Moderate Challenge | 22km | Private Bathroom | Humantay & Salkantay | Top Rated
Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek 2 days trip
Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek – 2 Days / 1 Night
Escape the 1-day crowds. Sleep under the glacier.
This is not the rushed day trip to Humantay where 300 people arrive at 10am for a photo. This is a 2-day alpine traverse through the Vilcabamba Range, designed for deep glacial immersion. You hike to Humantay Lake at golden hour in near silence, sleep in an insulated Sky Dome at 3,900m with a real bed and private hot shower, then cross the 4,650m Salkantay Pass the next morning before the day trippers have left Cusco.
In 48 hours you cover 22km of high altitude trail and see what most visitors miss: the turquoise waters of Humantay at sunset, the front row view of Salkantay at 6,271m from your dining dome, and a hidden glacial lake that is not on the standard route. You return to Cusco on Day 2 with the summit completed and the crowds avoided.
This is a small group trek, maximum 8 people, led by a Cusco born mountain guide. No shared tents and no cold camping. You carry a daypack only. Horses carry your overnight bag.
From $297 USD per person. Private Sky Dome, licensed guide, all meals on the mountain, and all logistics included. No hidden fees.
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night.
Start/End: Cusco hotel pick up 4:30am Day 1, drop off about 6pm Day 2.
Max Altitude: 4,650m at Salkantay Pass.
Distance: 22km (13.6 miles).
Group Size: 2 to 8 people (average 4 to 6).
Difficulty: Challenging. Steady high altitude hiking, no technical climbing.
Accommodation: Sky Dome with queen bed, private en suite bathroom, hot shower.
Highlights for the Humantay & Salkantay 2-Day Trek
- Humantay Lake at Golden Hour
Hike the final hour to the lake in the late afternoon, not with the 10am bus tours. At 4,200m the turquoise water sits directly under the Humantay glacier at 5,900m. Your guide gives you time to sit, not just take a photo and leave. You descend to camp as the day trippers are driving back to Cusco. - Salkantay Pass at 4,650m
On the second morning you climb to the highest point of the trek. From the pass you see three glaciated peaks at once: Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay. The air is thin. The views are not. This is the same pass used on the 4-day trek, but you reach it fresh after a night in a real bed. - Sky Dome Camp at Soraypampa
Forget cold tents. Our insulated domes have queen sized beds, down duvets, private bathrooms with hot showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi. The glass walled dining dome faces the Salkantay glacier for sunset dinner. You sleep warm, you recover properly, and you enjoy the altitude instead of enduring it. - Soyroccocha High Camp
We do not sleep at the busy Soraypampa trailhead. We continue two hours further to our private Soyroccocha camp. At 4,100m you are above the valley, under a clear star field, with no other groups around. This remote location makes the 2-day version possible. - Salkantay Lake Detour
Off the main trail we take a 30-minute detour to a second glacial lake that most hikers never see. At 4,200m the water reflects Salkantay perfectly in the morning light. It is only accessible on our route. - 22km Alpine Circuit
Day 1 covers 10km to Humantay and to camp, about six hours. Day 2 covers 12km to the pass and back, about seven hours. The pace is steady, not rushed. Horses carry your 7kg duffel. You carry water and layers only. - Gourmet Mountain Cuisine
Our chef cooks at altitude, not just reheats. Day 1 includes lunch at the trailhead, afternoon tea with hot drinks at camp, and a three course dinner in the glass dining dome. Day 2 includes a hearty breakfast and a gourmet lunch before the private van back to Cusco. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options are available on request. - Small Group, Local Team
Orange Nation Peru is 100 percent Cusco owned with no shareholders. The average group is 4 to 6 people with a maximum of 8. Your guide, chef, and horsemen receive fair wages and full insurance. Twenty percent of profits fund reforestation in the Salkantay Valley. - Perfect for Time Sensitive Travelers
You experience the two iconic highlights of the Salkantay region, Humantay Lake and the 4,650m pass, in 48 hours, and you are back in Cusco for dinner on Day 2. This is ideal for photographers, active families, and anyone who wants the challenge without the 4-day commitment.
