Humantay Lake Tour (Full Day)

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Local and Direct Operator All your money directly supports families and communities in Cusco.
Expert and Safe Guides Passionate, bilingual, and certified in Wilderness First Aid.
Small Groups We guarantee an intimate, personalized experience away from the crowds.
Flexible and Secure Booking 24/7 assistance from our team, easy payment options, and clear policies.
1 day
Abr - Nov
Min Age : 18+
Max People : 24
DescriptionItineraryDetailsFAQsPhotosVideo

Tour description

The Humantay Lake Full-Day Tour is one of the most mesmerizing high-altitude alpine hiking excursions in Cusco 🏔. Witness an ethereal turquoise glacier lagoon set at the foot of towering Mount Salkantay with first-class logistics and emergency medical oxygen.

  • 📍 Location & Circuit: Vilcabamba Mountain Range, Mollepata, Anta, Cusco (Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake route).
  • ⛰ Tour Altitude: From 3,400 m / 11,150 ft (Cusco) up to 4,200 m / 13,779 ft at Humantay Lake summit.
  • 🛡 Style & Duration: Full-Day alpine day trek (approx. 12 to 13 hours, from 4:30 AM to 5:30 PM) featuring a 3 km uphill hike (1.5 to 2 hours).
  • ⭐ Major Highlights: Brilliant turquoise glacial waters, Mount Humantay (5,473 m) and Salkantay (6,271 m), hearty breakfast, and buffet lunch.

Humantay Lake is an exceptional natural wonder nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, globally renowned for the dazzling emerald-turquoise color of its waters formed by glacier runoff. This full-day trekking adventure is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, landscape photographers, and alpine hikers.

Departing from the trailhead at Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), you will hike along a scenic ridge with sweeping views of the sacred Salkantay peaks. At the lake shore, you will have plenty of time to relax, take stunning photos, and take part in a traditional Andean Pachamama offering.

Operational Feature Humantay Lake (Inka Jungle Tour) Budget / Mass Group Tours
Altitude Safety Full first aid kit and portable medical oxygen tank carried along the entire trail. No oxygen or inadequate medical supplies during emergencies at 4,200 m.
Included Meals Fresh hot breakfast and comprehensive Andean buffet lunch at a Mollepata restaurant. Basic cold snacks or limited low-quality food rations.
Mountain Guide Certified bilingual trekking guide with pace management and continuous assistance. Rush guides who leave slower hikers behind on the mountain.
Transport Comfort Modern air-conditioned tourist minivans with direct hotel pickup in Cusco. Overcrowded vans and distant early-morning meeting points.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1: 4:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Hotel Pickup, Breakfast in Mollepata & Drive to Soraypampa

⏱ Schedule: 4:30 AM to 8:30 AM
🏔 Altitude: 3,400 to 3,900 m / 11,150 to 12,795 ft
🚌 Transport: Private air-conditioned minivan with direct hotel pickup in Cusco.

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to Mollepata for a hot energy-packed breakfast. Afterward, we continue through high mountain roads to the basecamp at Soraypampa (3,900 m).

Stop 2: 8:45 AM – 10:30 AM | Uphill Trek to the Sacred Humantay Lake

⏱ Schedule: 8:45 AM to 10:30 AM
🏔 Altitude: 3,900 to 4,200 m / 12,795 to 13,779 ft
🧗 Activity: 3 km uphill trek (1.5 to 2 hours at a steady pace).

We start the ascent along an alpine path with stunning views of the majestic Mount Salkantay. Travelers who prefer not to walk can hire a horse from local horsemen for the ascent.

Stop 3: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Lake Exploration, Photography & Andean Offering

⏱ Schedule: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
🏔 Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
🏔 Highlights: Emerald waters, hanging glacier of Mount Humantay, and coca leaf ceremony.

Arrive at the jaw-dropping Humantay Lake. Your guide will explain the sacred Andean mythology and lead a traditional coca leaf offering (Apacheta). Enjoy free time to explore and take postcard photos.

Stop 4: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Descent to Soraypampa, Buffet Lunch & Return to Cusco

⏱ Schedule: 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM
🏔 Altitude: 4,200 to 3,400 m / 13,779 to 11,150 ft
🚌 Return: 1-hour downhill hike, buffet lunch in Mollepata, and van ride to Cusco.

Hike down to Soraypampa and board our vehicle back to Mollepata, where a well-deserved Andean buffet lunch awaits. We arrive back in Cusco around 5:30 PM.

Detalles del tour

A continuación detalles y características de la excursión al Valle Sagrado de los Incas:

Inicio & Retorno

Cusco

Hora de Inicio

07:30 AM

Incluye

  • Recojo de tu hotel en Cusco
  • Transporte turístico de ida y vuelta
  • Almuerzo buffet en restaurante campestre de Urubamba
  • Guía profesional certificado en español

No Incluye

  • Boleto Turístico de Cusco (BTC) parcial o general
  • Ingreso a las iglesias o museos no especificados
  • Propinas para el guía y conductor
  • Bebidas y snacks adicionales

Recomendaciones

  • Calzado cómodo para caminatas guiadas
  • Poncho de lluvia y cortavientos
  • Ropa abrigadora ligera para la tarde
  • Bloqueador solar, lentes de sol y sombrero
  • Cámara de fotos o celular bien cargado
  • Dinero en efectivo (soles) para compras locales

Frequently Asked Questions

🏔 What is the actual difficulty of the hike to Humantay Lake?

The hike is rated moderate to challenging due to steep inclines and high altitude (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). The 3 km ascent takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a steady pace.

🐴 Can you rent horses for the uphill hike to Humantay Lake?

Yes, horses can be rented at Soraypampa directly from local community members (approx. 80 to 100 Peruvian Soles). Horses cover 85% of the ascent up to 200 meters below the viewpoint.

💊 How should I prepare for the 4,200 m altitude to avoid soroche?

We recommend spending at least 1 to 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco, drinking plenty of water or coca tea, avoiding heavy meals the night before, and keeping a steady breathing rhythm during the climb.

🥗 What meals are included and are vegetarian/vegan options available?

The tour includes a hot energizing breakfast and a rich Andean buffet lunch in Mollepata, offering plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices at no extra charge.

👜 What gear should I pack in my daypack for the excursion?

Bring a small daypack with warm layered clothing (windbreaker, fleece), gloves, wool beanie, sturdy hiking boots, SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV sunglasses, rain poncho, and cash in soles.

Tour photos

  • Panoramic view of the agricultural Inca terraces of Pisac in the Sacred Valley
  • Imposing fortress and stone temples of Ollantaytambo in Cusco
  • Traditional textile workshop in Chinchero Cusco
  • Sacred Valley of the Incas Vilcanota River Cusco
  • Inca stone walls Ollantaytambo archaeological site Cusco
  • Terraces of Pisac descending down the mountainside in Cusco
  • Andean women weaving traditional textiles using Inca techniques in Chinchero

Tour video

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