TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1:

CUSCO – HUMANTAY LAKE – QUISWARNIYOC PRIVATE CAMP

After picking up everyone from their respective hotels, we depart from Cusco around 5:15 am, driving for 2 hours to the town of Mollepata. Once there, we stop for a delicious breakfast and pay a 10 soles entrance fee to the local municipality. We continue by car for another hour to Soraypampa, where we meet the muleteers and horses that will carry our luggage, food, and each hiker’s 7 kilos of personal belongings provided in duffle bags.

We start the 2-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake. Upon arrival, you’ll have ample time to explore, take photos, and listen to the guide’s explanation about the significance of Humantay Lake. After spending a couple of hours at the lake, we descend for 2 hours to the exclusive Quiswarniyoc Camp, where a wholesome lunch awaits.

Following lunch, you have free time to explore the stunning area. If you desire more hiking, you can ascend to the Salkantay Mirador for a panoramic view of the entire region. If you prefer to rest, relax in the Crystal Igloos, which are cabins featuring glass doors, pillows, sleeping pads, and nighttime illumination.

Quiswarniyoc Private Camp, located at 4,000 meters, is an exclusive campsite offering short hiking trails, mountain views, and waterfalls. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and even take pictures with the llamas that inhabit the camp.

The second day of the trek is more challenging, as it takes you to the highest point of the entire Salkantay trail, offering fantastic mountain views and a visit to Salkantay Lake.

At around 5:00 am, the cooks will wake you with a cup of hot coca tea, giving you time to repack and prepare for a nutritious breakfast served at around 5:45 am. Afterward, it’s time to begin the ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay trail, which stands at 4,630 meters. The uphill hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours at a steady, slow pace.

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have time to admire the mountain views, take photos, and learn about the mountain gods from your guide. You’ll also participate in a small Andean ritual to honor the Apus, the mountain gods. Afterward, you’ll begin the 2.5-hour downhill trek back to Soraypampa, where transportation will be waiting to take you to Mollepata for lunch. Following lunch, you’ll continue with a two-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 pm.

Inclusions

Included

  • This package includes round-trip transportation between Cusco and Soraypampa, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey to and from your destination. You’ll be picked up at a designated location in Cusco and transported to Soraypampa, then brought back to Cusco at the end of your adventure.
  • During the trip, you’ll be provided with a total of five meals, including two lunches, one dinner, and two breakfasts. All meals are prepared by experienced chefs, offering a taste of local cuisine and ensuring you stay fueled and energized throughout your adventure.
  • A professional tour guide will accompany your group, sharing their expert knowledge of the area and ensuring your safety during the excursion. They will also offer insights into local history, culture, and natural wonders, making the trip a truly enriching experience.
  • A comfortable sleeping bag will be provided for your use during the trip, ensuring you stay warm and cozy during the night. You won’t need to bring your own, which helps lighten your load while traveling.
  • The highlight of this package is the unique experience of spending one night in a Crystal Igloo. These transparent igloos offer stunning, unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and sky, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the area. The Crystal Igloo also provides a comfortable and memorable overnight stay, making your trip even more special.

Not Included

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of what is not included in this package, the following details are worth noting:

  • Firstly, the entrance fee to Humantay Lake, charged by the local government of Mollepata, is not included in the package cost. This fee is currently 20 soles per person and is paid on-site at the entrance to the lake. It is important to note that this fee is subject to change, and visitors are advised to check the latest fee before their trip.
  • Secondly, travel insurance is not included in this package. While all necessary precautions are taken to ensure the safety of travelers, accidents or unforeseen events can occur during travel. To protect oneself from such situations, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance before embarking on the trip.
  • Additionally, any extra expenses incurred during the trip, such as personal purchases, additional meals or drinks not included in the package, or optional activities, are not covered in the package cost. Travelers are responsible for any such expenses.

What to Pack

If you are planning on embarking on the Salkantay Trek 2-day hike, here is a detailed packing list to ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey:

Clothing:

  • Wool hat or beanie
  • T-shirt
  • Layer (such as a fleece or sweatshirt)
  • Waterproof or water-resistant jacket (if your jacket is not waterproof, bring a rain poncho)
  • Hiking pants or comfortable outdoor pants
  • Hiking shoes (or sneakers if you don’t have hiking shoes)
  • Sunglasses
  • Gloves

Accessories:

  • Small backpack to carry water, snacks, camera, etc.

Essentials:

  • Water (at least 2 liters, but you can also buy more on the way)
  • Snacks (such as apples, cereal bars, sweets, and chocolates)
  • Sun cream
  • Rain poncho

Additional Items (optional):

  • Trekking poles (can be rented in Cusco)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Camera or phone charger

Make sure to pack your items in a waterproof or water-resistant bag to protect your belongings from any potential rain or wet conditions. It is important to note that the weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, and it is best to pack clothing that can be layered to adjust to changing temperatures. With this packing list, you will be well-prepared to tackle the Salkantay Trek and fully immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of the Peruvian Andes.

