The Best 2-Day Experience with Tunqui Expeditions
Sleep Under the Shining Stars
Recognized by National Geographic Adventure as one of the Top 25 Treks in the World, the Salkantay Trek is a breathtaking journey through the Peruvian Andes.
The majestic Salkantay Mountain is one of the most iconic and sacred peaks in the Cusco region and the highest in the Vilcabamba range. Trekkers will reach a high point of 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, experiencing the beauty and challenge of the high Andes.
Explore the stunning Humantay Lagoon, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters that reflect the towering snow-capped peaks above. In this short yet unforgettable journey, you’ll immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Andes.
Spend the night in our luxury sky domes, a unique glamping experience where you’ll fall asleep under the starlit Andean sky, surrounded by peace and mountain silence.
Join us on this unforgettable 2-day adventure and let Tunqui Expeditions guide you through the magic of the Andes.
Book now and create lifelong memories with us!
Experience the Magic of the Andes with Glamping Under the Stars
Hikers on the Salkantay Trek spend their first day approaching the mountain from Soraypampa, and the second day is a challenging but rewarding ascent to the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters (15,091 ft).
You’ll visit two of the most breathtaking places in Peru. On day one, you’ll hike to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, a glowing gem set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. On day two, follow the Seven Serpents Trail to reach the legendary Salkantay Pass, where you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views of the majestic Andean mountains.
As a bonus, you’ll sleep in our exclusive glamping domes, where you can fall asleep beneath the starlit Andean sky and gaze through the transparent ceiling at constellations lighting up the night.
So what are you waiting for? Join Tunqui Expeditions on this unforgettable journey and create memories that will last a lifetime.
An energy-filled day awaits! We’ll hike to Soraypampa, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, and in the afternoon ascend to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon. At night, rest in our glamping camp at Salkantay Pampa, surrounded by the silence and beauty of the high Andes.
Accommodation: Glamping Dome
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
In the morning, we’ll hike up the Seven Serpents Trail to reach the spectacular Salkantay Pass. Enjoy panoramic views of the Andean snow-capped peaks before heading back to Soraypampa for lunch. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco in private transport.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Highlight of the Day: Witnessing the sparkling turquoise jewel of Humantay Lagoon framed by white-capped peaks.
Hike to the Turquoise Gem of the Andes
Your unforgettable 2-day adventure with Tunqui Expeditions begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco by your guide and driver. Our first stop will be in Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast to fuel your journey.
Afterward, we’ll drive to Challacancha, where we’ll take a short break before beginning the hike to Soraypampa. This initial stretch is not too difficult and is perfect for helping your body adapt to the altitude. Along the trail, you’ll notice an ancient Inca water channel and enjoy stunning Andean landscapes.
We’ll arrive at our glamping site, nestled between the majestic Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, where our team will welcome you with a delicious lunch.
You’ll have time to relax in your dome or explore the area before heading out for an afternoon hike to the magical Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Take your time and enjoy the climb—once at the top, you’ll have plenty of time to admire and photograph the brilliant turquoise waters.
After soaking in the beauty, we’ll return to camp for a delightful dinner and stargazing session. Your guide will share insights about Inca astronomy, and as you fall asleep, you’ll be able to admire the constellations through the transparent ceiling of your dome.
Highlight of the Day: Reaching the awe-inspiring Salkantay Pass and admiring the dramatic mountain views.
The Day to Discover the Mighty Salkantay
Today is the big day—you’ll reach the highest point of the trek. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin a gentle hike to Salkantaypampa and then ascend the famous “Seven Serpents Trail” toward the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Once at the pass, take in the breathtaking views, snap unforgettable photos, and feel the raw power of the Andes around you. Afterward, we’ll descend along a rocky path with panoramic views of snow-covered stone formations and stunning glacial landscapes.
Back at camp, enjoy a well-deserved lunch and some time to relax. We’ll then take a short 15-minute walk to meet our private transportation for the return journey to Cusco.
On the way back, you’ll have plenty of chances to capture the beauty of Andean valleys, rivers, farms, and towering peaks.
We’ll drop you off at your hotel in Cusco, where you can relax after two unforgettable days of adventure.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly specify the services included and not included in all our tour itineraries published on our website. We take care of all logistics—but please pay close attention to the details so you don’t miss anything important.
Some items may vary slightly for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
As soon as we receive your complete information and your deposit to confirm your booking, we will purchase all necessary permits (subject to availability). These permits are issued for a specific date and under your name. They cannot be changed under any circumstances. Passport number changes are only allowed in the case of renewal; in that case, you must bring both your old and new passports.
You will meet your tour guide and group at our office for an informative orientation before your trek. Here, we’ll provide you with a Duffel Bag to be carried by our muleteers. The bag must not exceed 7 kg (15.4 lb) and must include your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress if you choose to bring or rent one. The briefing will take place at 5:00 pm the evening before your departure.
Official tour guide fluent in English and Spanish. All our guides are certified tourism professionals and graduates of the National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco. We select them for their professionalism, experience, passion, and pride in sharing our culture and history. They are fun, responsible, and will make sure you are safe and happy throughout the journey.
All Tunqui Expeditions guides receive specialized first-aid training. Every February, we hold mandatory training sessions for our team. Your guide will carry a comprehensive first-aid kit for altitude sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc., as well as oxygen. If necessary, we will evacuate you as quickly as possible to receive proper care at a clinic.
We believe the small touches are what set us apart from other local companies. You will receive:
We offer round-the-clock phone service to ensure constant communication with Tunqui Expeditions before your trek.
