Experience the high-altitude beauty of the Andes with a guided day trip to Humantay Lake from Cusco. Choose from private or group excursions that typically include round-trip transportation, meals, and oxygen assistance for a safe and comfortable trek.
Free Cancellation A day-long trek from Cusco to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, set against the backdrop of sacred Andean peaks.
Free Cancellation Private Excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco and Coca Ceremony
Free Cancellation Trek through the Vilcabamba mountains to reach the emerald waters of Lake Humantay, a sacred high-altitude glacial lake.
Free Cancellation Hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake on a day trip from Cusco with Andean views and fresh regional meals.
Free Cancellation A high-altitude hike from Cusco to the turquoise Humantay Lake at the foot of the sacred Salkantay glacier.
Free Cancellation Trek through the Andes from Cusco to reach the turquoise Humantay Lake, a sacred site framed by snow-capped peaks.
Free Cancellation Hike to a serene alpine lake near Cusco, departing early to enjoy the mountain scenery before the crowds arrive.
Free Cancellation Hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake, a glacial lagoon sitting at 4,200 meters in the high Andes near Cusco.
Free Cancellation Excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco with meals
Free Cancellation Hike to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake from Cusco with guided transport and meals included.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Humantay Lake — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A tour to Humantay Lake from Cusco is a thrilling full-day adventure into the high Andes, culminating in a hike to one of Peru's most stunning natural wonders. You will experience breathtaking glacial landscapes, participate in ancient Andean traditions, and push your physical limits on a challenging but incredibly rewarding high-altitude trek.
Gaze at the vibrant emerald and turquoise hues of the lake. The brilliant colors contrast dramatically against the stark, white backdrop of the surrounding glaciers.
Participate in a traditional Pachamama ceremony led by your local guide. You will use sacred coca leaves to thank Mother Earth and connect with the living heritage of the Andes.
Join visitors and locals in building traditional stone piles known as apachetas along the shoreline. It is a meditative practice that honors the sacred mountain spirits.
Hike the steep 2-kilometer trail from the Soraypampa campsite. As you ascend, you will be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay and Humantay peaks.
Spot unique high-altitude fauna along the rugged trail. Keep an eye out for scurrying vizcachas, Andean gulls, and the magnificent Andean condor soaring overhead.
Refuel after your demanding hike with hearty meals. Most tours include a buffet breakfast and a gourmet mountain lunch prepared by professional chefs using local ingredients.
Planning your trip to Humantay Lake requires understanding the physical demands of the altitude and knowing exactly what is included in your excursion package.
Most options are full-day guided group tours taking 13 to 15 hours. If you prefer to hike at your own pace and avoid crowded transport, private tours are also widely available.
The lake sits at an extreme elevation of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). You need a moderate to high level of physical fitness, and it is highly recommended to spend 2 to 3 days acclimating in Cusco before the trek.
The 10 soles (approx. 2.5 USD) entrance fee for foreign visitors is often excluded from the base tour price. You will need to bring cash to pay this fee in the town of Mollepata.
If you are concerned about the steep ascent, you can rent a horse from local community members at Soraypampa. This costs about 90 soles (23-25 USD) and covers the uphill portion of the hike.
Almost all organized tours from Cusco include round-trip transport, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast, buffet lunch, a walking stick, and emergency oxygen assistance.
Due to the extreme altitude and steep trails, these tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with poor cardiovascular health, or individuals with spinal injuries. Bringing babies is strictly advised against.
Tour operators generally offer flexible cancellation policies. You can usually get a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Standard Group Tour | Small Group Premium Tour | Private Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 13 - 15 hours | 14 hours | 12 - 14 hours |
| Best for | Budget travelers and solo hikers | Avoiding large crowds (1-8 people) | Families, couples, and hiking at your own pace |
| Includes | Shared transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, oxygen, walking stick | Hotel pickup, bilingual guide, buffet meals, entrance fees (sometimes) | Private van, private guide, meals, oxygen, flexible timing |
| Price from | $25 USD | $45 USD | $94 USD |
The trail to Humantay Lake is accessible year-round. Most hikers and tour groups start their journey in the very early morning, typically departing Cusco between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM to reach the lake before the afternoon clouds roll in.
