Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek - Orange Nation Peru
lake humantay and salkantay trek - Orange Nation Peru

Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek

2 Days

From

297

/ Per Person

The Humantay Lake Trek is a  scenic 2-day hike to Humantay Lake and beyond. Traipsing through the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo where the natives still uphold their ancient traditions. The lake is situated at the base of the glacier covered Salkantay Mountain Range. On the second day, you hike to the highest point of the trek (4,650m / 15,367ft). From this vintage point, you can take in nature at its purest, while enjoying the massive Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay snowcapped mountains that surround you. Finally, you take a detour off the main trail to the panoramic and truly exquisite turquoise Salkantay Lake void of crowds.

 

Service Level:

Luxurious transportation with a private driver. Luxurious and fully-equipped camping experience.

Difficulty:

Quiet a few steep inclines. The trekker needs to be in reasonably good health .

Travel Style:

Adventure, hike, camping and trekking.

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

This spectacular trek begins with a 5am pick up, when we begin the 3.5hour journey to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek. The road takes us through the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, and for the duration of the journey you are accompanied by excellent views of the valley and the snow capped peak of Salkantay.

On arrival to Soraypampa we will prepare our daypacks and give our overnight duffels to the horsemen so they can continue to the evenings campsite.

We will take a moment to drink in the view of Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft) mountain glaciers, and have a snack to fuel us for the hike to come.

From here, we embark on an hour hike up to Humantay Lake while enjoying the amazing views around us. The route is steep, but the views only get better the higher you climb.

We arrive at Humantay Lake and it’s picture time! We will take some time to explore the lake and its beautiful surroundings, making sure that everyone has a perfect picture and has had their fill of the view.

After exploring we head back to the trailhead of Soraypampa and make our way to our campsite Soyroccoch. Upon arrival your afternoon tea and snacks will be waiting for you.

Your tents will already be set up, so you can settle in before dinner. Our campsite is privy to panoramic views of the snow capped Mount Salkantay, so be sure to drink in your surroundings before the sun goes down.

  • Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities – Large 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers
  • Distance: 10kms / 6 miles
  • Time: Approximately 6 Hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Our chef will serve a hearty and delicious hot breakfast before we start our one and a half hour moderate climb to the highest point of the trek (4,650m / 15,367ft)- 400m higher than Laguna Humantay.

We will take a break, rewarding our hard work by enjoying sheer magnitude of the surrounding Salkantay (6,217m/ 20, 717ft), Humantay and Huayanay glacier-covered mountains.

After this, we take a detour off the main trek route, walking for about half an hour, all the while enjoying the panoramic views before reaching the shockingly turquoise Salkantay Lake- even more so than the Humantay Lake.

The Salkantay Lake is an off the beaten track adventure, and has significantly less people than the Humantay Lake. Humantay Lake is a very popular destination and is often crowded, especially during dry season. Salkantay lake is much less popular, but just as beautiful.

As we return to the primary trekking route, we hike back down to the trailhead. Take advantage of the low foot traffic and steady downhills to snap some more pictures and congratulate yourself on a good climb.

Once we arrive back to the trailhead, we will have lunch before taking our private van back to Cusco, arriving around 6pm. Time to celebrate!

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
  • Distance: 12kms / 9 miles
  • Time: Approximately 7 Hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR HUMANTAY LAKE & SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN TREK?

  • Pick-up at your hotel in the morning of your trek
  • Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (trailhead) and back to Cusco
  • English-speaking guide, experienced in trekking
  • Comfortable four-person tents for only 2 people for space and comfort
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (we cater for any special dietary needs:  request at the time of booking)
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
  • First aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Horses (for equipment and personal items) and horsemen
  • Foam sleeping mattresses
  • 7 kgs/15.4lbs. of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our mules and porters
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

WHAT IS NOT FOR THE HUMANTAY LAKE & SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN TREK?

  • Coleman sleeping bags  15°c – $20 USD  (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Thermarest Air Mattresses – $20 USD
  • Blackjack Trekking Poles – $15 USD
  • Flight tickets
  • Hotels before and  after the  trek
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Orange Nation

***Please Note: We do not rent or offer horses to take you up to Humantay Lake, this is a service offered by the residents of Soraypampa for a fee.

The Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain trek for 2 Days is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people.

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 8 people $ 297 USD per person

Personal porter included!

***This price includes an extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kg / 15.4 lbs. We will provide a duffel bag to put your things in.

***We provide large Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 people.

EXTRAS

  • Coleman sleeping bags  15°c – $20 USD (steam cleaned  after use)
  • Thermarest Air Mattresses – $15 USD
  • Blackjack Trekking Poles – $20 USD

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the airport to any hotel in Cusco
  • DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the price
  • BOILED WATER
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE HUMANTAY LAKE & SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN TREK?

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one used at booking)
  • Good backpack 30 to 40L
  • Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation)
  • Headlamp
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG

As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing (night before your Trek) and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 15.4lbs including your 2kg sleeping bag and mattress, the rest is for extra clothing.

  • Necessary clothes
  • Warm clothes
  • Gloves (preferably waterproof)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR HUMANTAY LAKE & SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN TREK?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring reusable water bottles.
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or any dry fruits
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves (preferably waterproof)
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek
From

297

/ Per Person
  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Worry Free Travel
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Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Authentic and personalized experiences

Customization

We design unique tours through Peru, tailored just for you.

Leadership with real-world experience

Track Record

Our team understands service from the ground up to excellence.

Small groups, deeper connection

Connection

Small groups for closer and safer attention.

Personalized attention at all times

Commitment

We take care of every detail before, during, and after your trip.

Excellent quality at the best price

Value

We offer exceptional service and unforgettable experiences without overpaying.

Design Your Ideal Adventure

Forget generic tours. With Orange Nation, you can create a tailor-made itinerary with the level of adventure, culture, or relaxation you choose.

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Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

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