Highlights
- Visit the Humantay Lagoon during a two-day hike.
- Observe the waters of glacial origin under the snowy Humantay.
- See the night sky of the Andes when weather conditions allow.
- Learn about some constellations and astronomical references used within the Andean tradition.
- Walk the path known as the Seven Snakes.
- Observe glaciers, mountains, morains and high valleys.
Overview of the itinerary
- Day: Day 1; Route: Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay – Soraypampa; Approximate distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles; Walking time: Approximately 3 hours; Maximum altitude: Humantay Lagoon
- Day: Day 2; Route: Soraypampa – Salkantay Step – Soraypampa; Approximate distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles; Walking time: Approximately 6 hours; Maximum altitude: 4,630 m m above sea level
- Day: Total; Approximate distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Distances and times can change depending on the exact starting point, passenger pace, weather and trail conditions.
Technical Details
- Terrain: Distances and times can change depending on the exact starting point, passenger pace, weather and trail conditions
Itinerary
Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay
Highlight of the day: Rise to the Humantay Lagoon and night in a dome in front of the mountains.
The Peceros Agency Travel team will pick you up from 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
The exact schedule will depend on the location of the hotel, the vehicle access and the pick-up order.
You must be prepared at reception at least ten minutes before.
Travel to Mollepata
We will leave Cusco by tourist transport and continue to Mollepata.
During the first hours you can rest while the vehicle crosses urban sectors, agricultural fields, villages and mountainous areas.
The path includes curves, so people prone to dizziness should take the recommended precautions by their doctor.
Breakfast in Mollepata
When we arrive in Mollepata we will have a breakfast before continuing to the walking area.
Breakfast can include:
- Hot drink, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Bread, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Eggs, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fruit, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Cereals, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Butter or jam, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- The composition depends on the assigned restaurant.
Travellers with food restrictions must communicate it before departure.
Transfer to Challacancha
After breakfast we will continue by vehicle to Challacancha.
During this section the road ascends to rural and mountainous areas.
The exact drop point may change by:
- Road conditions, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Maintenance work, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Weather conditions may affect visibility, walking conditions and the duration of the route.
- Local restrictions, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- organization of the group.
Start of the walk
From Challacancha we will start walking towards Soraypampa.
This first section allows the body to begin to adapt to effort and altitude.
Part of the route follows a channel used to conduct water between different sectors of the mountain.
Along the way you will see:
- Grasslands, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Mountains, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Gorges, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Water courses, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Snowy when there is good visibility.
- Housing and rural land.
Hike to Soraypampa
The terrain presents gradual slopes and sectors of earth and stone.
Although this section is less demanding than the ascent to Humantay, it must be performed slowly due to altitude.
We recommend:
- Walk with short steps.
- Drink water in small quantities.
- Maintain a steady pace.
- Report any dizziness or headache.
- Not competing with other passengers.
Arrival at the camp
Upon arrival in Soraypampa you will be greeted by the camp staff.
The accommodation is located in front of the Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, although visibility depends on the weather.
After assigning the domes you will have time to:
- Organize your belongings, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Change your clothes, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Rest, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Load devices when power is available.
- Prepare for the evening of the afternoon.
Lunch
The cook will serve lunch before the hike to the Humantay Lagoon.
It may include:
- Soup, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Rice or another grain-based accompaniment may be offered as part of the buffet.
- Local potato preparations may be included as a traditional accompaniment.
- Pasta, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- A selection of cooked or fresh vegetables may be available, depending on the assigned restaurant.
- Chicken or meat, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hot drink, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
We do not recommend eating too much before the promotion.
Preparation for the Humantay Lagoon
Before leaving you must wear:
- Carry sufficient drinking water in a reusable bottle for the planned activity.
- Bring a warm or wind-resistant jacket because temperatures can change quickly.
- Pack a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially during the rainy season.
- Apply high-protection sunscreen and reapply it during prolonged outdoor exposure.
- Hat, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Gloves, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Bring a camera or phone protected from rain, dust and accidental impacts.
- Canes, when you have them.
- Personal medications, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- The main baggage will remain in the camp.
Promotion to the Humantay Lagoon
The walk begins with a gradual slope that becomes stronger as it approaches the lagoon.
The main difficulty is the combination of height and unevenness.
You can feel:
- Accelerated breathing, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- tiredness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Light headache, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Dizziness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Feeling cold, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Any symptoms should be communicated to the guide.
Optional horse use
Horses may be available for part of the ascent, but they are not included.
The general conditions are:
- Direct payment or prior coordination.
- Limited availability, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- The horse may not reach the lagoon.
Some sectors will need to be done by walking.
The rate depends on the local provider.
The passenger must follow the instructions of the arriero.
The service may be suspended due to mud or bad weather.
Using a horse does not eliminate the effects of altitude.
Arrival at the Humantay Lagoon
When you arrive you will have time to rest, observe the landscape and take pictures.
The color of the water may vary according to:
- Solar light, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Cloudiness, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Sediments, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Thawing, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Depth, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Weather conditions, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
You should not expect to always have the same turquoise tone shown in promotional photographs.
Rules in the Lagoon
- Don’t get into the water.
- Don’t throw waste, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Don’t remove stones, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Don’t build new apachets.
- Do not enter closed areas.
- Do not use drones without authorization.
- Stay inside the permitted trails.
- Follow the instructions of the guide.
Return to camp
After the visit we will start the descent towards Soraypampa.
The descent may be stronger for the knees. Use canes when you have them and walk carefully on dirt or loose stone.
Dinner
When you return you will have time to change and rest.
Dinner will be prepared by the cook and served in the dining tent or assigned space.
After dinner, the guide will explain the schedule of the second day.
Observation of the Sky
When the sky is clear, the guide will be able to offer an explanation about:
Constellations.
Night orientation.
Symbolic relationship of the mountains with the Andean worldview.
Differences between certain Inca and Western interpretations of the sky.
The activity is completely dependent on cloudiness and climate.
Night in the dome
You’ll sleep in a dome located in the camp.
Temperatures can drop considerably during the night.
You must use:
- Thermal clothes, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hat, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Dry socks, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Proper sleeping bag, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Warmwear, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Technical Details
- Route: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay
- Indicated distance: Approximately 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Walking time: About 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to demanding
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Domo, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Climate: Cold and variable
Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa – Soyrococha – Paso Salkantay – Soraypampa – Mollepta – Cusco
Highlight of the day: Ascent to the Salkantay Pass above 4,600 meters and return to Cusco.
The second day will begin at approximately 5:00 a.m.
The team will wake you up with a cup of hot coke tea.
You will have time for:
- Change you, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Save your belongings, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Prepare the backpack, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Organize the sleeping bag.
- Check your team, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Breakfast
Breakfast will be served at approximately 5:45 a.m.
It may include:
- Hot drink, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Bread, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Eggs, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Cereals, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fruit, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Pancakes or other preparations according to the cook.
We recommend eating enough to get energy, without overdoing it.
Start of the Ascent
After breakfast we will start walking towards Salkantaypampa.
The temperature will be low during the first few hours and ice may exist on some surfaces.
The trail gradually ascends to sectors of greater slope.
Salkantaypampa
Salkantaypampa is an open sector located under the mountains.
From here you can see the path that continues to Soyrococha and the Salkantay Pass.
The guide will take a short break to check the status of the group.
Path of the Seven Snakes
The rise continues through steep curves known as the Seven Snakes.
This is one of the most demanding sectors.
You must:
- Walking slowly, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Take short steps, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Maintaining a regular breath.
- Use canes, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Drink water, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Report any symptoms, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Soyrococha
Before the passage is the sector of Soyrococha.
The altitude, wind and cold feel more intense.
From this area you can see moraines, mountains and possible accumulations of snow, according to the season.
Final Ascent to the Salkantay Pass
The final part can take several hours from the camp.
The itinerary indicates a time of approximately 3 to 4 hours of ascent, depending on the pace and conditions.
The land may include:
- Stone, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Gravel, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Earth, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Mud, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Snow, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Ice, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Constant earrings, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Salkantay Step
The Salkantay Pass is approximately 4,630 m m above sea level
When you arrive you will be able to observe:
- Snowy Salkantay, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Nearby mountains, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Glaciers, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Morrenas, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Valleys of height, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- The road used by other trekking routes.
- Visibility depends on the climate.
Time for photographs
You will have limited time to take pictures and rest.
We do not recommend staying too long without moving due to cold and wind.
Keep your jacket on and avoid taking off clothes for extended periods.
Andean ceremony
The guide will be able to address a brief moment of thanks to the Apus.
Participation is voluntary.
The activity must be carried out without leaving:
- Plastic, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Processed food, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Coins, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Waste, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Objects that alter the environment.
Descent to Soraypampa
After the visit we will begin the descent along the same path.
The return can take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Descent requires attention because loose stones, mud, or ice can lead to slips.
Recommendations for descent
- He uses canes, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Don’t run, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Keep a distance from other passengers.
- Gives space to horses and mules.