If you need to coordinate with local tour operators like SAM Travel Peru in Cusco, their typical office hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Humantay Lake is located roughly 124 to 128 kilometers from Cusco. The most popular and convenient way to get there is by booking a Tour Operator. For 20 to 50 USD, you get round-trip transport, hotel pickup, meals, and a guide, taking about 14 hours total.
If traveling independently, you can take a Public Bus and Taxi. Catch a bus from Cusco's Arcopata Terminal to Mollepata (15 soles), then hire a shared colectivo or private taxi to the Soraypampa trailhead. Alternatively, you can hire a Private Taxi directly from Cusco for the full day, which costs around 250 soles.
The ideal time to visit Humantay Lake is during the Andean dry season, which runs from May to mid-October. During these months, you will experience clear, sunny days and stable weather, which highlights the lake's vivid turquoise-blue color and provides optimal, dry hiking conditions.
You should try to avoid the peak of the rainy season in January, February, and March. Heavy precipitation makes the steep dirt trails incredibly muddy and slippery, and thick clouds often block the beautiful views of the surrounding glaciers.
Humantay Lake is completely inaccessible to wheelchairs. The path features rocky sections, significant elevation gain, and steep, narrow dirt trails with no ramps or paved pathways.
The hike is highly demanding due to the extreme 4,200-meter altitude. Older adults should consult a doctor before attempting the trek. While visiting with children is possible, it is challenging due to the cold and altitude; renting a horse is highly recommended for them. Bringing babies is strictly not recommended.
Facilities on the trail are very limited. There are basic bathrooms located at the starting point in Soraypampa, but only one basic toilet is available along the actual hiking trail.
To protect the delicate glacial ecosystem and respect local communities, several strict rules are enforced at Humantay Lake:
Humantay Lake is located at an impressive altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level. Because of this extreme elevation, visitors are highly advised to spend at least 2 to 3 days acclimating in Cusco before attempting the hike.
No, swimming in Humantay Lake is strictly prohibited to preserve the delicate glacial ecosystem and protect the drinking water of local communities. Additionally, the water is extremely cold year-round due to direct glacial runoff.
The entrance fee is 10 soles (approximately 2.5 USD) for foreign visitors and 5 soles for Peruvian nationals. This fee is paid in the town of Mollepata and is often not included in the base price of tour packages.
Yes, local residents of the Soraypampa community offer horse rentals for the uphill portion of the trek. The service costs approximately 90 to 100 soles (about 23 to 25 USD), and all proceeds go directly to supporting the local community.
The hike from the starting point in Soraypampa is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) each way, totaling 4 kilometers round-trip. It typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend and about 1 to 1.5 hours to descend.
There are basic bathroom facilities located at the starting point in Soraypampa, but only one basic toilet is available along the actual trail. Visitors must bring their own toilet paper and carry small coins to pay a minor fee to use them.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from May to mid-October. These months offer clear, sunny skies and stable weather, making the lake's turquoise color look exceptionally vibrant.
No, camping directly on the shores of Humantay Lake is strictly prohibited to protect the natural environment. However, visitors can camp or stay in geodesic domes at the Soraypampa camp, located about 2 kilometers away.
The hike is possible for older children, but it is highly demanding due to the steep, narrow trails and cold temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C. Parents are advised to rent a horse to assist children, and bringing babies is not recommended.
No, drone use is strictly prohibited at Humantay Lake to protect the local wildlife and maintain the peaceful environment. Authorities actively enforce this rule, and violators risk having their equipment confiscated or facing steep fines.
