Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM Pickup window from your accommodation
- Arrival in the ending city
- 6:00 PM Approximate arrival time in the city where the tour ends
Highlights
- Licensed English-speaking guide (first-aid trained)
- Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast and buffet lunch at Restaurante Mollechayoc in Mollepata, rated 4.5, not a large tourist restaurant
- Trekking poles, first aid kit and oxygen tank will be available for the Humantay lake hike
- Modern and comfortable transportation with air conditioning
What is included
Included
- Pick up at your stay in Cusco (historic city center)
- Round-trip transportation
- Drop off near Plaza de Armas in Cusco
- Professional, licensed bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Delicious buffet breakfast and lunch at Restaurante Mollechayoc rated 4.5* on Google Maps
- Trekking poles (to use during the hike)
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
Not included
- Admission fee to Humantay Lake
- Horse/donkey rental (optional, pay directly to the local community)
- Extra snacks or drinks
- Tips
Itinerary
Morning
- Hotel pickup in Cusco (early morning, around 4:00 AM).
- Transport to Mollepata with beautiful Andean views.
- Buffet breakfast at a local restaurant, Restaurante Mollechayoc rated 4.5* on Google Maps.
- Drive to Soraypampa (3,900 m), the start of the hike, with views of Salkantay.
Late morning
- Start the uphill humantay trek towards the lake.
- The hike takes around 1.5 to 2 hours at a steady pace.
- Arrive at humantay lake (4,200 m).
- Free time for photos, rest, and views.
Afternoon
- Walk back down to Soraypampa.
- Drive back to the same restaurant for buffet lunch.
Evening
- Return drive to Cusco.
- Arrival in Cusco in the early evening (around 5:30-6:00 PM).
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Meeting and timing
- End point
-
6:00 PM
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Tour duration
- 1 day
- Maximum group size
- 16 people
Full tour description
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.
What to bring
- Warm layers (fleece or jacket, especially for early morning)
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (during rain season)
- Trekking or hiking shoes with good grip
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen (strong sun at high altitude)
- Water (we recommend at least 1 liter per person)
- Snacks or energy bars
- Small backpack
- Cash in small bills (entrance fee, restrooms, horse rental, tips)
- Personal medication (especially for altitude)
- Camera or phone for photos
Frequently asked questions
What does Humantay mean?
Humantay is the name of the mountain next to the lake. In local Andean culture, mountains are sacred and seen as protectors of the land.
Is Humantay worth it?
Yes. Humantay Lake is one of the most beautiful day trips from Cusco. The turquoise water, mountain views, and good hike make it a very rewarding experience.
Is Humantay Lake harder than Rainbow Mountain?
The Humantay hike is steeper but shorter than Rainbow Mountain. Rainbow Mountain is longer and higher, but Humantay feels more intense because the trail is uphill the whole way.
What is better, Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake?
Both are beautiful but different. Choose Humantay Lake if you prefer nature, mountains, and a turquoise lagoon. Choose Rainbow Mountain if you want colorful landscapes and wide views.
Is Humantay Lake hike hard?
The hike is moderate to challenging because of the altitude. The trail is short but steep. Taking it slow makes a big difference.
Can you swim in Humantay Lake?
No. Swimming is not allowed. The lake is considered sacred by local communities.
Why is Humantay Lake blue?
The blue and turquoise colors come from glacial meltwater, minerals, and the reflection of sunlight at high altitude.
Is Humantay Lake closed?
Humantay Lake is usually open all year. It may close temporarily due to weather conditions, heavy rain, or local regulations. This almost never happens.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, depending on your pace and how often you stop.
How hard is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike is considered moderately challenging. The trail is not technical, but the altitude and steep climb can make it physically demanding for some people. If it feels too difficult, you can rent a horse or donkey on the spot to help you go up. This can be arranged locally.