Soraypampa is much more than a simple base camp; it is the setting where one of the most striking visual experiences of the region begins. Located at high altitude, this place is famous for being the starting point toward Humantay Lake. This Peruvian hike is of moderate to high difficulty and is usually the first mandatory stop for those who venture on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
The route from Soraypampa to the lagoon extends for approximately one and a half kilometers of relatively flat terrain before transforming into a steep and challenging climb. During the ascent, you will pass by various campsites and basic services, such as snack stands and restrooms. Although the terrain does not have complex technical obstacles, the altitude is the true challenge.
Once at the top, at more than 4,200 meters above sea level, you can appreciate a panoramic view of the lake and the snowy peaks. It is vital to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and to be attentive to the path, enjoying one of the rawest and most beautiful landscapes of the Andes.
Soraypampa is located in the district of Mollepata, within the province of Anta, in the department of Cusco. Geographically, this camp is at an altitude of approximately 3,900 meters above sea level, sitting in a high valley surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range, specifically between the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
This point is about 117 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The road trip usually takes between 3 and 4 hours; first, you travel on a paved road to the town of Mollepata, and then you continue on a route that climbs and winds up the mountain until reaching the flat area of Soraypampa. Because of its location at the base of large glaciers, it is a place where the weather is mostly cold and the wind is constant throughout the day.
It is important to understand that Soraypampa is not a traditional town, but a remote rural settlement inhabited by only about 6 families (approximately 36 people). Families like the Quiñones, Huari, Mayhua, among others, are in charge of keeping the activity in the area. Because there is no communal organization of its own, the camp depends directly on the political management of the Mollepata district, which gives it a character of absolute peace, but also certain logistical limitations.
If you plan to visit this point before starting your "peruvian trek", you must take into account the conditions of basic services:
The Soraypampa campsite is in the Mollepata district, Anta province, the site of influence of the Choquequirao Regional Conservation Area, 128 km from the city of Cuzco and 18 km from the town of Mollepata. The temperature fluctuates at -6ºC during the cold season and up to 22ºC during the warm season. As it is close to Salkantay Mountain, rains are very common.
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Agricultural activities that at the beginning the main product that was grown potatoes of different varieties, was changed with products from the Santa Teresa Valley Cusco and Mollepata such as corn, cassava, coca and fruit. But now that activity is moving to make way for tourism. The breeding activity is carried out in the extensions of the Soraypampa free zone for use as breeding areas for equine and sheep cattle in a minimal amount. There is no copy of the Andean camelids (alpacas, llamas) even though the climatic and geographic conditions are appropriate. The farmer's production is generally used for consumption and the excess is taken to the village of Mollepata and to the Limatambo market during the breeding of equines for transport tasks.
Soraypampa as part of the Mollepata - Abra Salkantay - Santa Teresa highway has become a great tourist area. The current road that reaches this place has made Soraypampa in several aspects, the starting point to Machu Picchu, starting the walk from this area, however, it is also possible to see groups of tourists starting the walk from Mollepata to walk approximately 7 hours before arriving Soraypampa. Within the tourist programs offered by Soraypampa we have the Humantay and Salkantay lagoons that form when the glaciers melt. Glaciers are also good natural resources that become tourist attractions. Elsewhere, from Abra Salkantay, there are evidences of the Inca Trail, walls and stairs of great interest to the visitor who loves archaeological tourism, eco and adventure. The Salkantay Trek 5 days / 4 nights is a natural resource that drives mystical tourism.
Getting to Soraypampa on your own is possible, although it requires detailed planning due to the remote nature of the place. The total trip from the city of Cusco to the start of the trail takes about three and a half hours. Here we explain the route step by step:
Cusco to Mollepata: You must go to the Arcopata bus terminal in the city of Cusco. From there, take a shared car or bus to the town of Mollepata. The cost is about S/ 15.00 and the trip lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Mollepata to Soraypampa: From the Mollepata main square, you will need to hire a private taxi to finally reach Soraypampa. The cost of the taxi is about S/ 70.00; this amount can be split if you travel in a group. Upon reaching the checkpoint, you must pay the entry fee for the area and the Humantay Lagoon (S/ 10.00).
The Hike: From the Soraypampa campsite, the hike toward the lagoon takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. The first 30 minutes are on semi-flat ground, while the remaining part is a steep climb that requires good physical condition. If you prefer not to walk, there is the option to rent horses from the local people for the ascent.
In the morning from 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and we will begin the trip by tourist transport, we will head northeast of the city of Cusco. On the way we will go through different towns and hamlets to the town of Limatambo, from this point we will ascend to the town of Mollepata. Place where we will have our breakfast, then we will continue our trip to Soraypampa.
Arriving at Soraypampa, we will begin our trek towards the Humantay Lagoon. The walk lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes approx., Arrived at the Humantay Lagoon we will be able to appreciate the beautiful landscape and the imposing view of the Nevado Humantay and Salkantay, after a short rest and taking the photos we will return by the same route to Soraypampa, we will take our mobility and we will return to Mollepata, in this place we will enjoy a delicious lunch, then we will return to the city of Cusco arriving 6:00 pm approx.
Other tours that we recommend are the Classic Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights or the Choquequirao Tour 4 days / 3 nights.
The Humantay Lake is surrounded by imposing glaciers that are part of the Andes Mountain Range, among these the majestic Nevado Salkantay and Humantay that when thawing gives rise to the splendid Humantay lagoon, which when you visit will transform your way of seeing the nature, enjoying the flora and fauna that will be recorded in your wonderful photographs of the place with 100% pure oxygen that your body will thank you for.
To get from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake, you must follow a road trip of approximately 120 kilometers, passing through the towns of Limatambo and Mollepata until reaching the community of ‘Soraypampa’.
Once in ‘Soraypampa’ an uphill walk of approximately 2 kilometers begins until you reach the lagoon. If you travel with a tourist package, transportation is included as well as breakfast and lunch in the town of Mollepata. If you travel on your own you must hire public transport in the city of Cusco.
Soraypampa Trek to Humantay Lake is a 2.7 mile circular trail with moderate traffic located near Mollepata, Cusco Peru. It has a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March through October.
A height of 4,200 meters is reached. Needless to say, it is essential to carry trekking poles, water, and shelter. While it tires, and takes time to do, the reward is worth it. An impressive lagoon sheltered high up by the Humantay mountain.
Yes. To go to from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake on your own you must take public transport from the city of Cusco to the town of Soraypampa. The buses leave from the ‘Arcopata’ terminal and cost approximately 15 Peruvian soles (5 USD).
Once in Soraypampa you must get a collective taxi service to the Soraypampa community. There are times when you will not find this transport so you must get a taxi. This service could cost 50 Peruvian soles (15 USD).
Finally, in Soraypampa you must make the walk to the Humantay lagoon. Due to the complexity of the trip by public transport, it is recommended to choose a tour package with transport included. It can be cheaper and safer than going on your own.
Peru offers unique experiences that show impressive landscapes, archaeological sites, and living traditions, attracting travelers who seek adventure and discovery in each region of the country. Get to know some of the most recommended trips to explore its diversity.
Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and more
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