Discover the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake on a guided day trip from Cusco. Choose from private or small group treks through the high Andes, with most tours including meals, oxygen assistance, and round-trip transport.
Free Cancellation A full-day hike to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see the high Andes.
Free Cancellation A full-day trek to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon at 4,250 meters, including breakfast and an Andean buffet lunch.
Free Cancellation Trek through the Vilcabamba mountains to the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay, a sacred high-altitude Andean site.
Free Cancellation From Cusco: Humantay lake full day tour
Free Cancellation A high-altitude day hike to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon at the foot of the sacred Salkantay glacier.
Free Cancellation A full-day trek through high Andean valleys to reach the turquoise glacial waters of sacred Humantay Lake.
Free Cancellation Beat the crowds with an early-morning trek to Cusco’s alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks in a small group.
Free Cancellation Trek to Humantay Lake, a vibrant turquoise glacial pool at 4,200m, set against the backdrop of the high Andes.
Free Cancellation Excursion to Humantay Lake from Cusco with meals
Free Cancellation Hike into the Vilcabamba range to see the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon, a glacial lake set against the Andes.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Humantay Lake — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A tour to Humantay Lake offers an unforgettable journey into the high Andes, combining a challenging high-altitude trek with spectacular natural beauty. You will hike through rugged mountain terrain to witness one of Peru's most stunning glacial lakes, sitting peacefully at the base of towering snow-capped peaks.
Gaze at the vibrant emerald and turquoise hues of the lake, which contrast dramatically against the white glaciers. The colors are best viewed from the higher rocky slopes.
Participate in an ancestral ritual led by local guides. You will use sacred coca leaves to thank Mother Earth, connecting deeply with the living heritage of the Andean people.
Build traditional stone piles along the shoreline. Visitors place these stones as a quiet, meditative symbol of gratitude and respect for the mountain spirits, or Apus.
Hike the steep 2-kilometer path from the Soraypampa campsite. As you ascend, you will enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay and Humantay peaks.
Spot unique high-altitude animals along the rugged trail. Keep an eye out for scurrying vizcachas, Andean gulls, and the magnificent Andean condor soaring overhead.
Enjoy a hearty, scenic meal prepared by professional chefs. Most organized tours feature buffet lunches served in high-altitude dining tents to refuel you after the demanding hike.
Before booking your Humantay Lake tour, it is crucial to understand the physical demands and what is included in your package to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
You can choose between standard large group tours, small group experiences (under 18 people), or fully private excursions. Almost all options are full-day trips departing from Cusco and lasting between 12 to 15 hours.
The lake sits at an extreme elevation of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). You must have a moderate to high level of fitness and spend at least 2 to 3 days acclimating in Cusco before attempting the hike to avoid severe altitude sickness.
Most organized tours include early morning hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, a bilingual guide, and a walking stick. Crucially, ensure the tour operator you select provides an oxygen tank and a first aid kit.
The local community entrance fee is 10 soles for foreigners and 5 soles for Peruvians. This is often excluded from the base tour price, so you must bring extra cash in Peruvian soles to pay at the Mollepata checkpoint.
If you are worried about the steep climb, local residents at Soraypampa offer horse rentals for the uphill portion. This service costs around 90 soles (about $25 USD) and must be paid in cash directly to the locals.
Temperatures at the lake range from 0°C to 10°C and can drop rapidly. You will need warm layers, a windproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and at least one liter of water per person.
The rugged dirt trails are entirely inaccessible for wheelchairs. Pregnant travelers, infants, and individuals with cardiovascular or spinal issues are strongly advised against booking this trek.
Most operators offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can typically receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled early-morning departure time.
| Standard Group Tour | Small Group Tour | Private Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 14-15 hours | 13-14 hours | 12-14 hours |
| Max Group Size | Up to 30 people | 8 to 18 people | Private (your group only) |
| Price From | $25 USD | $45 USD | $94 USD |
The trail to Humantay Lake is accessible year-round, with most hikers starting their journey in the early morning to avoid afternoon clouds and maximize visibility.
Humantay Lake is located about 124 kilometers (79 miles) from Cusco. You have a few options to reach the trailhead at Soraypampa:
The weather in the high Andes drastically impacts your experience at the lake.
Regardless of the season, morning is always the best time of day to hike before the afternoon clouds roll in.
Due to the extreme terrain and altitude, Humantay Lake presents significant accessibility challenges.
Facilities are incredibly limited once you leave the main towns, so preparation is key.
Humantay Lake is a sacred site and a crucial water source for local communities. Visitors must adhere to strict environmental and cultural rules:
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 (approximately 1.5 USD) for Peruvian nationals. This fee is paid in the town of Mollepata and is often not included in the base price of day tours.
