3 Day Salkantay Lodge Getaway
This three-day Salkantay Lodge getaway brings you deep into one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Peru.
This trip combines high-altitude trekking, Inca history and the comfort of a mountain lodge. Based at Soraypampa beneath the towering Salkantay Peak, the journey offers a chance to experience the dramatic beauty of the Andes without committing to a longer point-to-point trek.
Your adventure begins in Cusco with a relaxed evening briefing before heading into the mountains the following morning. Along the way, you’ll visit Quillarumiyoq, an intriguing Inca archaeological site tucked into the Andean countryside, then continue toward Mollepata for lunch before beginning the hike to Soraypampa. As the afternoon light fades, the mountains take on a different character, and there is time to simply enjoy the setting from Salkantay Lodge.
The following morning is the centerpiece of the adventure: a challenging ascent toward the Salkantay Pass at 15,213 feet. The trail follows the Río Blanco Valley and climbs around the immense Humantay glacier, with increasingly expansive views of Salkantay and the Vilcabamba range. At the pass, the scale of the Andes becomes almost overwhelming—a landscape of ice, rock and immense mountain horizons that makes the effort of reaching it worthwhile.
Day 3 offers a very different experience. The hike to Lake Humantay climbs steeply from Soraypampa, but the reward is one of the region’s most striking natural sights: a brilliant turquoise lake set beneath the surrounding glaciers and peaks. Here, the pace slows. You’ll have time to take in the scenery and participate in a traditional Pachamama ceremony before returning to the lodge for lunch and the journey back to Cusco.
With its combination of demanding mountain trails, extraordinary scenery and time to appreciate the landscape at a more measured pace, this Salkantay adventure offers a memorable introduction to the high Andes. Lost World Adventures takes you beyond the usual Cusco experience and into a landscape where the mountains—not the crowds—set the agenda.
Lost World Adventures itineraries can be tailor-made according to your plans and preferences: budget, hotel selections, travel dates, optional excursions, length of trip, etc.
DAY 0: EVENING BRIEFING IN CUSCO
Meet your guide and fellow travelers for some pre-trip details and Q&A’s.
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
Day 1 is an exciting mix of culture and adventure. The day begins with a visit to the Inca archaeological site of Quillarumiyoq, followed by an afternoon hike to Salkantay Lodge. Late afternoon at leisure to enjoy the dazzling sunset over Salkantay Peak.
Early morning pick-up in Cusco
Visit to the Quillarumiyoq archaeological site
Lunch at El Pedregal in Mollepata
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’/3,869 m)
Route: Challacancha – Soraypampa
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Day 2 is a big day! After an early morning departure from the lodge, you will circle the Humantay glacier during your hike up the Rio Blanco River Valley to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass. Savor the views of the Salkantay glacier peak & Vilcabamba mountain range as you marvel at how far you have traveled.
Early breakfast at lodge
Hike to the Salkantay Pass (15,213’/4636m)
Lunch en route
Late afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’/3,869 m)
Route: Salkantay Lodge – Salkantay Pass (round-trip)
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3 brings a unique opportunity for adventure and reflection. A vigorous morning ascent up the sloping hills adjacent to the Soraypampa plateau is rewarded with a stunning first view of the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay. Take some time to meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot and participate in a traditional Pachamama ceremony to honor Mother Earth.
Early breakfast at lodge
Hike to Lake Humantay (round-trip)
Pachamama ceremony
Lunch at lodge
Afternoon drive back to Cusco (drop-off at hotel)
Route: Salkantay Lodge – Lake Humantay (round-trip)
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Dificulty: Moderate
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