We pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 am. Once all participants have been collected, we depart Cusco around 5:15 am for the 2-hour drive to the town of Mollepata, where we stop for breakfast and pay the 20-soles entrance fee to the local municipality. From there, we continue by vehicle for another hour to Soraypampa, where our muleteers and horses are waiting — they’ll carry all the camping gear, food, and each hiker’s 7 kg of personal belongings packed in duffel bags.
From Soraypampa, we begin a 2-hour uphill hike to the stunning Humantay Lake. Once there, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, and hear from your guide about the cultural and natural significance of this turquoise glacial lake. After taking in the views, we descend for about 2 hours to the exclusive Quiswarniyoc Private Camp, where a fresh, home-style lunch awaits.
In the afternoon, you’re free to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. For those looking for more adventure, a short hike to the Salkantay Viewpoint offers a panoramic look at the region. If you’d rather unwind, you can relax in your private Sky Star Dome — a cozy glass igloo fitted with a mattress, pillow, sleeping pad, and soft evening lighting.
Set at 4,000 meters, Quiswarniyoc Camp is a scenic, exclusive site with short trails, mountain views, waterfalls, and even friendly llamas for photo opportunities. It’s the ideal place to disconnect, recharge, and soak in the beauty of the Andes before the trek’s most demanding day.
Day 1 Summary
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Hiking distance: 10 km (approx. 6 miles)
- Trekking duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Campsite elevation: 4,000 meters above sea level
- Weather: Cold, windy nights during the dry season (May–August), with temperatures dropping as low as -5°C
- Good to know: Day 1 serves as a great acclimatization warm-up, helping you prepare for Day 2 — the most challenging day of the trek
Day 1 Inclusions
- Private transportation from Cusco to the trailhead
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
- Accommodation: Sky Star Domes with sleeping pads and pillows
- Guide for the entire trek
- Horse to carry your duffel bag (7 kg limit)
Overnight at Quiswarniyoc: Your Sky Star Domes at Quiswarniyoc sit at approximately 4,000 meters, with sweeping views of the surrounding glacier peaks — a spectacular spot for photography and for watching the sunrise and sunset.
