Explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Cusco’s second-highest peak, standing tall at 6,275 meters. The 2-Day Salkantay Trek offers an exhilarating adventure through majestic mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and lagoons, including visits to the breathtaking Humantay and Salkantay Lagoons. Ideal for those who have already experienced Machu Picchu and wish to delve deeper into the captivating Andean wilderness.
Key Highlights:
Trip Details:
DAY 1: CUSCO – HUMANTAY LAKE – QUISWARNIYOC PRIVATE CAMP
We start by gathering everyone from their respective hotels and depart Cusco around 5:15 a.m., embarking on a two-hour drive to the town of Mollepata. Upon arrival, we take a break to enjoy a delicious breakfast and pay a 10 soles entrance fee to the local municipality. The journey continues by car for another hour to Soraypampa, where we meet the muleteers and horses that will transport our luggage, meals, and each hiker’s 7 kilograms of personal belongings provided in duffle bags.
Our adventure begins with a two-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake. Once we reach the lake, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area, take photographs, and listen to the guide explain the significance of Humantay Lake. After spending a couple of hours at the lake, we descend for two hours to the exclusive Quiswarniyoc Camp, where a wholesome lunch awaits us.
After lunch, you have free time to explore the stunning surroundings. If you’re interested in more hiking, you can climb to the Salkantay Mirador for a panoramic view of the entire region. Alternatively, if you prefer to relax, you can unwind in the Crystal Igloos, which are cabins equipped with glass doors, pillows, sleeping pads, and nighttime lighting.
Quiswarniyoc Private Camp, situated at 4,000 meters, is a premium campsite offering short hiking trails, mountain vistas, and waterfalls. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and even take photos with the llamas that roam the camp.
DAY 2: QUISWARNIYOC – SALKANTAY PASS (4630M) – CUSCO
The second day of the trek is more demanding, taking you to the highest point of the entire Salkantay trail, where you’ll experience fantastic mountain views and visit Salkantay Lake.
Around 5:00 a.m., the cooks will wake you with a cup of hot coca tea, giving you time to repack and prepare for a nutritious breakfast served around 5:45 a.m. After breakfast, we begin the ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay trail, standing at 4,630 meters. The uphill hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours at a steady, relaxed pace.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have time to admire the mountain scenery, take photos, and learn about the mountain deities from your guide. You’ll also participate in a small Andean ritual to honor the Apus, the mountain gods. Afterward, we start the 2.5-hour downhill trek back to Soraypampa, where transportation will be waiting to take you to Mollepata for lunch. Following lunch, we continue with a two-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m.
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:
Accessories:
Essentials:
Additional Items (optional):
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.
Salkantay Trek 3-Day Essentials
For the 3-day Salkantay trek, you’ll need personal trekking gear and a sleeping bag. If you don’t have a sleeping bag, you can rent one from us, as well as trekking poles if desired. We provide the rest of the necessary equipment.
Personal Trekking Gear to Pack:
Essential Documents for the Trek:
Note: Machu Picchu Reservations provides a duffle bag in which you can pack up to 7 kilos of personal belongings. These will be carried by horses during the trek. You’ll carry your small backpack with daily essentials while trekking, and you’ll have access to your duffle bag at each campsite.
2025 Land Cost (Base Price)
| Price Type | Price Per Person |
| Group Price | US$ 280.00 |
Operation Guarantee: This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances.
You can enhance your Peru Adventure with a variety of optional extensions.
Important Note: Promotional prices are valid only for confirmed departures. For any other dates or changes, the regular price (the first of the two prices listed) will apply.
| Optional Extension | Promotional Price (Confirmed Departure) | Regular Price |
| Cusco City Tour | US$ 40.00 | US$ 50.00 |
| Sacred Valley | US$ 80.00 | US$ 100.00 |
| Moray & Maras Salt Mines | US$ 80.00 | US$ 100.00 |
| Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain | US$ 80.00 | US$ 100.00 |
| Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain | US$ 80.00 | US$ 100.00 |
| Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain | US$ 100.00 | US$ 120.00 |
| Waqrapukara Tour | US$ 100.00 | US$ 120.00 |
| Ausangate Seven Lakes | US$ 80.00 | US$ 100.00 |
| Queswachaka Inca Bridge | US$ 100.00 | US$ 120.00 |
Do you feel coherently and orderly informed now, or do you need a translation back into a language only spoken by llamas? (Just kidding! Unless you actually need a llama language translation, I’m sticking to human ones.)
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that's left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we'll be with you every step of the way. At SALKANTAY TREKKERS, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.
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