What is the Humantay Lake?

Lake Humantay is actually more like a lagoon, a smaller body of water, than a lake. It was formed by the melting of the ice mass of the Humantay glacier. When you visit, you'll get to experience the beauty of Andean nature right in front of you. At the same time, you will enjoy its turquoise waters thanks to the minerals dissolved in the water.

What does Humantay mean?

This lake takes its name from the snow-capped Humantay mountain, whose melting snow caused its formation. “Huma” in the Quechua language means “Head of the Gods” or “Sacred Head”, as it’s near Mount Salkantay, one of the sacred mountains in Andean culture. This site must have been sacred to the Incas, both for its beauty and its location. The suffix “ntay” is still under debate, as no clear meaning has been found for it.

Local legends say that Salkantay and Ausangate, two of the region’s most famous mountains, set out from this area to help their people in times of need.

How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco?

The distance from Cusco to Humantay is around 123 km. A car trip lasts 03:30 hrs. following the longitudinal route of the Sierra Sur.  

The lagoon is located in the northwest of the Imperial City. It’s part of the Mollepata district in the Anta province of the Cusco region. It's at the level of the first camp (Soraypampa) of the Salkantay trek of 4 days.

Humantay lake altitude

Humantay Lake elevation is about 4,200 meters above sea level (13,780 ft). Close to the lagoon is the iconic Salkantay Mountain, and its waters stand out for its unique turquoise hue.

Hot to Get to Humantay Lake

If you’re already in Cusco and have enjoyed its nearby archaeological sites, plus Machu Picchu, it’s time to visit Humantay Lagoon for another amazing experience.

Getting there is pretty easy since it’s a popular place, and travel agencies even offer tours you can book just a day in advance. It all depends on what works best for you.

With a travel agency: 

The easiest and most convenient option is to book with a travel agency. Most Humantay lake tours include everything you’ll need, and you won't have to worry about anything: transportation, a guide, breakfast, lunch, and sometimes even the entrance fee. You can book directly at a tour operator’s office in Cusco or online through a travel app. Tours usually leave early, between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m.

Make sure to pick a reliable agency with good reviews. If you’d like, you can book your Humantay Lake Tour with us, but it’s totally up to you!

If you’re booking a tour from Cusco, expect to pay between $37 and $55.

On your own: 

If you’d rather skip the groups and take things at your own pace, you can definitely visit the lake on your own. Just keep in mind that it’ll cost a bit more, and by “more,” we mean there’s quite a noticeable difference.

One option is to take a shared van (Colectivo) from Cusco to Mollepata. It costs about 20 soles (around USD 5) one way, and you can catch one at the Arcopata street. The car trip lasted 03:30 hrs. Once you’re in Mollepata main square, you’ll take another ride to Soraypampa; located 24 km north of Mollepata. The car trip lasts 01 hour more and cost around 10 soles (USD 3)

The return is the same itinerary but in reverse.

Another option is to grab a taxi straight to Soraypampa from the same Arcopata street. This can cost up to 200 soles one way (USD 50), but if you’re traveling with friends, you can split the cost. The big advantage is that you can leave later than a group tour and won’t have to wait around for others. But if you want to make the most of your day, it’s still a good idea to head out as early as possible, like 04 am.

›› Pro Tip: If you’re going on your own, make sure you’re acclimated to the altitude and bring cash for food and the entrance fee.

Humantay Lake day trip

Once you’ve picked your transportation or tour, you’ll be traveling about 120 kilometers from Cusco to Mollepata main square. It’s a 3-hour ride where you’ll pass through charming Andean villages like Limatambo and Mollepata. From Mollepata, you will go to Soraypampa camp zone walking or by car (01 hour trip). Since Soraypampa, you'll climb to Lake Humantay in an hour of hiking.

1. From Cusco to Moallepata

Usually, the Humantay lake tours begin very early in the morning. The transportation with your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel around 04 to 05 am, to go directly to Mollepata in a car trip of 03 hours.

If you go on your own, you will go to Arcopata Street and take public transportation to Mollepata. The cart trip lasts 03 hours and, even though you can manage your time, it is advisable to leave early.   

2. From Mollepata to Soraypampa

In the case of a travel agency, after arriving in Mollepata, the guide will accompany you and the whole group to a restaurant to take breakfast for one hour. After, you will board your transport again to go directly to Soraypampa camp zone in 1 hour by car trip. Soraypampa is the first campsite of the classic Salkantay tour of 4 days.

If you travel independently, arriving at Mollepata, you can go to many restaurants to have breakfast. After, you will take another transportation (Van) from Mollepata main square to Soraypampa, the car trip will last 1 hour. Or, you can begin the trek to Soraypampa from the same Mollepata; in that case, the trip will take around 2 hours.

Take note:

Although there is no entrance fee to the lagoon itself, visitors must pay the municipality of Mollepata a “visitation fee” to visit the lagoon. This fee is USD 6 per person. A representative of the municipality, duly identified, waits for groups of visitors to collect the fee. Payment is made directly, without the intermediation of the travel agency.

3. From Soraypampa to Humantay lake

Whether through a travel agency or alone, the trail from Soraypampa to the lagoon is 2 kilometers uphill, and the hike can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. You’ll be climbing to 4,200 meters above sea level, so it’s a bit of a challenge!

If you’re used to hiking at high altitudes, you can absolutely do this on your own. But if you’re not, it’s a good idea to book a tour in advance so you can have a guide and support along the way.

Take Note:

If you feel that the climb is too challenging, you can hire a horse with a guide in Soraypampa. Prices are around USD 25 per leg of the journey.

4. The return to Mollepata

After around 1 hour appreciating the natural views of Lake Humantay. Whether through a travel agency or on your own, you will begin the descent to the Soraypampa camp by walking for 1 hour.

Upon arrival at the camping area, you can take your tourist transport to Mollepata. If you are traveling independently, you can take a public bus to Mollepata. The drive takes one hour, or if you prefer, you can continue walking to Mollepata, in which case the journey will take two hours. 

5. From Mollepata to Cusco

Once in Mollepata, your travel agency has arranged a buffet lunch for you at the same restaurant where you had breakfast. After that, your transportation will transfer you to Cusco in a car trip of 3 hours. You will arrive to Cusco around 04 pm.

If you are traveling alone, upon arriving in Mollepata, you can have lunch at one of the many tourist restaurants in the area. Or, if you prefer, you can take public transportation to Cusco, which is a 3-hour trip. Depending on how you manage your time, you could arrive in Cusco around 4 pm.

Humantay Lake hike difficulty

The hike is relatively short, about 2 kilometers. If you’re experienced, like we are, you’ll probably reach the top in about an hour at a good pace. But if it’s your first time, plan for around an hour and a half. There’s no need to rush; as long as you keep a steady pace, you’ll be fine.

What makes it a bit challenging is the incline—it’s pretty steep. If it rains, the trail can get a little slippery, so make sure to bring good trekking shoes to avoid any surprises.

What to do at Humantay Lake

• Once you arrive at the lagoon, the sense of accomplishment is incredible. You can explore its shoreline for a closer view or take a short hike up to some cliffs that border it for a higher vantage point. From up these cliffs, you’ll get a spectacular, clear view of Humantay Mountain, which gives the lagoon its name.
• If you’re into photography, we absolutely recommend this spot for the best angles and a chance to capture the full beauty of the landscape.
• Some tours also include a unique opportunity to participate in an ancient Inca ceremony honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth). As part of the ritual, you’ll place several stones, one on top of the other, until forming a small tower (Apacheta), in a special spot to show your gratitude to the Apus (Sacred Mountains) for safely reaching this sacred site. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the local traditions and culture.
• If you want to take things up a notch, consider spending the night at an eco-camp (domes) just in Soraypampa camp zone. You’ll sleep under a sky full of stars and wake up surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Best time to go

If you’re planning your trip, the dry season (May to mid-October) is a great time to go. The skies are usually clear, and the lagoon’s turquoise color looks amazing in the sunlight. Just keep in mind that this is also the busiest time, so you’ll likely see more people around.

But don’t worry if you’re visiting during the rainy season (November to March). There will be fewer crowds, which can make the experience feel more peaceful. There might be some rain, but as long as you’re prepared, it won’t take away from how special this place is.

›› Pro Tip: For truly spectacular photos, visit during the dry season. The clear skies and reflections on the water will make the colors pop even more.

Humantay Lake Entrance Fees

To visit Humantay Lagoon, you’ll need to pay a "visitation fee" to the Mollepata municipality. This tax gets you access to the Soraypampa campsite and the lagoon area. For foreign visitors, it’s 20 soles (about $6.00), and for Peruvians, it’s 10 soles (about $3.00). A municipal representative will be at the Soraypampa checkpoint to collect this tax. Payment is direct, without the travel agency's intervention, so we recommend bringing cash. 

What to wear

• Fleece shirt
• A warm jacket
• A poncho or raincoat
• A hat
• Gloves
• Durable pants
• Sturdy trekking shoes (water-resistant) are must-have.
• Trekking poles are a game-changer: If you have them, bring them along. They’re super helpful on the steeper parts of the trail.
• Bring a light backpack with just the essentials: water, snacks, and anything else you really need. You’ll be glad it’s not weighing you down.

Tips for your hike

The trail to Humantay Lagoon isn’t too long, but it can be challenging with its steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery sections. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your hike:

• Take time to acclimate: Spend a day or two in Cusco to get used to the altitude. It’ll help you avoid altitude sickness, especially if you’re not used to hiking at high elevations.
• Stay hydrated: Carry plenty of water, but sip it slowly instead of gulping. This keeps you hydrated without feeling heavy.
• Bring snacks: Pack something like nuts, energy bars, or dried fruit to keep your energy up along the way.
• Age: The hike isn’t recommended for kids under 12 or adults over 60 unless they’re in excellent health and fitness.

›› NOTE: The trip to and from Cusco is a full-day adventure. Most tours kick off early, around 4 a.m., and you’ll get back to Cusco between 5 and 6 p.m. If you have plans for the next day, make sure to plan your schedule and be ready for a long day filled with adventure and amazing views!

Lake Humantay FAQs