Soraypampa is the starting point for one of the most popular hikes in Cusco: the route to Humantay Lake. This day trip is of moderate to high difficulty and leads to a turquoise-colored lake, located at the foot of a glacier at more than 4,200 m.a.s.l.
The path begins with a flat section of approximately 1.5 km, followed by a steep and demanding slope. Along the route there are small camps, rest areas, and snack stands. It is also possible to rent horses to make the climb easier, although they only cover a certain part of the route, so the last section must be done on foot.
The trail, although not marked, is quite obvious due to the constant passage of visitors. The terrain is not complicated, but the altitude can affect even experienced hikers, so it is recommended to be well acclimatized, carry plenty of water, and protect yourself from the sun.
Upon reaching the summit, you can see the spectacular views of Humantay Lake, surrounded by snowy mountains and unique landscapes of the Andean mountain range. Many travelers take the opportunity to walk along the shore of the lake and enjoy the imposing natural environment before starting the return journey.
Location of Soraypampa
Soraypampa is located in the Mollepata district, Anta province, within the area of influence of the Choquequirao Regional Conservation Area. It is 128 km from the city of Cusco and 18 km from the town of Mollepata.
The area is very close to the imposing Salkantay Mountain, which makes rain frequent and the weather vary quite a bit: in the cold season temperatures can drop to -6 °C, while in the warm months they reach 22 °C. For this reason, it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing for sudden temperature changes, as well as to be prepared to face conditions typical of high altitude.
About the Village of Soraypampa
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Population of Soraypampa Peru
There are 6 families with an average of 36 inhabitants in the area. Among some resident families, we can distinguish the Quiñones family (father and son), Huari (4 brothers), Mayhua (3 brothers), Huamán (husband and son), Chipa (father and son) and Espinoza Sotelo (2 brothers). -
Education in Soraypampa Peru
Soraypampa in Cusco does not have a school, it is only a road whose population study by age does not exist. -
Communication service in Soraypampa Peru
There is no landline or mobile phone, the only possibility is to go to the Mountain Lodges of Peru hotel in case of an emergency.
Economic activities in Soraypampa Peru
Agricultural activities that at the beginning the main product that was cultivated 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 quantity.
There is no copy of the Andean camelids (alpacas, llamas) even though the climatic and geographical 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 raising of equines for transport tasks.
Tourist activity in Soraypampa Peru
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 Peru.
Within the tourist programs that Soraypampa offers we have the Humantay and Salkantay lagoons that are formed when the glaciers melt. Glaciers are also good natural resources that become tourist attractions. Elsewhere, from Abra Salkantay, there are evidences of the 4 day Inca Trail Tour, 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.
About the Soraypampa Camp
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Characteristics of the organizations
In the Soraypampa camp there is no communal or traditional organization of any kind. It strictly depends on the political and organizational structure of the Mollepata district. The land plots are considered to have said property titles. -
Basic services at the Soraypampa Camp
Basic infrastructure for drinking water, sanitary services that include a toilet and shower. The water consumed is recycled thanks to the SS.HH drainage service in a septic tank, built in 2012 by the municipality of the Mollepata neighborhood. As for the electric service at the Soraypampa Camp, there is still no access to this service, so lighters, candles, or battery-powered lamps are used. -
Health service at the Soraypampa camp
In Soraypampa Peru, there is no health center, so the few residents who require medical attention must move to the district capital. They will do so on foot or by car, if one is available.
Alternative Treks to Salkantay Trek
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
- Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
- Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
- 2 day Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu 3 day hike
- 2 day Inca Trail with camping
- One day Inca Trail.
Weather in Soraypampa
The weather in Soraypampa is very varied, as it winds through very different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where the weather is a serious concern is Salkantay Pass and nearby areas. Weather in Soraypampa camp may drop below freezing. The other camps are much warmer, due to their proximity to the cloud forest.
From October to March the rainy season occurs. During those months, the days are sunny (19 ℃) and the nights are not so cold (4 ℃) but the frequency of rains increases considerably.
From April to September is the dry season. During those months, the days in Salkantay have a stable climate (18 ℃), but the nights have their lowest temperatures in the year (-10 ℃).
Climate changes during the trek to Salkantay:
The passage of the 'Abra Salkantay' is the section where the cold is much more intense at night; The climate in the Abra can reach -10 ℃.
In the rest of the sections of the walk the climate changes to a tropical environment; as for example in the section towards the town of Aguas Calientes the daytime temperature reaches 26 ℃ and at night 12 ℃.
How to get to Soraypampa from Cusco?
1. How to get to Soraypampa from Cusco by bus?
From the city of Cusco to Soraypampa by bus takes about three hours. Depending on your level of fitness and acclimatization, the mountain lasts from one to one and a half hours, not including stops. Most people make arrangements with tour groups in Cusco. Tours generally depart early in the morning from Cusco to Soraypampa by bus and offer breakfast and lunch, making the trip a full-day commitment. Restrooms are accessible at the trailhead, at a restaurant approximately 0.5 miles and, for a fee, before the main climb.
In order to get to this natural wonder you will have to take a car from Cusco to Mollepata, at the Arcopata bus terminal (S / 15.00) for the time of 1 hour and 40 min. Arrived in Mollepata you will have to find a place where you can have breakfast (S / 5.00). After breakfast you have to hire the services of a taxi driver to take you to Soraypampa, the taxi will charge you approximately S / 70.00 and if by chance there are more people who want to go, less will come out. Then you will have to pay the entrance or entrance to Humantay Lake (S / 10.00).
After you arrive in Soraypampa you will have to walk for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the Humantay Lagoon (if you do not want to walk you can rent a horse), the first 30 minutes of walking is semi-flat and the rest is already difficult. up.
2. How to get from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake with Travel Agency?
The tour from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake starts in the morning at 4:00 to 4:30 a.m., we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and we will begin the trip in tourist transport, we will head northeast of the city of Cusco. On the way we will pass 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 to Humantay Lake. 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.
The service includes:
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- Tourist transport (round trip)
- 1 breakfast
- 1 buffet lunch
- Professional guide English - Spanish
- Entrance to the Humantay Lagoon
- First aid kit
- Oxygen balloon
Other tours that we recommend are the Classic Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights or the Choquequirao Tour 4 days / 3 nights.
Hiking tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
INCA TRAIL TREKS
- 3 Day Inca Trail Tour
- Short Inca Trail
- 5 Day Inca Trail Hike
- Inca Trail Hiking Tour 4 Days
- Inca Trail and Amazon Rainforest
- 2 Day Inca Trail Hike With Camping
TOURS TO MACHU PICCHU
- Lima to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
- 2 Day Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu tour from Cusco
- Combo Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Honeymoon
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
