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Horseback Riding to Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake with Sky Domes

2 days / 1 night Easy 4,630m / 15,190ft 8

The Ultimate 2-Day HorseBack Riding Experience

Trade trekking boots for saddle and reins. This high-altitude horseback journey is designed for travelers who want to experience the power of the Andes without long hikes, riding through glacier valleys, across open puna landscapes, and into the shadow of Apu Salkantay.

Over two unforgettable days, you’ll ride to both the legendary Salkantay Pass and the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, with an overnight stay in our exclusive Soraypampa Skydomes.

  • Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
  • Location: Soraypampa (Base of Apu Salkantay)
  • Max Altitude: 4,630m / 15,190ft
  • Difficulty: Moderate (No hiking required)

Why Book This Horseback Riding to Humantay Lake Getaway?

Most travelers reach these locations on foot over several demanding days. This version transforms the experience into a mountain riding expedition, maintaining altitude gain, scenery, and exclusivity, but shifting the physical effort from trekking to riding.

You still get:

  • The panoramic Skydome stay
  • All gourmet mountain meals
  • Professional guides and horse handlers
  • Private round-trip transport

But now, the journey itself becomes smoother, more immersive, and uniquely Andean.

If you want to take on this experience hiking check that option here.

High-Impact Highlights

Pure Horseback Focus: No trekking segments — this is a fully supported riding experience.
Skydome Luxury: Private overnight stay in our panoramic glass domes at the foot of the glacier.
Iconic Landmarks: Reach both Salkantay Pass and Humantay Lake in just 48 hours.
Full Service: Trained horse handlers, professional bilingual guides, and gourmet mountain meals included.

Details of the trip

Day 1 | Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass (On Horseback)

Depart Cusco early as agricultural valleys give way to the high puna of the Vilcabamba range. Upon arrival at Soraypampa, your horses and professional arrieros await.

After a safety briefing and saddle adjustment, we begin our ascent toward Salkantay Pass.

The Experience

Ride steadily through alpine meadows and glacial valleys, gaining altitude gradually without the physical strain of hiking. The landscape opens wide as you approach 4,630 meters, the highest point of the Salkantay route.

Stand at the pass surrounded by towering peaks and prayer flags, facing the immense presence of Apu Salkantay.

We descend on horseback back to Soraypampa for a late lunch.

The Night

Retreat to your private Skydome. From your bed, watch alpenglow settle over the glacier. A chef-prepared dinner awaits in our panoramic dining hall, followed by a clear Andean night sky.

Riding Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Max Altitude: 4,630m

Day 2 | Humantay Lake Ride – Return to Cusco

Wake to first light touching the ice walls above camp. After a high-energy breakfast, we mount up once more, this time riding toward the iconic Humantay Lake.

The Experience

The trail climbs gently through open terrain before revealing the sudden turquoise brilliance of the lake. Arrive on horseback to one of Peru’s most photographed alpine lagoons, without the crowded uphill hike.

Take time to absorb the stillness, the glacier reflections, and the sense of scale that defines this corner of the Andes.

We return to Soraypampa for lunch before private transport brings you back to Cusco by evening.

Riding Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
Max Altitude: 4,200m
Arrival in Cusco: Evening

Horseback Riding to Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake with Sky Domes
2 days / 1 night BOOK NOW
Sky Dome Camps — Transparent domes at Salkantay

Join Sky Dome Camps for an Unforgettable Glamping Experience in the Andes

  • 100% Locally Owned and Operated in Cusco, Peru
  • Expert Guides on the Salkantay & Inca Trail Routes
  • Knowledgeable Staff Ready to Help You
  • Private Transparent Domes at High Altitude
  • Individually Curated Treks and Glamping Experiences
  • The Highest Quality Personal Service
  • Fantastic Value for Money with Many Added Extras

YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.

Why Trek with Sky Dome Camps?

  • Superior Service & Certified Bilingual Guides
  • Salkantay Trek Specialists
  • 100% Value for Money
  • Small Groups — Maximum 8 People
  • Delicious and Nutritious Meals Included
  • Sustainable & Responsible Travel
  • Private Bathrooms & Real Beds at 4,638m

Guest Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky

The Dome Made the Trek Unforgettable

We did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.

Salkantay Trek
Photo of Sofia Martínez
Sofia Martínez Buenos Aires, Argentina

Best Night of My Life

I have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.

Sky Dome
Photo of Thomas Brauer
Thomas Brauer Munich, Germany