The Humantay Lake Tour is undoubtedly one of the best day hikes in Peru. Spend a beautiful day exploring the fantastic mountain views, exotic flora, and fauna. In addition, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch made with fresh local ingredients. This is a great choice if you want to experience the natural beauty and don't mind an extra hike.

Our Exclusive full-day Humantay Lake tour from Cusco includes round-trip transport, so you only have to enjoy the tour.

Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco - Overview

The Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco is the perfect way to see one of Peru's most beautiful places. This full-day tour takes you on a hike to the stunning Humantay Lake in the Salkantay Mountain region. The lake is nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 4,200 meters, making it a truly unique sight, with crystal clear waters and breathtaking views.

We’ll leave early from the city of Cusco and head toward Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike. Our guides will accompany you during the ascent, offering support and interesting facts about the area. Once you reach the top, you’ll have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy a truly unique Andean landscape. After the visit, you’ll enjoy a lunch made with local ingredients at a nearby restaurant before heading back to Cusco.

Perfect for those looking for nature, a moderate challenge, and unforgettable views—all in just one day.

Tour Highlights:

Spend an epic day hiking among gigantic snow-capped mountains.
Explore the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake.
Enjoy a refreshing lunch prepared with local products.
Small group tour for personalized service

Tour Schedule:

Starts: 4:30 am - Pick up from your hotel in Cusco city.
Ends: 6:00 pm - Drop off at the door of your hotel.

Included:

Round-trip transportation from Cusco
Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
Drop off back at your hotel
Professional Tour Guide
Entry ticket to Humantay Lake
Oxygen tank, first aid kit, Satellite phones
Breakfast & lunch at a Local restaurant
Extra blankets provided
Trekking poles

Not Included:

Horse riding (optional)
Travel Insurance

Additional Info:

You can book this trip as a private service
For larger groups, please send us a request to get a special price.
You can rent a horse at the trailhead to arrive at Humantay Lake. However, horse riding is possible on only 80% of the entire trail. For the remaining 20%, you need to hike. Returning down the hill on a horse is not recommended.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available on request.

Humantay Lake Tour - Itinerary

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. We can collect from any hotel near the center of the Cusco district and then drive for two hours to the town of Mollepata, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast in a local restaurant using fresh, local products. Next, you will drive for one more hour to the trailhead at Soraypampa, where we will prepare for the beautiful hiking day ahead.

Your tour guide will give you some time to prepare, use the facilities, and warm up. The hike starts with an easy first part and then gets steep as we get closer to Humantay Lake. After two hours of hiking through beautiful landscapes, we will finally arrive at the amazing turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, located at 4200 meters (13,779 feet), right below the mountain of the same name. You will be able to explore the area, relax, and enjoy the breeze and fresh air.

After enjoying the tranquillity of Humantay Lake, you will start descending for two hours back to the trailhead, where you will board the van back to Mollepata town and enjoy a delicious meal in the local restaurant. You will then have some time to enjoy the views from Mollepata town and finally board the van for a two-hour journey back to Cusco. The tour will finish at your hotel around 6:00 p.m.

On request, you can request an exclusive tour with picnic meals prepared by our trekking chefs, served in our comfortable picnic tents set up by our porters. This option is valid for a minimum of two travelers; if you have a larger party, you can contact us to get a special price.

During the day trip, you will be provided with warm blankets for the early morning drive, and you will also be provided with trekking poles for a hike.

Price of the Humantay Lake Tour

Price per person:

US$ 98 – With meals served at a local restaurant in the town of Mollepata
US$ 180 – With picnic meals prepared by our expert trekking chefs
5+ Travelers, contact us to get a special price: info@trexperienceperu.com

To book the Humantay Lake tour, click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, select the tour option of your choice, and fill in all the requested details. Our team will contact you shortly for more information.

You can also request a quotation for our special Salkantay & Humantay Lake 2-day tours with camping, where you will be able to explore amazing off-the-beaten-path lakes and trails.

Similar tours you might be interested in:

Useful Information about Humantay Lake

What to bring

To participate in a full Humantay Lake tour from Cusco, it’s important to have all the necessary equipment to enjoy this amazing place to the fullest. Below is a detailed list of what you will need to take on the Humantay Lake tour.