- Walk the trail, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Protect your knees, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Report any pain, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Arrival in Soraypampa
When you return you will have time to rest and collect your belongings.
Staff will arrange luggage and transportation.
Before leaving check:
- Carry the original passport used for the reservation, as it may be required for identity and ticket verification.
- Keep a charged phone available for operational messages, tickets and emergency contact.
- Bring a camera or phone protected from rain, dust and accidental impacts.
- Charger, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Carry any prescribed personal medication in an accessible part of your daypack.
- sleeping bag, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Clothing, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Canes, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Transfer to Mollepata
We will board the transport to return to Mollepata.
The route is made by mountain road and can present dust, mud, curves and bumps.
Lunch
In Mollepata we will have the second lunch included.
The menu will depend on the assigned restaurant.
Bottled drinks and additional consumption may have extra cost.
Return to Cusco
After lunch we will continue to Cusco.
The arrival is scheduled at approximately 6:00 p.m.
The schedule may vary due to:
- Rhythm of the group.
- Weather conditions may affect visibility, walking conditions and the duration of the route.
- State of the road.
- Weather in Paso Salkantay.
- Traffic conditions may change transfer times and the order of some stops.
- Operational stops, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Technical Details
- Route: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Soraypampa – Mollepata – Cusco
- Indicated distance: Approximately 9 km / 5.6 miles
- Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
- Maximum altitude: 4,630 m m above sea level
- Difficulty: Demanding, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Arrival to Cusco: Approximately 6:00 p.m.
Accommodation Domes
The program includes a night in domes located in the Soraypampa sector.
General characteristics
- Protected space for sleeping.
- Mattress or rest surface depending on the camp.
- View of the mountains when the weather allows.
- Protection from wind and rain.
- Close to the dining store.
- Basic camping facilities, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Considerations
- The temperature may drop below 0 °C.
- Heating is not guaranteed.
- Electricity can be limited.
- The phone signal may be weak or non-existent.
- Wi-Fi is not guaranteed.
- restrooms can be basic.
- Hot water depends on the camp infrastructure.
- The views can be covered by clouds.
Shop option
The original text mentions mats when the passenger prefers to camp in a tent.
This option must be requested before booking and is subject to:
- Availability of shops, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Capacity of the camp.
- Weather conditions, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Operational organization, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Food
The program includes:
2 breakfasts
2 lunches
1 dinner
Meals are prepared by the cook or served in coordinated restaurants.
Possible preparations
- The buffet may include one or more regional or international soups, depending on the restaurant.
- Rice or another grain-based accompaniment may be offered as part of the buffet.
- Pasta, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Local potato preparations may be included as a traditional accompaniment.
- A selection of cooked or fresh vegetables may be available, depending on the assigned restaurant.
- Chicken dishes may be available as one of the main protein options.
- Meat-based preparations may be available, depending on the daily menu.
- Eggs, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Fruits, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Bread, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Hot drinks, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Special Diets
You must report before booking if you need:
- Vegetarian food, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Vegan food, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Gluten-free menu, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Lactose-free menu, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Attention for allergies, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
- Medical diet, when applicable to the confirmed itinerary and operating conditions.
Camp kitchens have limitations and cannot always guarantee the complete absence of cross-contamination.
Inclusions
- Pick-up from the stated hotel area or a nearby coordinated point when vehicle access is restricted.
- Tourist transportation in a vehicle selected according to the group size and route conditions.
- Professional guide for route coordination, assistance and interpretation of the main sites.
- Cook. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Kitchen equipment. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Camping accommodation and equipment according to the confirmed trek program.
- Tables. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Chairs. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Breakfast at a selected local establishment, according to the itinerary.
- Lunch at a selected local restaurant; dietary requests must be reported in advance.
- Dinner according to the program and the service available at the overnight location.
- Accommodation in the category and location confirmed for the tour.
- Entrance ticket for the attraction specified in the booking confirmation.
- A basic first-aid kit carried by the guide for initial assistance during the route.
- Emergency oxygen for initial assistance at altitude; it does not replace professional medical care.
- Operational assistance before and during the tour for the services included in the booking.
- Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary, including personal orders and upgrades.
- Sleeping bag rental unless it appears as included in the reservation.
- Horse service, which is hired and paid directly to the local provider when available.
- Trekking poles, except confirmation.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Personal refrigerations.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Professional medical care or evacuation expenses required during the trip.
- Personal medicines and treatments prescribed for the traveler.
- Accommodation before or after the tour unless it is expressly listed in the package.
- Services not mentioned.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Personal purchases, souvenirs and other expenses chosen by the traveler.
- Personal mountain equipment.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
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