Full day Humantay lake Tour from Cusco
Our full-day Humantay Lake tour is a guided day trip from Cusco to the turquoise glacial lake located beneath Humantay Mountain at 13,780 feet (4,200 meters). The experience begins with early hotel pickup in Cusco and continues through Mollepata to Soraypampa, where the hike starts. After visiting the lake, we return to Cusco in the early evening.
This tour is recommended for travelers who have spent at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco and are comfortable with a moderately challenging uphill hike. Reaching the lake usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on walking pace and trail conditions. The elevation can make the ascent demanding even for active travelers.
Our service includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip tourist transportation, a hot breakfast, lunch, a professional bilingual guide, a first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. Travelers can choose between a small group departure and a private tour.
What sets our operation apart is the personalized support provided throughout the hike. Our guide allows time for rest breaks, helps the group maintain a comfortable pace, and explains the natural and cultural importance of Humantay Lake. We organize the transportation, meals, safety equipment, and essential logistics so travelers can focus on the hike and their time at the lake.
Highlights
- Hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake at 13,780 feet (4,200 meters).
- See the lake’s turquoise water beneath the snow-covered Humantay Mountain.
- Enjoy views of the Humantay and Salkantay peaks along the trail.
- Walk through open valleys and high-altitude landscapes in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
- Spend time at the lake for photographs, rest, and explanations from your guide.
- Learn about the natural features and cultural importance of the lake.
- Travel with a professional guide carrying emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit.
- Enjoy an included hot breakfast and lunch during the day.
- Choose between a small-group departure and a private tour.
Itinerary
Full Day Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary
Your Humantay Lake day trip begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. We travel by tourist transportation through the Andean countryside toward Mollepata, where we stop for a hot breakfast before continuing into the mountains.
After breakfast, we drive to Soraypampa, located at approximately 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) above sea level. Before starting the hike, your guide provides a short safety briefing and recommendations for walking at high altitude. The uphill hike to Humantay Lake usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on your pace and acclimatization. Along the trail, you’ll see highland valleys, snowcapped peaks, and occasionally llamas and alpacas grazing nearby.
Upon reaching Humantay Lake at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), you’ll have time to rest, take photographs, and enjoy views of its turquoise water beneath Humantay Mountain. Your guide will explain how the lake was formed, its connection to the surrounding glaciers, and its cultural importance to local Andean communities.
After visiting the lake, we follow the same trail back to Soraypampa. The descent generally takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. Our transportation will then take us to Mollepata, where a buffet lunch will be served.
Following lunch, we begin the return drive to Cusco. Arrival is expected at approximately 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., depending on traffic and road conditions, with drop-off near your hotel or within Cusco’s historic center.
Inclusions
Humantay Lake Tour Inclusions
What Is Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Round-trip transportation
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Breakfast and lunch
- Hot drinks and snacks
- Admission to Humantay Lake
- First-aid kit
What Is Not Included
- Optional horse rental
- Dinner
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Packing List
What to Bring
- Weather conditions can change quickly at high altitude, so bring light layers that you can add or remove during the day.
- Small, comfortable daypack
- Warm base layers and a fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Warm hat, scarf, and gloves
- Sun hat or cap
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction
- Trekking poles for additional support
- Reusable water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal medication
- Cash in Peruvian soles for horse rental or personal purchases
Price
Humantay Lake Tour Prices
Choose between a small-group departure or a private service with a flexible walking pace. All rates are listed in U.S. dollars and charged per person.
Rates per Person
| Number of Travelers | Small-Group Service | Private Service |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 travelers | US$110 | US$145 |
| 4 or more travelers | US$100 | US$125 |
| Children and students | US$90 | US$115 |
Important Pricing Information
- Prices are per person and include the services listed in the inclusions section.
- Student rates may require valid identification.
- Contact us before booking to confirm the applicable age range for the child rate.
- Solo travelers and larger groups can request a customized quote.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About
How difficult is the hike?
The hike is considered moderate to challenging. The trail from Soraypampa includes steep and uneven sections, and the high altitude can make the ascent feel more demanding than the distance suggests. Reaching the lake usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on your fitness, acclimatization, and walking pace.
What is the highest elevation reached?
Humantay Lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level. The hike begins in Soraypampa at around 3,900 meters (12,795 feet), so travelers gain approximately 300 meters (985 feet) in elevation.
How long does the hike take?
The round-trip hike normally takes between 3 and 4 hours. Most travelers need approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake and between 1 and 1.5 hours to return to Soraypampa. Walking times may vary according to trail conditions and the group’s pace.
Do I need to acclimatize before the trip?
Yes. We recommend spending at least two full days in Cusco before the hike, although three to four days is preferable. Resting, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and limiting strenuous activity during your first days at altitude can help your body adjust.
What should I do if I experience altitude sickness?
Tell your guide immediately if you experience a persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, unusual fatigue, or difficulty breathing. Do not attempt to continue simply to reach the lake. Your guide will assess the situation and may recommend resting or returning to a lower elevation.
Is the hike safe?
No high altitude outdoor activity is completely risk-free, but the trip is organized with professional guidance, a pre-hike safety briefing, and a first-aid kit. Travelers should follow the guide’s instructions, walk at a comfortable pace, and take extra care on steep or slippery sections.
Can children participate?
The hike may be suitable for active children aged eight or older who are comfortable walking at high altitude. Parents should consider each child’s fitness, previous experience, and response to elevation before booking. Children must remain under adult supervision throughout the trip.
Can I rent a horse?
Yes, horses are usually available from local providers near Soraypampa for an additional fee. Payment is made directly in Peruvian soles, and availability cannot be guaranteed. Horses may not cover every section of the route, so travelers should be prepared to walk part of the trail.
What is the best time to visit?
May through October generally offers drier weather and more stable trail conditions. November through April is the rainy season, when the path may be muddy or slippery and cloud cover can affect visibility. The lake can be visited throughout the year, but mountain weather may change quickly in any season.
What is included in the price?
The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, hot drinks, snacks, admission to the lake, and a first-aid kit. Optional horse rental and personal expenses are not included.
What should I bring?
Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket or poncho, hiking shoes with good traction, sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, water, and a small daypack. Trekking poles are also helpful on steep or slippery parts of the trail.
Is camping included near Humantay Lake?
No. This is a full-day trip that returns to Cusco in the evening, so camping is not included. Designated campsites near Soraypampa are generally used for multi-day routes such as the Salkantay Trek rather than this one-day itinerary.
