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Humantay lake tour – Full day
- Duration
- 1 Day
- Physical rating
- Moderate to Challenging
- Trip type
- Adventure, Hiking & Nature
- From
- US$ 00
Overview
Discover one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the Peruvian Andes on our Humantay Lake Full-Day Tour from Cusco. Famous for its stunning turquoise waters and spectacular mountain scenery, Humantay Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic drive through traditional Andean villages and beautiful mountain landscapes on your way to Mollepata, where you will stop for breakfast before continuing to Soraypampa, the starting point of your hike.
From Soraypampa, embark on an exciting hike through the Andes, surrounded by impressive views of snow-capped mountains and peaceful valleys. After approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking, you will reach Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level.
Take time to admire the lake’s crystal-clear turquoise waters, capture unforgettable photographs, and learn about the cultural significance of this sacred place in Andean traditions.
After exploring the lake, hike back to Soraypampa and enjoy a delicious lunch in Mollepata before returning to Cusco.
The Humantay Lake Tour is a perfect choice for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty of Peru in just one day.
Itenerary
HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR ITINERARY
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 3:00 a.m. to begin our journey to Humantay Lake. Our adventure starts with a 4-hour drive to Soraypampa, located at 3,850 meters above sea level. This is also the campsite for the first day of the Salkantay trek. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for the trek ahead. From Soraypampa, we will begin our hike to Humantay Lake, surrounded by stunning scenery. Early on, you’ll witness the majestic, snow-covered peaks of Salkantay and Humantay.
The trek to the lake takes about 1.5 hours. The trail starts off flat for around 20 minutes, but then continues uphill for the remainder of the hike until we reach the lake, which sits at 4,200 meters. The effort is well worth it, as the view of the lake is truly breathtaking. Once we arrive, there will be ample time to take photos, offer a tribute to the Apus, and enjoy some free time.
Afterward, we will descend back to Soraypampa, which takes about 1.5 hours and is much easier than the ascent. Upon returning, we will have lunch, and then head back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m.
- Elevation Gain: 472 m / 1,548 ft.
- Elevation Loss: 479 m / 1,571 ft.
- Trailhead Elevation: 3,814 m / 12,513 ft.
- The Highest Elevation: 4275m / 14,025 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderately difficult.
- Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles.
What's part of your journey
Included
- Hotel pickup from Cusco.
- Round-trip tourist transportation.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Breakfast in Mollepata.
- Lunch after the hike.
- First-aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen tank.
- Assistance throughout the tour.
Not included
- Entrance fee to Humantay Lake.
- Horse rental (optional).
- Trekking poles (unless provided by the operator).
- Snacks and additional beverages.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for the guide and driver (optional).
Packing List – What to Bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes: Suitable for rocky and uneven mountain trails
- Warm clothing: A fleece jacket or warm layers for cold mountain temperatures.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho: Essential during the rainy season.
- Small backpack: For carrying your personal belongings.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- Water bottle: Bring at least 1–2 liters of drinking water.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or chocolate for the hike.
- Camera or smartphone: Capture the spectacular turquoise lake and mountain scenery.
- Gloves and warm hat: Recommended for cold mornings.
- Personal medication: Including any medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Cash in Peruvian soles: For entrance fees, horse rental, or personal expenses.
- Passport or identification: For identification when required.
YOUR JOURNEY, OUR HOME
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Traveler reviews
What our travelers say
Big adventures, little details and memories of Peru.
Emma W.
United Kingdom
A day we will always remember
Seeing Machu Picchu was a dream, and our guide made it even more special. We had time to enjoy the views, ask questions and discover the stories behind this incredible place.
Machu Picchu
Carlos M.
Spain
The Sacred Valley at our own pace
We loved exploring Pisac and Ollantaytambo with someone who knows the valley so well. The stops were thoughtfully planned, and lunch with views of the mountains was a lovely touch.
Sacred Valley
Sophie L.
France
So much more than a tour
From our first message to the last transfer, the team was attentive and easy to reach. Our guide shared little details about life in Cusco that made us feel connected to the city.
Cusco & Machu Picchu
James R.
United States
An unforgettable walk through the Andes
The scenery was spectacular, but the people made this trek. Our guide encouraged us along the way, explained the history of the ruins and made sure everyone felt comfortable with the pace.
Inca Trail
Valentina P.
Chile
Wonderful views and a caring team
We appreciated the advice about acclimatising before the excursion. On the day, our guide was patient, we took plenty of breaks and the colours of the mountain were worth every step.
Rainbow Mountain
Daniel & Mia
Australia
A journey that felt truly ours
We wanted a mix of culture, food and time outdoors. The team helped us shape an itinerary with room to explore, and the local recommendations became some of our favourite memories of Peru.
Tailor-made Peru
Fictional sample reviews for preview purposes. These have not been published on Tripadvisor.
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