| REVIEWS
TWe help you plan the best trip CONTACT AN ADVISOR
|
Duration: |
|
Departures: |
|
Difficulty: |
|
Ideal: |
|
|
Duration: |
|
|
Departures: |
|
|
Difficulty: |
|
|
Ideal: |
Salkantay, HUMANTAY LAKE
The Salkantay Trek 2 days and 1 night with Humantay Lake, is one of the best short hiking alternatives in the Cusco region. This hike covers the Humantay lagoon (4,300 m) with its turquoise waters and visits the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trail, with panoramic views of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain (6,271 m) and the Humantay snow-capped mountain.
The hike is 2 days long with camping at Soyroccocha (4,200 m), an excellent trekking alternative in the high mountains without having to take the classic 4- or 5-day route. Ideal for travelers with little time in Cusco who wish to experience high mountain landscapes, glacial lagoons, and adventure in the mountains of Perú.
The journey begins very early, at 5:00 am, when you are picked up at your hotel in Cusco. Our private transportation will be waiting to take you for three and a half hours toward Soraypampa (3,900 meters above sea level), which is where the hike will begin. During the journey, we will pass through charming Andean villages such as Limatambo and Iscuchaca, delighting in the beautiful panoramas of the valley and the majestic snow-capped Salkantay mountain.
Once we arrive at Soraypampa, before starting the hike to Laguna Humantay, we will have breakfast prepared and spectacular views of the imposing Salkantay (6,217 meters) and Humantay (5,900 meters) snow-capped mountains. From the starting point, the hike will be demanding until we reach 4,200 meters above sea level; once we arrive, we will appreciate the natural landscape: turquoise waters flanked by snow-covered mountains. Here you will have free time to take photographs and explore.
Afterward, we return to Soraypampa and walk for another 2 hours until we reach Soyroccocha (4,200 meters above sea level), which will be the location of our campsite. After your arrival, we will offer you snacks and hot drinks, and then you will enjoy an exquisite dinner prepared by our trekking cook. We will spend the night in tents under a starry sky.
Meals: Lunch, snack, dinner.
Accommodation: Camp.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles.
Duration: Around 6 hours.
Level: Moderate.
The day will begin with an energizing and nutritious breakfast; we will start walking a gradual ascent of 1 hour, maintaining a light step pace toward Abra Salkantay (4,650 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the trail. From here, you will have a privileged view of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay snow-capped peaks, glaciers, streams, and high-altitude lagoons that surround the Salkantay mountain.
From the pass, we descend for 30 minutes until we reach the Salkantay glacial lagoon. This is an impressive place to take photographs, explore, and connect with the living nature in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Afterward, we will descend again to Soyroqocha to have lunch amidst the high mountains and continue to Soraypampa; there, private transportation will be waiting for us to return to Cusco. We will be arriving in Cusco around 6:00 pm approximately.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Distance: 12 km/9 miles.
Duration: Around 7 hours.
Level: Challenging.
It is very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek begins to help you acclimatize and avoid potential altitude sickness during the hike. If you have already been in another high-altitude area of Peru before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend taking a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travels, and enjoy the sights.
Cusco airport currently only operates domestic flights. All international passengers arriving by plane must disembark in Lima and go through customs. It’s important to note that due to Cusco’s high altitude, flights may experience delays or cancellations. Additionally, any change in weather can halt air traffic. If you prefer an overland alternative, buses are a viable option, though the journey can be long, especially from Lima. Buses from Lima can take approximately 20 hours to reach Cusco.
Ausangate Adventure can pick you up from your hotel, provided it is located in the Historic Center of Cusco. During the briefing, your guide will coordinate the meeting time, but keep in mind that the wait time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to local traffic. Cusco has narrow, cobblestone streets, which can make access to some hotels and Airbnbs difficult. Some locations may be in areas with no vehicle access or on steep climbs, making luggage transfer challenging. It’s advisable to book accommodation with easy access to facilitate transportation.
You can safely store any extra luggage in Cusco, either at your hotel or with us at Ausangate Adventure while you are on the trek. We will store your luggage for you on the morning of your trek departure and return it to you once you get back to Cusco. It’s important to make sure your bags are clearly labeled for easy identification.
