Humantay Lake Peru Tour from Cusco – Lake Humantay Peru

Embark on a breathtaking adventure with the Humantay Lake Peru Tour from the vibrant hub of Cusco Peru. Imagine yourself stepping into a world where the azure sky kisses rugged peaks. In this realm, the translucent, sapphire waters of Lake Humantay Peru reflect the majestic glaciers above.

Your day trip begins with a cozy three-hour drive. You’ll traverse through rolling hills and sharp contours of the scenic Peruvian landscape. This immerses every moment in raw natural beauty.

Envision the sheer excitement bubbling within as your vehicle nears Soraypampa, the start of the trail. The Humantay Lake Hike is not merely a walk. It’s an ascent into the heavens, reaching 4,200 meters (approximately 13,779 feet) above sea level.

Lake Humantay Trek:

While your heart may flutter with anticipation, it’s crucial to respect the potential for altitude sickness. This is because of the high altitude. This companion is often uninvited yet not unheard of in these lofty Andean treks.

A moderate level of fitness and acclimatization in Cusco for a few days is beneficial. It might serve as handy armor against the thinning air during your visit to Humantay Lake.

As the day progresses, let the tour guide gently guide you. In this world, mystical wonders gradually unfurl with every step .

Your heart might skip a beat when the first gleam of the Laguna Humantay caresses your sight. It rewards every exertion with a spectacle of color and calm.

Your day hike amidst the celestial Andean heights will not only leave imprints in your photographs. It will also etch unforgettable sketches in your memory. Group tours often become melting pots of stories and shared experiences. They craft friendships and memories amidst the spectacular backdrop of the Peruvian Andes.

Each step on this journey not only brings you closer to the tranquil embrace of the Humantay Lake. It also binds you more profoundly to the rich tapestry of nature and Incan history that Peru generously unveils.

So, let this not just be a read. Let it be a call. A call from the mountains, from the depths of Lake Humantay, and from the spirit of Peru.

And when you answer it, the Humantay Lake Peru Tour will be waiting. With its mesmerizing vistas and age-old trails, it will surely leave a lasting impression. An unerasable mark of beauty and wonder will engrave itself upon your traveler’s soul. Surely, it will engrave an unerasable mark of beauty and wonder upon your traveler’s soul.

Tour Details

Duration

1 Day

Tour Type

Treking

Difficulty

Moderate

Departure & Return

Cusco

Start Time

4:30 am

Group Size

12 people

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Humantay Lake from Cusco

The journey will begin at 4:30 a.m. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. The guide and driver will welcome you, and then we will start the drive toward Soraypampa. During the first stretch, we will travel through the picturesque plains of Anta.

You will enjoy panoramic views of charming villages and the imposing peaks of Salkantay and Humantay.

Mollepata:

We will arrive at the small town of Mollepata around 7:30 a.m. There, we will stop to enjoy a hearty breakfast, and you may wish to purchase some last-minute items for the hike. After breakfast, we will resume the journey, winding and ascending through even more remote areas. The vehicle will gradually climb the mountain roads, offering stunning views of the natural beauty unfolding before your eyes.

Soraypampa:

Upon arriving at Soraypampa at 9:00 a.m., we will put on our hiking boots. The hike to Humantay Lake will officially begin. Along the way, the trail will reveal a variety of breathtaking landscapes.

Green valleys, rugged trails, and occasional wildlife sightings may be part of your hiking experience. The ascent will be gradual but rewarding, bringing you closer with each step to the mountain lake, a place of great spiritual beauty.

Humantay Lake:

You will reach Humantay Lake around 11:00 a.m. Your effort will be rewarded with the stunning combination of turquoise waters and the imposing Salkantay Glacier towering above us. Here, we will enjoy a moment of tranquility in this peaceful setting.

We will take photos and may participate in a brief traditional Andean ceremony. Your guide will lead the ceremony. We will also enjoy a light snack by the shimmering lake, surrounded by the vastness of the Andean landscape.

We will begin the descent back to Soraypampa around 12:30 p.m. Your knees will thank you, as the downhill hike is much gentler. Panoramic views will accompany us throughout the return, ensuring the journey back is just as visually rewarding.

