SALKANTAY TREK 2D/1N

Duration:

2D/1N

Difficulty:

Moderate

Group Size:

Up to 10 people

Departures:

Daily

Service Type:

Group / Private

Max Altitude:

15,190 ft

The Salkantay Trek 2D/1N combines breathtaking mountain landscapes with an overnight stay at the Sky Domes in Soraypampa. During the trek, you will visit Humantay Lake and reach Salkantay Pass, located at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.

The indicated price corresponds to the shared service, with accommodation in a double room. If you prefer a single room or would like to take the tour as a private service, please contact us for the corresponding rates.

Due to the remote location of the route, there is no Wi-Fi and mobile phone coverage is limited or unavailable throughout most of the trek.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO – CHALLACANCHA – HUMANTAY LAKE - SORAYPAMPA

Your adventure begins early. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. and travel to Mollepata, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, we will stop for breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue to Challacancha, where we will begin our hike. Once we arrive, the cook and horse handler will organize the camping equipment and cooking utensils before we set off on the trail.

The first 25 minutes of the hike will be a gentle uphill walk to the Water Canal, where we will enjoy panoramic views of the impressive snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay. We will then continue hiking toward Soraypampa, our campsite, located at 3,900 m / 12,795 ft, near the imposing Salkantay Mountain. Upon reaching Soraypampa, we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

After lunch, we will hike to Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft, where we will have time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery. Finally, we will return to Soraypampa, where we will spend the night at our campsite.

Accommodation: Sky Dome Glamping.
Hiking time: approximately 6 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – SORAYPAMPA – CUSCO

After breakfast, we will begin our hike at approximately 6:30 a.m. Today, we will make an approximately 4-hour ascent to reach the highest point of the Salkantay route, located at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, Salkantay Pass, situated between the impressive snow-capped mountains of Salkantay on the right and Tucarrhuay on the left. From this point, we will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of both mountains. Depending on weather conditions, there may be snow in this area.

After enjoying the scenery and taking a group photo, we will begin our descent along the same trail toward Soraypampa, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch and have some time to rest. After lunch, we will continue our journey back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at Plaza Regocijo, located next to the Plaza de Armas, at approximately 6:00 p.m., marking the end of the tour.

Hiking time: approximately 6 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

INCLUDED:

Hotel pickup in Cusco.
Tourist transportation.
All entrance tickets.
English-and Spanish-speaking guide.
Cook and assistant cook.
1 night at Sky Dome Glamping.
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.
First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
All applicable taxes.

NOT INCLUDED:

WHY CHOOSE CALLANGA FAMILY EXPLORERS?

Because behind every journey is a family, a story, and a deep love for Peru. Callanga Family Explorers is a local, family-owned travel company from Cusco, Peru, born from a lifelong connection to the people, landscapes, culture, and communities of our region. Our roots go back to Callanga, a remote community in Cusco where our founder was born and raised, learn more about our story.

We believe traveling through Peru should be about more than visiting extraordinary places. It should be about meeting its people, discovering its culture, appreciating its landscapes, and creating memories that have meaning.

When you travel with us, you are not simply booking a tour. You are choosing to travel with a local family that is proud of its roots and committed to sharing the authentic spirit of Peru with you. We combine personalized service, professional experience, and carefully designed journeys with a genuine commitment to responsible tourism.

OUR PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDES

Our professional tour guides have extensive experience and knowledge. They will accompany you throughout your journey, sharing valuable insights into history, culture, nature, and local traditions while ensuring you enjoy a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.

SMALL GROUPS

At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe that smaller groups create more meaningful travel experiences. To ensure personalized service, greater comfort, and a closer connection with our guides, our shared tour groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers. This allows us to provide a more flexible, enjoyable, and authentic experience, while giving every guest the attention and care they deserve throughout their journey.

OUR COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

We believe tourism can leave something positive behind. That is why part of the revenue from our tours supports community and environmental initiatives, including education support for children, environmental clean-up campaigns, reforestation, and projects that help care for the communities and landscapes of Cusco.

For us, responsible tourism is not simply something we talk about. It is something we put into action, year after year. Discover our social and environmental projects.

Every time you choose to travel with Callanga Family Explorers, you become part of that story. Your journey supports a local family business while also contributing to initiatives that give back to communities and help protect the natural and cultural heritage of Peru.

Travel with us, discover Peru, and be part of something meaningful.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please take a moment to review the information below, as it provides helpful details about our services and answers many common questions.

BRIEFING IN CUSCO

One day before starting the Salkantay Trek, you will have a short briefing at your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 p.m. During this meeting, your guide will explain the itinerary, schedules, and all the important details about the trek. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions and receive recommendations to help you enjoy the experience. If you have any outstanding balance for your reservation, you may also take this opportunity to make the payment.

PAYMENT METHODS

To confirm your reservation, we offer two secure payment methods. A 40% deposit of the total trek cost is required to secure your reservation.

Credit & Debit Card: You can pay with any credit or debit card. We will send you a secure, personalized Izipay payment link for the applicable amount, where you can enter your card details and complete your payment quickly and securely.