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. It typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend the steep trail 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, which makes 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. Parents are advised to rent a horse to assist children, and bringing babies is strictly 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 full-day excursion to Humantay Lake is designed for travelers who want to experience the high Andes but have limited time in Cusco. It serves as an accessible alternative for those unable to commit to the multi-day Salkantay Trek, providing a focused look at one of the region's most iconic glacial landscapes. The hike offers the opportunity to observe local flora and wildlife as you ascend toward the lagoon. Once at the top, you will see the turquoise waters framed by the Humantay glacier and the sacred Salkantay mountain peak, historically revered as a powerful 'Apu' in Andean culture.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The trip begins with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from hotels located in or near Cusco’s city center. From there, we drive to Mollepata for breakfast before continuing to the trailhead at Challacancha. During the journey, your guide will share details about the local landscape and the day's itinerary. The hike from Challacancha to Humantay Lagoon takes approximately two and a half hours, reaching an altitude of 4,250 meters. As you walk, you can observe the high-altitude flora and fauna before arriving at the lagoon, where there is ample time for photos. For those who prefer not to hike the ascent, horses are available for hire at Soraypampa. After spending time at the water's edge, we descend back to the transport station and return to Mollepata. Here, we stop for an Andean buffet lunch in a traditional local restaurant. The tour concludes with a return drive to Cusco, arriving back in the city around 6:00 p.m.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This route crosses the Vilcabamba mountain range, leading through high valleys to the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay. Historically significant as a sacred site in Inca tradition, the lake is situated at the base of steep, snow-covered peaks. The landscape is defined by its high-altitude glacial terrain and the lake's distinct emerald color. The trek is rated as moderately difficult due to the elevation, so travelers must be fully acclimatized to the altitude before beginning. You can complete the ascent on foot or opt for a horseback ride to reach the summit. Once at the lake, there is time to rest by the shore and observe the surrounding mountain scenery.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Discover the wonderful Humantay Lake on a one-day tour from Cusco, where you can enjoy a hike in front of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Also enjoy breakfast and lunch with a panoramic view of the Andes, which makes this tour a unique experience. Also enjoy local food made with local products from the area. All tours are led by an official tour guide who will nurture of knowledge and support to reach the lake in the 2-hours. All tours are scheduled to be one of the first groups to arrive at the Lagoon and enjoy a good time in this place.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This 12-hour excursion is designed for travelers who want to see the Salkantay region but have limited time in Cusco. The trip begins with a drive to Mollepata before continuing to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek. From there, you will hike uphill to reach the Humantay Lagoon, a glacial lake situated at the base of the Humantay mountain. Throughout the walk, you will see high-altitude Andean landscapes, local flora, and views of the Salkantay peak. These mountains, known locally as Apus, are central to Andean spirituality. The tour runs daily throughout the year and serves as a direct alternative for those unable to commit to the full five-day Salkantay trek.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip departs from Cusco, taking you deep into the Andes to visit Humantay Lake. Following an early morning pickup from your hotel, you will hike through high-altitude valleys toward the Salkantay mountain range. The trail leads to a bright turquoise glacial lagoon that held great spiritual importance in Incan mythology and remains a significant landmark in the region today. The tour includes a professional guide, all entrance fees, and meals throughout the day. You can choose between a shared group experience or a private tour at the time of booking, with all transportation to and from Cusco city center included.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
We depart from Cusco earlier than most agencies to reach the trail before the large tour groups arrive. This early start ensures a quieter, more personal experience as you hike toward the water, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings in silence. Our small group size focuses on a steady pace and authentic exploration. Once we reach the destination, you will have plenty of time to see the alpine lake and the snow-capped peaks behind it. By avoiding the mid-day rush, we provide a clearer view of the landscape and a more relaxed atmosphere throughout the day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This high-altitude trek leads to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, situated at 4,200 meters in the Mollepata district. The route involves a 25-kilometer drive on a dirt road from Mollepata followed by a 3-kilometer uphill hike to reach the water's edge. The lake is formed by the meltwater of the Humantay and Salkantay glaciers. Because of its mineral content and glacial origin, the water maintains a distinct turquoise hue year-round. The trail offers direct views of the surrounding Andean peaks and the high-mountain ecosystem.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip from Cusco takes you deep into the Vilcabamba mountain range to visit one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks. The journey begins with a drive to the village of Mollepata before continuing to Soraypampa, where the hike starts. You will follow a winding trail upward, gaining elevation as the snow-capped peak of Salkantay comes into view. At the top, the Humantay Lagoon reveals its distinctive turquoise color, a result of the mineral-rich glacial meltwater. You will have time to walk around the shore, observe traditional stone cairns left by travelers, and learn about the lagoon's importance in Andean cosmology. The return trek follows the same path back to the base, where transportation waits to take you back to the city.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish