This hidden gem is a popular stop on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. To Incas and to the people living in the valley the lake is a sacred entity.
Humantay Lake Tour is a popular full day trip from Cusco, as the Rainbow Mountain Tour. It takes you to the turquoise lake, Lake Humantay at 13.780 ft/4.200 meters above sea level, snuggled between the snow capped Andean peaks of Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
This hidden gem is a popular stop on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. To Incas and to the people living in the valley the lake is a sacred entity. Even today Shamans (Andean priests) often visit the lake to offer Apacheta.
Apacheta is a process of piling stones each on top of the other. They do this to express their gratitude to the mother earth (Pachamama). Shamans also use three coca leaves (Kintu) to seek blessings from Apus (Sacred Peaks).
Visiting Peru Lake Humantay is somewhat challenging. This is a high altitude experience. You need to be reasonably fit and acclimated to avoid altitude sickness. It normally takes about 1.5 hours to get to the lake from the nearest camp.
If you are not keen on hiking, you can rent a horse from the local community at an additional cost.
What to Expect?
Humantay Lake Tour starts with a drive to the trail head of Salkantay trail, Soraypampa early in the morning. After a hot breakfast, you’ll hike for about 1.5 hours through highland Andean farmlands to the turquoise lake.
At the summit, our guide will be explaining to you the importance of the lake in the life of Incas and its prominence today. We operate this full-day tour in small groups and as a private tour as well.
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 04:30 AM. Then in our private transport, we embark on a three hours drive along the Sacred Valley of Incas to Soraypampa. Here we will be serving you breakfast.
Our local expert will be sharing some safety tips before beginning the full day hike. The route up to the lagoon offers captivating views of the Peruvian highland farms. Here you will be able to spot the Andean camelids – Alpacas and Llamas grazing.
Once at the summit (on the shores of the turquoise lake), our local expert will be explaining to you about the importance of the lagoon and how the Andean community continue to worship it.
Once you have had your fill of this hidden gem, we will be hiking back to Soraypampa the same way we went up. At Soraypampa, our driver will be meeting you and will be driving you to Mollepata town. Here we will be stopping for lunch.
After lunch, we will be driving you back to Cusco City.
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
4:30 a.m.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Packing list
Usefull info
The hike on the Humantay Lake Tour is of moderate to challenging difficulty. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend from Soraypampa to the lake, reaching an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some areas.
While the distance is not long, the altitude can make the ascent challenging, especially for those not accustomed to high elevations. It is recommended to be in good physical condition to complete the hike comfortably and to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Also, proper acclimatization before the tour is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
Yes, acclimatization is essential before doing the Humantay Lake Tour. Since the hike takes you to 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), it is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least one or two days before the tour to acclimatize. This will help prevent altitude sickness and allow you to enjoy the Humantay Lake Tour without discomfort.
During these days in Cusco, it’s advisable to avoid heavy physical exertion, stay well hydrated, and eat light foods. Drinking coca tea, a traditional remedy, is also helpful for alleviating the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you experience headaches, dizziness, or nausea, it is important to rest and follow the guide's instructions. Proper acclimatization will improve your well-being and ensure a more enjoyable experience.
Yes, the Humantay Lake Tour is completely safe. The guide will be in charge of the group's safety and will provide a brief safety briefing before the hike begins. The transportation and horses (for those who choose to rent them) are insured, adding an extra layer of security during the tour.
Additionally, the guide will carry a first aid kit and is trained to handle emergencies. While the hike is moderate, it is important to follow the guide’s instructions, especially when navigating steeper or slippery sections of the trail.
The Humantay Lake Tour is suitable for children over 8 years old who are in good physical condition. Children can rent a horse if they do not want to walk the entire route.
However, this tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old due to the altitude and physical demands of the hike. If you have younger children, consider other activities that are more suited to their age and physical condition.
The best time for the Humantay Lake Tour is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather conditions are more stable, and the trails are less slippery. During this period, you can enjoy clear skies and great views.
In the rainy season (November to March), the trail conditions can become more challenging, with slippery paths and reduced visibility due to fog. If you decide to visit during the rainy season, be prepared with waterproof gear and flexible expectations regarding the weather.
No, camping is not allowed near Humantay Lake. The tour is a day trip, and after enjoying the view, you will return to Cusco. However, camping is possible in Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek, with prior authorization.
If you plan to camp, make sure to reserve in advance and bring the proper equipment for the cold, as temperatures can drop significantly at night at that altitude.
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