The Sky Domes at Soraypampa
Hotel comfort at 3,900 meters
Most trekkers in the Salkantay region sleep in a cold tent on the ground. You will not.
Our Sky Domes are permanent, insulated mountain lodges built at the base of the Salkantay glacier. Each dome is a private sanctuary designed for one thing: to let you recover properly at high altitude so you can actually enjoy the trek the next day.
Inside your dome you get a real queen sized bed with hotel quality linens and a thick down duvet, not a sleeping mat. There is electricity for charging cameras and phones, and a private en suite bathroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet. The walls are insulated, the floors are solid, and the panoramic window faces the glacier. At night you can watch the stars from bed.
The camp is small by design. We have only a handful of domes, so you are not in a crowded campsite with 50 other tents. You sleep in quiet.
The heart of camp is the glass walled dining dome. This is where our chef serves three course dinners while the sun sets directly on Salkantay at 6,271 meters. There is Wi-Fi here, hot drinks all afternoon, and comfortable seating. It feels more like a mountain lodge in the Alps than a trekking camp in Peru.
Why it matters for the 2-day trek
On a standard 1-day Humantay tour you drive 7 hours round trip and hike at 4,200m with no acclimatization. On a normal 2-day camping trek you sleep cold at 3,900m and wake up tired.
With the Sky Domes you hike to Humantay at golden hour, eat a hot dinner, take a hot shower, sleep warm in a real bed, and wake up rested for the 4,650m pass. Your body recovers. That is the difference between enduring the altitude and enjoying it.
This is functional luxury that makes a high altitude trek safer, warmer, and far more comfortable. You get the wilderness without the suffering.
Our Approach
Designed for the Glacier, Not the Crowds
Some agencies sell Humantay as a 3am bus ride with 40 people. You arrive at 10am with 300 day-trippers, take a photo, and drive 7 hours back to Cusco. We do it in two days. You hike to Humantay Lake at golden hour when the crowds are gone. You sleep in a heated Sky Dome at the foot of Salkantay, then cross the 4,650m pass the next morning before anyone else is on the trail.
We built this as the perfect short alpine adventure. You get the two most iconic sights in the Vilcabamba Range, Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass. without committing to a 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. By sleeping at 3,900m in a real bed with a private hot shower, you recover properly and actually enjoy the altitude instead of suffering through it.
Guides Who Are Actually From the Mountains
We do not use freelance guides from Lima who have done the trek twice. Our guides were born in Mollepata and Soraypampa, studied at UNSAAC in Cusco, and are licensed high-mountain guides by the Ministry of Tourism. They grew up herding alpacas under Salkantay. Groups are small by design, so you get conversation, not a flag to follow. They know where the light hits Humantay at 5pm, the quiet side trail to Salkantay Lake, and how to pace you for the pass.
No Cold Camping
Our driver drops you at Soraypampa and our horses carry everything. You do not carry a heavy pack, you do not sleep in a cold tent, you do not share a bathroom. We hike to Humantay, then continue 2 hours further to our private Soyroccocha camp, away from the noisy main campsite. Your Sky Dome is already warm, your duffel is inside, hot drinks are ready. Day 2 we hike to the pass, take the hidden lake detour, and our private van is waiting at the trailhead with lunch. You are back in Cusco by 6pm for a hot shower in your hotel.
At A Glance
The only 2-day Salkantay trek that includes Humantay Lake at sunset, a night in a Sky Dome with private bathroom, and the 4,650m pass without the 4-day commitment.
