Full Day

HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR

Name: Humantay Lake Full Day Tour
Brand: Tierras de los Andes
Price: 34 USD
Availability: InStock

"Colorful landscapes are like open windows to dream worlds."

From:

34 $

/ per person

Home » Tours to Peru » Tours in Cusco » Humantay Lake Full Day Tour

Descubre Cusco, el ancestral Qosqo quechua, que significa "ombligo del mundo". Este nombre encierra la esencia mística de la ciudad, reconocida como el punto de unión entre los tres planos de existencia Inca: el mundo subterráneo o Uku Pacha, el mundo terrenal o Kay Pacha y el mundo celestial o Hanan Pacha. En este tour de 9 días, te invitamos a sumergirte en el centro espiritual y geográfico del universo Inca.

Duracion:

4 dias

Tamaño grupo:

8 personas

Dificultad:

8 personas

Salidas

8 personas

Salidas

8 personas

Altitud

8 personas

Humantay lake Peru

Humantay Lake is a challenging destination that you can visit in just one day from Cusco. This excursion offers breathtaking landscapes and a truly unique experience in the heart of the Andes Mountains. Humantay Lake is located on the slopes of the Humantay mountain and sits at an approximate altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level (13,778 feet).
Humantay Lake is known for the intense turquoise color of its waters, often described by travelers as a natural blue lagoon Peru, the result of a combination of suspended minerals from melting glaciers, microalgae, and the interaction with sunlight. During the ascent to the lake, you will enjoy majestic views of the Salkantay mountain range, one of the most iconic trekking routes in the region. The one-day tour to Humantay Lake is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy nature and experience high-altitude trekking.

AVAILABILITY & BOOKING

Book your Humantay Lake trip online through our availability calendar. We offer daily departures, and you can reserve your spot up to one day in advance.
The tour includes hotel pickup between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and return to downtown Cusco at around 6:30 p.m. Vegetarian, vegan, and special diet options are available upon request.
For changes or cancellations, please contact us directly.

Route map showing the Humantay Lake day hike from Cusco

Duration: full day

Min group: 2 passengers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Period:

All year round

Short itinerary - Humantay Lake Tour

Tierras de los Andes es un operador turístico, que fue fundado en el año 2000 con el propósito de crear auténticas experiencias de viajes a medida y fuera de los caminos tradicionales en América del Sur. El equipo de Tierras de los Andes está compuesto de personas que vienen de diferentes partes del Perú y del mundo para garantizar una experiencia única, nuestro equipo se compone de profesionales de turismo: creadores de viajes, guías nativos y fieles proveedores locales.

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake

Dat trip from cusco to Humantay lake

Day 1

Humantay Lake

Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

At the specified time, we will pick you up from your hotel to head to Mollepata, where we will enjoy a typical local breakfast. We will then continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of our hike to Humantay lake.

From Soraypampa, we begin the Humantay Lake hike. This route is often described as a Humantay Lake trek because it is a steady uphill walk at high elevation. The best approach is a consistent pace, short breaks, and good hydration.

Here, our guide will demonstrate the use of coca leaves and make an offering to our Apus (mountains) that allowed us to reach this place, in which we will participate. We will then return to Soraypampa and later to Mollepata for lunch. Finally, we will return to Cusco.

Cusco (3350 m) – Soraypampa (3900 m) – Humantay Lake (4200 m) – Cusco

Shared vehicle for the group
Shared Spanish-speaking guide
Entrance fee included
Breakfast and lunch included

Accommodation is guaranteed for most travel dates, but it may be substituted with another hotel of the same category.

What does your trip with Tierras de los Andes include?

The price includes:

1. Shared vehicle for the tour:
Travel comfortably and safely, with the punctuality that defines us, in authorized vehicles driven by experienced drivers and complying with all safety measures throughout the journey.

2. Hotel pick-up:
We will pick you up directly from your accommodation at a previously scheduled time, which will be communicated to you in advance for greater comfort and punctuality, avoiding unnecessary transfers and travel inconveniences.

3. Entrance to Humantay Lake:
The official entrance ticket is included, so you can enjoy this impressive natural destination without additional costs or procedures.

4. Spanish-speaking guide:
Permanent assistance from a specialized guide who will accompany you throughout the entire route, sharing the history, culture, and secrets of the Andean path.

5. All activities mentioned in the program:
Participate in each of the activities described in the program, with no hidden costs or surprises.

6. Breakfast and lunch:
Our chef prepares each meal in the mountains. We respect all dietary preferences (vegetarian or vegan). If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform us in advance so we can avoid those ingredients and ensure you enjoy carefully prepared meals made with local and natural products—perfect for recharging your energy during the adventure.

The price does not include:

1. Beverages:
Drinks not specified in the program.

2. Travel insurance:
We recommend having personal travel insurance for greater peace of mind during the tour.

3. Tips and recommendations:
Please remember to bring only the necessary personal belongings for the trip and leave what you do not need at the hotel.
Do not forget to avoid leaving any trash at the archaeological site.

Before you Go

Prepare for an unforgettable experience in the Andes. Before beginning your adventure, please take a moment to review the essential details below. These recommendations will help ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable journey to lake Humantay and the surrounding region.

Travel Preparation & Briefing

The evening before your tour, our team will contact you to reconfirm pick-up times, meeting points and any last-minute updates. We will also provide a short briefing with practical recommendations on altitude, hydration, clothing and safety during the hike.

If you need assistance coordinating transportation to your hotel or arranging additional services, please let us know in advance — we are here to support your entire travel experience.

Health, Altitude & Physical Condition

The Humantay hike reaches high elevations, so we recommend arriving in Cusco 1–2 days before the tour to acclimatize properly.

