting.
After taking in the views at Salkantay Pass, we’ll begin the approximately 3-hour descent back to Soraypampa, where our transportation will be waiting.
From there, we’ll continue to Mollepata for a well-deserved buffet lunch before beginning the return journey to Cusco.
The drive back takes approximately 2 hours, with arrival in Cusco expected at around 6:00 pm, bringing your 2-day Salkantay adventure to an end after experiencing both Humantay Lake and the legendary Salkantay Pass.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Hiking distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Starting Elevation: 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
Highest Elevation: 4,630 m (15,191 ft)
Weather Forecast: Expect a bit cold
Salkantay is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, at 6,271 m / 20,574 ft. It rises in the western Vilcabamba mountain range, about 60 km from Cusco in the Peruvian Andes. “Salkantay” means “Savage Mountain” and, since Inca times, it has been revered as a sacred apu believed to influence local weather and fertility.
Salkantay was first climbed in 1952 by a French‑American expedition. Because of its Amazon‑edge location, steep faces, and imposing shape, Salkantay Mountain is considered a very difficult peak to climb.
No—Salkantay doesn’t use permits. There is an entry fee for Humantay Lake not included (S/.20 soles) and no advance booking is required. However, we recommend booking the salkantay Trek in advance because we need to secure the best Machu Picchu circuits for your ticket.
The Salkantay Trek weather varies by season—dry (April to October) and wet (November to March). Temperatures rise slightly in the wet season, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Because the route crosses different ecosystems and altitudes, weather can change quickly. Expect lows around 0°C in the high mountains and highs up to 24°C in the cloud forest.
Yes. Temperatures can drop to 0°C / 32°F—and sometimes lower—especially in winter (May to August). The coldest night is usually the first one, as you’ll be close to Salkantay Mountain and Humantay Peak.
After you pass the highest point, you’ll reach the edge of the jungle and feel a warm, humid climate. On a sunny day, temperatures can reach up to 24°C and, in rare cases, up to 30°C. The rainy season (November to March) usually brings the highest temperatures.
Salkantay Trek weather day by day:
Day 1: Expect daytime highs around 18°C / 64°F and nighttime lows below 0°C / 32°F. Pack warm layers—high places like Humantay Lake are chilly even in the sun.
Day 2: You’ll experience two very different climates. In the morning, you cross the Salkantay Pass—the highest and most challenging section. It’s often bright and sunny; however, if it rains, temperatures drop sharply—have a jacket, hat, and gloves.
In the afternoon, temperatures increase as we descend below the tree line (below 3,000 m) toward the Cloud Forest. Expect about 24°C / 75°F during the day and 10°C / 50°F at night.
The Salkantay route is doable for most travelers; however, you need a moderate fitness level to finish comfortably. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but an active lifestyle helps—and preparing ahead prevents bad experiences.
You don’t need months of training. Start with occasional 1–2 hour hikes and increase frequency and duration as departure approaches. Time at the gym, jogging, or spinning also helps.
We recommend weekend hikes—or at least twice a month—on short routes that include uphill sections.
Altitude sickness is real and can affect anyone, even experienced hikers. Here are key tips to avoid it:
On the 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll experience many of the same breathtaking landscapes as the 5-Day Trek. The key difference is that on Day 3, instead of staying at the Lucmabamba campsite (jungle domes), we go directly to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes. This makes Day 3 more challenging, as it includes a 3-hour hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes. On Day 4, you’ll visit the Machu Picchu site.
In contrast, the 5-Day Salkantay Trek offers a more relaxed pace. On Day 3, we stay at the Lucmabamba campsite (Jungle Domes), allowing time to unwind and even visit the Cocalmayo hot springs and the best Zipline in Cusco region (this activities are not included). On Day 4, we explore the remarkable archaeological site of Llactapata, walking part of the original Inca Trail, which is not covered in the 4-Day trek. We then continue to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes, with the visit to Machu Picchu scheduled for Day 5.
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, soups, and fruits, freshly prepared by our local chef. We also have excellent vegetarian and vegan options and cater to specific dietary requests with proper preparation and good communication.