Passport: Not required, but we recommend taking it with you in a safe place.
Hiking shoes: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. The terrain is steep and slippery when wet.
Fleece or down jacket: Temperatures early in the morning can be below 0° Celsius, so bring a light, warm jacket.
Gloves: You can take hiking gloves or buy them in the streets of Cusco for 10 to 15 soles.
Hat or beanie: Early mornings can be cold, so make sure you always have warm clothes with you.
Rain gear: Bring a rain jacket and poncho; avoid umbrellas due to heavy winds.
Sunscreen: The sun can be strong and dry; protect yourself with good sun protection.
Water: We recommend about 2 liters. It’s better if you have containers that can keep your drink hot.
Snacks: Power bars, granola, candy, or chocolate.
Extra cash: Take around 300 soles in cash for souvenirs and unexpected expenses.
Daypack: Light and comfortable for hiking, with enough space for your belongings.
Basic first aid kit: Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, altitude sickness pills, motion sickness pills, and pain relievers.
Camera: A good camera or your phone fully charged, plus extra batteries.
Trekking poles: Included in the tour.
Binoculars: Bring them if you have them.

It’s always good to remember that the weather in the Andes can be quite unpredictable. Therefore, it’s advisable to be well-prepared for different weather conditions when planning a trip to Humantay Lake.

Location

Humantay Lake is located in the Peruvian Andes, about a 3-hour drive from the city of Cusco and a 2-hour hike to the lake. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), making it one of the highest lakes in Peru. It is surrounded by mountains, including Humantay Peak, which rises to 5,917 meters (19,427 feet).

History

Humantay Lake is a glacial lake in the Cusco Region of Peru. It sits in the saddle between the mountains of Salkantay and Humantay. The lake is fed by glacial meltwater from nearby glaciers and has a turquoise color due to light reflecting off the sediments at the bottom. The area around Humantay Lake has been inhabited for centuries by indigenous people.

The lake holds spiritual significance for many indigenous communities and is used for ceremonies and rituals. In recent years, it has become a popular tourist destination. The area around the lake is beautiful, and several hiking trails lead to different viewpoints.

Altitude

Humantay Lake lies at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range in the Peruvian Andes.

Weather

The weather at Humantay Lake varies depending on the time of year. In the rainy season, the lake is often covered in mist and can be quite cold when cloudy or rainy. During the dry season, it is typically sunny and warm during the day but very cold at night or early morning. Visitors should be prepared for both types of weather when planning a trip to Humantay Lake.

Difficulty

The Humantay Lake tour is not for the faint of heart. The hike is moderate to challenging, with a steep incline and rocky terrain. The real difficulty comes from the high altitude. At over 4,200 meters above sea level, the oxygen is thin, and it can be hard to catch your breath. This can make the hike more challenging, so it’s important to take breaks often to rest and recover. While the views from the lake are stunning, getting there is no easy feat.

Humantay Lake Tour map

Humantay Lake vs. Rainbow Mountain

Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain are the two most popular day tours you can take from Cusco. These tours are available every day and are similar in organization, schedules, and logistics; however, the experience and landscapes are completely different. While Humantay Lake is located near Salkantay Mountain, with green landscapes typical of the high cloud forest region at 4,200 meters, Rainbow Mountain is in the Ausangate region, which is higher and drier. It has reddish landscapes typical of the 5,000-meter area.

Humantay Lake

Distance: About 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Location: Near Soraypampa, Salkantay Trek
Difficulty: Some steep, rocky sections, but manageable if you’re in good shape
Highlight: A gorgeous turquoise lake below towering Andes peaks
Time: About 4 hours of hiking, plus 6 hours travel time

Rainbow Mountain

Distance: About 9 kilometers (5.5 miles)
Location: In the Ausangate Region
Difficulty: Tougher terrain, especially at high altitude
Highlight: Unique, colorful mountain scenery
Time: About 4 hours of hiking, plus 6 hours travel time

For the less demanding hike and lower altitude, the Humantay Lake is a great option. If you’re up for a challenge and want unforgettable views, consider Rainbow Mountain—just be aware of the thin air and long distance.

Tips for visiting Humantay Lake

If you're looking for a beautiful turquoise lake to visit in Peru, Humantay is the perfect spot. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

The best time to visit Humantay Lake is between May and September, when the weather is warm and dry.
To get to Humantay Lake, you'll need to drive for about 3 hours from the town of Cusco.
The trail is challenging, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water.
Once you reach the lake, take some time to enjoy the views!
When you're ready to head back down, give yourself plenty of time to hike leisurely so you don't get too tired.

And that's it—following these tips will help you have a great time visiting Humantay Lake!

Humantay Lake Tour - Frequently Asked Questions

Are you planning a trip to Humantay Lake and have some questions?, you have come to the right location! On this page, you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Humantay lake from Cusco. We have all the information you need, from directions and packing tips to what you can anticipate upon your arrival.

How to get to Cusco?

The best way to get to Cusco is by flying into the city's airport. First, you need to book a flight to Lima city, then a domestic flight to Cusco airport. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to your hotel in Cusco.

Where to stay in Cusco for pick up?

There are many options available for staying in Cusco. You can choose a hotel, hostel, or even an Airbnb and apartments. The recommended hotels are:

Hotel Monasterio
Palacio del Inka
JW Marriott El Convento
Hilton Garden
Costa del Sol Ramada
Hilton Garden
Novotel
Casa Andina Plaza

Book a hotel near the main center and route access. Some hotels might be located off the route and have difficult access, especially when your pick-up is an early or late drop-off.

What is Humantay Lake?

Humantay Lake is a stunning glacial lake situated in the Salkantay region on the eastern side of the Peruvian Andes. It sits at the base of Mount Humantay and is known for its turquoise color and breathtaking surroundings. The lake is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and photography.

How to get to Humantay Lake?

To get to Humantay Lake, you will need to take a bus from Cusco to the town of Mollepata. From Mollepata, you need to take a private taxi to Soraypampa village, the trailhead. From Soraypampa, you will need to hike for about 2 hours until you reach the lake. The trail is not overly difficult, but it is recommended that you wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water.

The easiest way to visit Humatay Lake is through an organized tour; you need to hire a company like TreXperience to enjoy these unique places.

What to do at Humantay Lake?

Hiking is the only way to arrive at Humantay Lake and is an excellent way to get some exercise. Several trails of varying difficulty levels lead up to the lake. Once you reach the lake, there are plenty of places to relax or take a short hike. The water is generally quite cold, and swimming and fishing are not allowed.

Picnicking is not allowed as well. However, you can enjoy your favorite snack, and warm water is possible. Just make sure you do not leave any trash behind.

What activities can be done there?

There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Humantay Lake, including hiking, horseback riding, and simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery. The lake is also a great place for picnics and camping. You can only have picnics and camping in the village at the trailhead, Soraypampa.

How much does it cost to visit Humantay Lake?

The price for visiting Humantay Lake varies depending on the time of year, the group size, and the specific activities you plan to do while there.

You can book budget tours for a day trip to the lake from $98 per person. This price includes transportation from Cusco to the trailhead, a guide, and entrance fees. Breakfast and lunch are provided in local restaurants.
You can also book personalized premium tours with picnic meals $180. Includes transportation to the trailhead, entry fees, tour guide, chef, picnic meals, and private transport. These are the best tour options for Humantay. An exclusive chef and top-qualified tour guides will prepare your meals.

When is the best time to visit Humantay Lake?

The best time to visit Humantay Lake is between May and September. The weather is warm, and there are fewer chances to have rain. The rainy season is also a perfect time to visit; the landscapes are greener and have beautiful colors.

Are there any dangers at Humantay Lake?

Yes, like any adventure trip out in nature, there are some dangers at Humantay Lake.

The most common danger is getting lost. There are no marked trails, and the terrain is very rugged. It is easy to get lost if you don't know where you are going or don't follow the tour guide's instructions.
Other dangers include hypothermia and altitude sickness.
The lake is at a high elevation, and you need to be acclimated to the altitude; arrive a few days before Cusco.
Be sure to dress warmly and drink plenty of fluids to avoid these problems.

What are the recommended tours before and after the Humantay Lake tour?

Humantay Lake is a high-altitude day hike; you must acclimate properly before participating in this tour.