Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek - Orange Nation
Max. Altitude:

4650 m.s.n.m

Group Size:

8 person(s)

Service:

Group

Transportation:

Hike, Van

Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek

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.

Itinerary

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. Along the way, you will get to see the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limtatambo and some excellent view of the valley and the snow capped peak of Salkantay.

Upon arriving Soraypampa, we will prepare our daypacks and give our duffels to the horsemen so our pack horses can set off. We will have some snacks looking up at the view of Humantay (5.900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft) mountain glaciers. We embark on an hour hike up to Humantay Lake while enjoying the amazing views around us.

We arrive at Humantay Lake and it’s picture time! We will take the time to explore the lake and its beautiful surroundings. After exploring we will head back to the trailhead of Soraypampa and making our way to our campsite Soyroccocha. 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.

  • 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.

 Off the main trek route, we take a side trek for half an hour to enjoy the panoramic views and the shockingly turquoise Salkantay Lake. Returning to our primary trek route, 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

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

Price

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 Info

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 8 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.

Packing list

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

DOOR TO DOOR SERVICES
From

$297USD Per Person

2 Days / 1 Night

SPEAK WITH A TRAVEL SPECIALIST
Traveller reviews

Join thousands of satisfied customers around the world


avatar default - Orange Nation
Christian B

10/10 Amazing experience

If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.

Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!

Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.

Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!

Jan 2023 • Friends
default avatar - Orange Nation
Matt A

Awesome experience!!

Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.

Jan 2023 • Friends
Rius

Short Inca Trial (2-Day)

This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!

Jan 2023 • Friends
avatar reviews - Orange Nation
Daniela Rabito

It was perfect! On the first day we had a great time exploring the Sacred Valley and see the main attractions and learn about the history of this beautiful place.

I would definitely recommend the short Inka trail, I think it was the best way to get to know Machu Picchu and the surrounding area. We arrived at Machu Picchu when most of the crowd was gone and it felt really special.

Abril 2023
avatar reviews - Orange Nation
Brittany Skulkety

You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru

Dic 2022
avatar reviews - Orange Nation
M B

Best mix of adventure, history and nature: Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4-day trekking option seemed too intense for us, but we still wanted to experience the entrance to Machu Picchu through the ancient Inka trail, so we opted for Orange Nation’s combination of Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I couldn’t be more happy about our decision.

Dic 2022
avatar reviews - Orange Nation
Sakeb

We booked and paid the deposit to Orange Nation / Sam travel for the 4 day Inca Trail and Machu Pichu trip back in 2019. But we couldn't travel in 2020 and 2021 - but the company honoured our agreement and so we came back in 2022.

Dic 2022
avatar reviews - Orange Nation
Brittany Nicole
icono recomment - Orange Nation recommends Orange Nation Peru

You won’t regret booking with this tour company, especially if Liz Montesinos is your guide. My boyfriend and I did the 4 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (private) tour. The tour covered everything; from transportation, hotels, meals, tickets and entrance fees, to stops at local places we would’ve never known to go or check out. We did a private tour because for us we felt this would help us get the most out of our time and experience in Peru. This tour had so many incredible things and places packed into 4 days.

September 16, 2022
avatar reviews - Orange Nation
Ray Besos
icono recomment - Orange Nation 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. We considered other tours but chose Orange Nation because we liked the idea of smaller groups and this was definitely worth it. I will be using Orange Nation again next year when I come back to Peru!

November 29, 2018
avatar reviews - Orange Nation
Juliet Julz
icono recomment - Orange Nation 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. I loved going off the beaten track with this company. It's much better to pay extra to go off the path for the quality experience of this amazing guided tour They definitely helped guide us and gave us a quality experience with a small group and paid special attention to each one of us. I highly recommend using Orange Nation for your next tour in Peru!

November 29, 2018

WHY TRAVEL WITH ORANGE NATION


...
...
...
cook of our food - Orange Nation

Orange nation

Has one of the most outstanding meal services. Our chefs have been highly trained to prepare the best peruavian and International food our treks. You should be prepared to not only have a superb trekking experience, but also a culinary one. "The food has been the highlight for all our hikers"

Chefs Orange Nation
...s

Our Certificates and Awards

Chat with Us