Back in Soraypampa at 12:00 p.m., our transportation will be waiting to take us to Mollepata. This drive will be an excellent opportunity to rest your muscles after the hike.

At 2:00 p.m., we will arrive in Mollepata, where we will enjoy a hearty lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes to regain energy. After lunch, we will begin the return trip to Cusco. Traveling along winding roads, we will arrive in the city center at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Day 1 Humantay Lake Tour Statistics:

Distance covered: Approximately 4 kilometers each way.
Maximum altitude: 4,200 meters / 13,779 feet at Humantay Lake.
Lowest altitude: 3,900 meters / 12,795 feet at Soraypampa.
Difficulty level: Moderate, considering the altitude and the incline in certain sections.

Inclusions

What's included

Round-trip transportation from and to Cusco
Professional tour guide (bilingual in English and Spanish)
Guided hike to Humantay Lake (due to the high altitude, the lake is only accessible on foot)
Breakfast before the hike
Lunch after the hike
Basic first aid kit adapted to the trekking route
Emergency oxygen bottle for altitude-related situations

What's not included

Souvenirs and personal purchases
Entrance ticket: 25 Peruvian soles
Travel insurance (must be arranged independently)
Tips for guides, drivers, and staff
Personal hiking equipment such as trekking poles, proper clothing, and gear
Medication for altitude sickness

Packing List

Bringing the proper personal items is key to enjoying the tour in a safe, comfortable, and smooth way, as conditions along the route may vary and being well prepared is always important.

Layered clothing (thermal layers, fleece or light down jacket, waterproof/windproof outer layer)
Trekking pants (comfortable and quick-drying)
Comfortable walking footwear (preferably waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support)
Warm hat and gloves (temperatures can be cold, especially early morning and evening)
Sun hat or cap
Neck gaiter or scarf (for warmth and wind protection)
Daypack with comfortable straps and enough space for essentials
Trekking poles (especially useful for descents and for those with knee issues)
Water bottle or hydration system (carry enough water for the hike at high altitude)
High-energy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, energy bars)
Passport or ID
Cash for extra purchases, tips, or rentals
Camera or smartphone for photos
Sunglasses with high UV protection
Sunscreen with high SPF and water resistance
Lip balm with SPF
Personal first aid kit (blister treatment, pain relievers, personal medication)
Altitude sickness medication (such as acetazolamide; consult your doctor)
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Binoculars
Lightweight waterproof poncho
Swimsuit (for those who wish to take a very cold dip in the glacial lake)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How difficult is the Humantay Lake Full Day Trek?

The Humantay Lake trek is considered moderate. The hike involves uphill sections and high-altitude conditions, but it is manageable for travelers with basic physical fitness.

2. What is the best time of year to visit Humantay Lake?

3. Do I need previous hiking experience?

4. How high is Humantay Lake?

5. What should I bring for the Humantay Lake tour?

Starting at

$50per person

4.9

37 Reviews

Please review our policies before booking your tour.

Do you have any questions?

Feel free to call us. We’re a team of experts and would be happy to speak with you.

Customer Experience

      
   Trails to Machu Picchu
   45 Tripadvisor reviews 
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       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rachel C 
 
 
 
 Verified Thanks Richard
Did this four day Salkantay Trek with them as the Inca Trail was sold out. It was very pleasant experience and Richard, our guide took great effort inmaking this trip a memorable one. The camping sites were located in quiet parts of the trek, giving us opportunity to get good rest after a day full of hike. The food were all freshly cooked and authentic. Highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jeniffer P 
 
 
 
 Verified Immervie, cultural and traditional
I booked this four day Choquequirao trek after not being able to hike the Inca Trail due to lack of availability. The trip was very well organised, the tour company took care of everything from transport and food to accomodation and entrance tickets. The guide was very nice and spoke good English. The site itself was very less crowded and scenic. Higly recommend visiting Choquequirao if you want to know more about the Incas history.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Erick W 
 
 
 
