DAY 1 – CUSCO – HUMANATAY LAKE – CUSCO

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30am and drive 3 hours to the trailhead of Soraypampa located in the lush valley of the Apurimac River. Here we will enjoy hot breakfast made by our professional chef.

We hike along a path called the “Camino Real,” as we gain altitude. After reaching the tiny village, where few amenities exist, we continue for another hour and a half, ascending 1,200 feet in just 2 miles up a steep path. After conquering the last hill, we will gaze down on a turquoise lake below, which is surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier.

On the trek you are surrounded by the Salkantay Mountains, one of Peru’s most sacred mountains, towering 20,600 feet with a sheer and snowy face. The equally impressive Humantay Peak, rising 19,412 feet, is also within view. Shamans and other natives will often give blessing when reaching the crystal-clear waters of Humantay Lake. Once we reach the lakeshore, we relax, enjoy a snack, go for a swim (if you are brave!) or give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth). When you are ready to hike back down, we will descend to Soraypampa and have a hot lunch while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of the snowy peaks. We drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.