Explore Humantay Lake on a full-day shared group tour from Cusco. Travel to Soraypampa, hike to the turquoise lagoon at 4,200 meters and enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Salkantay region with a professional local guide.
Your tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip tourist transportation, breakfast, lunch and guided assistance throughout the experience.
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 from Cusco Overview
Our Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco is a full-day shared group experience that combines scenic transportation through the Andes with a guided hike to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. From Cusco, you will travel to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike, and continue on foot toward the lake at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.
The experience is designed for travelers who want to discover Humantay Lake without arranging transportation, meals and route logistics independently. The group travels together with a professional bilingual guide, with breakfast in Mollepata, lunch after the hike and round-trip tourist transportation included.
Along the route, you will pass through Andean landscapes and mountain communities before reaching the trailhead at Soraypampa. The hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions. Once at Humantay Lake, you will have time to appreciate the landscape, take photographs and rest before returning to Soraypampa and continuing the journey back to Cusco.
Because the lake sits at 4,200 meters, the altitude is an important part of the experience. Travelers should arrive prepared for a moderate high-altitude hike and consider allowing time to acclimatize in Cusco before undertaking the tour.
Why Choose a Humantay Lake Group Tour?
A shared Humantay Lake Tour is a practical option for travelers who want to experience one of the Andes’ most impressive landscapes without organizing transportation, meals and the hiking route independently. You will travel with other visitors, follow an organized itinerary and have the support of a professional bilingual guide throughout the experience.
The group format also makes the tour accessible to solo travelers, couples and small groups who prefer to share transportation and tour services rather than reserve a private vehicle and guide. Everyone follows the same scheduled route from Cusco to Mollepata, Soraypampa and Humantay Lake before returning to Cusco.
Because this is a full-day mountain excursion, traveling with an organized group also means having the main logistics coordinated in advance. Breakfast, lunch, tourist transportation, trekking poles, a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen are included according to the current service details.
Humantay Lake Tour Highlights
Experience the journey from Cusco to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, combining a scenic drive through the Andes with a guided hike to one of the region’s most striking mountain landscapes.
Hike to Humantay Lake
Follow the trail from Soraypampa toward Humantay Lake, reaching approximately 4,200 meters above sea level. The uphill hike takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
Turquoise Waters and Mountain Scenery
Admire the distinctive turquoise waters of Humantay Lake surrounded by the high Andean landscape and the mountains of the Salkantay region. Once you reach the lake, you will have time to rest, take photographs and appreciate the scenery.
Scenic Journey Through the Andes
Travel from Cusco through Mollepata and onward to Soraypampa, passing through changing Andean landscapes before reaching the starting point of the hike.
Salkantay Mountain View
As you approach Soraypampa and begin the hike, you will see the surrounding high mountain landscape, including views toward Salkantay Mountain, one of the prominent peaks of the region.
Guided Mountain Experience
A professional bilingual guide accompanies the group during the experience, providing information about the route, surrounding landscape and local cultural context.
Itinerary
Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary
Your Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco begins early in the morning and combines road transportation, breakfast in Mollepata, a guided hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake and lunch after the hike. The full-day itinerary is designed to take you from Cusco to the lake and back on the same day.
- 4:00 AM | Pickup in Cusco
Your experience begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Please be ready at the agreed meeting point before departure so the group can leave on schedule.
The early departure allows you to travel toward the mountains and complete the hike during the morning. - Cusco to Mollepata
Travel from Cusco toward Mollepata through the Andean countryside. The journey takes you away from the city and into the mountain landscapes surrounding the Cusco region. - Breakfast in Mollepata
Stop in Mollepata for breakfast before continuing toward Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lake. - Mollepata to Soraypampa
Continue by tourist transportation toward Soraypampa, located at approximately 3,900 meters above sea level. From here, the hiking portion of the experience begins. - Hike to Humantay Lake
Begin the uphill hike from Soraypampa toward Humantay Lake. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
The trail leads through high Andean terrain until you reach the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level. - Time at Humantay Lake
Once you reach the lake, your guide will provide information about the area and you will have time to appreciate the scenery, take photographs and rest before beginning the descent.
Humantay Lake is surrounded by the high mountain landscape of the Salkantay region, creating one of the most distinctive natural settings of this day trip from Cusco. - Return to Soraypampa
After spending time at Humantay Lake, descend along the same trail toward Soraypampa. The descent generally takes less time than the uphill section, although the terrain can still require careful footing. - Lunch
After completing the hike, continue to the scheduled lunch stop. This gives you time to rest and recover before beginning the return journey to Cusco. - Return to Cusco
After lunch, board the tourist transportation and travel back toward Cusco. The tour concludes at approximately 5:00 PM, depending on road conditions and the day’s operational circumstances.
