Humantay and Salkantay Landscape
Travelers trekking Soraypampa
couple posing in front of humantay lagoon
buffet lunch starters
people serving themselves lunch
breakfast buffet
Humantay Lake Group
Woman in Humantay
Traveler looking at the Salkantay
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Humantay Lake Tour - Full-Day Hike

Laguna Humantay Tour: breathtaking guided hike with transport from Cusco.

(6 reviews)
Cusco
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in Cusco at 4:30 am.
Ends: To Cusco at 7:00 pm.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Humantay Lake Tour: Guided Hike from Cusco.

Join the Humantay Lake Tour and discover a stunning turquoise lake fed by the melting waters of the Humantay Glacier. Located at 13,780 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of Salkantay Mountain, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region.

Your adventure begins with a pickup from Cusco and a scenic drive to Mollepata, where you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the Andean landscape and culture. Once at the lake, you'll have time to explore, take photos, and soak in the surroundings before heading back. On the return journey, a well-deserved lunch will be served in Mollepata before returning to Cusco.

Learn more about this experience below.

Tour details

Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish - English)
  • Humantay Lake Entrance

Not included

  • Walking poles
  • Tips

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.

Tour itinerary

Humantay Lake Tour - Full-Day Hike

Duration: 14 hours

Difficulty: medium

Distance: 4,5 mi (7 km)

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Positive elevation gain: 1,900 ft (580 m)

Group size: maximum 8 people

4:30 am

Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa

The Humantay Lake Tour – Full-Day Hike starts with an early morning pickup from your accommodation in Cusco at 4:30 am. It’s an early start, but don’t worry—the experience will be well worth it.

Once everyone is on board, we’ll take a minibus to the scenic village of Mollepata, where we’ll stop for breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead. Afterward, we’ll continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of our hike..

Mollepata Square

Ascent to Humantay

We’ll arrive at Soraypampa Camp at 12,795 feet (3,900 meters) above sea level. From here, we’ll begin a 985-foot (300-meter) ascent to Humantay Lake, with stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay Mountains. After approximately 2 hours of hiking, we’ll reach our destination.

Travelers walking in Peru

Humantay Lake

At the lake, you’ll have free time to rest, explore the area, take photos, and take in the stunning views of the turquoise waters surrounded by towering mountains. From here, you can admire the Humantay Glacier, which feeds the lake.

When we have regained our strength, we will begin the descent back down the same road for 2 hours to Soraypampa embraced by the Vilcabamba mountain range in the background.

Humantay Lake Landscape

Soraypampa - Mollepata - Cusco

Back in Soraypampa, we’ll board our vehicle and head to Mollepata, where we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch to recharge. After lunch, we’ll begin the return trip to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 pm, marking the end of our Humantay Lake Tour – Full-Day Hike.

people serving themselves lunch

What to bring to Humantay Lake - Full-Day Hike tour

To hike to Humantay Lake, it’s important to be well-prepared due to the altitude and weather conditions. Here’s a bucket list of essentials:

Clothing & Footwear

  • Waterproof hiking boots with good traction.
  • Layered clothing (breathable t-shirt, fleece or sweater, windproof and waterproof jacket).
  • Comfortable trekking pants, preferably thermal if it’s cold.
  • Hat, gloves, and a buff or scarf to stay warm.
  • Cap or sun hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

Gear & Accessories

  • Small backpack (20-30L) for essentials.
  • Trekking poles (optional but helpful for the ascent and descent).
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (UV radiation is strong at high altitudes).
  • Insect repellent.
  • Rain poncho or waterproof jacket in case of rain.

Food & Water

  • Water bottle or hydration pack (at least 1.5L).
  • Energy snacks (nuts, granola bars, chocolate).
  • Other Essentials
  • Cash (for tips, small purchases, or restroom use in Mollepata).
  • Camera or phone with enough battery to capture the stunning views.
  • Personal medication and altitude sickness pills (if needed).

Weather conditions can change quickly, so it’s best to be prepared for anything. Would you like more tips on how to acclimate to the altitude before the trek? 😊

Where does the tour Humantay Lake - Full-Day Hike start

The tour includes pick up from your accommodation in Cusco at the beginning of the tour. Remember to tell us in the booking form or by email the name of your accommodation so we can coordinate the pick up with the guide.

Questions & Answers

  • How difficult is the Laguna Humantay Tour?

    The difficulty of this trek is medium - high. We recommend to have experience in mountain trekking and a good physical condition, as some of the routes can be more complicated.

  • Where will I be picked up?

    The tour includes pick up from your accommodation located in the metropolitan area of Cusco. If your accommodation is not within the pick up perimeter, we will indicate a nearby meeting point to pick you up. Remember to indicate the name and address of your accommodation in the booking form in order to coordinate the pick up.

  • Is the tour suspended due to rain?

    The tour is not suspended due to rain. Due to the climate of the area, it is likely to rain on the day of the tour, especially if you travel during the rainy season (November to April in Cuzco). Likewise, in case of heavy rains or any weather alert that does not allow the activity to be carried out under the necessary safety measures, the session will be suspended and a change of date or money refund will be offered.

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