Itinerary
Humantay Lake – Salkantay Mountain Hike
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha
Your adventure begins at 5 am when we pick you up from your hotel and drive for 3.5 hours to Soraypampa in our private van. On the way, you will witness the beauty of two charming indigenous villages named Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Also, get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking views of valleys and the snow-capped famous Salkantay Mountain. At Soraypampa, we’ll take a break to munch on some snacks and admire the stunning glaciers of Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft) before starting our trek.
We will put on our hiking shoes and embark on a 1-hour hike up to Humantay Lake while enjoying the mesmerizing views around us. Upon reaching the lake, we will take some time to explore its beauty and admire the magnificent views. Afterward, we’ll head back to Soraypampa and hike for two more hours to our campsite located at Soyroccocha, where we’ll have our tents already set up for you. Here, we will relish some hot drinks and appetizers before dinner. Finally, we will retire early to get some rest, all geared up for the next day’s hike.
- Meals included: Lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 10kms/6 miles
- Time: 6hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Soyroccocha – Salkantay Pass – Glacial Lake – Cusco
Wake up to a delicious gourmet breakfast and get ready for the moderate climb on your second day of trekking. In just an hour, we will reach the highest point of the trek (4,650m/15,367ft). From here, we can take a moment to relax and admire nature in all its glory. Be in awe of the massive Salkantay (6,217m/20,717ft), Humantay, and Huayanay snow-capped mountains, the glacial rivers white with minerals, and the small, picturesque lakes that surround us.
As we venture off the main trekking route, we’ll take a side route for half an hour to enjoy the panoramic and truly exquisite turquoise Salkantay Lake. The view is absolutely breathtaking and worth every step. We’ll then hike back down on the same route, arrive at the trailhead, and have our lunch before heading back. Take a few more pictures of the beautiful mountains before we depart.
We’ll then take our van back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6 pm. This brings an end to a beautiful journey that you’ll cherish for years to come.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
- Distance: 12kms/9 miles
- Time: 7hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Challenge
Inclusions
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa trailhead and back to Cusco.
- English-speaking experienced professional guide
- Comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent
- Foam mattresses and pillows
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- All camping equipment such as dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen, and toilet tent
- Separate tent for our staff to sleep in
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Pack horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
- 7 kgs of your items such as extra clothes, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag will be carried by our packhorses (count 3kg for the sleeping bag and sleeping pad, leaving 4kg for personal items)
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
- Plastic poncho and daypack rain cover
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Sleeping bag adequate for the temperature of -5°C $20
- Air Mattresses $20
- Trekking Poles $15
- Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal 7kg allowance
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and porters of APPLE TRAVEL PERU
Prices
The Humantay Trek 2 days are available on any date that it’s best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
GROUP PRICE – $297 USD per person
PRIVATE PRICE – $327 USD per person
Packhorse included!
This price includes a pack horse who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos. We will provide you with a duffel bag, in which you can put your things.
We provide large Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$15 USD per person per trek (clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$20 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the airport to the hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
- BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- SMALL PILLOW
Why Apple Travel Peru
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator located in Cusco, Peru. With years of personal experience trekking and exploring the area, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and high-quality service to all our clients. As a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders, we are committed to supporting our local community.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We treat our staff like family and ensure that they receive a fair salary. Our team is the backbone of our company, and we are proud to have a skilled and dedicated team that helps us provide unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We understand the importance of working with a reliable and honest tour operator when planning your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. That’s why we encourage you to check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor to see what our clients have to say about their experience with us. With Apple Travel Peru, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to make your trip a success.
Also, we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet, and many blogs like Salkantay/Inka Trail! July 14th to 20th 2016 Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests. To achieve this, we have a policy that limits our group size to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other tour companies that often operate with much larger groups. By keeping our groups small, we are able to provide more individual attention to each of our guests, ensuring a higher quality of service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe that having the right guide can make all the difference in your travel experience. That’s why we are proud to say that our guides are highly professional and fluent in English. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Inca heritage and history.
Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They conduct extensive research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands with our crew, who are not only knowledgeable but also fun-loving and great sports.
All of our guides hold degrees in one of the following fields: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. We believe that their education and expertise provide a valuable perspective and enhance your overall experience.
OUR COOKS
At Apple Travel Peru, we take pride in our food, which is a highlight of our fully portered trek. Our professional and dedicated cooks go above and beyond to prepare delicious, gourmet-style meals that receive high praise from our clients. In fact, many of them have said that the food was better than what they’ve had in restaurants!
Our cooks create a culinary experience for you, incorporating both Peruvian and international cuisine using a combination of local and exotic produce. The result is a delicious and abundant selection of dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and provide the fuel you need for your trek.
We understand that some clients may have dietary restrictions or food allergies, and we are happy to cater to those needs. Just let us know ahead of time, and our cooks will create a meal plan that meets your specific requirements. Whether you are a foodie or just enjoy good food, we guarantee that you will be impressed with the meals on our trek.
OUR EQUIPMENT
Our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our equipment are what really make Apple Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors…. For all the adventures we hike, we include the following items:
- OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4-person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground. They all are made of foam.
- AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for $15 USD.
- OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at mealtime. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.
- OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.
- DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
- MORE: Pillows, backpack, rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower, and the biochemical camping toilet, are provided on the trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
At Apple Travel Peru, we strongly believe in supporting the local communities that surround us. We are committed to responsible tourism and make it a priority to give back through various service projects and by hiring locally.
We take great pride in not only employing local people but also supporting their families and communities. The belief is in a holistic approach and we are thrilled to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. It brings us joy to be able to support our highland employees and their families in a meaningful way.
IMPORTANT INFO
Important Info
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Humantay Lake 2-day Trek.
ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
When you arrive at the Cusco airport, we send our representative there to greet you and take you to your hotel. To help us make sure everything runs smoothly, please provide us with your flight details at least two weeks before you arrive. When you exit the arrival terminal, keep an eye out for our representative, who will be holding an Apple Travel Peru sign. Our representative won’t be able to enter the terminal, so you’ll need to step outside to find them.
THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Humantay Lake 2-day Trek, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE HUMANTAY LAKE 2-Day TREK
FIRST, to book your Humantay Lake Trek 2 days, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here on the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$211.00 per person. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you’re worried about high credit card fees while in Peru, don’t worry! You have options to pay for your tour with Apple Travel Peru. You can pay in cash (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office located in Cusco‘s historical center. There are also plenty of ATMs in the area where you can withdraw cash.
If you prefer to pay online, we accept payments through VISA or PayPal. However, please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by these payment platforms. To pay your balance through PayPal, simply log into your PayPal account and use our email address: appletravelperu@gmail.com.
We want to make sure that you have a stress-free and convenient payment experience. So, feel free to choose the option that works best for you!
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
If you need to change the date of your trek, please notify us as soon as possible. Fees may apply depending on how close it is to the departure date.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes, it’s crucial to bring your original passport, and it’s essential that it matches the passport number you provided us to book your trek, other entrances, and reservations. If you plan to renew your passport or change your name, please send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it for you once you get your new passport number or updated name for a fee of $25 USD per person. To process this change, we will need copies of both your old and new passports. It’s important to keep a copy of your old passport before you change it.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to pay this fee, you must bring both your old and new passports to Peru. You can enter the country with your new passport, but you will need to show both passports (old and new) to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or board the train. If you don’t have both passports with you, you won’t be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or board the train. It’s crucial to have both passports with you to avoid any issues.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather on the Salkantay Trail can be quite unpredictable, making it difficult to plan in advance. That’s why we recommend dressing in layers to make it easier to adjust to any sudden changes in temperature or weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Altitude sickness can be a concern for those traveling to higher elevations such as Cusco and the Sacred Valley. However, if you exercise regularly and spend a few days in the area, you can usually acclimate normally within 24-48 hours. It is always a good idea to consult with a physician for appropriate advice and medications.
To combat altitude sickness, we recommend drinking plenty of water, drinking coca tea, and using oxygen if needed. Our guides are trained to help you manage any symptoms of altitude sickness, so you can rest easy knowing you are in good hands. For more detailed information about altitude sickness, please refer to our FAQs section.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. Apple Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and also provides personalized service.
HIKING THE HUMANTAY LAKE
Before starting your Humantay Trek, you will be provided with a small duffel bag to pack your clothing for the next four days. You are allowed to pack up to 7kg/14 lbs in weight. Don’t worry about carrying your duffel bag or camping gear, as our team of pack horses will handle it for you. However, please note that you will not have access to your items until the end of each day, as the porters will be ahead of the group. For the duration of the trek, you will need a day backpack to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water. We recommend a 30 to 40L backpack size, which should be sufficient for your needs.
IS THE HUMANTAY LAKE 2 DAYS DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Don’t worry if you’re not an athlete or a trekking expert – you can still complete the trail! However, it’s important to keep in mind that fitness is a key factor for the trek. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the trail and the better chance you’ll have to fully appreciate the stunning scenery and Inca ruins along the way. If you don’t typically exercise, we recommend adding some extra walking, hiking, or other aerobic activities to your routine in the months leading up to your trip. It’s also worth noting that this trek is considered moderate to difficult, so be prepared for a challenge.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREKS?
Our clients have consistently given high praise to our private toilet facilities, particularly those who value cleanliness and sanitation during their trek. At Apple Travel Peru, we provide each trekker with their own individual tent and a camping toilet complete with a comfortable seat. You can take a look at a photo of our setup by clicking on this link: picture of toilet tent.
We always ensure that our toilet facilities are set up at a comfortable distance from our campsite. This means that you won’t have to trek far or worry about disturbing your fellow trekkers when nature calls in the middle of the night. More importantly, our facilities are kept clean and sanitary at all times, providing a refreshing change from the often unsanitary and inadequate public facilities provided by the government.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH?
Although it is unlikely, in case you experience any health issues that prevent you from completing the trek, you can rely on Apple Travel Peru for assistance. We will provide support to escort you to the nearest town for transportation. To ensure the safety of our trekkers, we always carry oxygen with us in case of respiratory problems. However, in extreme cases, a helicopter pick-up can be arranged (Travel insurance required), but this will be at your own expense, and travel insurance is required.
Please note that there will be no refunds provided in case you are unable to finish the trek due to health issues.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
TIPPING
If you’re pleased with the services you’ve received from our staff, we welcome any gratuities you may wish to offer. While tipping may not be a standard practice in your home country, it is an essential part of the tourism industry in many destinations we operate in. Tipping inspires our staff to provide exceptional service, and it is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on the quality and duration of your trip. We want to emphasize that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given if you feel you’ve received excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Absolutely! Apple Travel Peru is committed to being a responsible tourism operator that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement. We believe in following universal principles of tourism that protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while respecting their culture and beliefs. To ensure that we achieve this, we have extensively trained all our local staff to understand, appreciate, and respect the local communities and places we visit.
Packing Checklist
WHAT YOU SHOULD TAKE WITH YOU?
- Original passport (it has to be the same one you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (reusable, not disposable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Apple Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG?
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
- 1 t-shirt
- 1 hiking pants at least
- 2 sets of undergarments
- 2 sets of hiking socks
- 2 fleece/ thermals, depending on the season
- Warm clothes, down jacket — depending on the season
- Warm gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, but you might prefer something larger
- A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK?
We highly recommend a small backpack of 30 to 40L for hiking during the day. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag carried by the horses.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by apple)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tip