Our guides carry fully charged satellite phones for emergencies, allowing connection from any point on the mountain. Clients may use them as well for non-emergency situations if needed.
Our mountain chefs prepare the best meals on the trail, and we cater to all dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) at no extra charge. Please inform us of any restrictions in your booking form and remind your guide at the briefing.
From the first lunch to the last breakfast, we will provide boiled, filtered, and cooled drinking water. Please bring a CamelBak or water bottle (minimum 2L capacity) to refill at each meal.
Every morning, our team will greet you with a hot cup of coca tea delivered to your tent or dome.
Each afternoon before dinner, we’ll serve hot drinks, popcorn, cookies, biscuits, and more. No need to wait for dinner to relax and warm up!
Each morning, your guide will provide a fabric snack bag filled with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, and candies. We refill it daily.
You’ll receive a small towel and soap before each meal to wash your hands.
Every hiker receives:
All taxes and permit fees are included in our price. No hidden charges.
Our porters are the backbone of every journey. Founder Silvio Tunqui began his career as a porter and understands their challenges firsthand. We offer:
Every year, we organize 4 trips to Machu Picchu for our team and their families—many of whom walk the trail dozens of times but never see the sanctuary itself.
Since 2022, our team has included female guides, cooks, and porters. We continue working toward gender balance in all our expeditions.
We are leaders in eco-tourism. We follow a zero-impact policy, clean up trash left by other groups, and use biodegradable, local products whenever possible.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your trip to Peru to be as memorable and stress-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about traveling with us—all in one place.
Still have questions? 
Contact us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail and is best suited for adventurous hikers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. The trek to the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) isn’t extremely steep or exhausting since it’s reached early in the hike. However, it still requires stamina and proper acclimatization in Cusco beforehand.
It’s very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before taking on the physical demands of the trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek to adapt and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
If you’ve already been at high altitudes in other parts of Peru, we still suggest spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover, and enjoy the sights before your adventure.
Suggested tours before your trek:
All pre-trek briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm the day before your tour begins. Briefings typically last 30–45 minutes.
If you’re unable to attend at that time, please coordinate an alternate meeting time via email, phone, or in person at our office.
Any remaining trek balance must be paid at least 2 days before your trek to confirm your reservation.
We appreciate cash payments in USD or Peruvian soles at our Cusco office. You can withdraw both currencies from ATMs along Avenida El Sol.
If needed, we also accept payment by credit/debit card or PayPal, either online or in person. Please note: a 5% service fee applies for card and PayPal payments.
We do not accept checks or traveler’s checks.
You will receive a Duffel Bag during the briefing. It will be carried by our porters or muleteers along the route and handed to you at each campsite.
Duffel Bag Size: 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in)
Max weight: 7 kg / 15.4 lb (including sleeping bag, pad, clothing, and other personal items)
Absolutely!
You can store your main luggage at our office (arranged during the briefing or via email), or at your hotel—free of charge.
Any items not needed on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Most hotels offer this service. We recommend placing valuable items in the hotel’s safe and requesting a detailed receipt—some travel insurance companies require this in the event of theft.
For peace of mind, seal valuables like credit cards in signed envelopes.
We can pick you up from your hotel as long as it’s located within Cusco’s Historic Center.
Pick-up time will be coordinated during the briefing, but please note it may vary by 30–45 minutes due to traffic.
Important: Cusco has many narrow, cobblestone streets. Some hotels or Airbnbs may be located on streets inaccessible to vehicles or on steep hills. We strongly recommend booking a hotel with easy access.
Our group tours are made up of people of various ages and fitness levels. By joining a group trek, you accept that some may walk faster or slower than you. Everyone is encouraged to hike at their own pace.
If a group wishes to modify the itinerary, any changes will be decided by the guide, in consultation with all participants.
The return trip from Machu Picchu requires some coordination, but don’t worry—it’s all included in your tour!
Your guide will provide your train tickets and ensure you’re at the station at least 30 minutes before departure. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a Tunqui representative will meet you and drive you back to your hotel in Cusco using a Hyundai H1 or Sprinter van, depending on location.
Strikes and protests are common in Peru and can sometimes affect travel plans. Roads and train tracks may be blocked.
If this happens, we will do everything possible to keep your tour running as planned, even if it means departing the night before your scheduled trek.
However, tours may be canceled in extreme cases. If this occurs, all changes or cancellations will be coordinated with you by our operations team. Your safety is our top priority, and we’ll make decisions accordingly.
Please be mindful of your belongings. Be sure to collect all your items when leaving our transportation, tents, or restaurants.
You are solely responsible for your personal belongings during the trek.
To ensure a safe and comfortable trek, we recommend bringing the following items. Please read carefully and prepare accordingly.
Our muleteers or porters will carry up to 8 kg (17.6 lb) of your personal gear.
This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if bringing or renting). Together, these typically weigh about 3.5 kg (7.7 lb).
The Salkantay Trek & Humantay Lake – 2 Days is available any day of the week, from January to December.
We operate this itinerary year-round.
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 people.
Note: PayPal charges a 5% transaction fee, which we kindly ask the client to cover, as it is a fee for using their service. This fee only applies to online deposits; the remaining balance is paid in cash during the briefing in Cusco, without any additional fees.
There are several exciting extensions you can add to your Peru adventure:
You may also add the following extras to your trek:
Once your booking is confirmed, we guarantee that your price will not increase, regardless of any external circumstances.
Please make sure to read all the important tour information before confirming your reservation.