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This one-day excursion is designed for travelers based in Cusco who want to experience the high-altitude beauty of the Andes without committing to the full five-day Salkantay trek. The journey leads to the Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise glacial lake situated at the base of the Humantay mountain. It is an ideal option for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the region’s rugged landscapes within a shorter timeframe. The hike offers a close look at local flora and wildlife as the trail ascends through the mountains. Along the way, you will have clear views of the sacred peaks, known locally as Apus, including the massive Salkantay mountain. The trek provides a direct encounter with the natural environment and spiritual landmarks that define this part of the Peruvian highlands.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
At 4:00 a.m. approx, we will pick you up at your reception hotel near the City Centre and accessible streets. We will depart from Cusco to Mollepata where we will have breakfast. Then we will continue our tour to Challacancha. The guide will give you further information and explanation on the way In Challacancha we will start to walk for around 2 hours and 30 minutes to Humantay Lagoon which has an altitude of 4 250 m.s.m. along the way we will appreciate the fauna and flora of the place. We will have enough time to take photos. (You can take horses just to go up on Soraypamapa) We will descend to the station, to board the mobility towards Challancancha and go back to Mollepata Once we arrive we will have our delicious Andean Buffet Lunch, in a traditional and colourful restaurant. Finally, we will come back around 18:00 hrs back to Cusco.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This trek leads into the Vilcabamba mountain range, crossing high-altitude valleys and passing beneath snow-capped peaks to reach Lake Humantay. Considered a sacred site since the time of the Incas, the lake is known for its deep emerald color and its location at the base of the Humantay glacier. The trail offers a direct look at the Andean landscape and the spiritual traditions associated with the region's water. Once at the lake, you can rest by the shore or explore the immediate area. For those who prefer an alternative to hiking, horseback rides are available for the ascent. The trek is rated as moderate but can be physically demanding due to the elevation. We recommend spending at least two days acclimatizing to the altitude before starting this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This full-day tour from Cusco takes you into the Vilcabamba range to visit the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. After departing the city, you will begin a two-hour uphill hike at the base of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. The itinerary is specifically timed so your group is among the first to arrive at the lake, allowing you to enjoy the scenery before the larger crowds appear. Throughout the journey, an official guide provides pace-setting support and information about the local landscape. The tour includes breakfast and lunch prepared with ingredients sourced from the surrounding area, served at a location with panoramic views of the Andes. All logistics, from transportation to meals and guided assistance, are included to ensure a steady trek to the lagoon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day excursion is designed for travelers who want to see the high-altitude landscapes of the Andes but lack the time for the multi-day Salkantay Trek. Starting from Cusco, you will travel toward the Vilcabamba mountain range to visit the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, situated at 4,200 meters above sea level. The journey begins with a drive to Mollepata before continuing to the trailhead at Soraypampa. From here, a steep hike leads to the base of the Humantay glacier, offering views of the surrounding peaks and the sacred Salkantay mountain. You will have the opportunity to observe local flora and fauna throughout the trek. The tour lasts approximately 12 hours and departs daily year-round. It serves as a practical alternative for visitors who want to experience the region's natural scenery without committing to a five-day expedition.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Depart from Cusco for a high-altitude trek through the heart of the Andes. The trail leads through deep valleys and past white-capped mountains to reach Humantay Lake, a high-altitude body of water known for its turquoise color and its significance in Incan mythology. Located at the foot of the Humantay glacier, the lake is one of the most distinct natural landmarks in the region. This full-day excursion is organized to handle all logistics, including hotel pickup within Cusco, all entrance fees, and provided meals. A professional guide leads the group to provide historical context and assist with the trail. Travelers have the option to book this experience as a shared group outing or a private tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This trek leads you through the mountains near Cusco to a high-altitude lake set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. By departing earlier in the morning than most commercial agencies, we reach the water before the large crowds arrive, allowing for a more quiet and personal connection with the landscape. The tour is limited to a small group of hikers, ensuring a steady pace and plenty of time to photograph the scenery. You will have the opportunity to explore the lakeshore and observe the glaciers in a peaceful environment before the main surge of tourists reaches the area.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Humantay Lake is a high-altitude glacial lagoon located in the Mollepata district, roughly 25 kilometers from the town center via a dirt road. Situated at 4,200 meters above sea level, the lake is formed by the melting snow of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Its bright turquoise color, a result of the mineral-rich glacial runoff, has made it a significant destination for hikers visiting the Cusco region. The trip requires a three-kilometer walk to reach the shoreline. It is a challenging but rewarding route for those who enjoy trekking through high-mountain terrain. Because the lake is fed directly by the surrounding snow-capped peaks, the landscape remains rugged and focused on the natural environment of the Andean range.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day excursion manages all transportation and logistics for the trek to Humantay Lake. Starting with a morning pickup in Cusco, the trip includes breakfast and a drive through the mountains with views of the Apurimac River. A guide accompanies you on the hike to help with navigation and to provide historical context about the area's Inca heritage. Once you reach the lake, you can spend time at the shore and observe the glacial peaks reflecting in the water. After the descent, the tour includes a local lunch before returning to Cusco. By handling the driving and meal planning, this tour allows you to focus on the physical hike and the Andean landscape.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish