Discover the Stunning Humantay Lake on a Full-Day Adventure from Cusco
Escape the city and discover one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders on our Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco. This full-day group adventure takes you through spectacular Andean landscapes to the famous turquoise lagoon, located at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) beneath the snow-capped peaks of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
Along the way, you’ll travel through traditional mountain villages before reaching Soraypampa, the starting point of your hike. From there, enjoy a rewarding trek surrounded by breathtaking Andean scenery, crystal-clear mountain air and unforgettable panoramic views. Meanwhile, our expert local guides will share fascinating insights into the region’s natural beauty, local traditions and cultural heritage, ensuring a safe, informative and enjoyable experience throughout the journey.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover or visiting Cusco for the first time, this tour offers the perfect combination of spectacular scenery, moderate hiking and authentic Andean experiences. Moreover, with comfortable transportation, breakfast, lunch and professional guidance included, you can simply enjoy the adventure while we take care of every detail.
Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco Details
- Tour Type
Adventure | Hiking - Duration
Full Day - Elevation
3900m – 4200m - Difficulty
Moderate - Departure
Hotel pick-up. - Destination
Humantay Lake - Latitude
-13.4217 - Longitude
-72.620
Gallery
Humantay Lake Tour Overview
Experience one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the Peruvian Andes on our Humantay Lake Tour. This full-day group adventure takes you to the breathtaking turquoise lagoon of Humantay, located at the foot of the majestic Salkantay Mountain, one of the most sacred peaks in Inca culture.
Throughout the journey, you’ll travel from Cusco to Soraypampa, where the scenic hike to the lake begins. Along the way, you’ll enjoy impressive mountain views, fresh Andean air and the opportunity to discover the region’s unique natural beauty with the guidance of experienced local professionals.
Whether you’re an active traveler, a hiking enthusiast or simply looking for one of the best day trips from Cusco, this tour offers the perfect combination of adventure, spectacular scenery and authentic Andean landscapes. Moreover, with transportation, breakfast, lunch and professional guidance included, you can enjoy a well organized experience from beginning to end.
Humantay Lake Tour Highlights
Discover why Humantay Lake is one of the most unforgettable day trips from Cusco. From breathtaking mountain scenery to a rewarding hike through the Andes, this experience combines adventure, nature and authentic local culture in a single day.
- Hike to the Famous Turquoise Lagoon
Reach the stunning Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) and admire one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. - Enjoy a Scenic Andean Hike
Follow a rewarding trail from Soraypampa while surrounded by snow-capped mountains, fresh mountain air and spectacular panoramic views. - Breakfast and Lunch Included
Start your adventure with breakfast in Mollepata and, after the hike, enjoy a delicious local lunch before returning to Cusco. - Expert Local Guides
Travel with experienced bilingual guides who share fascinating stories about the Andes, local traditions and the cultural importance of Humantay Lake. - Comfortable Round-Trip Transportation
Relax in comfortable tourist transportation with organized hotel pick-up , allowing you to focus entirely on the experience. - One of Cusco’s Most Iconic Day Trips
Whether you’re visiting Peru for the first time or looking for an unforgettable hiking adventure, Humantay Lake offers spectacular scenery and incredible photo opportunities.
Why Travel with Magical Cusco?
Reaching Humantay Lake is more than just a hike—it’s an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Peruvian Andes. At Magical Cusco Travel Agency, we carefully organize every detail of the journey so you can focus on enjoying the experience with confidence. From comfortable transportation to professional guidance throughout the hike, our goal is to provide a safe, well organized and memorable adventure from start to finish.
Whether you’re visiting Cusco for the first time or adding Humantay Lake to your Peru itinerary, our experienced local team is committed to making your journey enjoyable, informative and worry free.
- Experienced Local Guides
Our bilingual guides accompany you throughout the hike, sharing fascinating stories about the Andes, the cultural importance of Humantay Lake and practical advice for hiking safely at high altitude.
- Comfortable Transportation
Travel in modern tourist transportation with organized hotel pick-up and return service, allowing you to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.
- Breakfast and Lunch Included
Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast before starting the hike and recharge with a satisfying lunch after your adventure, making your full-day experience even more comfortable.
- Safety Throughout the Journey
Throughout the tour, our guides monitor the group’s pace, provide first aid assistance when necessary and carry emergency oxygen to help travelers adapt more comfortably to the altitude.
- Excellent Value for Money
Our shared group tour combines professional service, quality transportation, meals and expert guidance at an affordable price, making it one of the best value day trips from Cusco.
Itinerary:Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary
Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary
Experience an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian Andes as you travel from Cusco to the breathtaking Humantay Lake Day Trip. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, discover traditional Andean villages and complete a rewarding hike to one of the most beautiful turquoise lakes in Peru.
- Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco (04:00 AM)
Your adventure begins early in the morning with hotel pick-up in Cusco. Once the group is ready, you’ll travel through scenic Andean valleys toward the village of Mollepata, enjoying beautiful mountain landscapes as your guide introduces the day’s itinerary.
- Breakfast in Mollepata
Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast to recharge before the hike. Meanwhile, you’ll have time to stretch, use the facilities and prepare for the journey to Humantay Lake.
- Drive to Soraypampa (3,850 m / 12,631 ft)
After breakfast, the journey continues to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike. Along the way, admire breathtaking views of the Salkantay Mountain, one of the highest and most sacred peaks in the Cusco region. - Hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
The hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Andes while your guide shares insights about the surrounding mountains, local traditions and the cultural importance of Humantay Lake.
Once you reach the lake, you’ll have free time to rest, take photographs and admire the brilliant turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Return Hike and Lunch
After enjoying the lake, you’ll hike back to Soraypampa at a comfortable pace. From there, the group returns to Mollepata, where a delicious lunch awaits before beginning the drive back to Cusco.
- Return to Cusco
Finally, relax during the return journey through the Andes as you reflect on an unforgettable day surrounded by some of Peru’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. The tour concludes with arrival in Cusco at approximately 5:00 PM, bringing your Humantay Lake adventure to an end.
Tour Information
- Duration: Full Day
- Hiking Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Departure: 04:00 AM
- Return: Approximately 05:00 PM
Includes
- Professional bilingual guide
- Hotel pick-up from accommodations in Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Breakfast in Mollepata
- Buffet lunch after the hike
- Carbon-fiber trekking poles
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Guided hike to Humantay Lake
- Assistance throughout the tour
Excludes
- Entrance fees: PEN 20 / USD 5.30 p.p.
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Optional gratuities
- Emergency horse
- Staff incentives (optional)
Packing List
- Original passport or ID
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Warm layered clothing
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal snacks (optional)
- Personal medication
- Cash in Peruvian soles for the entrance fee and optional expenses
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your Full-Day Humantay Tour, we recommend reviewing the following information before your adventure begins.
- Acclimatize before the tour. Ideally, spend at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before hiking to Humantay Lake. This way, your body will have more time to adjust to the altitude, making the hike more comfortable.
- Wear appropriate hiking gear. Choose waterproof hiking shoes and layered clothing, as temperatures can change quickly throughout the day. In addition, bringing a warm jacket is recommended for the early morning and afternoon.
- Bring cash in Peruvian soles. The entrance fee to Humantay Lake must be paid on site. Additionally, horse rentals are available for an extra cost and should also be paid in cash.
- Stay hydrated throughout the hike. Bring a reusable water bottle and drink water regularly before and during the trek. As a result, you’ll be better prepared to cope with the altitude and physical effort.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Although the tour operates throughout the year, mountain weather can change unexpectedly. Therefore, carrying a lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho is always recommended.
- Horse rentals are available. If you prefer extra assistance during the uphill hike, horses can be rented directly in Soraypampa. However, availability may vary depending on the season.