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Distance: 22km total, 10km Day 1, 12km Day 2
- Surface: Well-maintained mountain trail, rocky sections near the pass
- Max altitude: 4,650m at Salkantay Pass, sleep at 3,900m
- Walking: 6-7 hours per day at steady pace
- Transport: Private van Cusco-Soraypampa-Cusco (3.5 hours each way)
- Start and end: Hotel pick-up 4:30am Day 1, drop-off ∼6pm Day 2
- Best for: Time-limited travelers, photographers, active families, acclimatization before Inca Trail
- Minimum age: 12 years (younger with private trek)
- Fitness level: Good — you should be comfortable hiking 6 hours uphill at altitude
Who It Is Perfect For
- Time Limited Travelers
You have 2 days in Cusco before Machu Picchu or after, and you want the best of the Andes without a 4-day trek. You get Humantay Lake and the 4,650m Salkantay Pass in 48 hours and you are back in your hotel for dinner on Day 2. - Photographers
You want Humantay Lake at golden hour, not at 10am with 300 people. You want sunrise on Salkantay from a glass dining dome, and morning light on the hidden turquoise lake. You get time to set up the shot, not a rushed group photo stop. - Active Families
You need a real challenge that is still manageable. Kids 12 and up can handle the 22km with proper pacing. You sleep in a real bed with a private hot shower, not a cold tent, and horses carry the heavy gear. - Trekking Enthusiasts
You love high altitude hiking but you do not need to walk all the way to Machu Picchu. This is a focused alpine summit experience with a 4,650m pass, glacial views, and luxury camping. - Pre Inca Trail Acclimatization
You are doing the Classic Inca Trail in 2 days and you need to acclimatize properly. This trek gets you to 4,650m, you sleep at 3,900m, and you return to Cusco stronger for the Trail.
Other Expeditions to Consider
- 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
For hikers who want the full crossing. You do the same Humantay and Salkantay Pass on Days 1 and 2, then descend through cloud forest to coffee farms, stay in glass Cabañas, and arrive at Machu Picchu on Day 4 via Llactapata. Best for trekkers who want the complete journey. - 1-Day Humantay Lake Trek
Ideal if you only have one day and you are fit. You leave Cusco at 4am, hike to the lake with the crowds, and return by 6pm. No overnight, no pass, no Sky Domes. Best for tight schedules and tight budgets. - Short Inca Trail 2D/1N to Machu Picchu
Swap glaciers for Inca ruins. Hike 12km on the original Inca Trail, enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, and tour the citadel the next morning. Best if Machu Picchu is your priority, not high passes.
How to Book the Humantay & Salkantay 2-Day Trek
Booking takes two minutes. No permits are needed, but Sky Domes sell out 2 to 3 months ahead in high season.
Step 1: Complete your booking
Click BOOK NOW and select your date:
Full name
Hotel in Cusco
Number of travelers
Dietary requirements
Step 2: Confirm with payment
Pay $297 USD per person by card online, or pay a 30 percent deposit to hold your Sky Dome. We confirm within 2 hours with your pick-up time and guide name.
Paying
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. You can also pay cash at our Cusco office on Calle Garcilaso. Free cancellation up to 7 days before for full refund. Within 7 days we offer date changes.
Once booked, we send your confirmation with packing list PDF, guide WhatsApp, and briefing details. Your guide meets you in your hotel lobby at 4:30am on Day 1 with snacks and water ready.
From
$297
/per person
Trip Details
Overview
Day 1: Cusco → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake → Soyroccocha Sky Dome Camp
4:30am hotel pick up in Cusco. Drive 3.5 hours in our private van through the villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo to Soraypampa at 3,900m. Enjoy breakfast with views of Humantay and Salkantay glaciers. Hike 1.5 hours uphill to Humantay Lake at 4,200m for golden hour exploration. Descend to Soraypampa for lunch, then continue 2 hours to our private Soyroccocha camp. Check into your Sky Dome with private hot shower. Afternoon tea, three course dinner in the glass dining dome, and early night under the stars.
