Your adventure starts first thing in the morning. We will collect you from your hotel at 4:10 a.m. to begin the journey in our comfortable private group transport, allowing you a little more sleep on the way. After a 2-hour drive, we’ll have a rest in Mollepata, the last town before Salkantay. (Here, you’ll have the opportunity to pick up basics like snacks, mosquito repellent, rain ponchos and coca leaves to ease altitude discomfort.) You will also enjoy a tasty local breakfast, included in your package. From Mollepata, we’ll head on to Challacancha, the launching point of our hike. There, you’ll encounter our team of cooks and horsemen, who will be instrumental in ensuring that this trek is unforgettable. We’ll also do a final check of our gear before we leave on our adventure.

The hike starts with a 3-hour moderate hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) This 7 km (4.35 miles) stretch is mostly level with a gradual uphill through a beautiful glacier valley. On the way, you’ll spot the remnants of an ancient Inca water channel that has been restored and is still used by local farmers today. Once we reach Soraypampa we will get rest in our Exclusive Andean Cabins – specially designed for your comfort in the heart of nature. After a well-deserved break, you will have a delicious lunch prepared by our chef to refuel for the next part of the adventure.

In the afternoon, we’ll start hiking to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). This 3 km (1.86 miles) round-trip hike can be completed in 3 hours. While to our lowland legs the distance is small, the elevation gain calls for a slower tempo. When you get there, you’ll be entranced by alpine turquoise water framed by the jagged Humantay Glacier — it looks like something out of fairy tale. Back at the camp, tea time will unfold: a time to share hot beverages, snacks and that favorite popcorn to relive memories of your first day. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a gourmet Andean buffet dinner, paired with a stunning sunset over the mountains.