Explore the stunning turquoise waters of the Andes at your own pace with a private Humantay Lake tour. These exclusive day trips from Cusco include private transportation, dedicated guides, meals, and essential high-altitude gear like oxygen.
Free Cancellation A guided high-altitude hike to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon from Cusco, including meals and transport.
Free Cancellation A high-altitude day hike from Cusco to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon, set beneath the Salkantay glacier.
Free Cancellation Beat the crowds to Humantay Lake with an early start, a small group of eight, and upgraded van seating.
Free Cancellation A day hike from Cusco to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, located at the foot of the Salkantay glacier.
Free Cancellation Hike from Cusco to the turquoise Humantay Lake, a sacred site nestled deep within the Andes mountains.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Humantay Lake — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Booking a private tour to Humantay Lake gives you an exclusive, personalized journey into the high Peruvian Andes. You will depart early from Cusco to beat the large tourist crowds, enjoying a tailored trekking pace to the stunning turquoise glacial waters while learning about ancient Incan traditions from your dedicated guide.
Gaze at the vibrant emerald and blue hues of the lake. The vivid colors contrast beautifully against the stark white backdrop of the surrounding glaciers.
Participate in an ancestral spiritual ritual led by your guide. You will use sacred coca leaves to thank Mother Earth for a safe journey to the lake.
Hike the steep 2-kilometer trail from the Soraypampa campsite. The path offers sweeping panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay and Humantay peaks.
Refuel with hearty, chef-prepared meals included in your tour. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and lunch served in scenic dining spots overlooking the valleys.
Keep an eye out for high-altitude creatures along the rugged trail. You might see vizcachas scurrying among the rocks or Andean condors soaring overhead.
Join the meditative local tradition of stacking stones along the shoreline. Visitors build these small piles to honor the sacred mountain spirits.
A private tour to Humantay Lake ensures a comfortable and flexible experience, but the extreme altitude and rugged terrain require some preparation. Here is what you need to know before securing your reservation.
Private tours typically run for a full day, lasting between 12 and 14 hours. Having a private guide allows you to hike at your own pace and depart earlier from Cusco to avoid the massive crowds that arrive mid-morning.
While private tours cover your transport, guide, and meals, the actual entrance fee to the lake is sometimes excluded. Check your specific booking, and be prepared to bring 10 soles (about $2.50 USD) in cash to pay at the Mollepata checkpoint.
The hike is short but incredibly steep, starting at an altitude of 4,200 meters. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and travelers with heart conditions, spinal injuries, or who are pregnant are strongly advised not to participate.
It is highly recommended to spend at least two to three days acclimating in Cusco before your tour. Private guides carry emergency oxygen and first-aid kits, but proper acclimatization is your best defense against altitude sickness.
Due to the freezing temperatures and demanding trail, bringing babies is strictly prohibited. Most private tours set a minimum age requirement of 8 to 12 years old for children to join the trek safely.
If you are concerned about the steep climb, you can rent a horse from local community members at the Soraypampa trailhead. This costs about 90 soles ($23-$25 USD) for the ascent, and your private guide can help negotiate and arrange it.
Most private tour operators offer flexible booking terms. You can generally receive a full refund if you cancel your reservation at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Standard Private Full-Day Tour | Early Departure Private Tour | Extended Private Excursion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12-14 hours | 13 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Best for | Travelers wanting a personalized pace and dedicated guide | Beating the crowds and serious photographers | Slow travelers and those wanting extra time at the lake |
| Inclusions | Private transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, oxygen, walking sticks | Modified comfort vans, early pickup, meals, trekking poles, oxygen | Private minivan, meals, polar blankets, entrance fees included |
| Starting Price | $94 - $120 USD | $199 USD | $140 USD |
Trail Access: The trail to Humantay Lake is accessible year-round. Most hikers start their ascent in the early morning to catch the best light and avoid afternoon clouds.
Tour Schedules: Private tours typically begin with hotel pickups in Cusco very early, usually between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM. You will generally return to your hotel between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Agency Hours: If you need to contact your tour operator locally, most offices in Cusco are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with limited hours on Saturdays.
Distance from Cusco: Humantay Lake is located approximately 124 kilometers (79 miles) from the city of Cusco in the Anta province.
The Journey: Your private tour will pick you up directly from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco. The drive takes about 2 hours to reach the town of Mollepata, where you will stop for breakfast and pay the entrance fee.
To the Trailhead: From Mollepata, it is another 1-hour drive on winding, unpaved mountain roads to reach the Soraypampa campsite. This is where your vehicle will park, and your 2-kilometer hike to the lake begins.
Dry Season (May to mid-October): This is the absolute best time to visit Humantay Lake. The weather is stable, and the skies are generally clear and sunny. Direct sunlight is what makes the lake's glacial waters look so vibrantly turquoise.
Rainy Season (January to March): These are the worst months to visit. Heavy rains make the steep dirt trails muddy, slippery, and potentially dangerous due to landslides. Additionally, heavy cloud cover often blocks the views of the surrounding Salkantay and Humantay peaks.
Time of Day: Early morning is best. Private tours that arrive before 8:30 AM allow you to experience the lake's mirror-like reflections before the winds pick up and the massive group tours arrive.
