The Humantay lake day tour is one of the most beautiful day trips from Cusco. This tour takes you deep into the Peruvian Andes to visit Humantay Lake, a stunning turquoise lagoon located at 4,200 meters above sea level.
Surrounded by the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains, this humantay hike offers beautiful landscapes, fresh mountain air, and a real connection with nature. The lake is fed by glacial meltwater. This is why the water looks so bright and colorful.
This Humantay lake day trip from cusco is a great choice if you want an active experience in one day. The Humantay trek is not very long, but it can feel challenging because of the altitude.
Why choose this humantay tour
- Small groups of up to 16 people.
- Modern tourist transportation with air conditioning.
- Professional, certified guides (Spanish and English).
- Delicious breakfast and lunch at Restaurante Mollechayoc
- Carbon trekking poles included for your comfort.
Activities
- Scenic drive through Andean landscapes and small villages.
- Eat local, Andean food at buffet breakfast and buffet lunch.
- Guided humantay hike from Soraypampa to the lake.
- Free time at humantay laguna for photos and rest.
- Optional offering to Pachamama (local tradition).
- Views of glaciers and high Andean mountains, like the Salkantay.
Important information for the humantay hike
The hike reaches 4,200 meters above sea level. We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco before this humantay tour. The hike can feel moderate to difficult depending on your fitness and altitude experience. Horse rentals are available if you prefer support on the way up.
The weather can change quickly. Mornings are cold and afternoons are warmer. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket. Use sunscreen and sunglasses because the sun is strong at high altitude.
Please bring water (at least 1 liter per person), small snacks, and some cash in small bills for restrooms, small purchases, or horse rental. Stay well hydrated and drink small sips during the hike to help prevent altitude sickness.
Weather Humantay lake
The weather Humantay lake can change quickly. Early mornings are cold, especially before sunrise. During the hike, temperatures become milder, but wind and clouds are common. Rain or snow is possible at any time of year.
Average daytime temperatures are around 8–12°C (46–54°F). Early mornings can drop to 0–5°C (32–41°F). Warm layers and a rain jacket are recommended.
Humantay altitude
The Humantay altitude is one of the main challenges of this hike. The starting point is around 3,900 meters above sea level, and the trail goes up to over 4,200 meters at the lake. At this altitude, walking feels more demanding, even for fit travelers.
Laguna Humantay elevation
The Laguna Humantay elevation is approximately 4,200 meters above sea level (13,780 feet). Oxygen levels are lower at this height, which can cause shortness of breath or fatigue. Walking slowly and staying well hydrated helps with acclimatization.
Humantay Lake hike distance
The Humantay Lake hike distance is relatively short. The uphill hike is about 1.5 to 2 kilometers (0.9 to 1.2 miles) one way. Even though the distance is short, the trail is steep and continuously uphill, which makes it physically demanding.
Background information about humantay lake
Humantay lake is considered a sacred place by local Andean communities. The mountains around the lake are seen as Apus, or mountain spirits. Some visitors place small stones as a respectful offering.
In the past, only hikers on the multi-day Salkantay Trek could visit this lagoon. Today, the humantay lake day tour makes it possible to experience this place in one day. The colors of the lagoon can change during the day, from light turquoise to deep emerald green, depending on the light and weather.
