Duration 2 days and 1 night
Difficulty challenging
Max altitude 4,630 m a.s.l. (Salkantay Pass)
Distance Check with your travel agent
Best time to go April to October
On this tour to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Mountain in Cusco, you'll have the chance to rest in Sky Domes, luxurious glass-topped geodesic domes. This way you connect with nature and experience a night under the stars.
Salkantay and Humantay Lake with Domes 2D/1N is a new trek for nature lovers who are short on time (it's also known as the Salkantay Trek Express). It has been named among the 25 best treks in the world and recognized by National Geographic magazine. Walking the mysterious trails of our Inca ancestors, taking on the high mountains and soaking up the beautiful landscapes Mother Nature offers: this adventure route gives you all of this on a short 2-day trip. Are you up for it?
The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 a.m. We'll then head to the village of Mollepata, where we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast, and continue in our vehicle to the Challacancha route. We'll begin the hike, enjoying the scenery, flora and fauna until we reach the Soraypampa campsite.
Next, we'll arrive at our Sky Domes, where we'll settle into our luxurious dome, which has a private bathroom and a hydromassage shower. They're perfectly located, facing the majestic snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay peaks, and our staff will be waiting for us with a delicious lunch. Afterwards, we'll have free time, and in the afternoon we'll visit the beautiful turquoise lake known as Humantay, located at 4200 m a.s.l. We'll return to our camp for dinner and spend an unforgettable night under thousands of stars and constellations.
Today is the big challenge, as we'll reach the highest point of the trek and take in wonderful landscapes framed by a vast range of mountains. We'll climb gradually along a path known as "The Trail of the 7 Snakes" until we reach the impressive Abra Salkantay, at 4630 m a.s.l. (15,190 ft). Time truly stands still when you realize you'll have a unique, unforgettable experience to tell.
After enjoying a wonderful view of the snow-capped mountains and feeling the power of nature, we'll cross a vast rocky landscape and descend to our lunch spot, a place called Soyrococha. After lunch, we'll descend toward Soraypampa and, in the distance, we'll see the great forest of snow-covered rocks.
The effort is rewarding, because we'll take home the experience of the Salkantay Trek and a lovely memory of having lived it. We'll then continue with the final walk to where our transport will be waiting to take us back to the city of Cusco, where we'll arrive at approximately between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.
It's considered moderately challenging due to the high altitude and the steep climb to the Salkantay Pass. It's suitable for people in good physical condition with some hiking experience.
Yes, altitude sickness can be a risk due to the high altitudes reached. We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco for a few days before starting the trek, staying hydrated and taking it easy.
Yes. Our professional cooks will prepare nutritious, delicious meals to keep you energized throughout the adventure, except for the last dinner, which is not included.
During the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is more stable and the trails are less muddy.
Yes, you can join alone, with a partner or in a group. We offer flexible options for groups of different sizes.
The stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, the challenging climb to the Salkantay Pass, the views of the snow-capped mountains and the unique experience of staying in the Sky Domes.
Difficulty: challenging / moderately challenging due to the high altitude and the steep climb to the Salkantay Pass; suitable for people in good physical condition with some hiking experience.