Pricing

PRICE: SALKANTAY HIKE 2-DAY, 1-NIGHT GROUP SERVICE FOR THE 2023 SEASON.

Student: $110 USD
Adult: $120 USD
  • Additionally, there is an option to add trekking poles to your Salkantay Hike for an extra cost of $10 USD for a pair of poles for the entire trek. Trekking poles are beneficial for providing stability and support during the hike, particularly when going uphill or downhill on uneven terrain.
  • It’s important to note that these prices are for group services, which means that you will be hiking with other people who have also booked this service.

 

How to Book with Machu Picchu Reservation

BOOKING SALKANTAY PASS + HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE 2D – 1N

BOOKING ONLINE:

  • Booking the SALKANTAY PASS + HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE 2D – 1N tour is very easy, you can click on the yellow button that says BOOK ONLINE which will take you to a reservation platform where you can choose the DATE OF YOUR TRIP (we have daily availability) then it will ask you for general information which you have to fill them, then you can proceed with the payment of the tour, the payment you can make with any type of debit or credit card.
  • Once you finish filling in the data and confirm the payment, you will receive an email confirming the tour and payment, then you will receive a personalized and detailed email about the tour that you keep in mind all the details of your trip to SALKANTAY PASS + HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE 2D – 1N.
  • You can book until 7:00 pm one day before starting the tour.
  • Booking Online has a fee of 2.9% covered by the customer

BOOKING AT THE OFFICE:

  •  If you like, you can come to our office in Cusco we are located in the Downtown – Portal Nuevo 270 Plaza Regocijo. One of our counters will explain the details of the tour and you get a map of the tour.

Payment method in the office

  • You can pay in cash, we accept dollars, euros, and Peruvian soles.
  • You can pay with any type of card but there is a fee of 3.9% covered by the customer

TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY PASS + HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE 2D – 1N WE NEED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

  • Full name
  • Nationality
  • WhatsApp number or Peruvian cellphone number
  • Hotel name in Cusco

PAYMENT, CANCELLATION AND CHANGING POLICY

  • If you cancel the tour 48 hours in advance, we will refund 100% of the amount you paid for the tour. To cancel the tour, you have to send an email to machupicchureservations@gmail.com
  • If you cancel the tour 24 hours in advance, we will refund 50% of the amount you paid for the tour. To cancel the tour, you have to send an email to machupicchureservations@gmail.com
  • Machu Picchu reservations may cancel the tour 24 hours before due to weather reasons, such as landslides, river floods or police situations, such as strikes that do not provide the security of the case; we will refund 100% of the amount paid for the tour.
  • If you do not show up the tour at the agreed place and time, there is no refund.
  • If you are already on tour and, perhaps for some reason, you cannot continue, there is no refund, but our guides will assist you to help you with any emergency that may arise.
  • You can change the date of your tour within 24 hours without any penalty, you just have to send us a clear email with the new date you want to do the tour: Email us to: machupicchureservations@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions Humantay Lake With Salkantay Pass Trek

How long does it take the hike for the rainbow mountain?

The way up takes between 1.5 to 2 hours on a regular trail, If you make the same way to return akes like 1.5 hours and if I return through the red valley it takes about 2 hours.

When is the best time to go?

It is a difficult question to answer as Peru has a vast variety of conditions. The best time is Dry season runs from May to November, and this is typically the time that is most recommended.

Do I need to bring my passport for this tour?

For Rainbow Mountain, you do not need to carry any documents, only for emergencies or some unexpected control you can take a copy of your passport.

What type of transportation is used?

All the vehicles that we use for this type of tour are the Sprinter Mercedes Benz modern minibusses that have all the documentation required by the national authorities, all the cars are maintained daily to keep them in good condition and clean, and each vehicle got logged correctly.

Will the altitude affect me?

When traveling throughout the Andes in Peru, some people will suffer some effects of it. If you plan to hike the rainbow mountain, we recommend arriving 2 or 3 days before the start to acclimate and rest or you can do it on the last day of your time in Cusco since that the rainbow mountain is at 5000m.

What can I do to prevent altitude sickness?

We recommend being in Cusco for at least two days and drinking as much water as you can and drinking coca tea that can order anywhere you want, you can also prepare it yourself with boiled water and dried coca leaves. At least one day before the tour we recommend eating light food and if you have any medication prescribed by a doctor you can take it and the best thing that you can do is to keep in mind that you will be fine.

How do I reserve a space for the rainbow mountain?

Just click on the BOOK NOW button and fill out all the required information and one of our sales advisors will contact you immediately and if you want to talk by WhatsApp with a specialist, you can contact this number. +51974217700

Do you require a deposit?

Yes. We require a booking deposit of 20 dollars for Rainbow Mountain; if you cancel the tour 24 hours in advance, you will have a 100% refund, if you do not do it within 24 hours, you will lose the money deposited.

