Turquoise waters of Humantay Lake near Cusco
★ TURQUOISE LAKE BREAKFAST + LUNCH

Humantay Lake Full-Day Trip from Cusco

  • 1 Day (Full Day)
  • Cusco · Mollepata · Soraypampa, Peru
  • From $30 USD ≈ S/ 104
Mount Humantay glacier above Humantay Lake
Panoramic view of Humantay Lake in the Salkantay range
Andean landscape on the Humantay Lake hike

A turquoise lake at the foot of the Humantay glacier, deep in the Salkantay range: one of the most spectacular day hikes from Cusco.

DURATION 1 Day (Full Day)
MAX ALTITUDE 4,200 m (Humantay Lake)
DIFFICULTY Moderate
GROUP SIZE Shared group (max. 20)
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

Humantay Lake is a glacial lake at 4,200 m above sea level, at the foot of Mount Humantay (5,473 m) in the Vilcabamba mountain range. Its intense turquoise color, fed by glacier meltwater, makes it one of the most stunning day trips from Cusco. For local communities it is a sacred place where offerings are made to Pachamama and the apus (mountain spirits).

The Humantay Lake full-day tour includes transportation, breakfast in Mollepata, the guided hike up from Soraypampa and lunch on the way back. It is a short but steep hike, ideal for travelers who are already acclimatized and looking for high mountain scenery.

Hike facts

  • Trailhead: Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.).
  • Distance: approx. 7 km round trip.
  • Time: 1.5 to 2 hrs up and 1 hr down.
  • Max. altitude: 4,200 m a.s.l.

Sample schedule

  • 04:30: pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
  • 07:00: breakfast in Mollepata.
  • 08:30 – 12:00: hike to the lake and free time for photos.
  • 13:30: lunch in Mollepata.
  • 17:30 – 18:00: arrival in Cusco.

Tips

  • Acclimatize for at least 2 days in Cusco before the hike.
  • Bring thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, a beanie, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • A water bottle, snacks and trekking poles for the descent.
  • If needed, horses are available for the climb (paid locally).

Signature Highlights

Turquoise glacial lake at the foot of Mount Humantay.
Views of Mount Salkantay, the second-highest mountain in Cusco.
Breakfast and lunch in Mollepata included.
Guided hike with first-aid kit and oxygen tank.
Great preparation for the Salkantay Trek.
STEP BY STEP

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Each day has been carefully planned to optimize acclimatization and avoid peak tourist hours.

DAY 01

Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Cusco

⛰ 4,200 m a.s.l. 🚶 7 km round trip ⏱ 3 to 4 hrs hiking ⛺ Return to Cusco

We leave Cusco before dawn bound for Mollepata, where we have breakfast. We continue to Soraypampa, the trailhead, with views of Mount Salkantay. We climb a zigzag trail for 1.5 to 2 hours up to Humantay Lake. There we have time to rest, take photos and learn the meaning of Andean offerings. We descend to Soraypampa and drive back to Mollepata for lunch. Return to Cusco in the afternoon.

FULL TRANSPARENCY

What's Included in the Expedition

✓

Included Luxury Services

  • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center.
  • Tourist transportation Cusco – Soraypampa – Cusco.
  • Breakfast and lunch in Mollepata.
  • Professional guide (English / Spanish).
  • First-aid kit and oxygen tank.
✕

Not Included

  • Humantay Lake entrance fee (paid locally to the community).
  • Horse rental (optional).
  • Trekking poles.
  • Tips.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

Optional Upgrades & Perks

Complement your journey with exclusive comfort experiences and panoramic summits.

Horse for the Climb

Horse with a local muleteer for the ascent to the lake (estimated price).

+ $25 USD ≈ S/ 86

Trekking Pole Rental

A pair of poles for extra stability on the descent.

+ $10 USD ≈ S/ 35
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Humantay Lake Full-Day Trip from Cusco

How difficult is the Humantay Lake hike?

It is a short but steady climb with 300 m of elevation gain. With good acclimatization, anyone with average fitness can complete it.

Can you swim in the lake?

No. It is a sacred place for local communities and the water is extremely cold. Please follow your guide’s instructions.

When is the best time to go?

From April to October skies are usually clear. In the rainy season the trail can be muddy and the lake covered in clouds.

Is it very cold?

In the morning temperatures can be close to 0 °C. It warms up as the sun rises, so we recommend dressing in layers.