What are Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain Attractions?

These two popular, full-day hikes are situated deep in the Cusco Andes. They are especially appealing and culturally significant due to their proximity to the sacred major peaks: Salkantay and Ausangate, which are revered as Apus (Andean gods) and protectors of the region.

Humantay Lake

Situated in the high Andes northeast of Cusco, at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. Humantay Lake is formed by the meltwater from the snow-capped Humantay mountain (part of the Vilcabamba range). 

According to Mincetur data (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism), this impressive lake is approximately  618 meters long by 164 meters wide. Covering an area of around 58,273 square meters and reaching a depth of 17 meters, it is undoubtedly a natural jewel.

Rainbow Mountain

Known in Quechua as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain is situated in the high Andes southwest of Cusco, at 5,036m / 16,522 ft. 

This natural wonder is the result of geological folding and subsequent erosion, which, over time, stripped away layers of snow that once covered this mountain (part of Vilcanota range). This process revealed the mountain's colored mineral bands, creating a beautiful sight.

How far is Humantay Lake from Rainbow Mountain?

Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain lie in opposite directions from Cusco, so plan them on separate days. 

Although the straight-line distance between them is about 149 km / 92 miles), the practical driving distance is much longer (around 350 km / 220 miles), because Andean terrain forces winding mountain roads with constant climbs and descents. Add the Andes’ changeable weather, and travel times stretch enough to make a same-day combo impossible.

Humantay Lake vs Rainbow Mountain Distance Map   

Why do travelers visit Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake?

In the past, these now-famous destinations were merely stops on larger, multi-day treks.

• Humantay Lake was originally visited as part of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu itinerary.
• Rainbow Mountain was part of the Ausangate Trek, a challenging route where the colorful mountain was only visible during clear weather when not covered by snow.

Over time, due to increasing temperatures and, critically, the rise of social media influence, both attractions gained fame.

Humantay Lake vs Rainbow Mountain Itinerary

The main technical similarity between these tours lies in how their itineraries are structured, they follow almost the same sequence of activities.

Which is better Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain?

Choosing between Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain depends on the day you want in the Andes, and the kind of traveler you are. If you love nature and adventure, both are great, but vary in subtle and important ways. Compare the sections below and choose the best full-day tour for you.

1.Clothing & Acclimatization: Be Ready for the Andes

Before setting off to either Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, a little preparation makes a big difference. Both hikes take place at high altitudes, between 3,900 m and 5,000 m (12,795–16,522 ft), where the thin air and rapidly changing weather can surprise even experienced travelers.

Acclimatization Tips

Cusco sits at 3,400 m / 11,150 ft, and both Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain climb significantly higher. To enjoy the experience safely and comfortably, plan to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 1–2 days before your hike.

During this time:

• Stay hydrated (but avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine).
• Eat light, local meals rich in carbohydrates (avoid dairy products for at least a day before the hike).
• Rest well and walk at an easy pace during your first days.
• Coca tea or muña (Andean mint) can help ease mild altitude symptoms naturally.

What To Wear for Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain

Layering is key, think in three functional layers that you can easily add or remove as conditions shift throughout the day:

• Base layer: breathable clothing (like long-sleeve T-shirt)
• Insulating layer: a warm fleece or down jacket to protect against early-morning cold.
• Outer layer: a waterproof and windproof jacket to handle rain or mountain gusts

Pair these with hiking pants and sturdy trekking shoes or boots. Don’t forget gloves, a hat or beanie, and UV-protection sunglasses, the Andean sun is intense even on cloudy days.

• Extra Essentials: Bring a daypack with 1–2 liters of water, snacks, sunscreen (SPF 50), lip balm, and a light rain poncho. Trekking poles are optional but recommended for balance and knee support, especially on steep sections.

2.Trip Timing: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake hikes

How long does the tour actually take? Both the Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain tours are very similar in length, lasting around 12 to 13 hours from start to finish. Since these attractions are quite far from Cusco and require a significant amount of time, classifying them as full-day tours is accurate as it covers at least two meals, transportation and the full guided hiking experience.

Starting point and End Point

Another crucial question is: Where does Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain tour begin and end? Both tours include hotel / Airbnb pick-up and drop-off in Cusco’s Historic Center. For travelers a bit further out a convenient meeting point will be coordinated near Cusco's Main Square, with the drop-off concluding in the same area

Departures from or arrivals at Sacred Valley accommodations are unusual, though not impossible. If you need this service, you must consider a private transfer which involves an extra cost for the pick-up or drop-off.

Otherwise, the standard service starts and finishes in Cusco, which is a key similarity between the tours. Next will explain the timing aspect of Rainbow Mountain vs Humantay Lake:

3.Vehicle Travel: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake Tour

Since both destinations are far from Cusco, a significant portion of the tour is spent driving to reach the hiking starting point and some stops to eat and pause. Naturally, all transportation is fully included in both tour options.

Access Routes: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain

In the past, these popular routes were integrated into longer multi-day treks. Humantay Lake was a stop on the Salkantay Trek, and Rainbow Mountain was part of the Ausangate Trek. This means you may still encounter trekkers from those multi-day tours on your full-day excursion. With the surge in tourism, the access routes have evolved differently for each.

How to get to Rainbow Mountain?

This route has seen the biggest change, now having two main options: Pitumarca (the older access) and Cusipata (the newer access).

• Pitumarca route: Cusco - Cusipata - Trailhead
  • Travel distance: 108 km.
  • Travel time: approximately 3 hours.
• Cusipata route: Cusco - Pitumarca - Trailhead
  • Travel distance: 141 km.
  • Travel time: approximately 3.5 hours.

