Foreign visitors pay 10 soles in Mollepata to access the year-round trail to Humantay Lake. Hikers typically begin the steep 2-kilometer ascent from Soraypampa in the early morning to beat the afternoon weather.
The Humantay Lake trail remains accessible year-round with no official gates or operating hours. Hikers typically begin the two-hour ascent from Soraypampa in the early morning to beat the afternoon cloud cover. Heavy rainfall from January to March degrades the dirt paths, turning the 4-kilometer round trip into a slippery hazard.
| Day | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday | Open 24 hours | Early morning starts recommended; camping at the lake is prohibited. |
The trail stays open during all Peruvian national holidays and local festivals. While the site never officially closes, severe weather during the peak rainy season from January to March frequently causes heavy mud and potential landslide hazards. Access depends entirely on the physical condition of the 4,200-meter elevation dirt paths rather than a calendar.
Foreign visitors pay 10 soles (about $2.50 USD) to access the Humantay Lake trail. Peruvian nationals pay a reduced rate of 5 soles. Bring small bills to pay this fee in cash at the checkpoint in Mollepata before continuing the drive to the Soraypampa trailhead.
No regular free entry days or tourist pass inclusions apply to the Humantay Lake trail.
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View All ToursVisit between May and mid-October for clear skies that highlight the glacial water's turquoise color. Most organized tour groups start the 1.5 to 2-hour ascent in the early morning, causing heavy trail traffic by mid-day. Peak rainy season months from January through March turn the steep dirt paths into slippery mud and trap the 5,473-meter peaks in thick clouds.
A full day trip from Cusco requires 12 to 14 hours. Six of those hours are spent driving. Hiking the two kilometers from Soraypampa takes 1.5 to 2 hours ascending and up to 1.5 hours coming down. Severe altitude sickness at 4,200 meters slows many trekkers, though renting a local horse cuts the uphill time.
Spend two to three days in Cusco before attempting this 4,200-meter hike. Ascending too quickly causes severe altitude sickness. Drink coca tea, avoid alcohol, and skip sleeping pills to help your body adjust.
Pay the 10-sole foreign entrance fee in cash at Mollepata. Peruvian nationals pay 5 soles. Carry small coins for the basic toilets at Soraypampa and pack your own toilet paper.
Hire a private taxi for 250 soles to beat the large morning tour groups. Coordinate a strict return time with your driver before starting the two-kilometer climb. Otherwise, you risk getting stranded at the Soraypampa trailhead.
Pack warm layers and a windproof jacket for temperatures hovering between 0°C and 10°C. Mountain weather shifts rapidly. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots to navigate the trail's narrow paths, loose rocks, and potential mud.
Hike between May and mid-October for dry trails and clear views of the 6,270-meter Mount Salkantay. Heavy rain from January through March turns the paths into slippery mud and obscures the peaks. Carry at least one liter of water per person regardless of the season.
Foreign visitors pay 10 soles (2.5 USD), while Peruvian nationals pay 5 soles (1.5 USD). You hand over this cash fee in the town of Mollepata before continuing to the trailhead. Bring small bills and extra coins for the trail bathrooms.
The dirt path to the lake stays accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. Hikers generally start the ascent in the early morning to beat the afternoon cloud cover. Tour operators like SAM Travel Peru keep office hours in Cusco from 9:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00 on weekdays to arrange transport.
Advance permits are not required. You simply pay the standard entrance fee upon arrival in Mollepata. This differs from the heavily regulated Inca Trail, allowing you to organize transport from Cusco the day before your hike.
May through mid-October offers clear skies and stable weather, making the glacial water appear intensely blue. January, February, and March bring heavy rains that turn the steep paths into slippery mud. Clouds often completely block the mountain views during these wet months.
A standard round trip from Cusco takes 12 to 14 hours, including 6 hours of driving. The 2-kilometer hike from Soraypampa requires 1.5 to 2 hours of climbing to reach the 4,200-meter elevation. Returning down the rocky slope takes another hour to an hour and a half.
Local residents at Soraypampa rent horses for 90 to 100 soles (23 to 25 USD) to assist with the steep ascent. The animals only carry riders up the mountain, not down. All proceeds from these rentals go directly to the local community.
Basic toilet facilities sit at the Soraypampa trailhead, with only one additional toilet located along the path. You must pay a small coin fee to use them. Toilet paper is never provided, so you must carry your own roll from Cusco.
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