TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1:

CUSCO – HUMANTAY LAKE – QUISWARNIYOC PRIVATE CAMP

After picking up all participants from their respective hotels, we depart Cusco around 5:15 am for a 2-hour drive to the town of Mollepata. Upon arrival, we stop for a delicious breakfast and pay a 20 soles entrance fee to the local municipality. We then continue by car for another hour to Soraypampa, where we meet our muleteers and horses—they will carry all camping gear, food, and each hiker’s 7 kg of personal belongings packed in duffle bags.

From Soraypampa, we begin a 2-hour uphill hike to the stunning Humantay Lake. Once at the lake, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, and listen as your guide shares the fascinating cultural and natural significance of this turquoise gem. After enjoying this magical spot, we descend for about 2 hours to the exclusive Quiswarniyoc Private Camp, where a fresh, wholesome lunch will be served.

After lunch, you’ll have free time to enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. For those wanting more adventure, a short hike to the Salkantay Viewpoint (Mirador) offers a panoramic perspective of the region. If you prefer to unwind, you can relax in your Crystal Igloo—a cozy glass cabin equipped with a mattress, pillow, sleeping pad, and soft lighting for the evening.

Located at 4,000 meters, Quiswarniyoc Camp is an exclusive and scenic site, offering short trails, mountain vistas, waterfalls, and even friendly llamas for unforgettable photo opportunities. This is the perfect place to disconnect, recharge, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andes.

Day 2: The Challenge and Beauty of the Salkantay Pass

The second day of the trek is the most challenging and rewarding, as it takes you to the highest point of the entire Salkantay Trail and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, along with a visit to the pristine Salkantay Lake.

At around 5:00 am, you’ll be gently awakened with a warm cup of coca tea, followed by time to repack and prepare for a hearty breakfast served at 5:45 am. Shortly after, the trek begins with an ascent to the Salkantay Pass, which rises to an impressive 4,630 meters (15,190 ft). The hike to the summit takes about 3 to 4 hours at a steady, manageable pace.

Once at the top, you’ll have time to soak in the panoramic mountain views, take memorable photos, and listen as your guide shares stories and spiritual insights about the Apus—the sacred mountain spirits of the Andes. You’ll also participate in a brief Andean ceremony to honor these revered mountain deities.

After this profound experience, you’ll begin a 2.5-hour descent back to Soraypampa, where transportation will be waiting to take you to Mollepata for a well-deserved lunch. Following the meal, you’ll return to Cusco by car, a journey of approximately 2 hours, arriving back in the city around 6:00 pm.

Inclusions

Included


🚐 Round-trip transportation Cusco – Soraypampa – Cusco
Enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free journey. You’ll be picked up at a designated location in Cusco and transported to Soraypampa, then brought back to Cusco at the end of the trek.


🍽️ 5 delicious meals included
The package provides 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner, all prepared by experienced chefs. Meals feature local flavors and are designed to keep you energized throughout the adventure.


🧭 Professional tour guide
A knowledgeable and friendly guide will accompany your group, ensuring your safety while sharing fascinating insights into the region’s history, culture, and natural wonders.


🛏️ Sleeping bag provided
Stay warm and comfortable at night with a high-quality sleeping bag included in the package—no need to bring your own, making your pack lighter.


❄️ Unique overnight stay in a Crystal Igloo
The highlight of your journey: spend the night in an exclusive Crystal Igloo, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and starry skies. A truly unforgettable and immersive lodging experience.

Not Included


💰 Entrance fee to Humantay Lake
The entrance fee charged by the local government of Mollepata (20 soles per person) is not included and must be paid in cash at the lake entrance. Please note this amount is subject to change, so we recommend verifying the latest rate before your trip.


🛡️ Travel insurance
Although we take every precaution to ensure your safety, travel insurance is not included. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance in advance to cover unexpected events, accidents, or medical emergencies.


🧾 Personal expenses and optional activities
Any extra costs such as personal purchases, snacks or drinks not included in the package, and optional activities are the traveler’s responsibility.

What to Pack

WHAT TO BRING FOR THE SALKANTAY & HUMANTAY LAKE TREK


Hiking Boots
Wear sturdy, comfortable boots with good grip and ankle support to safely navigate the varied terrain.


🎒 Daypack
Bring a small backpack to carry your essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and extra layers.


💧 Water Bottle & Purification
Stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle. Consider bringing water purification tablets or a filter for added safety.


🍫 Snacks
Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit to keep your energy up during the hike.


