Humantay Lake Tour – Full Day
Discover the magic of Humantay Lake, a stunning turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped mountains, high-Andean landscapes, and the powerful energy of the Salkantay mountain. This full-day tour is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a beautiful nature experience near Cusco, with a scenic hike, spectacular views, and a landscape that stays in your memory from the very first moment.
The experience begins early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a scenic drive toward Soraypampa, located at the base of Humantay Mountain and very close to the impressive Salkantay. Along the way, you will enjoy Andean villages, green valleys, mountains, farming fields, and peaceful rural landscapes that show a quieter and more natural side of the region. After enjoying breakfast before the hike, you will begin the walk up to Humantay Lake. The trail can feel challenging because of the altitude and uphill sections, but you do not need to be an expert hiker. The idea is to take your time, breathe, stop whenever needed, and enjoy each part of the trail with the support of your guide.
Once you arrive at the lake, you will have time to rest, take photos, and admire its turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After enjoying this unique natural setting, you will begin the return hike to Soraypampa and then enjoy lunch before traveling back to Cusco. This tour is ideal for travelers looking for nature, photography, adventure, and a special connection with the high-Andean landscapes of Peru.
Important Considerations
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Tour location: Soraypampa, on the route to Salkantay Mountain, Anta Province, Cusco Region
- Tour type: Hiking, nature, adventure, and high-Andean landscapes
- Ideal for: Active travelers, nature lovers, photographers, couples, friends, and people with an adventurous spirit
- Temperature: Cold, especially early in the morning. Temperatures can drop considerably in high-altitude areas.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging, mainly because of the altitude and the uphill hike to the lake.
Tour Highlights
- Visit one of the most beautiful lakes in the Cusco region and Peru.
- Enjoy a scenic drive through Andean villages, valleys, and mountain landscapes.
- Hike to a turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
- Admire views of Humantay Mountain and the impressive Salkantay.
- Experience nature and adventure in just one day.
- Take unforgettable photos in one of Peru’s most special landscapes.
- Travel with a professional local guide who will assist you during the hike.
- Enjoy a well-organized experience from Cusco, with breakfast and lunch included.
Why You’ll Love This Experience
Many travelers choose Humantay Lake because it combines adventure, nature, and truly breathtaking landscapes in just one day. It is a different experience from Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley, as it focuses more on the natural beauty of the Andes.
The most special moment comes when you see the lake for the first time. The turquoise color of the water, the reflection of the mountains, and the peaceful silence of the area create a feeling that is hard to forget. For many travelers, this tour becomes one of the most photogenic and memorable places of their trip to Peru.
It is perfect for those who enjoy walking, taking photos, breathing fresh mountain air, and living a natural experience with a touch of adventure.
What Makes This Tour Special
Humantay Lake is not just a beautiful place to take photos. From the moment you leave Cusco, the route shows you a quieter and more natural side of the Andes, with small villages, valleys, mountains, rivers, and landscapes that slowly change as you get closer to Soraypampa.
The hike can be challenging because of the altitude and the incline, but the reward is absolutely worth it. Once you reach the lake, you will have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Cusco region.
This tour is special because it combines nature, adventure, and peaceful scenery in just one day, guided by a local professional who will support you along the way and share information about the area, the mountains, and the importance of this place in Andean culture.
Best Season to Visit
The best season to visit Humantay Lake is from April to October, during the dry season. During these months, the skies are usually clearer, the mountain views are better, and the trail conditions are more stable.
The tour can also be done from November to March, but rain is more common during this time. The landscapes are usually greener in the rainy season, but it is important to bring a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
Who This Tour Is Ideal For
This tour is a great option for active travelers, nature lovers, photographers, couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who want to enjoy a different experience near Cusco.
Since the hike takes place at high altitude, we recommend this tour for travelers in good general health. It is not a technical hike, but it does require walking uphill and taking it at a calm, steady pace.
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Tourist transportation
- Professional bilingual local guide
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- First-aid kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Assistance during the hike
- Return transportation to Cusco
Not Included
- Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake, unless specified in the booking
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the guide and staff
- Personal expenses
- Horse rental, if needed
- Trekking poles, unless requested in advance
4:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. | Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
Your day will begin very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. To coordinate the pickup time and location correctly, we will need you to confirm the name and address of your hotel in advance. Although the departure is before sunrise, the drive will allow you to rest as we leave the city and head toward the Mollepata area, the starting point of your journey. Along the way, you will pass Andean landscapes, small villages, and valleys that mark the beginning of your mountain experience.
7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast on the route
During the drive, we will make a stop to enjoy breakfast and recharge before continuing to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike. This is a good moment to get ready, hydrate, and enjoy the peaceful Andean atmosphere before beginning the walk.
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Arrival at Soraypampa and start of the hike
Upon arrival at Soraypampa, your guide will give you an explanation about the route, altitude, weather, and important recommendations to enjoy the hike safely. The hike to Humantay Lake is not long in distance, but it can feel demanding because of the incline and altitude, so we will walk at a comfortable pace and take breaks whenever needed.
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Arrival at Humantay Lake
As you make your way up, the mountain views become more and more impressive. Once you arrive at the lake, you will have time to rest, take photos, and admire the intense turquoise color of the water, surrounded by Humantay Mountain and the peaks of the area. This will be the most special moment of the day and an unforgettable reward after the hike.
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Return to Soraypampa
After enjoying the lake, we will begin the descent back to Soraypampa. The return is usually easier than the uphill hike, but we will still walk carefully and at a relaxed pace so you can enjoy the scenery on the way back.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Lunch
After the hike, we will continue to the lunch area, where you can rest and recover your energy after the walk.
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Return to Cusco
After lunch, we will begin the drive back to Cusco, which takes approximately 3 hours. Arrival in the city will be in the afternoon or early evening, depending on the group’s pace, weather, and road conditions.
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Approximate arrival in Cusco
We will finish the tour with the return to Cusco after a full day surrounded by mountains, nature, and one of the most beautiful lakes in the Cusco region.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum altitude: Approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Duration: Full day
What to Bring
- Bring comfortable hiking shoes
- Warm layered clothing
- A waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat or cap
- Gloves
- A reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Personal medication
- A camera or phone
- Some cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses or horse rental.
The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it is very important to dress in layers.
Price
Regular price: USD 90 per person
The price may vary depending on the type of service, availability, and travel season.
Options to Customize Your Experience
We understand that every traveler enjoys the mountains in a different way. If you prefer an experience with less physical effort, which some travelers choose because of age or when traveling with children, it may be possible to rent a horse for part of the route, subject to availability from the local community and trail conditions.
This option can be helpful for passengers who want to reduce part of the hike, especially during the uphill section. However, it is important to keep in mind that some walking is usually still required, especially near the lake or in areas where access may depend on the weather and trail conditions.
Additional cost: From USD 98 per person
The final price may vary depending on local availability and operating conditions on the day of the tour.
The hike is considered moderate. It is not technical, but the uphill section and the altitude can make it feel challenging.
The lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters / 13,780 feet above sea level.
Yes. We recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco before visiting Humantay Lake.
In many cases, horses are available through the local community, but availability and prices may vary.
Wear warm layered clothing, hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, and a hat or cap.