 Verified Thanks Richard!
Did this two day trek with Richard, our guide. He was very friendly, informative and passionate to share his knowledge about the local traditions and customs. The trek included all meals and were all freshly cooked. The camping sites were located overlooking the valley. The red valley trip was the highlight and i truly enjoyed it more than the rainbow mountain.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Valery H 
 
 
 
 Verified Viaje mágico ✨️
I took the 4-day, 3-night tour to Choquequirao, and it was definitely an amazing experience. The organization was excellent, the service was outstanding throughout, and the team was always attentive and professional. Plus, the atmosphere was super fun, which made the whole trip even more special. I highly recommend this tour company if you're looking for a well-planned adventure full of great moments 😉
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Miguel Ángel M 
 
 
 
 Verified Choquequirao
Hi everyone, I highly recommend the Choquequirao tour (the one I did) with this agency because of all my options, it offered the best guaranteed service. There were no problems, so I'm very satisfied.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Navigate03655434048 
 
 
 
 Verified Recommended
I did the Machu Picchu-Inca Trail tour with this agency, 100% recommended guys, the service was excellent and seeing all these places was simply beautiful
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Navigator25956226682 
 
 
 
 Verified A really wonderfull experience
Visiting Manu National Park with this agency was truly the best choice! 👌 The Peruvian rainforest is truly magnificent and wonderful, and the agency really gives you the opportunity to experience the best of it.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Luis 
 
 
 
 Verified A Remarkable Journey to Choquequirao
An unforgettable 5-star adventure to Choquequirao, with breathtaking views, incredible Inca ruins, and a true sense of untouched beauty throughout the trek. The experience was made even better by our tour guide, Richard, who was knowledgeable, funny, and kind—he kept us motivated, shared fascinating insights, and made every moment along the journey even more enjoyable.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Nancy M 
 
 
 
 Verified The trip of my dreams!!!
I'm Nancy and I loved the experience we had with the tour. We had a wonderful experience to remember. The service was excellent, punctual, and professional from everyone who accompanied us. We'll definitely be back, thank you so much! 🤗
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   rocio c 
 
 
 
 Verified beautiful experience
We had an unforgettable experience with this company visiting Manu National Park for two days. My family and I are very happy to have enjoyed such a well-organized tour. We saw monkeys, birds, snakes, capybaras, caimans, and much more. Thank you for this great experience, Trails to Machu Picchu.

      
   Trails to Machu Picchu
   11 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Fede 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Machu Picchu-Inca Trail tour with this agency, 100% recommended guys, the service was excellent and seeing all these places was simply beautiful
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   sofi_so 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Visiting Manu National Park with this agency was truly the best choice! 👌 The Peruvian rainforest is truly magnificent and wonderful, and the agency really gives you the opportunity to experience the best of it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Luis Fernando Chullo Ochoa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tuvimos un viaje inolvidable al parque manu de 2 dias 1 noche.
Fue un tour inolvidable para nosotro y lo disfrutamod al maximo.
Esta agencia de viajes es muy recomendable, desde el transporte, aalimentacion, guiado profecional y toda la logistica muy bien organizada gracias por todo señores de traisl to machupicchu
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Soncco C. (D.v.D) 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fue uno bonita experiencia realizar el tour al Parque Nacional del Manu por 3 días, los guías super buenísimos que  nos ayudaron a llevarnos una bonita experiencia, muy atentos y super divertidos!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ahsan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They made my day 😊⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ahsan Visa services 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience with them, recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   DivCode 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good tour that I have done, highly recommended to know the Inca Trail🙂😌
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nelly Montalvo Pacco 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tuvimos la oportunidad de ir con mi familia a conocer Cusco y la experiancia fue única, lo pasamos muy bien desde el transporte, nuestro guía fue muy profesional, la alimentación   excelente.
Hizo que mi estancia fuera realmente memorable.
Estamos muy agradecidos y recomendamos la Agencia de viajes.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   david abraham soto lopez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Buen servicio... me encanto el Guiado de la agencia ... siempre atentos y aclarando cada duda y pregunta con mucho conocimiento.