Day 2: Soyroccocha → Salkantay Pass → Salkantay Lake → Soraypampa → Cusco
Wake early for a hearty breakfast. Hike 1 hour uphill to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650m for panoramic views of Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay. Take the 30 minute detour to the hidden turquoise Salkantay Lake at 4,200m. Descend the same trail to Soraypampa for a gourmet lunch. Drive 3.5 hours back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel about 6pm.
∼22km total / 4,650m max at Salkantay Pass / 6 to 7 hours hiking per day / Return to Cusco Day 2
Humantay & Salkantay Trek Comparison
All three options visit Humantay Lake. Choose based on time, comfort, and whether you want the pass.
2-Day Sky Dome Trek – Our Recommendation
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night.
- Activity: Humantay Lake at sunset plus Salkantay Pass summit.
- Accommodation: Sky Dome with queen bed and private en suite hot shower.
- Transport: Private van both ways, horses carry gear.
- Best for: Time limited travelers, photographers, active families, anyone who wants the pass without cold camping.
- Price: From $297 USD per person.
1-Day Humantay Lake Trek – Budget Option
- Duration: 1 day, 4am to 6pm.
- Activity: Hike to Humantay Lake only, no pass.
- Accommodation: None, return to Cusco same day.
- Transport: Shared tourist van.
- Best for: Travelers with only one day, tight budgets, those who do not want to sleep at altitude.
- Price: From $65 USD per person.
4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Full Expedition
- Duration: 4 days, 3 nights.
- Activity: Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, cloud forest descent, Llactapata, Machu Picchu.
- Accommodation: 1 night Sky Dome, 2 nights mountain lodges.
- Transport: Van to start, train back from Aguas Calientes.
- Best for: Serious trekkers who want the full crossing and to finish at Machu Picchu.
- Price: From $695 USD per person.
Full Itinerary
- The golden hour hike to Humantay and your first night in a Sky Dome.
- Hiking Time ∼6 hours.
- Altitude 3,900 m – 4,200 m (Humantay Lake 4,200 m / 13,780 ft).
- Distance 10 km approximately.
- Difficulty Moderate.
- Meals Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner.
- Accommodation Sky Dome at Soyroccocha with private en suite bathroom.
Your guide picks you up at 4:30 am in Cusco for the private transfer to Soraypampa. You drive 3.5 hours through the Sacred Valley, passing the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, with views of the snow capped Salkantay massif ahead. We make a short stop in Mollepata for coffee and to use restrooms.
At the trailhead in Soraypampa (3,900m) you have a light snack while looking up at the glaciers of Humantay (5,900m) and Salkantay (6,271m). We start with a gentle 1.5 hour walk from Challacancha along an ancient Inca water canal. This section is vital for acclimatization.
We arrive at our base for lunch, then begin the climb to Humantay Lake. We time this ascent for the afternoon so you reach the turquoise lagoon at 4,200m after the morning day trip crowds have left. The climb takes about 2 hours at a steady pace with plenty of photo stops. You have time to walk the shoreline and sit quietly by the water.
After Humantay we descend back to Soraypampa, then continue 2 hours further to our private Soyroccocha camp at 4,100m. This puts you above the busy main campsite and under a clear star field. Your Sky Dome is ready with your duffel inside, the bed made, and the private bathroom warm.
We serve afternoon tea with hot drinks and snacks in the glass dining dome, followed by a three course dinner prepared by our trek chef. Early night to rest for the pass.
Day 1 Highlights
- Private early departure from Cusco.
- Scenic drive through Iscuchaca and Limatambo villages.
- Acclimatization walk along Inca canal to Soraypampa..
- Humantay Lake at golden hour without crowds.
- First night in insulated Sky Dome with hot shower.
- Gourmet dinner with Salkantay glacier views.
- The high alpine summit and return to Cusco.
- Hiking Time ∼7 hours.
- Altitude 3,900 m – 4,650 m (Salkantay Pass 4,650 m / 15,255 ft).
- Distance 12 km approximately.
