Salkantay Trek in 2 days: Laguna Humantay and Salkantay Pass

• Type: Out and back
• Total distance: 19 km (11.8 miles), or 26 km (16.2 miles) if you start from Challacancha
• Difficulty: Hard
• Maximum altitude: 4,630 m (15,190 ft)
• Trailhead: Soraypampa or Challacancha
• Map: Wikiloc

Day 1: Laguna Humantay and a night at Sky Camp

The first day of the 2-day Salkantay Trek starts very early. At around 3:00 am they picked us up at our hotel in Cusco, and after a few hours on the road we reached Mollepata, where we had a buffet breakfast that was perfect for fueling up.

Then we continued to Challacancha, where the trek starts. Our guide gave us snacks there and we set off. This first part (7 km / 4.3 miles to Soraypampa) is quite easy, on a flat trail that follows an Inca canal. Many groups do this stretch by car, but we chose to walk it to adapt better to the altitude.

Right from the trail we started to see the snow-capped peaks. After about 3 hours we reached Soraypampa, home of the Sky Camp where we'd spend the night. The place is incredible!

After resting a bit, we had lunch at the camp restaurant, and in the afternoon we set off on the hike to one of the most anticipated spots: Laguna Humantay. Although the weather wasn't ideal (clouds and some rain), we went up hoping the views would surprise us anyway. The way to the lake is about 2.5 km (1.6 miles) uphill, climbing from 3,800 to 4,200 m (12,467 to 13,780 ft).

It took us around 1 hour 30 minutes, with stops to drink water and catch our breath. Staying hydrated is key on hikes at altitude. When we got there, Laguna Humantay greeted us with its emerald-green color, and although the mountain was partly hidden by clouds, the scenery had a mystique all its own. Since most tours visit in the morning, we were one of the few groups there!

After enjoying the place for over an hour, we headed back to camp, where afternoon tea, a delicious dinner and a magical sunset were waiting for us. Watching the sky fill with stars from the domes was a real luxury.

Day 2: Climbing to Salkantay Pass

The second day is without a doubt the most demanding. It was still dark when our guide woke us up with coca tea. With great effort we left the warmth of our sleeping bags, bundled up and went to the restaurant for breakfast.

At 5 am, with our backpacks ready and our bottles full of water, we started the hike to Salkantay Pass. It's 7 km (4.3 miles) uphill, from 3,800 to 4,620 m (12,467 to 15,157 ft). Part of the group chose to go on horseback, but we did it on foot.

The climb has some intense stretches, but the hardest was the path of the 7 snakes (camino de las 7 serpientes), a series of switchbacks that seemed never to end. Little by little, with breaks and plenty of water, we made it to the highest point, facing the imposing Salkantay Mountain. It was one of the most epic views of the trip!

After resting, taking photos and enjoying the scenery, we started the descent. Although going down was faster, it's always important to be careful: that's where most accidents tend to happen.

Back at camp, a well-earned lunch was waiting for us. Then we returned to Cusco by van (about 3 hours), our bodies tired but our hearts full.

We chose to do it with Machu Picchu Tours, operated by Salkantay Trekking, one of the best companies. Its camps are comfortable, its groups small and its team super professional. The experience was excellent and very well run.

🧭 If you're looking for a trekking company for Salkantay, we recommend checking the reviews carefully before you book.

👉 Here are the tours we recommend:

• 2-day Salkantay Trek: Laguna Humantay + Salkantay Pass
• Full Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 or 5 days)

• Sleep well the night before; you feel the altitude.
• You should already have spent at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize.
• Bring warm layers: a thermal layer, a down jacket, a rain jacket.
• Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses and gloves.
• Bring snacks and 1.5 L of water (a hydration pack is ideal).
• Trekking poles help a lot going up and down (agencies usually provide them).
• Get travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, like Heymondo.

What's the altitude of Salkantay Pass? The pass reaches 4,630 m (15,190 ft), so it's key to acclimatize well beforehand.

Do you need a guide for the Salkantay Trek?
Yes, especially if it's your first time. The logistics are also complex.

Can you do this trek on your own?
It's not what we'd recommend. Tours include the camp, food and transportation. But if you prefer, you can arrange the transfer and lodging in Soraypampa on your own.