Wheelchair Access: Humantay Lake is completely inaccessible to wheelchairs. The trail is steep, narrow, rocky, and consists entirely of rugged dirt paths with significant elevation gain.
Elderly and Children: The hike is highly demanding due to the extreme altitude of 4,200 meters. Older adults and families with children (minimum age usually 8-12) will find it challenging.
Horse Rentals: For those who cannot make the steep climb, local community members rent horses at the Soraypampa trailhead for about 90 soles (around $25 USD). Note that the horses only take you uphill; you must walk back down on your own.
Restrooms: There are basic bathroom facilities at the Soraypampa trailhead and one very basic toilet along the trail. Important: You must bring your own toilet paper and carry small coins (1 or 2 soles) to pay the locals to use them.
Food and Drink: There are no restaurants or food stalls at the lake itself. Your private tour will provide a buffet breakfast and lunch, usually in Mollepata or at a dining tent in Soraypampa. Always carry at least 1 liter of your own drinking water for the hike.
Medical Gear: There are no medical facilities on the mountain. However, your private guide will be equipped with a first-aid kit, an oximeter, and an emergency oxygen bottle to handle altitude sickness.
Humantay Lake is located at an extreme altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level. Because of this, it is highly recommended to spend at least two days acclimating in Cusco before taking a tour.
It depends on the specific operator. Some private tours include the entrance fee, while others require you to bring 10 soles (about $2.50 USD) in cash to pay at the Mollepata checkpoint.
No, swimming or even touching the water is strictly prohibited. The lake provides drinking water for local communities, and the glacial runoff makes the water dangerously cold year-round.
The hike from the Soraypampa trailhead is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) each way. It usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours to hike up the steep incline and about 1 hour to descend.
Yes, local residents at Soraypampa offer horse rentals for the uphill portion of the trek. It costs around 90 soles (about $25 USD), and your private guide can help you arrange it.
Yes, reputable private tour operators provide guides equipped with emergency oxygen bottles, oximeters, and first-aid kits to ensure your safety at high altitudes.
There are basic toilets at the Soraypampa trailhead and one along the path, but none at the lake itself. You need to bring your own toilet paper and small coins to pay the usage fee.
No, drones are strictly prohibited at Humantay Lake. Authorities actively enforce this rule to protect local wildlife, and violators risk heavy fines or having their equipment confiscated.
You should dress in warm, waterproof layers. Temperatures can drop to freezing (0°C to 10°C), so a windproof jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy hiking boots with good traction are essential.
The hike is challenging for kids due to the steep trail and cold weather. Most private tours require children to be at least 8 to 12 years old, and renting a horse for them is highly recommended.
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Your day begins with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in the Cusco city center. We will drive to Mollepata for breakfast before continuing to the trailhead at Challacancha. During the journey, your guide will explain the local geography and provide context for the day’s trek. The hike from Challacancha to Humantay Lagoon takes approximately two and a half hours, reaching an altitude of 4,250 meters. Along the trail, you can observe native Andean plants and wildlife before arriving at the lagoon where you will have time to rest and take photos. If you prefer not to hike the uphill section, horses are available to rent at Soraypampa for the ascent. After visiting the lagoon, you will walk back down to the transport station for the drive back to Mollepata. Here, we will stop for a traditional Andean buffet lunch at a local restaurant. The tour concludes with the return drive to Cusco, arriving back in the city at approximately 6:00 p.m.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This full-day trek is a condensed alternative for travelers who want to experience the Salkantay region but cannot commit to the traditional five-day route. The 12-hour itinerary begins with a drive from Cusco to Mollepata and continues to the trailhead at Soraypampa. It is designed for those looking to reach the high Andean peaks within a single day. The hike leads to the Humantay Lagoon, a glacial lake situated at the base of the Humantay mountain. Along the trail, you will see local high-altitude flora and fauna while heading toward the sacred Salkantay peak. The tour is available daily year-round and offers a direct way to see one of the most famous landscapes in the Cusco region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
We depart early to reach Humantay Lake before the large tour groups, allowing for a quieter experience at the water's edge. The hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake at 4,200 meters (13,800 ft). Our guides lead the group at a deliberate pace to assist with the altitude and will take you to elevated viewpoints around the lake that offer better perspectives than the main trail. Travel to and from the trailhead is provided in a van featuring modified, cushioned seats designed for comfort during the long drive. Each group is limited to a maximum of eight people to ensure you have plenty of space and direct access to your guide throughout the day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip takes you from Cusco deep into the Andes to visit Humantay Lagoon. Known for its bright turquoise water, the lagoon sits at the base of the Humantay and Salkantay glaciers. The scenery is defined by high-altitude peaks and the stark contrast between the blue water and the surrounding ice. The journey begins with an early morning departure from Cusco for a drive to the mountain community of Soraypampa. From here, you will start the uphill hike to reach the lagoon. This route follows the same paths used by trekkers on the Salkantay trail, offering a focused look at the region's glacial landscape in a single day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This day trip starts with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco before heading into the mountains. You will hike through high-altitude valleys toward Humantay Lake, a site famous for its bright turquoise water and its historical importance in Incan mythology. The trail offers views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and glaciers. The tour includes a professional guide, all necessary entrance fees, and meals. You can choose between a shared group experience or a private tour at the time of booking to suit your preferred pace and travel style.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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