Alternative Treks

Cusco • Soraypampa • Humantay Lake • Soyroccocha • Salkantay Pass

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes on a 2-day wilderness trek to Humantay Lake and Salkantay Mountain. Designed for adventurers who want to immerse themselves in high-alpine scenery, this route features turquoise glacial lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, and peaceful trails far removed from crowded tourist routes.

Starting with a drive through the traditional Andean villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, you begin your trek at Soraypampa. You climb up to the iconic Humantay Lake before ascending toward Soyroccocha for an unforgettable night under the stars. On Day 2, you cross the majestic Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,367 feet) and visit the secluded Salkantay Lake. With personalized service, expert local guides, and camping gear included, this short trek delivers maximum mountain scenery in just two days.

Highlights

• Humantay Lake: Hike to the famous turquoise glacial lake situated directly at the base of Mount Humantay.
• Salkantay Pass Summit: Reach an altitude of 4,650 m (15,367 ft) for panoramic views of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay mountain ranges.
• Hidden Glacial Gem: Take an exclusive side trail to the pristine Salkantay Lake away from standard trekking routes.
• Traditional Villages: Pass through remote indigenous communities in the Limatambo Valley where ancient customs endure.
• Small-Group Comfort: Enjoy personalized attention with groups capped at 8 travelers, gourmet Andean meals, and quality 4-season camping gear.

High-Altitude Mountain Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu via Huchuy Qosqo

Escape the crowded standard trails and experience an authentic slice of the high Andes on the 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu. Traversing high mountain passes, ancient Inca highways, and serene cliffside ruins, this off-the-beaten-path circuit combines dramatic scenery, genuine cultural homestays, and iconic archaeological sites into a single, seamless adventure.

Perched high above the Urubamba River, Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco”) was built in the 15th century by the 8th Inca Emperor, Wiracocha, as a secluded royal estate and mountain retreat modeled after the Inca capital. Today, its grand stone palaces, storehouses, terraced hillsides, and ceremonial sectors offer peaceful, uncrowded exploration surrounded by sweeping views of the Sacred Valley and snow-capped mountain peaks.

More than just a hike, this all-in-one itinerary bridges remote mountain living with the classic highlights of Peru. You will spend an evening in a traditional village homestay (learning local Andean customs and stargazing beneath unpolluted night skies) before exploring the circular agricultural laboratory of Moray, the pre-Inca Maras Salt Mines, and the living town of Ollantaytambo. Your journey culminates with a scenic train ride into the cloud forest and a fully guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel.

Highlights

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Ruins: Explore the peaceful cliffside ruins of Huchuy Qosqo far away from heavy tourist crowds.
• Authentic Family Homestay: Stay overnight with a local highland family in Patabamba, complete with comfortable facilities and home-cooked meals.
• Sacred Valley Exploration: Visit the concentric farming terraces of Moray and the pre-Inca salt mines of Maras.
• Inca Stargazing: Experience unpolluted night skies as your guide highlights traditional Andean constellations.
• Guided Machu Picchu Tour: Enjoy a complete guided tour of the iconic citadel with round-trip train and bus logistics included.