Hike to the Andean Mountain Gem
If you come to Cusco you should hike to Humantay Lake in a full day tour, the last years this became the most visited lagoon in Peru, its turquoise color surprises to everyone who get here exploring the amazing treasure hidden in the meddle of the Andes
Humantay Lake offers a varied of stunning views surrounded by glaciers, snow mountains and picturesque villages in flawless harmony for the truly incredible sight that you see. Humantay lake is most well known for its insanely bright blue and green water and its snow-capped mountain backdrop. These fantastic colors come from the mineral-filler runoff from the melting glaciers around the Humantay and Salkantay mountain.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
During the Humantay day hike you will feel the energy of the mountains also knows as Apus who protect local people according of the Andean traditions. This beautiful lake is located 3 hours away of Cusco over 4,200masl/13,780ft. At Vidal Expeditions we offer an ultimate adventure day trip with all included to make your trip a great experience of the lifetime.
Highlights: Humantay Lake, Salkantay mountain, Humantay mountainHiking distance: 2:30hours round trip
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: April to November
Max. Altitude: 4,200m/13,780ft
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypamapa - Humantay Lake - Soraypampa - Cusco
Walk through towering snow mountains, surprise yourself with the different colors of the lake.
Detailed Itinerary
Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypamapa - Humantay Lake - Soraypampa - Cusco
Humantay Lake: Very early in the morning (around 4:30-5am) your trekking guide and our driver will pick up you from your hotel.
The first stop of the day will be at Mollepata to have breakfast and fill us with the energy we'll need to continue our trip up to Soraypampa at 3950m.a.s.l. Here you will have the opportunity to know part of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. After a brief rest we will prepare ourselves to start the trek upwards until we reach the highest point of the trail, on our way crossing wonderful landscapes surrounded by a complex of mountains.
You will surely be impressed with the panoramic view of seeing the turquoise lake at 4200 masl. 13779 ft. close to an astounding glacier.
After we will return to Soraypampa where we will get our lunch. Our transport will be waiting for us to return to Cusco at 5pm approximately.
At Cusco Climbing we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your cultural tour.
WE INCLUDE
Cusco Climbing Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Sacred Valley of the Incas departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the famous sacred valley of the Incas
Entrance Fees
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your adventure it will be for a specific date.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to each place to visit Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Salineras and Chinchero, the bus returning to Cusco once you done with this activity will drop off you at your hotel.
Equipment
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Cusco Climbing are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
At Cusco Climbing, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 1 buffet lunch during this tour of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Water bottle
Every customer need water during this tour is for that we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
Humantay Lake Tour Packing List
At Cusco Climbing we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack?Essential Item
- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pant
- Trekking poles
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Personal medication or Own first aid kit
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HUMANTAY LAKE
Here some frequently asked question about our day tours in CuscoWhere is Humantay Lake located?
Humantay Lake (Laguna Humantay) is located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, about 120 km (75 miles) northwest of Cusco, near the Salkantay Mountain and village of Soraypampa.
How long does it take to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco?
The drive from Cusco to the trailhead at Soraypampa takes around 3 to 3.5 hours each way. The hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, depending on your pace.
How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike is considered moderate to challenging because of the altitude (over 4,200 meters / 13,780 ft). The trail is steep in some parts, but it’s doable for most people with a basic fitness level. You can also rent a horse for part of the way if needed.
<What is the altitude of Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake sits at an elevation of approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level.
When is the best time to visit Humantay Lake?
The dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit, offering clear skies and beautiful turquoise colors. The rainy season (November to March) is also possible but expect muddy trails and cloudy conditions.
Can I visit Humantay Lake without a guide?
Yes, it’s possible to go independently, but most travelers prefer booking a guided tour from Cusco. A tour includes transport, breakfast, lunch, and assistance in case of altitude sickness — making it easier and safer.
Do I need to acclimatize before the hike?
Yes. It’s highly recommended to spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco before the Humantay Lake hike to acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Is Humantay Lake part of the Salkantay Trek?
Yes, Humantay Lake is located along the Salkantay Trek route, which continues on to Machu Picchu. Many hikers visit the lake on the first day of that trek.
How long does it take to get to Humantay Lake from Cusco?
In case you have extra luggage which you not need to bring to the trail all the hotels in Cusco has storage where you can leave your luggage completely free, if you will change your hotel after the trek we have available our storage in Cusco Climbing office, get more info with from our office team.
Are there toilets or facilities at Humantay Lake?
There are basic toilets and small shops at the Soraypampa trailhead, but no permanent facilities at the lake itself. Bring tissue and hand sanitizer.
From: USD 55.00 per person
USD 45.00: from 4 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Cusco Climbing. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Cusco Climbing will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at cuscoclimbingperu@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
Full Day
Humantay Lake Tour
Humantay Lake Day Tour Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Cusco Climbing we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Climbing & Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art climbing and camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Climbing team: At Cusco Climbing we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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