- Respect the natural environment. Humantay Lake is considered a sacred place by local communities. For this reason, we encourage all visitors to protect the area by avoiding littering and following the guide’s instructions at all times.
- Be ready for an early departure. Hotel pick-up begins at approximately 4:00 AM. Therefore, preparing your backpack and clothing the night before will help you start your adventure on time and without stress.
Good to Know
Humantay Lake is located at 4,200 m (13,780 ft). While the hike is considered moderate, proper acclimatization and comfortable hiking gear will make your experience much more enjoyable.
Tour Route Map
Follow the route of our Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco and discover each stage of the journey before your adventure begins. The map shows the drive from Cusco to Mollepata and Soraypampa, followed by the hiking trail to the spectacular Humantay Lake, helping you better understand the route and plan your day.
Book Your Humantay Lake Tour Today
Experience one of the most breathtaking hikes in the Peruvian Andes on a professionally organized full-day adventure from Cusco. From comfortable transportation and delicious meals to expert local guides and spectacular mountain scenery, every detail is carefully planned to help you enjoy a safe and unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re visiting Peru for the first time or looking for your next outdoor adventure, our Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco offers the perfect combination of nature, culture and adventure. Reserve your place today and discover why Humantay Lake is considered one of the most spectacular destinations in the Cusco region.
Continue Exploring Cusco
| Imagen | Título | Botón |
|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Mountain | Rainbow Mountain Tour | View Tour |
| Salkantay Trek | Salkantay Trek 4D/5D | View Tour |
| Sacred Valley | Sacred Valley Tour | View Tour |
| Machu Picchu | Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour | View Tour |
FAQs
1. Is the Humantay Lake Tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. Although the hike is considered moderate, many first-time hikers successfully complete it every day. However, spending at least one or two days acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour is highly recommended to reduce the effects of high altitude.
2. How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill and reaches an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). While the trail is manageable for most active travelers, the altitude makes the hike more challenging than the distance itself.
3. Is breakfast and lunch included?
Yes. The tour includes breakfast in Mollepata before the hike and a buffet lunch after returning from Humantay Lake. This way, you can enjoy the experience without worrying about meals during the day.
4. Can I rent a horse if I don't want to hike?
Yes. Horses are available for rent in Soraypampa for travelers who need assistance during the uphill hike. However, horse rental is optional and must be paid directly to the local providers.
5. What is the best time to visit Humantay Lake?
The best time is during the dry season, from April to November, when skies are usually clearer and trail conditions are more stable. Nevertheless, the tour operates throughout the year, and every season offers a unique Andean landscape.
6. Do I need to pay an entrance fee?
Yes. The entrance fee to Humantay Lake is PEN 20 per person and must be paid in cash upon arrival. Therefore, we recommend bringing Peruvian soles, as credit and debit cards are not accepted.
7. What should I bring for the Humantay Lake Tour?
We recommend bringing waterproof hiking shoes, layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle and cash for the entrance fee. Additionally, carrying a rain jacket or poncho is advisable, as mountain weather can change quickly.
8. Is altitude sickness common at Humantay Lake?
Some travelers may experience mild symptoms due to the high altitude. For this reason, we recommend acclimatizing in Cusco, staying hydrated and avoiding heavy meals or alcohol before the tour.
9. Is the Humantay Lake Tour worth it?
Absolutely. Humantay Lake is considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions near Cusco thanks to its turquoise waters, spectacular mountain scenery and rewarding hiking experience. As a result, it has become one of the region’s most popular full-day excursions.
10. Why book your Humantay Lake Tour with Magical Cusco?
By choosing Magical Cusco Travel Agency, you’ll enjoy professional local guides, comfortable transportation, breakfast and lunch included, emergency oxygen, and a well-organized itinerary designed to provide a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Related
Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Group Tour from Cusco | Vinicunca
View Tour
Maras & Moray Tour from Cusco | Half-Day Group Tour
View Tour
ATV Maras Moray – ATV Moray Tour
View Tour
Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco | Full-Day Group Tour
View Tour