- Difficulty Challenging.
- Meals Breakfast & Lunch.
After a hearty mountain breakfast you leave camp at first light. The trail climbs steadily for about one hour to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650m. This is the highest point of the trek. From the pass you have a 360 degree panorama of the Vilcabamba Range, with Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay peaks surrounding you.
From the pass we take a 30 minute detour off the main trail to a viewpoint over the hidden turquoise Salkantay Lake. This glacial basin sits directly under the ice walls and is visited by very few groups. It is quiet and perfect for photos.
We begin the descent back toward Soraypampa. The 3 hour downhill walk follows glacial streams and moraine valleys as the air gets thicker and the landscape turns green again.
We arrive at the trailhead in early afternoon where our team serves a multi course celebratory lunch. This is your time to rest, change clothes, and reflect on the summit. After lunch we board the private van for the 3.5 hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel about 6pm.
Day 2 Highlights
- Sunrise ascent to Salkantay Pass at 4,650m.
- Panoramic views of three glaciated peaks.
- Detour to secluded Salkantay Lake viewpoint.
- Long descent through high alpine valleys.
- Celebratory gourmet lunch at trailhead.
- Private return to Cusco hotel by evening.
Useful Information
- Sky Dome Capacity
We have limited domes at Soyroccocha. Book 2 to 3 months ahead for May to September. Private dome occupancy is 2 people. Solo travelers can book private dome supplement $80 USD. - Horses Included
Your 7kg duffel is carried by horses both days. Daypack with water, layers, and camera is carried by you. Extra horse for riding the pass is $60 USD, reserve at booking. - Altitude Support
We carry emergency oxygen on every trek. Guides are Wilderness First Aid certified. We ascend slowly and sleep at 3,900m, which greatly reduces risk. - Weather at the Pass
Best conditions are May to October. We provide rain poncho and daypack cover. Mornings at the pass are below freezing even in dry season. Bring down jacket, gloves, and beanie. - Combine with Inca Trail
Many guests do this trek 2 days before their Short Inca Trail as perfect acclimatization. Ask for our combined package price.
Included
- Hotel Pick-up
Provided directly from your accommodation in Cusco on the morning of your trek. - Private Transport
Ensures a seamless van journey from Cusco to the Soraypampa trailhead. - Expert Guiding
Led by a professional, fluent English-speaking guide with extensive high-altitude trekking experience. - Sky Domes
Includes a night in exclusive private mountain domes with comfortable beds. - Glass Dining
Gourmet meals served in a full-glass dining room with panoramic glacier views. - Gourmet Meals
Prepared by a private chef, with options to accommodate all special dietary requirements. - Private Facilities
Includes hot showers and private bathrooms located within the basecamp.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags (-15°C)
Available for $20 USD and steam cleaned after every trek for hygiene and safety. - Trekking Poles
Available for $10 USD to provide added stability on uneven mountain trails. - Flight Tickets
Domestic and international flights are not included in the tour price. - Hotel Stays
Accommodation in Cusco before and after the trek must be arranged independently. - Travel Insurance
Highly recommended to protect your journey against unforeseen delays or emergencies. - Additional Horses
Can be arranged if extra capacity is required for personal equipment or support. - Staff Gratuities
Tips for your Orange Nation guide and support team are at your personal discretion. - Mountain Transport
Transport to the lake is a separate service managed by the local community.
Pricing
Small group departures require a minimum of 2 people.
2+ people | $297 USD per person
This price combines the golden hour hike to Humantay Lake, the summit of Salkantay Pass at 4,650m, and one night in our Sky Dome at Soyroccocha with a private en suite bathroom and hot shower. By sleeping at 3,900m you avoid the rushed 1-day crowds and you reach the pass fresh the next morning.
This tour operates year round. The best conditions are April through October. January to March is rainy season and the trail can be muddy.