The drive crosses high-Andean plains with llamas and alpacas and passes adobe hamlets under wide skies. The journey takes you through a steadily rising landscape, moving toward the colorful wilderness, where the snow-covered peak of Apu Ausangate dominates.

How to get to Humantay Lake?

Due to its more challenging geography, this attraction maintains just one primary access route via Mollepata.

• Mollepata Route: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa (trailhead)
  • Travel distance: 119 km.
  • Travel time: approximately 3 hours.

The Humantay Lake route winds through lush valleys and dramatic canyons before climbing sharply into the Salkantay region. The scenery transforms from fertile farmland around Mollepata to rugged slopes and icy peaks near Soraypampa, where the trail begins. It’s a more vertical and varied journey, showing the full transition from green valleys to glacial heights in just a few hours.

4.Stops & Meal Breaks: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake Tour

Your journey will include a few operational stops along the way, starting with the pick-up service in Cusco. This is where you'll meet your  guide and driver. The meals are scheduled to be provided at various locations throughout the day.

Picnic Meal in Rainbow Mountain

Since the Rainbow Mountain experience is a connection with the Andean landscape and nature. That's why, at Trexperience, we enhance this feeling by providing picnic-style breakfast and lunch, allowing you to dine right in the middle of nature.

Check Out» Rainbow Mountain with picnic meals

5.Hiking Experience: Humantay Lake vs Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Tour

The main experience of both tours is the adventure activity of hiking, around 3 hours of scenic self-paced walking surrounded by the great Andes Mountain Range. Though unified by this spectacular experience, each route unveils a distinct set of characteristic elements: 

i. Elevation & Hiking Highest Altitude

Upon arriving at the trailhead, and following a quick warm-up and essential guide briefing, your self-paced hike officially begins. The starting elevations are as follows:

• Humantay Lake trailhead elevation:
  • Soraypampa trailhead: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
• Rainbow Mountain trailhead elevation:
  • Via Cusipata drop-off point: 4,620 m / 15,157 ft.
  • Via Pitumarca drop-off point: 4,510 m / 14,800 ft.

As you progress, the path presents a gradual challenge, allowing you to marvel at the surrounding natural landscapes while you test your endurance. Your goal awaits at the summit.

• Humantay Lake hike highest altitude:
  • Humantay Lake elevation: 4,200 m /13,780 ft
• Rainbow Mountain  hike highest altitude:
  • Rainbow Mountain elevation: 5,036m / 16,522 ft

ii. Trail length & time on foot: 

The hike on both tours follows the traveler’s pace, so the guide will always prioritize the slowest walkers, staying with them and assisting with any situation that may arise, using their first-aid training and the medical kit carried on the trek.

How long is the hike to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain?

In both cases, the hike length is roughly 2-3 km each way. Humantay Lake is slightly shorter but steeper, while Rainbow Mountain is a bit longer with gentler grades.

• Humantay Lake round-trip hike distance:
  • Soraypampa (trailhead): approx. 1.8 km / 1.12 mi.
• Rainbow Mountain round-trip hike distance:
  • Cusipata drop-off point (trailhead): approx. 3 km / 1.86 mi.
  • Pitumarca drop-off point (trailhead): approx. 4 km / 2.49 mi.

iii. Difficulty and transportation options

Since these hikes take place at challenging high altitudes, the trail difficulty can vary greatly among individuals, even those who have properly acclimatized. Therefore, answering the question, Which trek is harder: Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain? is ultimately a question of personal perspective.

If you anticipate needing assistance to reach Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, or if you notice the altitude challenge early on, feel confident requesting additional transportation.

Simply inform your tour guide at the start of the day; they are your best resource for arranging this extra service. Rest assured, your guide has the necessary training and language skills to handle the transaction directly with the owners,usually in Peruvian currency (Soles), helping you avoid fraud and ensuring a smooth experience.

Dry and Rainy Season in Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake

Whether you want the clear skies of the dry season (April–October) or the lush, quieter solitude of the rainy months (November–March), both seasons deliver a distinct, rewarding experience at Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain.

Extras You Can’t Compare: Humantay Lake vs Rainbow Mountain

Besides everything already mentioned, there are special details beyond the main view of the attraction that make these two tours truly unique.

Humantay Lake Environment:

The shores of Humantay Lake support a high-Andean ecosystem where native flora and wildlife can thrive when visitors follow Leave No Trace. You’ll notice lush patches of wildflowers, shrubs, and Polylepis woodlands (queuña), which help retain moisture, shelter birds, and protect fragile soils. 

With quiet observation, you may spot vizcachas on the rocks, Huallatas (Andean geese) along wetlands, and on rare days: taruca (Andean deer), an Andean fox and overhead the Andean condor. Typical plants include queuña, tayanka, and ichu (Andean bunchgrass), alongside numerous other native species adapted to cold, dry mountain conditions.

Rainbow Mountain Red Valley 

Despite its barren look, the valley supports hardy high-Andean life. You may spot llamas and alpacas grazing on pockets of ichu grass. Look up for hawks and caracaras riding the thermals, and scan rocky outcrops for vizcachas basking between scrambles.

Here, plants survive by staying low and hardy beneath towering mountains.The Red Valley sits a short detour from the main viewpoint, about 1 hour round trip. Its iron-rich slopes create layered reds and ochres that photograph beautifully, with far fewer people than the main ridge. This is a spot perfect for wide-angle shots, take your time to compose and capture those Mars-like photos.

Still deciding between Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain? Both can light up your adventurous side, and if you’re looking for even more emotion, we’re here to help. As adventure lovers and local specialists, we know what you’re after, so don’t hesitate to contact us; together we’ll shape your ideal tour or custom package in Cusco.

Humantay Lake vs Rainbow Mountain FAQs