2-Day Humantay Lake & Salkantay Pass Trek with Sky Dome Glamping

2 Days
Category:
  • Humantay Lake with turquoise water reflecting the snow-capped Humantay Mountain and its glacier in the Peruvian Andes.

Description

Hike to a sacred turquoise lake, conquer Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m, and sleep under the stars in a luxury Sky Dome at the foot of the glacier.

Tour Overview

Two Days That Will Change the Way You See the Andes
This 2-day trek combines two of the most iconic high-altitude destinations near Cusco: the sacred Humantay Lake and the legendary Salkantay Pass. Set against a backdrop of permanently snow-capped peaks, the route takes you through remote indigenous villages, glacial valleys, and lunar-like landscapes that few travellers ever reach.

What makes this experience truly unique is the overnight stay in our exclusive Sky Dome geodesic tents at Soraypampa (4,300 m). Each dome features a comfortable bed, private hot-water bathroom, Wi-Fi, and panoramic views of the surrounding Andes — glamping at its finest, in the middle of the wilderness.

Our specialized chefs prepare gourmet Peruvian fusion meals at camp, and our small groups — never more than 8 guests — guarantee a personalized, immersive experience led by experienced, English-speaking guides.

Itinerary

Day-by-Day Route

Day 1 — Full Day: Cusco → Soraypampa → Humantay Lake → Sky Dome Camp

3:30 – 4:00 AM

Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco

Our driver picks you up from your hotel in Cusco for an early start. We travel by private van through the Sacred Valley, passing the town of Mollepata, and begin climbing toward the Soraypampa trailhead with spectacular dawn views of the Andes.

~2.5 hours drive

6:00 AM

Soraypampa Trailhead — Trek Begins (4,200 m)

We arrive at Soraypampa, where your guide briefs the group and you gear up for the hike. The trail rises steadily through dramatic alpine landscapes toward Humantay Lake.

~2 hours hiking

8:00 AM

Humantay Lake (4,200 m)

Arrive at one of Peru’s most breathtaking hidden gems: a vibrant turquoise glacial lake cradled at the base of Humantay Mountain. Take in the stillness, make an offering at the Incan apacheta (offering stone), and soak in the view. Plenty of time for photos before heading back down to camp.

~1.5 hours at the lake

10:30 AM

Return to Soraypampa — Lunch at Camp

Descend back to Soraypampa where our chef has prepared a hot, nourishing lunch featuring Peruvian fusion dishes. Rest and acclimatize before the afternoon exploration.

~1 hour

1:30 PM

Afternoon Exploration & Village Visit

Optional walk through the valley to visit the remote indigenous community of Iscuchaca. Witness traditional Andean rural life and the stunning scenery of the surrounding glaciers. Your guide shares the history and spiritual significance of the Salkantay mountain range — the sacred Apu revered by local Quechua communities for centuries.

~2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner & Stargazing at the Sky Dome

Settle into your private Sky Dome — the highlight of the trip. After a gourmet dinner, step outside under an ink-black Andean sky and stargaze with the Salkantay glacier as your backdrop. Hot showers, comfortable beds, and Wi-Fi await you.

Overnight

Day 2 — Full Day: Salkantay Pass → Salkantay Lake → Return to Cusco

5:00 AM

Breakfast at Camp & Early Departure

Rise early to an energizing breakfast at camp before the most dramatic section of the trek. The morning air is crisp and the glaciers glow at first light.

~45 minutes

6:00 AM

Ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,650 m)

Follow a rocky, switchback trail as you push toward the highest point of the entire trek. The scenery becomes increasingly otherworldly — vast moraines, hanging glaciers, and the imposing mass of Salkantay itself. Reaching the pass is a genuine achievement, rewarded by 360° panoramic views of Salkantay (6,271 m), Humantay, and Huayanay snow-capped peaks.

~2.5 hours hiking

9:00 AM

Detour to Salkantay Lake

From the pass, take a short detour along a lesser-known trail to the remote and exquisite Salkantay Lake. The turquoise waters perfectly mirror the glacier above — a truly exclusive, off-the-beaten-path moment. Very few tours include this stop.

~1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Descent & Lunch near Limatambo

Descend from the pass and meet your private vehicle. We drive through the valley and stop near the town of Limatambo for a final hearty lunch before the return journey.

~1 hour

2:00 PM

Return Drive to Cusco — Hotel Drop-Off

Relax in the private van as we drive back to Cusco. You’ll be dropped off directly at your hotel (or in the Sacred Valley — Ollantaytambo or Urubamba — if that’s where you’re staying).