🧥 Layered Clothing
Dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures:

  • Moisture-wicking base layer
  • Warm mid-layer (like fleece)
  • Waterproof outer layer (jacket or poncho)

🧢🕶️ Hat & Sunglasses
Protect yourself from the high-altitude sun with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses.


🧴 Sunscreen
Apply high SPF sunscreen regularly to avoid sunburn, especially at higher elevations.


🦟 Insect Repellent
Use an effective repellent to stay comfortable and bite-free during your hike.


📸 Camera or Smartphone
Don’t miss the chance to capture the breathtaking scenery of the Andes and Humantay Lake.


💵 Cash
Bring local currency for small expenses like entrance fees, snacks, or souvenirs along the route.


💊 Personal Medications
Pack any prescribed medication and a basic first aid kit tailored to your needs.


🌧️ Rain Gear
A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho is essential in case of sudden showers.


👕 Extra Clothing
Bring an extra outfit to change into after the hike, as well as a warm layer for cooler evenings.


🥢 Trekking Poles
Useful for balance and support on steep or uneven trails—highly recommended, especially on the descent.


🧤 Personal Essentials
Don’t forget essentials such as gloves, warm socks, a flashlight or headlamp, personal toiletries, and a small towel.


Please remember that we will provide you with a duffle bag in which you can pack up to 7 kilograms of your personal belongings. This duffle bag will be carried by horses during the trek, and you will have access to it at the campsites.

Pricing

SALKANTAY PASS TREK  AND HUMANTAY LAKE 2D -1N PRICES (GROUP SERVICE) – 2025 SEASON

The prices  vary based on whether you are a student or an adult, we outline the group service pricing details:

SALKANTAY PASS TREK 2D-1N

  • STUDENT: $120 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
  • CHILD:       $120 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
  • ADULT:      $140 USD per person

Group Size: The group size for this tour is typically between 6 to 8 participants, with a maximum of 16 people. For groups of 9 or more, two professional guides will accompany the group to ensure personalized attention and a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.

Addons & Upgrades

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS & PRICES:

Here you’ll find information about optional services that you can add to your 2-Day Salkantay pass trek package when booking your tour.

🥾 Trekking Pole Rental – $10 USD (Pair): Trekking poles are highly recommended for the 4-Day Inca Trail, helping with balance and reducing strain on your knees through steep, uneven, and varied terrain. You can rent a pair from Machu Picchu Reservations for $15 USD for the entire trek. Note: poles are not allowed inside Machu Picchu or on the mountain hikes. Add them during your booking or rent them at our office in Cusco.

How to Book with Machu Picchu Reservation

HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY PASS TREK AND HUMANTAY LAKE 2D-1N & APPLICABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

STEPS TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK

  • Step 1:
    Click the “BOOK ONLINE” button to check availability. You’ll be taken to the calendar and our booking platform. If your desired date is available, select it and proceed with your reservation.
  • Step 2:
    Once you choose your date, you’ll be asked to select the type of traveler (adult, student, or child). Then, you can choose whether to pay only the $70 deposit per person (non-refundable) or the full amount. Either option is available.
  • Step 3:
    Next, fill out the personal information form for each participant, including: full name, passport number, WhatsApp number, hotel in Cusco, and more.
  • Step 4:
    After that, you’ll be able to add optional extras if you wish, such Trekking poles. continue to the next step.
  • Step 5:
    Finally, you’ll be directed to the payment form. You can pay with any debit or credit card, and in some countries, bank transfers are also available. Payments by card include a 2.9% transaction fee, which is covered by the client.
  • Once your payment is completed, you’ll automatically receive a payment confirmation email. Within 24 hours, we’ll send you the final tour confirmation, including all details of the tour.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR BOOKING

To confirm your Salkantay Trek reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $70 USD per person is required. This amount secures your spot on the tour.

Cancellations:
  • If you decide to cancel your tour, the deposit will not be refunded. If you paid the full amount for the tour and later cancel, you will receive a refund of the remaining balance, excluding the $70 USD deposit.
Date Changes:
  • You may change your tour date as long as there is availability.
Remaining Balance Payment:
  • If you only paid the deposit, the remaining balance must be paid at least 24 hours before the tour starts. You can pay through:
  • Our online booking platform
  • Or in person at our offices in Cusco, in cash (USD or soles)
  • Card payments are also accepted, with an additional 3.9% processing fee
Customer Support:
  • For any changes, cancellations, or modifications to your reservation, please email us at: 📧 machupicchureservations@gmail.com
  • If you contact us during business hours (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), one of our agents will respond immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions SALKANTAY PASS TREK AND HUMANTAY LAKE 2D – 1N

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 70 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

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