Stay hydrated before and during the excursion.
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol the day prior to the hike.
If you take altitude medication, follow your doctor’s instructions.
The hike requires a moderate physical effort; take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Should you feel unwell at any point, inform our guide immediately. Our team is trained in first response and will assist you with care.

Luggage & Personal Items

Please bring only the essentials for the day:

Small backpack (water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, extra layers).
Warm clothing for early morning hours and lightweight clothing for the hike.
Cash for optional expenses (toilets, horse rentals, snacks in local communities).
Personal identification and travel insurance information.

Larger luggage can be safely stored at your hotel in Cusco. If you require special storage, please coordinate with us.

Pick-Up & Return to Cusco

Pick-ups begin early in the morning (between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m.) due to the travel distance.
For hotels located in the historic center, we offer direct pick-up.
For accommodations outside the center or in narrow streets, we will assign the nearest safe meeting point.

At the end of the tour, you will be transported back to Cusco and dropped off near your hotel or at a central location depending on traffic conditions.

Weather & Mountain Conditions

The Andean climate can vary throughout the day. We recommend bringing:

Waterproof jacket or poncho
Hat and gloves (especially in dry season)
Comfortable hiking shoes
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)

In case of severe weather, our team may adjust the itinerary for your safety.

Support for Local Communities

By traveling with us, you contribute to the sustainable development of Andean families. Many services along the route — breakfast, rest stops, horse assistance — are offered by local communities who maintain and protect the trail.

Group Travel Experience

Humantay is a shared group tour; however, our guides ensure personalized attention for every traveler. If you prefer a private experience, we can arrange it upon request for an additional fee.

Final Recommendations

Charge your electronic devices the night before.
Bring reusable water bottles to reduce environmental impact.
Respect wildlife and natural areas; leave no trace behind.
Enjoy the journey — the landscapes you will see are among the most spectacular in the Andes.

When would you like to visit Peru?

Discover Peru on one of our scheduled departures. Unique and cultural experiences await you in this incredible destination.

Price
For Adventurers

Humantay Lake • Cusco

34 USD

per person

1 day (Full day)
Places visited: Cusco, Mollepata, Soraypampa
Hike / Day Tour
Difficulty: Moderate
Total distance: 6 km (round trip)
Humantay Lake hike: 4,200 m
Up to 12 people - Minimum 2

Choose your date and group

Date —

Adults

18+

Children

0–17

Total 2 people

Estimated USD —

Reservation Policies

Reservations must be made in advance, especially during holidays and high season. Reservations are only accepted through the established methods.

Payment Methods:

PayPal (credit or debit card payment)
We Travel (credit or debit card payment)

Transaction Fees:

Travel packages and programs include transaction fees for the first two credit or debit card payments via PayPal. Please check other payment methods for no additional charge.

Change and Cancellation Policies:

Tour rescheduling is allowed with proper advance notice, except for tours to Machu Picchu. No-shows will result in the total loss of the service. Cancellation or withdrawal of the service will not be entitled to a refund.

Route to lake humantay

Cusco Main Square (Plaza de Armas) in Peru

Hike to Soraypampa camp in the Peruvian Andes

Hiking trail to Soraypampa camp sign in the Peruvian Andes

Hiking trail to Humantay Lake starting from Soraypampa

Visitor enjoying the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake in Peru

Packing List

Valid passport or ID

Required for checkpoints and tour controls. Keep it safe but accessible.

Extra money (soles)

Useful for optional expenses like toilets, snacks or horse rentals.

Personal medication

Bring what you normally use (and altitude meds only if prescribed).

Water bottle / CamelBak

Stay hydrated before and during the hike (high altitude).

Sunscreen (high SPF)

Strong sun exposure in the Andes—protect your skin.

Insect repellent

Recommended for comfort, especially in warmer periods.

Personal care products

Hand sanitizer, tissues, lip balm, wipes—small but useful.

Frequently asked questions

1. how far is humantay lake from cusco?

Humantay Lake is located about 120 km (75 miles) from Cusco by road.
The journey usually takes 3 to 4 hours by vehicle to reach Soraypampa, followed by a hike of approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) to reach Humantay Lake.

This distance makes Humantay Lake an ideal full-day trip from Cusco, combining scenic driving and high-altitude trekking.

2. What is the Humantay Lake elevation and how does it affect visitors?

The Humantay Lake elevation is approximately 4,200 meters (13,778 feet) above sea level.
At this altitude, some visitors may experience mild effects of altitude, so it is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for at least one or two days before the hike. Despite the elevation, the trek is accessible for most travelers with a moderate fitness level and offers stunning views of the Andes and the surrounding mountains.

3. How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The hike to Humantay Lake is approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) one way from Soraypampa. On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to hike up and about 1 hour to descend, depending on your pace and acclimatization.

4. Lake Humantay hike difficulty?

The Humantay Lake hike is considered moderate to challenging. While the distance is short, the main difficulty comes from the high altitude (4,200 m / 13,778 ft) and the continuous uphill trail. A basic level of fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco are highly recommended.

5. How long does the hike to Humantay Lagoon take?

The hike to Humantay Lake usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on the visitor’s pace, physical condition, and level of acclimatization. Weather conditions and trail traffic can also influence the hiking time. Although the distance is relatively short, the continuous uphill trail and high altitude make the ascent more demanding, so it is recommended to walk at a steady pace and take short breaks along the way.

6. How far in advance should I book the tour with Tierras de los Andes?

We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially during the high season when demand is higher. Departures to Humantay Lake operate daily, making it easy to choose a date that fits your travel plans. Reserving ahead of time ensures availability and allows you to enjoy a smooth and well-organized experience.