Included in the Price
- All Transport
Private hotel pickup in Cusco, private van to Soraypampa trailhead and return to Cusco on Day 2. - Professional Guide
English speaking licensed high mountain guide with Wilderness First Aid certification for both days. - Sky Dome Accommodation
One night in insulated Sky Dome with queen bed, down duvet, electricity, and private en suite bathroom with hot shower. Based on double occupancy. - Meals as per Itinerary
Day 1 lunch, afternoon tea, and three course dinner. Day 2 breakfast and celebratory lunch. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free available. - Horses and Porters
Horses carry your personal duffel up to 7kg, plus all camping equipment, food, and dining dome. You carry daypack only. - Camping Equipment
Dining dome with panoramic windows, tables, chairs, kitchen tent, toilet tent for staff, foam mattress, pillow, and duffel bag provided. - Water and Safety
Daily boiled safe drinking water, first aid kit, emergency oxygen, pre trek briefing, and 24/7 Cusco office support.
Extras (Optional)
- Trekking Poles
Adjustable collapsible poles for the steep descent. $15 USD per pair per trek. - Sleeping Bag Rental -15°C
High altitude down sleeping bag cleaned after each use. $20 USD per trek. - Air Mattress Upgrade
Inflatable insulated mattress for extra comfort. $15 USD per trek. - Private Sky Dome
Solo travelers or couples wanting private dome guaranteed. $80 USD per dome. - Extra Riding Horse
Horse and horseman for the ascent to the pass. $60 USD per person, must reserve at booking. - Trekking Insurance
Optional high altitude coverage for peace of mind. Quote on request.
Discounts
- Students 18 to 25 Years
$20 USD off per person. Valid university ID required. Copy needed at booking. - Under 18 Years
$20 USD off per person. Passport copy required at booking. - Under 11 Years
$30 USD off per person. Passport copy required at booking. - Groups of 5+
$15 USD off per person when booking together.
Added Value Experience
- Golden Hour Humantay
We time the hike to arrive at 4pm to 5pm after the day trip buses have left. You get the lake almost to yourself. - Sky Dome Not Tent
Sleep in a real bed with private hot shower at 3,900m instead of a cold tent on the ground. - Hidden Lake Detour
Exclusive 30 minute side trail to turquoise Salkantay Lake, included on every departure. - Small Group Guarantee
Maximum 8 travelers, average group size 4 to 6, for personal guide time on the pass.
Packing List for 2-Day Humantay & Salkantay Trek
The 2-day trek covers 22km of high alpine trail from Soraypampa at 3,900m to Humantay Lake at 4,200m and the Salkantay Pass at 4,650m. Temperatures range from 15°C in the sunny valley to minus 5°C at night in the Sky Dome camp. You will carry a 25 to 35L daypack on the trail. Your overnight duffel (up to 7kg) travels by horse to camp. Your main luggage stays free at our Cusco office.
Essentials (Carry in Your Daypack)
These must be with you both days. The pass is exposed and weather changes fast.
Documents
- Original passport (required for trail checkpoints).
- Travel insurance details (recommended for high altitude).
- Cash in small soles for tips and rentals.
Water and Hydration
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 to 3L total). We provide boiled water at lunch and camp for refills. No single use plastic bottles.
Layers for Trekking
- 1 thermal base layer top and bottom (merino or synthetic, no cotton).
- 1 to 2 moisture wicking t-shirts.
- 1 fleece or light insulated jacket for hiking.
- 1 heavy down jacket rated to -10°C for camp and pass (essential).
- 1 pair quick dry trekking pants. No jeans.
- 1 pair thermal leggings for night.
Rain and Wind Protection
- Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore Tex or similar, essential year round).
- Waterproof trekking pants (highly recommended November to March).
- Rain poncho that covers you and pack (we provide one if needed).
Sun and High Altitude Protection
- Warm beanie or wool hat.
- Sun hat or cap with brim.
- Buff or neck gaiter for wind at pass..
- Sunglasses with UV protection (glacier glare is intense).
