This 2-day itinerary combines one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Andes with the iconic experience of Machu Picchu. From the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake beneath glacier peaks to the ancient citadel hidden in the cloud forest, this journey delivers contrast, altitude, and unforgettable scenery in just two days.
It’s the ideal balance of natural beauty and cultural significance, designed for travelers who want a complete Peru experience in a short timeframe.
Your day begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 AM, followed by a scenic drive through the Anta plains toward Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.
After breakfast, begin your ascent toward 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 lake comes into view.
At the top, the reward is immediate, intense turquoise water set against the dramatic backdrop of the Humantay glacier, part of the greater Salkantay Mountain range.
Take time to explore, capture photos, and experience the stillness of this high-altitude environment before beginning the descent.
For those who prefer to reduce the physical effort, horses are available for most of the ascent (final section requires a short walk).
Return to the base for lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon with time to rest before the next day’s journey.
An early departure marks the transition from alpine landscapes to one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.
Pickup from your hotel around 4:00 AM, followed by transfer to Ollantaytambo station.
Board the Expedition Train and travel through the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River as the landscape shifts from high Andes to cloud forest.
Arrive in Aguas Calientes, where your guide will meet you and assist with the shuttle bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Enter Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Enjoy a 2 to 3-hour guided tour, exploring:
Your guide will provide insight into the engineering, history, and purpose of the citadel, giving depth to the experience beyond the views.
After the guided portion, enjoy free time to explore and take photos.
Return to Aguas Calientes by bus, with time for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.
From there, private transport takes you back to Cusco.
Transportation & Logistics
Access & Discovery
Porterage & Safety
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