PayPal: You can make your payment through PayPal using our account info@callangafamilyexplorers.com. If you prefer, we can also send a PayPal payment request to your email address. Your reservation will be confirmed once the required deposit has been received.

Payment Processing Fee: Payment providers apply a 6% processing fee to the payment amount, which is deducted from the amount received. For the initial 40% deposit, this fee will be fully covered by Callanga Family Explorers, so you will not be charged any additional amount for this fee.

***Before confirming your reservation, please also send us a clear copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.

WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?

To avoid credit card processing fees, you may pay the remaining balance in cash (US dollars only) during your briefing in Cusco. If you prefer to pay in cash, you can bring US dollars with you or withdraw cash in Cusco. Please note that ATM withdrawals may be subject to fees depending on your bank and the ATM used.

If you prefer, you may also pay the remaining balance by credit or debit card. In this case, a 6% processing fee will apply to the amount paid to cover the fees charged by the payment providers.

CAN I CHANGE MY TRAVEL DATE?

Yes, you can request to change your travel date. Date changes are subject to the applicable conditions and penalties, depending on how far in advance the request is made.

For full details, please see our Terms & Conditions.

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes. You must bring your original passport throughout the trek. It is important that the passport details match the information provided when making your reservation.

If you made your reservation with one passport and later renewed it, you must bring both passports: your previous passport and your new passport, so the reservation information can be verified against your identity.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

Most travelers adapt well to high altitudes when they allow enough time to acclimatize before starting the trek. Since this trek reaches 4,630 m / 15,190 ft at Salkantay Pass, proper acclimatization is important, especially if you are not accustomed to high elevations.

We recommend spending at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek. Staying hydrated, walking at a comfortable pace, and allowing your body time to adjust can help you better adapt to the altitude.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE DURING THE TREK?

Weather conditions along the Salkantay route can vary considerably due to changes in altitude and location. During the trek, you may experience sunny or cloudy skies, cool temperatures, strong winds, and occasional rainfall.

From November to April, rainfall is generally more frequent, especially during the rainy season. From May to October, the weather is generally drier, with more sunny days, although mornings and nights can be cold, especially at higher elevations.

At Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass, temperatures can be significantly colder due to the high altitude. Strong winds, low temperatures, and rapidly changing weather conditions are also possible, including snow in the highest areas.

WHAT ARE THE SKY DOMES LIKE?

Sky Domes are dome-style accommodations located in Soraypampa. Each dome measures approximately 6 meters (20 feet) in diameter and is equipped with beds, thick blankets, and transparent sections that allow you to enjoy the night sky and the surrounding mountains.

The domes do not have heating, but we provide thick blankets and insulation for greater comfort during the night. Hot water is provided through a solar water-heating system, depending on weather conditions. You need to bring a sleeping bag for the overnight stay. We also use biodegradable materials and promote sustainable, responsible, and ethical tourism.

WHAT TYPE OF FOOD DO WE PROVIDE DURING THE TREK?

We provide nutritious and well-balanced meals served buffet-style, with generous portions to keep you energized throughout the trek. Our meals include freshly prepared Peruvian dishes such as soups, meats, rice, quinoa, and vegetables, as well as hot beverages.

We also provide vegetarian and gluten-free options at no additional cost. If you have any dietary preferences or restrictions, please let us know when making your reservation.

We provide boiled or filtered water for refilling your bottles, as well as light snacks such as fruit or cookies. If you would like additional snacks, you are welcome to bring your own.

ARE MULES USED DURING THE TREK?

Yes. Mules are used to transport the camping equipment, cooking utensils, and other supplies needed for the service. However, each passenger must carry their own personal belongings, including their sleeping bag, in their backpack to the campsite in Soraypampa. Since this is only a 2-day, 1-night trek, we recommend bringing only what is necessary and avoiding carrying a heavy backpack.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend purchasing travel insurance before starting your trip to Peru. It is important to have a policy that provides coverage for medical expenses, accidents, and other unexpected situations that may arise during your trip. For a high-altitude trek, we also recommend checking that your insurance covers the activities you will be doing and provides emergency assistance.

ARE TREKKING POLES NECESSARY?

Trekking poles are highly recommended to provide greater stability and support during the trek, especially on uphill and downhill sections. They can also help reduce the impact on your knees during descents.

ARE TIPS MANDATORY?

No. At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe in rewarding our staff through fair wages and responsible working conditions. Our staff are paid fairly for their professionalism, dedication, and hard work.

If you feel that our team has exceeded your expectations and would like to show your appreciation, tips are always welcome but are never expected or mandatory. Any gratuity is entirely at your discretion and is greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for exceptional service.

PACKING LIST

-Sleeping bag.
-Trekking poles.
-Passport.
-Small backpack or daypack.
-Change of clothes.
-Warm clothing.
-Fleece or warm jacket.
-Rain jacket or poncho.
-Comfortable hiking shoes or trekking boots.
-Water bottle or reusable water container.
-Basic toiletries.
-Sunscreen.
-Sun hat or cap.
-Sunglasses.
-Personal medications, if needed.
-Cash in Peruvian soles (PEN).
-Camera or phone.
-Small flashlight or headlamp.