- High SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
- Waterproof gloves and warm liner gloves.
Footwear
- Sturdy broken in hiking boots with ankle support and deep tread.
- 3 pairs hiking socks (wool or synthetic).
- Lightweight camp shoes or sandals for Sky Dome.
Trail Essentials
- Headlamp with extra batteries (for early morning and camp)
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (strongly recommended for pass descent)..
- Toilet paper and small zip bag.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Personal medications, altitude medication if prescribed, blister kit.
- Camera or phone in dry bag.
- Power bank (cold drains batteries fast).
- Snacks: chocolate, energy bars, coca candies.
What to Pack in Your Overnight Duffel (Horse Carried to Camp)
Keep under 7kg. Bag meets you at your Sky Dome.
- Change of clothes for camp and Day 2 (t-shirt, underwear, socks).
- Warm pajamas or base layer for sleeping.
- Light fleece for evening in dining dome.
- Small toiletry kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, face moisturizer.
- Quick dry towel (we provide towels but many prefer their own).
- Phone charger and power bank.
- Plastic bag for wet or dirty clothes.
What NOT to Bring
- Large suitcases on the trail (store free in Cusco).
- Cotton jeans, hoodies, or cotton t-shirts (they stay wet and cold).
- Drones (prohibited in Salkantay region).
- Disposable plastic water bottles.
- Sleeping bag (not needed, we provide duvets in Sky Domes unless you prefer your own).
- Heavy camping gear (we provide everything).
- Valuables or jewelry you do not need.
Orange Nation Provides
- Pre trek briefing and free luggage storage in Cusco.
- All private transport Cusco to Soraypampa and return.
- Professional English speaking high mountain guide for both days.
- Sky Dome accommodation with queen bed, private en suite hot shower, electricity.
- All meals: Day 1 lunch, afternoon tea, dinner. Day 2 breakfast, lunch.
- Horses for personal duffel up to 7kg and all camp equipment.
- Foam mattress, pillow, down duvet, hot water bottle at night.
- Dining dome, tables, chairs, kitchen equipment.
- Boiled water daily for drinking.
- First aid kit, emergency oxygen, satellite phone.
- Rain poncho and duffel bag if needed.
- 24/7 Cusco office support.
FAQs for the Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek 2 Days 1 Night
- What is the main difference between the 2-day and the 1-day Humantay tour?
Same lake, completely different experience. The 1-day tour leaves Cusco at 4am, you hike with 300 people, spend 30 minutes at the lake at 10am, and drive 7 hours round trip back to Cusco. The 2-day version hikes to Humantay at 4pm to 5pm for golden hour when the crowds are gone. You sleep in a Sky Dome with a private hot shower at 3,900m, then summit the 4,650m Salkantay Pass the next morning. You get two iconic sites, not one, and you actually enjoy the altitude instead of rushing it.
- Do I need a permit for this trek?
No. Unlike the Inca Trail, Humantay and Salkantay do not require a government permit. That means we can confirm your dates immediately and you can book last minute. The only limitation is Sky Dome availability, which sells out 2 to 3 months ahead for May to September.
- How hard is the 2-day hike?
Challenging but doable for anyone with good fitness. Day 1 is about 6 hours and 10km with a 300m climb to Humantay Lake at 4,200m. Day 2 is about 7 hours and 12km with a 750m climb to Salkantay Pass at 4,650m. There is no technical climbing, just steady uphill on rocky trail. If you can hike 6 to 7 hours with breaks and you have spent at least one night in Cusco first, you can do it. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the descent.
- Will I get altitude sickness?
You will be high. The pass is 4,650m, which is 1,250m higher than Cusco. We design the trek to help you acclimatize. Day 1 you hike to 4,200m then sleep lower at 3,900m in a warm Sky Dome. We go slow, we carry emergency oxygen, and our guides are Wilderness First Aid certified. Most people feel the altitude as shortness of breath, not sickness. Arrive in Cusco 2 nights before the trek if possible, hydrate well, and avoid alcohol the night before.