Humantay Lake Tour Schedule & Details
Plan your Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco with the essential departure, hiking and altitude information you need before booking.
- Departure from Cusco – 4:00 AM
The tour begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel or the designated meeting point in Cusco. - Return to Cusco-Approximately 5:00 PM
- The tour returns to Cusco after completing the hike, lunch and the journey back from the mountain area. The actual return time may vary depending on road and operational conditions.
- Tour Duration-Approximately 13 hours
The experience runs from the early morning departure until the afternoon return to Cusco. - Hiking Difficulty-Moderate
- The hike requires sustained uphill walking at high altitude. The ascent from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
- Maximum Altitude-4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Humantay Lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, making altitude an important consideration when planning the excursion. - Hiking Distance-Approximately 6 km / 3.7 miles round trip
The current tour information lists approximately 6 kilometers of hiking distance for the route. - Starting Point of the Hike-Soraypampa
After traveling by tourist transportation, the hiking portion begins at Soraypampa, at approximately 3,900 meters above sea level. - Tour Format-Shared Group Tour
You will travel as part of a shared group with a professional bilingual guide and organized tourist transportation.
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)
Group vs. Private Humantay Lake Tour
The right Humantay Lake experience depends on how you prefer to travel. Our shared group tour is designed for travelers who want an organized and accessible way to visit Humantay Lake from Cusco while sharing transportation and guiding with other visitors.
A private Humantay Lake tour is a better option if you prefer to travel exclusively with your own companions and want a service organized specifically for your group.
Choose the Group Tour if you prefer:
- A shared experience with other travelers
Travel together with other visitors while following the scheduled Humantay Lake itinerary. - An organized full-day experience
Transportation, meals, guiding and the main tour logistics are coordinated as part of the service. - A more accessible shared option
Share the transportation and tour services instead of booking an exclusive experience.
Choose a Private Tour if you prefer:
- An experience exclusively for your group
Travel without joining a shared group of other visitors. - A more personalized service
A private option may be more suitable if personalized attention is one of your priorities. - A private travel experience
Choose the private format when exclusivity is more important to you than the shared-tour format.
Prefer a private experience? Explore our Private Humantay Lake Tour.
Why Travel with Magical Cusco Travel Agency?
Planning a high-altitude day trip involves more than simply reaching the trailhead. Transportation, timing, meals and coordination all need to work together. That is why Magical Cusco Travel Agency organizes the essential details of your Humantay Lake experience, allowing you to focus on the journey from Cusco to the Andes.
In addition, our local team coordinates the scheduled transportation, professional guides and services included in the tour. From the initial planning to the end of your experience, you have a single point of contact for the practical details of your excursion.
Furthermore, a professional bilingual guide accompanies the group throughout the scheduled route. Along the way, your guide provides information about the surrounding landscape and cultural context, helping you understand more about the region while you enjoy the experience.
- Local Knowledge of the Cusco Region
Our team operates locally in Cusco and organizes experiences in the surrounding Andes. This local knowledge supports the practical coordination of transportation, tour logistics and traveler assistance. - Professional Bilingual Guides
A professional bilingual guide accompanies the group during the journey and hike, helping you understand the landscape and the cultural context of the places you visit. - Organized Tour Logistics
The main services included in the excursion are coordinated as part of one full-day itinerary, from pickup in Cusco through the return journey.
Understanding Humantay Lake and Its Andean Context
Humantay Lake lies in the high Andes near Soraypampa, within the mountain landscapes associated with the Salkantay region. Its turquoise waters contrast with the surrounding rocky slopes and high-altitude environment, making the lake one of the most distinctive natural landscapes accessible from Cusco on a full-day excursion.
The journey also provides an opportunity to see how people, mountains and water are connected within the Andean landscape. Along the route from Cusco toward Mollepata and Soraypampa, the scenery changes from the urban environment of Cusco to agricultural valleys and eventually to the high mountain terrain surrounding the lake.
- Humantay Lake and the Mountain Landscape
The lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, where the landscape becomes markedly different from the lower valleys around Cusco. The surrounding mountains, cold temperatures and changing weather conditions are important parts of the experience. - Soraypampa and the Start of the Hike
Soraypampa serves as the starting point for the hike to Humantay Lake. From approximately 3,900 meters, the trail climbs toward the lake, making the transition from road travel to a high-altitude hiking experience. - The Andean Meaning of the Landscape
For many visitors, Humantay Lake is more than a scenic destination. The surrounding mountains form part of a broader Andean cultural landscape in which natural features, communities and traditional beliefs have long been interconnected. Your local guide can provide additional context during the journey and help you understand the region beyond its photographic appeal.
What to Bring for the Humantay Lake Tour
Pack light, but make sure you have the essentials for a high-altitude hike and changing mountain weather.
