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Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek - Orange Nation

Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek

Duration:

2 days - 1 nights

Max. Altitude:

4650 M.S.N.M

Group Size:

8 person(s)

Service:

Group

Overview

The Humantay Lake Trek is a very scenic 2-day hike to Humantay Lake through the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo which still hold on to 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 vantage point, you can take in nature at its purest, while enjoying the massive Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay snowcapped mountains surrounding you. Finally, you take a detour off the main trail to the panoramic and truly exquisite turquoise Salkantay Lake.

Price from: 297USD Book Now Enquire Now
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Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha

This spectacular trek begins with an early morning pick up at 5:00 am. Our journey to Soraypampa will take about 3.5 hours in our van to the starting point of the trek. On the journey you will see the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limtatambo and some excellent views of the valley and the snow capped peak of Salkantay.

When we arrive at Soraypampa, prepare our daypacks and give our duffel bags to the horsemen to pack on the horses. Have a snack looking up at the view of Humantay (5.900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft) mountain glaciers. Firstly, embark on an hour hike up to Humantay Lake while enjoying the amazing views around us.

Arrive at Humantay Lake and it’s time to take many pictures! Take the time to explore the lake and its beautiful surroundings. Head back to the trailhead of Soraypampa before making our way to our campsite Soyroccocha, your afternoon tea and snacks will be waiting for you. The tents will already be set up, settle in before dinner.

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

Day 2: Soyroccocha – Salkantay Pass – Glacial lake Colpapampa – Cusco

A hearty and delicious hot breakfast will served before starting our trek which is a moderate climb of approximately 1 hour to the highest point of the trek (4,650m / 15,367ft). We will then take a break and enjoy the view of Salkantay (6,217m/ 20, 717ft), Humantay and Huayanay glacier-covered mountains.

Take a side trek for half an hour to enjoy the panoramic views and the shockingly turquoise Salkantay Lake. Returning to the trek, we hike down to the trailhead again, where we have lunch, and then we take our private van back to Cusco, arriving around 6pm in the evening. Time to celebrate!

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

Inclusions

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 (optional vegetarian food upon request)
  • 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?

  • Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 15°c – $10
  • Air Mattresses – $5
  • Trekking Poles – $5
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Orange Nation

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 PEOPLEPRICE
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

  • Sleeping Bag: $10 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $5 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $5 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Please read the following information to help answer any questions you may have about our Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain trek.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING:

The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210, Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:

ABSOLUTELY! During your Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain trek, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK

FIRST, to book your Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.

We will need the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). This information is necessary to purchase the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu the train tickets:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality
  • SECOND, we require a deposit of $53.00 USD per person in order to purchase your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

You can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco to avoid the additional 5.5% charged by the Credit Card companies and PayPal. We have many ATMs  within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge by PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of orangenationperu@gmail.com. 

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Yes, but with some restrictions. Please notify the office as soon as possible if you need to change the date. If you cancel your Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain trek, the deposit is lost!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

The weather is very unpredictable and always changing in the Andes Mountains, so it is difficult to say with any certainty. We recommend that you be prepared for warm weather, possible rain showers (Orange Nation provides rain ponchos) and a warm jacket in case of cold. We also recommend that you dress in layers so you may take off or put on clothes as needed.

The climate in Cusco has temperatures between 10º – 20º C, with warm days and cold nights. During the months of June, July and August nights are very cold which is why Orange Nation rents good quality 4 season sleeping bags.

The rainy season is during the months of November through March, if you want to hike during this season, bring warm clothes and be prepared for rain but there will be a beautiful landscape and colorful flowers.The month of February, the Inca Trail is closed for safety, repairs and restoration.

The Average weather conditions on the trail:

  • Dry Season: April – October
  • Day temperature: 20ºC – 25ºC – Night temperature -1ºC – 7ºC
  • Wet Season: November – March
  • Day temperature: 17ºC – 22ºC – Night temperature 4ºC – 7ºC

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 10 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. Orange Nation specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACK PACK 

The evening before your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg / 15lbs. including sleeping bag, so 5kg / 11lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc.  A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain trek is fairly difficult and you should be prepared and healthy prior to starting. You have to be relatively fit and exercise regularly.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,350m / 11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip is appreciated. It means a lot to the staff, who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires better service and is a major part of the tourism industry across many ORANGE Nation destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you want, depending how you feel about the quality of service and the length of your tour.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

We are a local sustainable & responsible tour operator which functions according to the ethical principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the indigenous communities by respecting their culture and religion. We have trained all of our staff to know, understand and respect the local communities and the people living there.

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

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good backpack
  • Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
  • 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 3kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • Necessary clothes
  • Warm clothes
  • Gloves (preferably waterproof)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry 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

Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.

Book Now

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Gideon G

Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!

D'Ivion P

Our group of 8 did the 3-day Inca trail tour. From the very beginning Ray demonstrated his knowledge by answering all our questions thoroughly. Trekking the Inca trail was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. I can say for certain that I would not have finished the trail, if not for Ray. I am not active at all, and hiking up and down a mountain, for 7 hours, seemed impossible. Within the first 10 minutes I was ready to be done. That sentiment was shared within most of my group.

Andria E

Our tour guide Ray was excellent and very helpful. And we did the short inks trail to machupicchu thanks for the experience

Elipicyz F

Ray was absolutely amazing 😎 would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to travel to Machu Picchu !!! Best experience of my life and off my bucket list🙏🏾

Ze Mi

Vinimos desde Choquequirao para visitar Machu Picchu e incluso después de todos los momentos inolvidables del trekking con Jhony como nuestro guía Machu Picchu fue realmente memorable. Tener boletos para la entrada de las 6 a.m. fue fantástico, ya que nos permitió explorar con menos multitudes y presenciar la niebla que se elevaba sobre las ruinas.

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Éramos un grupo de tres que decidimos realizar un recorrido de un día por el Valle Sagrado de Orange Nations, contemplando Ollyantaytambo y terminando en Cusco. La mejor decisión que tomamos fue que fuimos recibidos por nuestro increíble guía Miguel justo a tiempo, quien nos llevó a este increíble día lleno de diversión, risas y con un gran conocimiento sobre el área.

Asiah Butler

Gracias Jhony y Grober por sus recorridos entusiastas y conocedores. Definitivamente ambos guías turísticos del siguiente nivel con una compañía del siguiente nivel. Hicimos la caminata Laures y Machupichu con Sam Travels / Orange Nation y lo recomendamos encarecidamente :)

Anna S

¡Los mejores guías turísticos del Perú para el sendero Machu Picchu! Nuestros guías turísticos Johny y David brindaron un servicio de la más alta calidad en mi experiencia viajando por Perú. Johnny enriqueció toda nuestra experiencia con humor, un conocimiento increíblemente detallado de la historia y cultura peruana, así como su entusiasmo y amabilidad. Durante los 2 días,

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This was my first time in Peru and I wanted to do something bigger and better than Machu Picchu. I was searching online and came across Orange Nation's "Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu" , which is three times larger than Machu Picchu. Since Peru is known for a Machu Picchu

Ray Besos
recommends Orange Nation Peru

My girl and i did the Machu Pichu trek tour with Orange Nation. It was seriously the most amazing experience that we'll never forget. Gorgeous views! The long trek was worth the amazing view. The tour guide was friendly and very knowledgeable.

Juliet Julz
recommends Orange Nation Peru

Wow, what a wonderful trekking experience! My trip to Peru was amazing thanks to this awesome tour that i took with Orange Nation. I did multiple tours with this company. I'm a solo traveler and everyone in my group was always still friendly and did not make me feel left out.

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Excelente Anghely una nueva oportunidades de trabajo me siento feliz por estos logros

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