Your ascent into the high mountains leads toward the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. Set at 4,200 meters beneath the glacier covered Humantay peak, the lake offers a moment of pure stillness and scale that defines the high Andes.
The following day the landscape changes completely. You board the train in Ollantaytambo and follow the Urubamba River down into the cloud forest, to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. There, history, architecture and nature meet in one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
This 2-day expedition is designed for travelers who want both natural beauty and cultural depth in a short timeframe, with all logistics managed for a smooth and memorable experience.
Your ascent into the high mountains leads toward the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. Set at 4,200 meters beneath the glacier-covered Humantay peak, the lake offers a moment of pure stillness and scale that defines the high Andes.
The following day the landscape changes completely. You board the train in Ollantaytambo and follow the Urubamba River down into the cloud forest, to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. There, history, architecture and nature meet in one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
High alpine lakes, glacier views, and pure stillness above 4,000m.
Early Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive to Soraypampa
Your day begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 AM, followed by a scenic drive through the Anta plains and Mollepata toward Soraypampa (3,900m), the starting point of the Humantay Lake hike.
Breakfast & Ascent to Humantay Lake – Salkantay Range
After breakfast at base camp, begin your ascent to Humantay Lake, one of the most striking alpine lakes in Peru.
The trail climbs steadily for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, gaining altitude as the surrounding peaks grow closer and the glacier-fed turquoise lake comes into view beneath Humantay Glacier, part of the Salkantay Mountain range.
Optional Upgrade: Horseback Support on Humantay Lake Trail
For those who prefer to reduce the physical effort, horses are available for most of the ascent. The final steep section to the lake must be completed on foot. Your guide will help arrange this at the trailhead.
Summit Time at Humantay Lake & Descent to Base Camp
At the top, the reward is immediate — vibrant turquoise water set directly beneath the Humantay glacier. Take time to explore the shoreline, take photos, and experience the stillness of this high-altitude environment before beginning the descent back to Soraypampa.
Buffet Lunch & Return to Cusco for Overnight
Return to base for lunch before heading back by private van to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon with time to rest before your early train to Machu Picchu.
Day 1 Stats: Hiking Time: 3-4 hours total | Max Altitude: 4,200m / 13,779 ft | Difficulty: Moderately challenging due to altitude | Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included | Return to Cusco: 5:00 PM
Leave the high peaks behind and trade alpine landscapes for cloud forest as you travel to one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.
Hotel Pickup & Train Journey Through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
Pickup from your hotel around 4:00 AM and private transfer to Ollantaytambo station. Board the Expedition Train and follow the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley as the landscape shifts from high Andes to lush cloud forest to Aguas Calientes.
Shuttle Bus to Machu Picchu Gate & Entrance
Arrive in Aguas Calientes and meet your guide at the station exit. From there, it’s a 30-minute shuttle bus up the switchbacks to the Machu Picchu gate. No waiting in ticket lines — your Machu Picchu entrance is pre-arranged.
Guided Tour Inside the Machu Picchu Citadel – Terraces, Temples & Sacred Stonework
Enter Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, for a 2 to 3-hour guided tour exploring:
Your guide will bring context to the engineering, history, and purpose of the citadel, beyond the views.
Free Time, Return to Aguas Calientes & Train Back to Cusco
After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore and take photos. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes with time for lunch before boarding the return train to Ollantaytambo. Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 2 Stats: Tour Type: Machu Picchu by Train | Guided Tour: 2-3 hours + free time | Return Train: 3:20 PM – 6:20 PM departure | Arrival in Cusco: Evening
First aid kit and emergency oxygen available 24/7 on both days
Note: The Boleto Turístico (70 soles) is only needed if you add a Cusco City Tour separately. It is NOT required for this Humantay Lake + Machu Picchu expedition.
This expedition reaches 4,200 meters on Day 1, which is demanding. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 24 hours before to allow your body to adjust naturally. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and inform your guide if you feel any discomfort.
Upon landing in Lima, you must clear immigration and customs, collect your checked bags, and then re-check them for your domestic flight to Cusco. Ensure you have at least a three-hour window between flights to account for these mandatory procedures.
You do not need to bring all your belongings on this excursion. We provide secure, complimentary luggage storage at our Cusco headquarters for the duration of your trip.
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Expect freezing mornings and strong wind at Humantay Lake, and warm, humid conditions with possible afternoon rain at Machu Picchu. A waterproof and windproof layer is essential on both days.
Carry some Peruvian Soles in small denominations. You may need cash for optional horse rental at Humantay and meals in Aguas Calientes, as small vendors rarely accept credit cards.
Ensure your travel policy provides comprehensive coverage including high-altitude trekking to 4,200 meters, medical protection, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation.
You must carry your original, valid passport. You will need it at the Humantay checkpoint, to board the train, and to enter Machu Picchu. Photocopies are not accepted.
Pack for two climates. Keep your gear light and carry only a small daypack.
Note: Your daypack for Machu Picchu must not exceed 40 x 35 x 20 cm.
The hike is moderate due to the altitude, not the distance. It is a steady uphill climb for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can rent a horse locally for most of the ascent if needed.
Yes. This tour reaches 4,200 meters on Day 1. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 24 hours before the tour to allow your body to adjust.
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 10 travelers, led by a professional bilingual guide. Private service is available on request.
Our guides carry a first aid kit and emergency oxygen and are trained to assist. The pace is slow and you can turn back at any time with support.
Breakfast and lunch are included on Day 1. Meals in Aguas Calientes and Cusco on Day 2 are at your leisure, giving you flexibility to choose.
Yes. You can upgrade to Vistadome train or add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for $69. Both must be booked months in advance due to limited space.
Carry only a small daypack with your passport, water, warm layers, rain jacket, and sunscreen. Your main luggage can stay in secure storage in Cusco.
YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.
Guest Reviews
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
I never thought I could sleep in a luxury bed while staring at the Milky Way through a transparent dome. The Salkantay glacier right in front of you at sunrise — absolutely unreal. Worth every penny.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky DomeWe 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.
SkyDomeCamps - Salkantay TrekI 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.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky Dome
Trusted Andes Network
We couldn't make this impact without our partners. Join us in changing lives.
