Inca Trail 2027 - Limited permits. Plan early with Apple Travel Peru.
Check availability2 Days / 1 Night
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.
Group or Private
Trekking, Cultural and Adventure
Small Group (Max 8) or Private
High-Altitude Camping
Moderate to Challenging
2 Days / 1 Night
Humantay Lake & Salkantay Mountain Trek 2 Days
Your mountain journey begins at 5:00 AM with a private pickup from your Cusco hotel. We then drive through the scenic Limatambo Valley, passing the traditional farming villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo. After approximately 3.5 hours, we arrive at the Soraypampa trailhead (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our team prepares hot snacks while you take in views of the Humantay and Salkantay glaciers.
We begin our hike with a 1-hour uphill trek to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). You will have ample time to explore the lakeshore, take photos, and learn about the sacred cultural role this body of water holds in Andean cosmology.
From Humantay Lake, we descend back toward Soraypampa and continue upward for 2 hours along the valley trail to our campsite at Soyroccocha (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). Upon arrival, our team will have your tents fully set up. Afterward, we gather in the dining tent for hot drinks, afternoon snacks, and a fresh gourmet dinner before turning in early for a restful night.
We wake early to a hot breakfast before starting our ascent to the highest point of the trek. Within about an hour of steady hiking, we reach Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,367 ft). Standing at the base of Mount Salkantay (6,217 m / 20,396 ft), massive glaciers, mineral-rich rivers, and the soaring peaks of Humantay and Huayanay surround you.
Take your time to absorb the views, we follow a short side trail off the main trekking path for 30 minutes to visit the exquisite turquoise Salkantay Lake. After taking in this second glacial lake, we retrace our steps down the valley to the trailhead at Soraypampa, where our chef prepares a final hot lunch.
After lunch, our private vehicle picks us up for the return drive to Cusco, dropping you off directly at your hotel at approximately 6:00 PM.
| Option | Price (USD) |
| Group Tour (Max 8 hikers) | $297 per person |
| Private Tour | $327 per person |
Note: Group departures run guaranteed with a minimum of 2 participants.
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and local tour operator based in Cusco with years of personal trekking experience. In fact, as a 100% Cusqueñian company without corporate shareholders, we focus on delivering personalized, high-quality service while directly supporting our local mountain staff.
To reserve your spot, fill out our online booking form with full passport details (full name, passport number, gender, date of birth, and nationality) for each hiker. You must pay a non-refundable deposit of $211 USD per person via VISA or PayPal.
You can pay the remaining balance in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our Cusco office during your pre-trek briefing to avoid processing fees. Alternatively, you can pay your balance online via VISA or PayPal, which incurs an added 5.5% service fee.
Yes. You must bring the original physical passport used at the time of booking. However, if you renew your passport before the trek, you must notify us to update your permit details ($25 USD fee) or bring both your old and new physical passports on the trip.
Mountain weather in the Andes is highly variable and unpredictable. Temperatures can range from warm and sunny during the day to sub-zero cold at night, therefor we recommend dressing in breathable layers to adjust quickly to temperature changes.
We maintain a strict maximum group size of 8 travelers. Our average group size ranges between 2 and 6 hikers, ensuring personal attention and a tailored wilderness experience.
We rate this trek as moderate to challenging. Day 1 involves a steady uphill hike to Humantay Lake and Soyroccocha, while Day 2 requires an uphill push to Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,367 feet). We strongly recommend regular physical activity and 2 to 3 days of acclimatization in Cusco before your trek.
No. You only carry a small daypack (30L to 40L) with your water, rain jacket, warm layers, camera, and personal items. Our pack horses carry your duffel bag (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs per person) along with campsite equipment and food.
Apple Travel Peru provides a private, sanitary chemical camping toilet with a comfortable seat inside an individual toilet tent. Our team sets up the toilet tent a respectful distance from the main campsite to ensure privacy and cleanliness.
Yes. Our mountain chefs cater to all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and specific food allergies, at no extra cost. Please state your dietary requirements when completing your booking form.
If you cannot continue due to illness or altitude issues, our guide will assist you to the nearest road access for transport back to town. Our guides always carry emergency oxygen on the trail. Hikers assume full responsibility for any emergency helicopter evacuation costs, so you must carry valid travel insurance.
If you need to change your departure date, please notify us as soon as possible. Date change fees may apply depending on how close your request is to the scheduled departure.
Tipping is optional but greatly appreciated by our guides, chefs, and horsemen. If you enjoy the service, tipping offers a great way to express your appreciation for the team’s hard work throughout the expedition.
Yes. As a locally owned operator, we commit to environmental protection, Leave No Trace practices, fair living wages for support staff, and direct funding for community projects in isolated Andean villages.
You carry this backpack with you on the trail during the day.
Provided at your briefing. Pack horses carry your duffel bag between campsites (includes sleeping bag and pad allowance).
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.
Read moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
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