- Original passport or identification document
- Bring your identification document for the tour and any required access procedures.
- Comfortable hiking shoes
Choose footwear suitable for uphill walking and uneven mountain terrain. - Warm layers
Temperatures can change considerably during the day, so bring layers that you can add or remove as needed. - Rain protection
Bring a rain jacket or other waterproof protection because weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. - Sun protection
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap. - Water
Carry a reusable water bottle and enough water for the hiking portion of the experience. - Personal snacks
Although breakfast and lunch are included, you may prefer to carry a small personal snack for the hike. - Cash
Bring cash for the entrance fee, horse support if needed and personal expenses. - Camera or mobile phone
Bring your camera or phone to capture the landscape around Humantay Lake.
Tour Route Map
Follow the route from Cusco to Humantay Lake and see the main stages of the journey. The route connects Cusco with Mollepata and Soraypampa, where the hike begins toward Humantay Lake at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.
The map helps you understand how the road journey and hiking section fit together within this full-day excursion from Cusco.
Book Your Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco
Ready to experience Humantay Lake? Join our full-day group tour from Cusco and let our team coordinate the transportation, meals, guiding and essential tour logistics for your journey to the Andes.
The tour departs at approximately 4:00 AM and returns to Cusco around 5:00 PM. The hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake is moderate and reaches approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.
- Shared Group Tour
- 4:00 AM departure from Cusco
- Approximately 5:00 PM return
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Professional bilingual guide
Book Your Humantay Lake Tour
FAQs
What time does the Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco start?
First, the Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco starts at approximately 4:00 AM. Please be ready at your hotel or designated meeting point before departure, so the group can leave on schedule.
How long does the Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco take?
Overall, the full-day tour takes approximately 13 hours, departing from Cusco at around 4:00 AM and returning at approximately 5:00 PM. The schedule includes transportation, breakfast, the hike to Humantay Lake, time at the lake, lunch and the return journey.
How difficult is the Humantay Lake hike?
The Humantay Lake hike is considered moderate. However, the altitude makes the uphill section more demanding than the distance alone suggests. From Soraypampa, the ascent takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and reaches about 4,200 meters above sea level.
How high is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, or about 13,780 feet. Because of this elevation, altitude should be an important consideration when planning the hike.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
From Soraypampa, the uphill hike to Humantay Lake takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and weather conditions. The tour information lists approximately 6 km of hiking for the round-trip route.
Do I need to acclimatize before hiking to Humantay Lake?
Because Humantay Lake reaches approximately 4,200 meters, it is important to consider your acclimatization before the hike. If you are arriving in Cusco from a lower elevation, allow time to adjust to the altitude and consider your individual circumstances before undertaking this high-altitude excursion.
Is the Humantay Lake Tour a group tour?
Yes. This is a shared group tour from Cusco. You will travel with other visitors, use organized tourist transportation and be accompanied by a professional bilingual guide during the scheduled experience.
What is included in the Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco?
The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, round-trip tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast in Mollepata, lunch, carbon-fiber trekking poles, a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
Is the Humantay Lake entrance fee included?
No. The Humantay Lake entrance fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.
Can I rent a horse for the Humantay Lake hike?
Yes, horses may be available along the hiking route for an additional fee. Availability depends on local conditions, so horse service cannot be guaranteed in advance.
What should I bring to Humantay Lake?
Before leaving Cusco, pack comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers, rain protection, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, water, your identification document and some cash for entrance fees and personal expenses
What should I wear for the Humantay Lake hike?
Because conditions can change quickly in the high Andes, wear comfortable hiking clothes in layers, together with sturdy footwear, warm clothing and rain protection. Sun protection is also important at high altitude.
Is the Humantay Lake Tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. Solo travelers can join the shared Humantay Lake Group Tour and travel with other visitors while receiving organized transportation and professional guiding throughout the experience.
Can children join the Humantay Lake Tour?
The suitability of the hike for children depends on their ability to handle a moderate uphill hike at approximately 4,200 meters. Because the tour involves sustained walking at high altitude, families should consider the child’s age, physical condition and experience with hiking before booking.
Is the Humantay Lake Tour available in rainy weather?
The tour takes place in a mountain environment where weather conditions can change quickly. Rain, cold, wind and changing trail conditions are possible, so travelers should be prepared with appropriate clothing and rain protection.
Can I book a private Humantay Lake Tour instead?
Yes. If you prefer to travel exclusively with your own group rather than join a shared experience, you can explore our Private Humantay Lake Tour.
Can I visit Humantay Lake without a tour from Cusco?
Yes, it is possible to organize the journey independently, but you would need to arrange transportation from Cusco to Mollepata and Soraypampa and then complete the hike to Humantay Lake. An organized tour combines these logistics with transportation, meals and professional guiding in one full-day experience.
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