Altitude sickness occurs when there is less oxygen available in the air at high altitudes. It can affect some travelers regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. Common symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. While some people will recover quickly, for others, the condition may persist for several days if not properly treated. We recommend following these suggestions to reduce the likelihood and severity of altitude sickness.
Before traveling, it is advisable to speak with your doctor. They may recommend taking acetazolamide (Diamox), a medication that can help reduce symptoms if taken one or two days before the trip begins.
It is important to stay properly hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and during your stay. Some people find saline nasal sprays or drops beneficial.
Upon arrival, it is recommended to take it easy and allow your body to adjust by lying down for a period of 10 to 15 minutes. Try to rest as much as possible during your journey, as overexertion can worsen symptoms.
Before heading to high-altitude locations, it’s best to follow a light diet. Opt for easily digestible foods like fish, chicken, and hot soups. Avoid fatty foods, beef, lamb, and beverages with caffeine or alcohol.
Coca tea, mint tea, and muña tea can alleviate symptoms.
Using oxygen properly will be beneficial for your recovery.
Weather.
The weather on Mount Salkantay varies greatly due to its altitude and location in the Andes. At high altitudes, such as at the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), temperatures can be cold, especially at night, with lows dropping below 0°C (32°F). During the day, temperatures can range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). In the dry season (May to September), the weather is more stable with less rainfall, while in the rainy season (November to March), it is more humid, with frequent rain and possible storms.
The weather is unpredictable, and sudden changes from sun to cold or even snow in higher areas are common.
Every Ausangate Adventure guide is trained in first aid. When accompanying you on the trek, they will carry a first aid kit for basic medical situations and oxygen. They will take good care of you. In case something unexpected happens and you feel unable to complete the trek, they will determine the safest and quickest way to get you off the trail and to a clinic in Cusco.
All meals and snacks will be provided throughout the trek, up until the last lunch. We understand you may be concerned about the quality of the food. While each meal is prepared by a chef in a small tent with a portable stove, our clients are always satisfied with the quality of the dishes. Each chef is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. At the end of each trekking day, a delicious dinner awaits you, cooked in the heart of the Andes, sure to exceed your expectations for meals on the Salkantay trek.
We use fresh ingredients sourced from Cusco’s market and transported by pack horses led by our muleteers. These ingredients are then prepared by our chefs to ensure that every meal is fresh, healthy, and delicious.
Do you have special dietary needs? No worries, we are equipped to cater to vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies.
Ausangate Adventure will ensure water is available at every meal. The water will be boiled, purified, and cooled before being served to our clients, ensuring it is safe to drink. However, for the first morning of the trek, you must bring your own water due to the preparation process. It’s recommended to start the hike with 2-3 liters of water, so make sure you have a large enough bottle or a Camelback to store it.
At Ausangate Adventure, we use naturally degradable soap and ensure all waste is brought back to Cusco. Our muleteers are trained to keep the trails clean and pick up waste. We are committed to preserving and conserving our environment by managing waste responsibly. We adopt practices that minimize our environmental impact.
Protests and strikes are common in Peru and may affect our travel plans. Roads may be blocked, and trains may stop. However, we will do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even if it means departing the night before. In some cases, trips may be canceled. If there are any changes, our operations team will communicate with you. Your safety is our top priority, and we will take the best measures to protect you in any unforeseen situation.
Please take special care of your belongings and ensure you collect everything when leaving our vehicles, camps, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your personal items during the tour.
Shared service Trek.
Price: 250 USD per person.
This group or shared service means that you will do the tour with other people, the standard service is in a group of 10 to 16 people, guarantyd departures, if there are only 1 or 2 people they can join one of our groups.
Trek in private service.
This private and exclusive service with daily departures is a way to undertake this journey where the service is much more personalized. The prices vary according to the number of travelers: one, two, three, four, or more travelers. If you would like a private service, please request information at info@ausangateadventure.com or through our WhatsApp +51 914201334
PER PERSON
TWe help you plan the 
|
Price from:
Per Person |
BOOK NOW Request quote for private tour? |
