Salkantay Trek 2D

Itinerary

CUSCO – HUMANTAY LAKE – QUISWARNIYOC PRIVATE CAMP

After picking up all participants from their hotels, we leave Cusco around 5:15 a.m. for a 2-hour drive to the town of Mollepata. Upon arrival, we stop for a delicious breakfast and pay the 20-sol entrance fee to the local municipality. We then continue by car for another hour to Soraypampa, where we meet our muleteers and horses—they will carry all the camping equipment, food, and up to 7 kg of each hiker’s personal belongings in duffel bags.

From Soraypampa, we begin a 2-hour uphill hike to the impressive Humantay Lake. Once at the lake, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and listen to your guide’s explanations about the cultural and natural importance of this turquoise gem. After enjoying this magical place, we descend for about 2 hours to our exclusive Quiswarniyoc Private Camp, where a fresh, nourishing lunch will be served.

After lunch, you’ll have free time to enjoy the surroundings. For those seeking more adventure, a short hike to the Salkantay Viewpoint offers sweeping panoramic views of the entire region. If you prefer to relax, you can rest inside your Crystal Igloo—a cozy glass cabin equipped with a mattress, pillow, sleeping pad, and soft evening lighting.

Located at 4,000 meters, Quiswarniyoc Camp is an exclusive and scenic site that offers short trails, viewpoints, waterfalls, and friendly llamas—perfect for unforgettable photos. It’s the ideal place to disconnect, recharge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andes.

Day 2: The Challenge and Beauty of the Salkantay Pass

The second day of the trek is the most challenging and rewarding, taking you to the highest point of the entire Salkantay Trail and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, as well as a visit to the pristine Salkantay Lake.

Around 5:00 a.m., you’ll be gently awakened with a warm cup of coca tea, followed by time to repack and prepare for a hearty breakfast served at 5:45 a.m. Shortly after, we begin the ascent toward the Salkantay Pass, which reaches an impressive 4,630 meters (15,190 ft). The hike to the summit takes about 3 to 4 hours at a steady, manageable pace.

Once at the top, you’ll have time to enjoy the panoramic views, take unforgettable photos, and listen as your guide shares stories and spiritual insights about the Apus—the sacred mountain spirits of the Andes. You’ll also take part in a short Andean ceremony in honor of these revered deities.

After this profound experience, we begin a 2.5-hour descent back to Soraypampa, where our transportation will be waiting to take you to Mollepata for a well-deserved lunch. After the meal, we return to Cusco by car, a journey of approximately 2 hours, arriving in the city around 6:00 p.m.

Included / Not Included

Included

Round-trip transportation Cusco – Soraypampa – Cusco
- Enjoy a comfortable, worry-free journey. We’ll pick you up at a designated meeting point in Cusco, take you to Soraypampa, and bring you back to Cusco at the end of the trek.
5 delicious meals included
- The package includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner, all prepared by experienced chefs. Meals highlight local flavors and are designed to keep you energized throughout the adventure.
Professional tour guide
- A friendly, knowledgeable guide will accompany your group, ensuring your safety while sharing fascinating insights into the region’s history, culture, and natural environment.
Sleeping bag included
- Sleep warm and comfortably with a high-quality sleeping bag included in the package—no need to bring your own.
Unique overnight stay in a Crystal Igloo
- The highlight of the trip: spend the night in an exclusive Crystal Igloo with panoramic mountain views and a star-filled sky. A truly unforgettable experience.

Not Included

Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake
- The entrance fee charged by the municipality of Mollepata (20 soles per person) is not included and must be paid in cash at the checkpoint. This amount may change, so we recommend confirming the rate before your trip.
Travel insurance
- Although we take all necessary precautions for your safety, travel insurance is not included. We strongly recommend purchasing a policy to cover unexpected events or emergencies.
Personal expenses and optional activities
- Any extra costs such as personal purchases, snacks or drinks not included in the package, and optional activities are the responsibility of each traveler.

Price

What to Bring

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

IMPORTANT:

Original passport
Sleeping bag
A good backpack (the smaller, the better)
CamelBak or reusable water bottle, as the Peruvian government does not allow disposable plastic bottles on the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or at Machu Picchu.
Comfortable hiking shoes (lightweight, with good traction)

WHAT TO PACK IN THE DUFFEL BAG FOR THE HORSES:

Our horses will carry up to 6 kg of your personal belongings. This must include your sleeping bag and sleeping pad (if you bring or rent one). When rented from us, these two items weigh about 3 kg.

2–3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
2–3 hiking pants
4 sets of underwear
4 pairs of hiking socks
1 warm, soft towel
1 warm jacket (very cold nights)
1 rain jacket and rain pants
1 sun hat
1 wool hat
Headlamp: essential
Waterproof gloves (ski gloves work very well)
Comfortable camp shoes
Comfortable hiking shoes
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
Quick-dry towel (we provide a small one, but you may want a larger towel)
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water every day; a bit of soap will help you feel fresh.
Power bank: there are no electrical outlets during the trek.
Large plastic bags to organize clean and dirty clothes

TOILETRIES:

Sunscreen
Face moisturizer
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toilet paper
Personal medication
Small first-aid kit: band-aids, blister care, etc.

WHAT TO CARRY IN YOUR SMALL DAYPACK:

Your daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend a smaller one. Backpacks larger than 25 liters are not allowed inside Machu Picchu and must be stored outside the entrance. You must carry your own CamelBak or water bottle.
Sun hat
Rain poncho
Wool hat
Camera
Music on any device
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for trash
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
Earplugs