Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco Details
- Tour Type
Cultural | Cultural - Duration
Full Day - Elevation
3900m – 4200m - Difficulty
Moderate - Departure
Plaza Regocijo – Kusipata - Destination
Humantay Lake - Latitude
-13.4217 - Longitude
-72.620
Gallery
Humantay Lake Tour Details
The Humantay Lake Full-Day Group Tour from Cusco is one of the most popular hiking experiences in the Andes, ideal for travelers looking to reach a breathtaking turquoise lagoon in just one day. This tour combines scenic landscapes, physical challenge, and cultural insight, all within a well-organized group experience.
The journey takes you from Cusco to Soraypampa, where the hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) begins. Along the way, you enjoy stunning views of the Salkantay mountain range, while our professional local guides assist you with pacing, altitude awareness, and cultural explanations.
Designed as a shared group tour, this experience offers excellent value by including transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, and lunch, making it an affordable and complete full-day adventure. It is ideal for active travelers, first-time visitors to Cusco, and nature lovers who want to explore one of the region’s most iconic landscapes without the cost of a private tour.
This Humantay Lake day trip allows you to disconnect from the city, challenge yourself at high altitude, and experience the spiritual connection locals associate with the lake—all while returning to Cusco by late afternoon.
Why Choose Our Humantay Lake Full-Day Group Tour from Cusco?
Choosing Magical Cusco Travel Agency means traveling with a 100% local operator based in Cusco, specialized in well-organized and affordable group tours to Humantay Lake and the Andes.
For this reason, our Humantay Lake Full-Day Group Tour from Cusco is carefully planned with fixed schedules, shared transportation, and professional local guides. This approach allows us to offer an excellent balance between price, safety, and experience, without compromising comfort or service quality.
In addition, our licensed guides support you throughout the hike, providing clear explanations about the altitude, landscape, and cultural significance of Humantay Lake, while helping you manage the physical challenge at 4,200 meters.
Finally, we handle all logistics—from early hotel pick-up to meals and transportation—so you can focus entirely on the experience. Travelers consistently highlight our organization, knowledgeable guides, and value for money in verified TripAdvisor reviews, making this tour a trusted choice for visitors who want to experience Humantay Lake efficiently and affordably.
Location: Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake is located at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) above sea level in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, approximately two hours from Cusco by road. Thanks to its accessibility, this destination works perfectly for a full-day group tour from the city.
First, the journey heads south from Cusco to the village of Mollepata (2,850 m), where the group stops for breakfast and preparation before continuing deeper into the Andes.
Next, the route continues to Soraypampa (3,850 m), the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lake. From here, travelers begin a scenic ascent surrounded by snow-capped peaks and open highland landscapes.
As a result, this route offers a gradual altitude gain and a well-paced hiking experience, making it suitable for active travelers who have spent time acclimatizing in Cusco. Due to its location near major trekking routes such as Salkantay, Humantay Lake also serves as an excellent introduction to the Andean highlands before continuing to other destinations
Weather: Humantay Lake Tour
The weather at Humantay Lake changes throughout the year due to its high altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). For this reason, proper preparation plays an important role in enjoying this full-day group tour from Cusco.
From April to November, the dry season brings clear skies and stable conditions, creating the best environment for hiking to the lake and enjoying unobstructed views of the surrounding Andean peaks. During this period, daytime temperatures remain cool but comfortable, especially when hiking under direct sunlight.
Between December and March, the rainy season arrives with more frequent showers, particularly in the afternoons. Therefore, bringing a waterproof jacket or poncho is highly recommended, as weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
Regardless of the season, temperatures at Humantay Lake drop significantly in the early morning and late afternoon. As a result, dressing in layers helps maintain comfort throughout the hike. In addition, many travelers choose to drink coca tea before the hike, as it is traditionally used in the Andes to help with altitude adaptation.
Includes
- Professional guide
- First-aid kit (including oxygen)
- Pick-up from the hotel
- Tourist transport
- Breakfast and lunch
- Carbon-fiber trekking poles
Excludes
- Entrance fees: PEN 20 / USD 5.30 p.p.
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Optional gratuities
- Emergency horse
- Staff incentives (optional)
Itinerary: Humantay Lake Full-Day Group Tour from Cusco
Humantay Lake Peru Full-Day Tour from Cusco
The Humantay Lake Full-Day Group Tour from Cusco begins early in the morning to make the most of the day and avoid crowds at the lake.
04:00 AM – Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco
The tour starts with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. From here, the group travels south through scenic Andean landscapes toward the village of Mollepata (2,850 m).
Breakfast Stop in Mollepata
Upon arrival, a hearty breakfast is served to prepare for the hike ahead. This stop also allows time to rest and adjust before continuing deeper into the mountains.
Drive to Soraypampa (3,850 m)
After breakfast, the journey continues to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lake. From here, travelers receive final guidance from the guide before beginning the ascent.
Hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
The hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace and weather conditions. Along the trail, travelers enjoy impressive views of the Salkantay mountain range. Upon reaching the lake, there is free time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Descent and Lunch in Mollepata
After spending time at the lake, the group hikes back down to Soraypampa and returns by vehicle to Mollepata, where a well-deserved lunch is served around 2:00 PM.
Return to Cusco
Following lunch, the tour heads back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 PM, concluding a full-day Andean adventure.
Humantay Lake Tour Statistics
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,482 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
Embrace this Humantay Lake tour—it will etch a beautiful memory on the canvas of your heart.
Packing List
- Water
- Personal snacks (optional)
- Waterproof trekking shoes
- Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
- Waterproof clothing (poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, pants, shorts, T-shirts)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Basic medicines
- Walking sticks
Advantages of Our Humantay Lake Full-Day Group Tour from Cusco
Choosing our Humantay Lake Full-Day Group Tour from Cusco offers several key advantages that make this experience both memorable and great value for money:
Professional Local Guides
Our expert guides share cultural and natural insights throughout the hike, explaining the significance of Humantay Lake and its 4,200-meter altitude, while helping you manage the physical challenge safely.Breathtaking Andean Scenery
The reward is a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, one of the most iconic landscapes in the Cusco region.Breakfast and Lunch Included
Unlike many tours, this experience includes both breakfast and lunch, making it a more economical option than private tours without sacrificing quality.Carbon-Fiber Trekking Poles Included
Trekking poles are provided to improve stability, comfort, and safety during both the ascent and descent.Shared Group Experience
Traveling in a group creates a social and supportive atmosphere, allowing you to share the experience with other travelers instead of hiking in isolation.Easy to Combine with Other Iconic Tours
Thanks to its full-day format, this tour can be easily combined with experiences such as a Machu Picchu 1-Day Trip, creating a complete Andean itinerary.
Important Considerations: Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco
To ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience on our Humantay Lake Full-Day Group Tour from Cusco, please keep the following points in mind:
Acclimatization Is Essential
Spend 1–2 days in Cusco before the tour to adjust to the altitude, as the hike reaches 4,200 meters (13,780 ft).Physical Preparation
Light cardio or short walks before the tour help prepare your body for the 12 km (7.5 mi) round-trip hike.Clothing & Footwear
Wear layered clothing and waterproof hiking boots, as weather conditions can change quickly at high altitude.Water & Snacks
Bring at least 1 liter of water per person and personal snacks, since these are not included during the hike.Cash for Entrance Fee
Please carry cash in Peruvian soles, as a 20-sol entrance fee to Humantay Lake must be paid on-site. Credit or debit cards are not accepted.Group Size
This is a shared group tour, usually with 15 to 20 participants, which allows us to offer a more affordable price while maintaining organized logistics and professional guiding.Respect the Environment
Humantay Lake is considered sacred by local communities. Swimming, littering, or disturbing the area is strictly prohibited.Optional Horse Rental
Horses are available for rent in Soraypampa for travelers who need assistance during the hike.Combine with Other Tours
For a more complete Andean experience, this tour can be paired with options such as the Rainbow Mountain Tour on another day.
Book Your Humantay Lake Full-Day Group Tour from Cusco Today
Experience one of the most iconic hikes in the Andes on a well-organized group tour with professional guides, transportation, breakfast, and lunch included. Secure your spot now and enjoy the best value Humantay Lake tour from Cusco.
FAQs
1. Is the Humantay Lake tour from Cusco a group tour or private?
This is a shared group tour, usually with 15 to 20 participants. Traveling in a group allows us to offer a more affordable price while keeping professional guiding and organized logistics.
2. How difficult is the Humantay Lake hike?
The hike is moderate, reaching 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. Good physical condition and 1–2 days of acclimatization in Cusco are strongly recommended.
3. How long does the Humantay Lake tour last?
This is a full-day tour. Pick-up starts at 4:00 AM, and return to Cusco is around 5:00–6:00 PM, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
4. What is included in the Humantay Lake group tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, a first-aid kit with oxygen, and trekking poles.
5. Do I need to pay an entrance fee to Humantay Lake?
Yes. A 20-sol entrance fee must be paid in cash at the site. Credit or debit cards are not accepted, so travelers should bring Peruvian soles.
6. Can I rent a horse instead of hiking?
Yes. Horse rental is available in Soraypampa for travelers who prefer assistance during the ascent. This service is optional and not included in the tour price.
7. What is the best time of year to visit Humantay Lake?
The best time is during the dry season (April to November), when weather conditions are more stable and trails are safer. The tour also operates during the rainy season, but rain gear is essential.
8. What should I bring for the Humantay Lake tour?
Bring warm layered clothing, waterproof hiking shoes, sunscreen, rain gear, water, snacks, and cash for the entrance fee.
9. Is the Humantay Lake tour suitable for children?
The tour is recommended for children over 12 years old with good stamina. Due to the altitude and uphill hike, it may be challenging for younger children.
10. Is Humantay Lake worth visiting compared to Rainbow Mountain?
Yes. Humantay Lake is generally less crowded and slightly easier than Rainbow Mountain. It offers a different experience focused on alpine scenery and a turquoise glacier lake.