What happens after I make my deposit?

Once we receive the deposit, we confirm your reservation through email sending you all the details about the tour.

Can I go by horse to the Rainbow Mountain?

Yes, you can go by horse to the mountain of colors, you can rent horses directly from the local people that cost between 60 and 80 soles per person.

How long will I stay in the rainbow mountain?

The time that we usually spend at the rainbow mountain viewpoint is about an hour, depending on the group pace and the weather conditions.

Travel Guide

Why Choose Machupicchu Reservations

Expertise and Experience: Our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals ensures that you receive accurate information, well-organized itineraries, and top-notch guidance throughout your trip.

Personalized Service: We tailor our tours to cater to each traveler’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring a customized and memorable experience.

Quality and Safety: Our commitment to quality and safety guarantees an enjoyable and worry-free adventure. We collaborate with professional guides, reliable transportation services, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver the best possible experience.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Machu Picchu Reservations is dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact and supporting local communities. We promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the well-being of the regions we explore.

Competitive Pricing: We offer a range of affordable packages and options, allowing you to experience the magic of Machu Picchu without breaking the bank.

Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly and responsive customer support team is available to assist you at every stage of your journey, from pre-trip planning to post-trip inquiries.

Choose Machu Picchu Reservations for a remarkable and hassle-free adventure, as we strive to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable reality.

TripAdvisor Reviews

Machu Picchu Reservations has received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor . These reviews highlight our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Thank you for trusting us and for your valuable feedback!", we have 6,353 reviews

kellyyy125
kellyyy125
2024-11-27
5 Day Salkantay Trail - so much fun!! Had an amazing time on the 5 day Salkantay trail. Our guide Alexis (Nacho) was super knowledgeable, funny and engaging. He kept the vibe high and was always making sure everyone was doing okay. The accomodation was great and the food was delicious and plentiful. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.
Getaway27019244566
Getaway27019244566
2024-11-27
Best tour and tour guide This trip was amazing. Our group was so friendly and our guide, Zucemo kept us safe and taught us so much local knowledge. The accommodation and food is great! The best value for money
Jason M
Jason M
2024-11-26
Salkantay Trail hike with the best guide ever - Amoroso I recently completed the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, and it was an unforgettable experience! Our guide, Amoroso, was absolutely fantastic—his knowledge, passion, and energy truly elevated the journey. He made sure everyone felt comfortable and motivated, sharing fascinating insights about the region’s history and culture along the way. The trail itself was challenging but breathtaking, with diverse landscapes that kept every day exciting. I highly recommend this tour and especially Amoroso if you're looking for an enriching and well-organized adventure.Would love to return someday!
Jessica C
Jessica C
2024-11-26
Wonderful Inka Trail Experience We did the 4 day Inka trail hike, and had the best time! Our guide Javier was very knowledgable about the Inka sites and history and supported the group throughout the hike. Javier answered all of our questions, kept us laughing and even taught us a little Quechua along the way! The Chef and team of porters, led by Antonio, were incredible and kept us very well looked after! The meals were delicious and there was plenty of food (special shoutout to Cristobal who always made sure our tea was hot and our water was cold!). We would recommend this company (and Javier!) to anyone interested in doing the Inka trail!
Agnieszka Potempa
Agnieszka Potempa
2024-11-26
Salkantay fun! Im so glad i did this trek! The views were amazing and Omar (my tour guide) made it the BEST experince ever! He was so funny, motivating and knowledgable. Our team were great and we took soo many beautiful photos. Thank you Omar for looking after us. I will recommed this trek to EVERYBODY….yeahhh yeahh. #Michipichis
kerry_hulton
kerry_hulton
2024-11-26
Great experience Did the 5 day 4 night salkantay hike and it was really good. Omar was the best guide & definitely made the whole experience
Paulina W
Paulina W
2024-11-25
Incredible experience, definitely worth every step! We had a great time doing the 5 day Salkantay Trek. The nature is truly amazing.Our guide Alexis always looked out for us and combined interesting information with a lot of fun.Machu Picchu Reservation provides good organization and infrastructure (accomodation, food, transport) - great value for money. Doing the tour with this company is a great choice for everybody who wants to meet other (young) travelers and combine hiking with fun activities and sometimes a little party.
lucien i
lucien i
2024-11-24
Lamas and colors Realy nice tour, Érick is a realy nice guide and there is lamas. The moutains are realy great. Full of colors. The guide was always happy, know a lot of things about the place so we can learn about Palcoyo and that’s so Nice
Oscar R
Oscar R
2024-11-24
Book now An incredible hike - words cannot do it justice, you will just have to do it. Our guide Alexis or Nacho - was hilarious and extremely knowledgeable, he was brilliant - book it just for him - and his mate Aurelio Escobar the zip line dude
Ella H
Ella H
2024-11-24
Amazing trip! We had such an amazing trip with Alexis, he made it so interesting and fun. The days were packed full and so worth it, would defo reccomend!

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