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Salkantay hike 2 days, exploring the mesmerizing landscape surrounding Cusco’s second-highest peak in Peru, at an elevation of 6,275 meters. Experience awe-inspiring mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and lagoons with visits to the stunning Humantay and Salkantay Lagoons. This adventure is perfect for those who have already visited Machu Picchu and wish to delve further into the captivating Andean mountains. As operators of the Salkantay Trek, we offer an opportunity to experience the trail’s beauty in just two days. All you need are a few personal items, and we will provide the rest. Spend a night at our exclusive, private Quiswarniyoc campsite, surrounded by natural wonders and Relax in our one-of-a-kind Crystal Igloos, offering a truly exceptional and immersive lodging experience amid the stunning natural surroundings.
Highlights: 2-Day Trek to Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass & Crystal Igloos
2 DAYS SALKANTAY HIKE SUMMARY
After picking up everyone from their respective hotels, we depart from Cusco around 5:15 am, driving for 2 hours to the town of Mollepata. Once there, we stop for a delicious breakfast and pay a 10 soles entrance fee to the local municipality. We continue by car for another hour to Soraypampa, where we meet the muleteers and horses that will carry our luggage, food, and each hiker’s 7 kilos of personal belongings provided in duffle bags.
We start the 2-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake. Upon arrival, you’ll have ample time to explore, take photos, and listen to the guide’s explanation about the significance of Humantay Lake. After spending a couple of hours at the lake, we descend for 2 hours to the exclusive Quiswarniyoc Camp, where a wholesome lunch awaits.
Following lunch, you have free time to explore the stunning area. If you desire more hiking, you can ascend to the Salkantay Mirador for a panoramic view of the entire region. If you prefer to rest, relax in the Crystal Igloos, which are cabins featuring glass doors, pillows, sleeping pads, and nighttime illumination.
Quiswarniyoc Private Camp, located at 4,000 meters, is an exclusive campsite offering short hiking trails, mountain views, and waterfalls. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and even take pictures with the llamas that inhabit the camp.
The second day of the trek is more challenging, as it takes you to the highest point of the entire Salkantay trail, offering fantastic mountain views and a visit to Salkantay Lake.
At around 5:00 am, the cooks will wake you with a cup of hot coca tea, giving you time to repack and prepare for a nutritious breakfast served at around 5:45 am. Afterward, it’s time to begin the ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay trail, which stands at 4,630 meters. The uphill hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours at a steady, slow pace.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have time to admire the mountain views, take photos, and learn about the mountain gods from your guide. You’ll also participate in a small Andean ritual to honor the Apus, the mountain gods. Afterward, you’ll begin the 2.5-hour downhill trek back to Soraypampa, where transportation will be waiting to take you to Mollepata for lunch.
Following lunch, you’ll continue with a two-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 pm.
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:
Optional: You can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns.
The remaining BALANCE is due 48 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in CASH (soles or dollars) or CREDIT CARD (+ 5 %) at the office in Cusco or in your hotel/hostal/apartament.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.
Additional Enhancements:
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $30 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio
Machu Picchu Mountain: $30 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio
Sleeping Bag Rental: (for the entire trek): $15 USD
Trekking Poles Rental: (one pair for the entire trek): $10 USD
Upgrade Train: Vistadome – Panoramic Train (if you choose the train return option): $35 USD.
Important: Book the normal tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance and any additional upgrades you choose upon arrival in Cusco.
Student Discount: If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.
All university cards must be laminated and clearly show the following information:
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The Salkantay trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. It is a multi-day hike that goes through stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, high-altitude passes, cloud forests, and Inca ruins.
The Salkantay trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves hiking at high altitudes, with the highest point being Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level. However, the trek is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and previous hiking experience.
The Salkantay trek typically takes 4 to 5 days to complete. Some tour operators offer longer or shorter itineraries, depending on your preferences and fitness level.
You should pack comfortable and waterproof hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, warm clothes, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It’s also essential to bring a sleeping bag, a water bottle, and snacks or energy bars.
While you don’t need to be an experienced hiker, it’s important to have a reasonable level of fitness to complete the Salkantay trek. You’ll be hiking for several hours each day, often at high altitudes, so it’s a good idea to prepare your body with cardio and strength training before your trip.
While it’s possible to do the Salkantay trek independently, it’s recommended to hire a guide for safety reasons and to learn more about the history and culture of the area. Most tour operators offer guided tours, which also include transportation, meals, and accommodation.
The best time to do the Salkantay trek is from April to October, which is the dry season in the region. During these months, you can expect clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. However, it’s also possible to do the trek during the wet season (November to March), although the trails can be muddy and slippery, and you may encounter more rain and clouds.
The Inca Trail is a famous trekking route in Peru that leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. It’s a 4-day hike that follows an original Inca stone path through the Andes mountains, passing through several Inca ruins and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
The Inca Trail is considered a challenging trek, with steep ascents and descents, high-altitude passes, and rugged terrain. It’s important to have a good level of fitness and previous hiking experience to complete the trek.
The best time to do the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, you can expect clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. The wet season, from November to March, can be more challenging due to the rain and mud on the trails.
The Inca Trail is a 4-day hike, covering a distance of approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles). However, there are shorter and longer itineraries available, depending on your preferences and fitness level.
You should pack comfortable and waterproof hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, warm clothes, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It’s also essential to bring a sleeping bag, a water bottle, and snacks or energy bars.
You need to book the Inca Trail through a licensed tour operator, as independent hiking is not allowed. The government limits the number of permits for the trail each day, so it’s essential to book well in advance, especially during the peak season (June to August).
If you still can't decide, we recommend you see these tour options that we have for you!
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