TRIP ITINERARY
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.
QUISWARNIYOC - SALKANTAY PASS (4630M) - CUSCO.
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
Photo Gallery
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
Recommendations
- Prepare Physically: The Humantay Lake tour involves hiking at high altitudes, so it’s essential to be physically prepared. Engage in regular exercise and cardio activities before your trip to build endurance and acclimate your body to higher elevations.
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial during the hike, as the altitude can cause dehydration. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids throughout the journey. Consider using water purification tablets or a filtered water bottle to ensure a safe water supply.
- Dress Appropriately: The weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers. Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing that can be easily adjusted as temperatures fluctuate. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho in case of rain.
- Protect Yourself from the Sun: The sun’s rays can be intense at high altitudes. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Pack Snacks and Energy Boosters: Keep your energy levels up by bringing lightweight, high-energy snacks such as nuts, granola bars, and dried fruits. These will provide sustenance during the hike and keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Take Your Time: The Humantay Lake tour involves hiking steep terrain, so it’s important to pace yourself and take breaks when needed. Listen to your body and allow yourself time to adjust to the altitude. Take in the stunning surroundings and enjoy the journey.
- Engage with a Knowledgeable Guide: To enhance your experience and ensure your safety, it is recommended to go on the Humantay Lake tour with a knowledgeable guide. They will provide valuable insights, share interesting facts about the region, and assist you throughout the trek.
- Respect the Environment: The Humantay Lake area is a pristine natural paradise, so it’s essential to practice responsible tourism. Follow the designated trails, dispose of waste properly, and avoid leaving any traces of your visit. Let’s preserve this stunning ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
- Capture the Moment: Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking beauty of Humantay Lake. Take photos of the turquoise waters, the surrounding mountains, and the flora and fauna that make this place truly magical.
- Embrace the Magic: Above all, immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Humantay Lake. Take the time to appreciate the tranquility, the stunning scenery, and the sense of awe that this natural wonder evokes. Allow yourself to be fully present and create lasting memories.
Talk to an Specialist
One of our specialists will attend your travel request as soon as possible.
Enquire Private Tour Get a Custom Response by WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700Highly Recommended on TripAdvisor
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 5,692 reviews
Helena G2024-03-26Bucket list experience This was an experience of a lifetime! I wouldn’t have done it with any other company. They really look after you and ensure you have the best experience as possible. We were served delicious freshly made traditional Peruvian food everyday and served an array of different hot drinks. Along the way we were welcomed by the amazing views of the Peruvian Andes and Amazon rainforest. Juel was an incredible tour guide, very passionate about his Inca ancestors and about the nature around us.
Charlotte T2024-03-26Great, rewarding experience This tour was a great experience, not only seeing Machu Picchu itself but also beautiful lakes, viewpoints and Inca sites. The food was absolutely incredible and there was more than enough for each of us. Joel was a great guide, very passionate and knowledgable about the Incan empire. I would definitely recommend hiring the walking poles and sleeping bag. The whole experience was very rewarding and Joel made sure the morale of the group was high. The only downside was the return bus company from Hidroelectrica to Cusco. We booked via bus and had to leave Machu Picchu early to catch this bus. The organisers made us wait for over an hour for our bus, which meant we could have had more time at the site.
Stefan G2024-03-254-Days Salkantay Trek with superb guide Aurelio I did the 4-days Salkantay Trek with Machu Picchu Reservations together with a friend. Our guide Aurelio was really good and you felt that he completely identifies with the Anden culture! He always made sure that everybody in the group was able to follow. Also he gave us a lot of interesting insights into the Anden culture and nature. In general the organisation of the tour was good (briefing one day ahead of the tour, information flyer etc.). It could have been better, if we would have been better prepared for the rainy weather. Drying wet clothes was challenging in the accommodations which we had.
Kelan J2024-03-245 day trek review with Juan Oros (guide) The salkantay trek under the expert guidance of Juan Oros was a life highlight of mine. We completed the hike across 5 days and were blessed with plenty of breaks in the weather given it was wet season. If you're completing the hike in March, do NOT forget a poncho, plastic bags/dry bags, and extra pairs of socks/clothes for when your stuff gets wet (it's very hard to dry stuff after it's wet). Juan was optimistic, knowledgeable, understanding and went out of his way constantly to ensure our experience was a good one. Additionally, he was transparent and gave us options when the conditions affected the normal route. Machu Picchu reservations are accommodating for dietary requirements and provide comfortable accommodation along the hike. All-in-all, some incredible views, plenty of laughing, great and varied hiking, good food, and an incredible guide. Thank you Juan and Machu Picchu Reservations for an unforgettable experience!