- How cold is it at night in the Sky Domes?
Outside it can drop to minus 5°C. Inside the dome it is comfortable. The domes are insulated, you have a real queen bed with a thick down duvet, and we provide a hot water bottle. The private bathroom has a hot shower. You will sleep warm. Bring thermal base layers for sleeping and a warm hat.
- What is the difference between Sky Domes and regular camping?
Regular camping on Salkantay means a thin tent on the ground, a shared toilet tent, no shower, and a sleeping mat. Our Sky Domes have solid floors, insulation, electricity, queen beds, and a private en suite bathroom with hot water. You do not need a sleeping bag unless you want your own. It is the difference between surviving the night and recovering for the pass.
- When is the best time to go?
Dry season is May to September for clear skies and best views of Salkantay. June to August is coldest at night. April and October are excellent shoulder months with fewer people. November to March is rainy season. The trek still operates, the lakes are actually more turquoise, but expect mud, clouds, and afternoon rain. We provide ponchos.
- Is the trek crowded?
No. The 1-day Humantay trail sees 800 to 1,000 people per day. We hike to the lake at 4pm when there are maybe 20 people left. At our Soyroccocha camp there are no other groups. On Day 2 at the Salkantay Pass at 8am you will see maybe 10 to 15 other trekkers from the 4-day route. The hidden Salkantay Lake detour is usually just your group.
- What time do we get back to Cusco on Day 2?
We leave the trailhead after lunch around 1:30pm. The drive is 3.5 hours. You are back at your Cusco hotel between 5:30pm and 6:30pm. You have time for a shower and dinner in Cusco.
- Can I do this trek before my Inca Trail?
Yes, and we recommend it. This is the perfect acclimatization trek. You sleep at 3,900m and summit 4,650m, then you return to Cusco. Two days later you start the Classic Inca Trail at 2,800m and it feels easy. Many of our guests book this as a warm up.
Orange Nation Practical FAQs
- Where is your office in Cusco?
Historic center on Calle Garcilaso, 5 minutes walk from Plaza de Armas. We send the exact address and WhatsApp pin with your confirmation. Briefing is at 6pm the night before at our office, or we do a WhatsApp video briefing if you arrive late.
- Can I leave my main luggage in Cusco?
Yes. Free secure storage at our office for the 2 days. Take only your daypack on the trail. Your overnight duffel up to 7kg goes by horse to the Sky Dome.
- How much should I acclimatize?
Minimum one full night in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek. Two nights is ideal. Do not fly in from Lima the same morning as the 4:30am pickup. Hydrate, drink coca tea, avoid heavy meals and alcohol.
- Do you provide sleeping bags?
No, because you do not need one in the Sky Domes. We provide duvets, sheets, and pillows. If you prefer your own sleeping bag for hygiene, you can rent our -15°C down bag for $20 USD.
- What food do you serve at altitude?
Our chef cooks fresh. Day 1 lunch is quinoa soup, trout or chicken, vegetables. Afternoon tea is popcorn, tea, coffee. Dinner is three courses, for example cream of mushroom soup, alpaca steak with Andean potatoes, chocolate cake. Day 2 breakfast is pancakes, eggs, fruit. Lunch is celebratory, usually lomo saltado. All dietary needs accommodated with advance notice.
- How much should I tip the crew?
Tipping is customary but optional. For this 2-day trek, we recommend $15 to $20 USD per trekker total, divided between guide, chef, and horsemen. Give in cash soles at the end of Day 2 at the trailhead. Your guide will provide envelopes.
- What happens if the weather is bad at the pass?
Safety first. If there is heavy snow or high winds at 4,650m, our guide will assess at camp. We have two options: wait an hour for weather to clear, or take the lower alternative route which still reaches 4,400m with great views. We carry satellite communication and we never risk the group.