~3 hours drive

Inclusions

Inclusions

What’s Included & What’s Not

✓ Included

  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off in Cusco (or Sacred Valley)
  • Private round-trip transport by van (Cusco ↔ Soraypampa)
  • English-speaking professional mountain guide
  • 1 night in a Sky Dome at Soraypampa (comfortable bed, private hot-water bathroom, Wi-Fi)
  • All meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch & dinner) — vegetarian options available on request
  • Pack horse carrying up to 7 kg of personal belongings + duffel bag provided
  • Foam mattress & pillow in the Sky Dome
  • Dining tent, tables, chairs, kitchen & toilet tent for staff
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Boiled drinking water throughout the trek
  • Rain poncho & daypack rain cover
  • Duffel bag & large plastic liner bags
  • Airport-to-hotel transfer in Cusco (arrival only)
  • Small pillow

✗ Not Included

  • Trekking poles — available to rent: $15 USD/pair
  • Sleeping bag — available to rent: $15 USD/person
  • Air mattress (Therm-a-Rest) — available to rent: $20 USD/person
  • Extra pack horse for personal luggage exceeding 7 kg allowance
  • Tips for guide, cook, horseman & crew (recommended & appreciated)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Snacks, alcoholic beverages & personal expenses

Packing List

Packing List

What to Bring

Pack light — your horses carry the heavy stuff. Use the duffel bag (provided) for overnight items, and a 30–40 L daypack for what you need on the trail.

In Your Daypack

  • Original passport (same as used for booking)
  • Water bottles or hydration pack (2–3 L)
  • Sunscreen & sun hat
  • Wool or fleece hat
  • Gloves
  • Headlamp (essential)
  • Rain poncho / waterproof jacket
  • Fleece mid-layer
  • Snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, chocolate)
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper + small waste bag
  • Extra cash for tips, souvenirs & drinks

In Your Duffel Bag

  • Sleeping bag (min. −15°C — rentable from us)
  • 1–2 hiking t-shirts
  • 1 pair of hiking pants
  • 2 sets of thermal / fleece layers
  • Down jacket (essential in shoulder & winter seasons)
  • 2 sets of hiking socks & undergarments
  • Warm gloves
  • Camp shoes (light & comfortable)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Small bar of soap
  • Portable battery charger (no electricity on trail)

Toiletries

  • Face moisturizer (altitude dries skin fast)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • Basic first-aid: blister pads, moleskin, ibuprofen

Footwear

  • Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support (mandatory)
  • Comfortable camp shoes or sandals
  • Gaiters (recommended, especially in wet season)

Pricing

Pricing

Tour Prices & Extras

This trek runs on any date, year-round, with a minimum of 2 hikers. Choose the option that works for your group.

Group Price
$297
USD per person
Min. 2 hikers · Max. 8 per group
Private Price
$357
USD per person
Exclusive group · Pack horse included · Personalized service

All prices include a dedicated pack horse (up to 7 kg of personal belongings). A duffel bag is provided at your pre-trek briefing.

Rentals & Add-OnsPrice
Sleeping Bag (clean & warm)$15 USD / person
Air Mattress (Therm-a-Rest)$20 USD / person
Walking Poles (professional, adjustable)$20 USD / pair

Included at No Extra Charge

  • Cusco Airport → Hotel Transfer
  • Duffel Bag & Liner Bags
  • Boiled Drinking Water
  • Emergency Oxygen Tank
  • Small Pillow

To confirm your booking, a deposit of $211 USD per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid in cash at our Cusco office (USD or PEN) or online via VISA/PayPal (5.5% processing fee applies). Deposit and payments can be made via PayPal

Additional Info

Additional Info

Everything Else You Need to Know

How do I book this trek?
Click the Book Now button and fill out our booking form with the following details for each participant: full name (as on passport), gender, passport number, date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY), and nationality. A deposit of $211 USD per person secures your spot. The trek operates on any date with a minimum of 2 participants.
What is the arrival transfer and how does it work?
We include a complimentary transfer from Cusco Airport to your hotel. Please send us your full flight details at least 14 days before the trek. Look for our representative holding an orange Rainbow Mountain VIP Peru sign at the arrivals exit.
Can I store luggage during the trek?
Yes. You can leave your main suitcase or bag at our Cusco office free of charge, or at your hotel — whichever is more convenient. Only your duffel bag (carried by the horses) and daypack come on the trek.
Do I need to bring my original passport?
Yes — your original passport is required, and it must match the passport number used when booking. If you are in the process of renewing your passport, send us the old number to secure your reservation and notify us of the new number when available (a $25 USD admin fee applies for name/number changes). You must present both passports (old and new) at all checkpoints.
Can I change my departure date?
Yes, date changes are possible. Please contact us as soon as possible — fees may apply depending on how close the change is to your original departure date.
What is the weather like on the Salkantay route?
The Andean weather is highly variable. At altitudes above 4,000 m, you can experience sunshine, rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures all in the same day. We always recommend layering your clothing — thermal base layers, a fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof outer shell are essential regardless of the season.
How big are the groups?
Groups are capped at a maximum of 8 people. Most groups travel with 2–6 participants. We specialize in small, private groups to guarantee a personalized and low-impact experience.
Will I be dropped off at my hotel after the trek?
Absolutely. On the final day, we drop all participants directly at their hotel in Cusco. If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba), we can drop you there as well — just let us know in advance.
Is tipping expected?
Tips are not compulsory, but they are deeply appreciated by our guides, cooks, horsemen, and support staff. In Peru’s trekking industry, tips are a meaningful part of the crew’s income and reflect the quality of their service. Tip only what you feel comfortable with based on your experience.
Is this a sustainable tour operation?
Yes. We operate as a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism company. All our staff are trained to respect the natural environment, local communities, and Andean cultural traditions. We pack out all waste, use reusable water systems, and work directly with local porters, horsemen, and cooks from communities along the route.

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