Hélio J2024-03-24Tour Vale Sagrado e Salkantay 2D1N Viajamos a Cusco na segunda semana de março. Reservamos dois passeios com a agência, o tour do Vale Sagrado e o passeio Salkantay de dois dias e uma noite. Na agência fomos atendidos por Jimmy, que foi bastante solícito e respondeu todas as nossas dúvidas. Nos dois passeios ocorreu tudo bem. Eles foram pontuais e seguiram exatamente conforme programado. Gostaria de deixar um elogio especial ao guia Nestor, que nos acompanhou no Tour Salkantay. Nestor foi muito atencioso e respondeu todas as nossas dúvidas, desde o briefing até o retorno a Cusco. Nos ajudou bastante durante nossa estadia no acampamento e na volta. Só temos elogios e agradecimentos, muito obrigado Nestor e todos os funcionários da agência!
Alex Proskurnya2024-03-24Marco’s Muchachos - A Tale of Adventure, Laughter, and Friendship Words cannot even begin to describe the experience Marco provided for myself, my mate from work, and our Aussie, British, and English friends. Aside from the natural beauty of Humantay Lake, rich culture of the Incas, majesty of Salkantay Peak, and, of course, the grandiose beauty of Machu Picchu itself, the experience was truly made unforgettable because of Marco’s guiding service. Incredibly knowledgeable, considerate, and fun, Marco guided us through the 4 day, 3 night trek stopping to elaborate on the fascinating history of the trail and of the Incan people culminating in a well-earned view of the historic ruins themselves. As an avid traveller and hiker, I would strongly recommend THIS particular company with specifically Marco as the leading guide.claireK6420PL2024-03-24ChoquequirWOW I can't recommend this tour enough. Our tour guide Renzo was organised, professional and incredibly intelligent. I felt like I was in safe hands and benefitted so much from his vast local knowledge and prefect English. The food was a great opportunity to try local Peruvian cuisine and as a vegan I was very grateful for the effort our hosts, Renzo and horseman Jon went to to make sure I had delicious meals. The hike was challenging but the constant stunning views made it worthwhile and I felt so accomplished afterwards. Plus Renzon provided us with lots of encouragement and support. Choquequirao itself was like nothing I have ever seen before. We only saw 13 people not in our group there (including the ricket collector). The site is impressive and feels special, especially with everything Renzo told us about it. Having a whole day to explore the site was brilliant as we could take our time ot enjoy and appreciate it rather than rushing off, like others we saw did. It meant we had a lovely lunch there, kindly delivered by Jon, and had the site to ourselves for the afternoon. If you are in Peru you must visit Choquequirao and I strongly recommend ypu use Machu Pichu adventures for the perfectly curated experience.
Sarah C2024-03-23Incredible Trip! Incredible trip!! Our guide, Bruno, was phenomenal and a crucial part of why our experience was so great. He let us set our own pace and had meeting points each 1-1.5hrs of hiking. He taught us so much about local culture and history and made us appreciate the scenery we were walking through even more. The views are truly stunning. Each camp was comfortable and the meals were great! Tons of food and always felt fueled up for long days. I would recommend Machu Picchu Reservations again! We had nightly briefings about each day of the trek and they ensured we had everything we needed for a safe and enjoyable trek. I have been to Machu Picchu before but going via Salkantay Trek was a far better experience and I would recommend this trek over and over--truly an unforgettable experience!
Sam H2024-03-234 day Salkantay trek with Angel Me and my friend Conor did the 4-day Salkantay trek with our guide Angel. Angel was a fun and attentive guide who taught us a lot about the surrounding area and showed us some breath taking scenery. He always gave us a lot of information about the day ahead, made sure we were comfortable and helped make the trek a really memorable experience. Reaching the 4600m peak of Salkantay was incredible and finally getting to see Machu Pichu were definitely highlights of the journey. Would recommend.
Sarah-Jane D2024-03-21Marco’s Salkantay Tour Marco took us on the 4 day Salkantay Trek. He was so enthusiastic and friendly so it didn’t take long for the whole group to bond very well. Marco was very supportive of all abilities and very knowledgeable. The food and the organisation was incredible and the whole team kept us safe. We loved every second and each challenge was met with a reward of the beautiful views. A highlight of South America
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