- Duration
- 1 day
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max altitude
- 4,200 m
- From
- $49 pp
Quick answer
Humantay Lake is a turquoise glacier lake at 4,200 m (13,780 ft) in the Peruvian Andes, about 3 hours by road from Cusco below the Humantay and Salkantay peaks. Our full day Humantay Lake tour picks you up in Cusco at 4:30 am, stops for breakfast in Mollepata, and drives to Soraypampa, where a 1.5 to 2 hour uphill hike reaches the lake. After free time and lunch you are back in Cusco around 6 pm. The hike is short but steep and high, so it is moderate. The tour costs $49 per person with transport, guide, breakfast, lunch and the entrance fee included.
| Duration | Full day, about 4:30 am to 6 pm |
|---|---|
| Lake elevation | 4,200 m / 13,780 ft |
| Trailhead | Soraypampa, about 3,900 m / 12,800 ft |
| Hike | About 7 km round trip, 1.5 to 2 hours up |
| Difficulty | Moderate (short, steep, high) |
| Drive from Cusco | About 3 hours each way |
| Best months | April to October |
| Price | $49 per person |
Why Take This Humantay Lake Day Trip
Humantay Lake in Peru gives you a glacier, a turquoise lake and a real Andes hike in a single day from Cusco, without camping and without a multi-day trek.
The color comes from fine glacier silt that reflects light, so the water looks bright blue to emerald depending on sun and season. Above it hangs the Humantay glacier, with the snowy Salkantay massif close by.
- One of the most photographed lakes in Peru
- Short hike with big mountain views
- Good acclimatization day before the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek
- Breakfast and lunch included, back in Cusco for dinner
What Our Humantay Lake Tour Includes
Our Humantay Lake tour covers the full day from your Cusco hotel and back; you only pay extra for a horse if you want one, and tips.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and round-trip tourist transport
- Professional bilingual guide
- Breakfast in Mollepata
- Lunch after the hike
- Humantay Lake entrance fee
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
| Not included | Note |
|---|---|
| Horse rental | Paid in cash to local horsemen at Soraypampa |
| Tips | Optional, for guide and driver |
| Snacks and water | Bring 1 to 2 liters for the hike |
Humantay Lake Tour Price and How to Book
Our Humantay Lake tour costs $49 per person in a shared group, with transport, guide, both meals and the entrance fee included.
When you compare Humantay Lake tours, check that breakfast, lunch and the entrance fee are in the price, and confirm the pickup time. Send us your date with the form or WhatsApp and we confirm availability, usually within a day. Booking 1 to 3 days ahead is normally enough outside July and August.
Humantay Lake Tour Itinerary: Hour by Hour
The day follows the road west from Cusco through Limatambo and Mollepata to Soraypampa, the trailhead below the lake.
4:30 am: Pickup in Cusco
We pick you up at your hotel in the historic center and drive west. Most people sleep in the van.
About 6:30 am: Breakfast in Mollepata
A simple breakfast in Mollepata, the last town before the mountains, with time for the restroom.
About 8:00 am: Soraypampa
Arrive at Soraypampa (about 3,900 m), get a short briefing, and start the hike at your own pace with the guide.
About 9:30 am: Humantay Lake
Reach the lake after 1.5 to 2 hours. You get free time for photos and an optional walk to the viewpoint on the ridge above the water.
About 11:30 am: Walk down and lunch
The descent takes about 1 hour. Lunch is served before the drive back.
About 6:00 pm: Back in Cusco
Drop-off near the Plaza de Armas or your hotel, depending on traffic.
Humantay Lake Elevation and Altitude
Humantay Lake sits at 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level, about 800 m higher than Cusco, and the hike starts at Soraypampa at about 3,900 m (12,800 ft).
That height is the hard part of the day. Spend at least 1 to 2 nights in Cusco before you go, drink water, avoid alcohol the night before, and walk slowly. Mild headache or short breath is normal; if you feel dizzy or sick, tell the guide and walk down. Read more in our Machu Picchu altitude guide.
| Place | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Cusco | 3,400 m / 11,150 ft |
| Mollepata | About 2,800 m / 9,200 ft |
| Soraypampa trailhead | About 3,900 m / 12,800 ft |
| Humantay Lake | 4,200 m / 13,780 ft |
Humantay Lake Hike: Distance, Time and Difficulty
The Humantay Lake hike is about 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip, with roughly 300 m of climbing in 1.5 to 2 hours up and about 1 hour down.
The first part is a wide dirt path; the last 30 to 40 minutes are steep zigzags on loose ground. It is not technical, but at this altitude most people stop often. If you can walk uphill for an hour at home with breaks, you can do it. Trekking poles help a lot on the way down.
Horse Rental at Soraypampa
If you do not want to walk uphill, local horsemen at Soraypampa rent horses for most of the way up; you pay them directly in cash, in soles.
The horse stops before the final steep part, so everyone walks the last stretch. Prices are set by the local community and change, so bring small bills. Horses go up only; the walk down is on foot.
How to Get to Humantay Lake from Cusco
Humantay Lake is about 120 km west of Cusco, roughly 3 hours by road via Limatambo and Mollepata to Soraypampa, followed by the hike.
A tour is the simplest way because it solves the early transport, breakfast, entrance and lunch in one price. Going on your own is possible with a bus from Cusco to Mollepata and then a shared or private car to Soraypampa, but early departures are hard to arrange and you pay the entrance on site. If you plan to hike the Salkantay Trek, you already visit Humantay Lake on day 1, so you do not need this tour.
Best Time to Visit Humantay Lake
The best time to visit Humantay Lake is the dry season from April to October, when the sky is clearest and the trail is firm.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April to May | Green hills, clear mornings, fewer people |
| June to August | Driest and sunniest, coldest mornings (below 0°C at dawn), busiest |
| September to October | Still dry, warmer, good light |
| November to March | Rainy season: clouds, mud, sometimes snow; tour still runs, views less certain |
What to Wear and Pack for Humantay Lake
Dress in layers: it is cold at 4:30 am and at the lake, and warm on the climb in the sun.
- Hiking shoes or boots with good grip
- Warm jacket, fleece, hat and gloves
- Rain jacket or poncho (November to March)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- 1 to 2 liters of water and snacks
- Cash in soles for a horse, toilets and tips
- Passport (sometimes checked at the entrance)
- Trekking poles if you have them
Is Humantay Lake Worth It?
Yes, for most travelers Humantay Lake is worth it: the glacier and lake are among the best views you can reach in one day from Cusco.
Be ready for two things. It is a long day for a short hike, with about 6 hours in the van. And it is popular, so in June to August many groups reach the lake in the same morning. Walking a little along the shore or up to the ridge viewpoint gets you away from most people.
Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain?
Choose Humantay Lake for a glacier lake and a shorter, lower hike; choose Rainbow Mountain for the famous striped ridge at over 5,000 m.
| Choose | Humantay Lake | Rainbow Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Main view | Turquoise lake under a glacier | Striped mineral ridge |
| Top elevation | 4,200 m | 5,036 m |
| Hike up | 1.5 to 2 hours | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Drive from Cusco | About 3 hours | About 3 hours |
| Good for | First high hike, acclimatization | People already used to altitude |
Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco Reviews
“We weren’t sure if Humantay Lake would be worth the early start, but it absolutely was. The hike was tiring in parts, especially with the altitude, but once we reached the lake the view was unreal. One of the best day trips we did from Cusco.”
Verified Traveler
“The scenery on the way was already beautiful before we even got to the lake. Our Humantay Lake tour from Cusco was well organized, the guide was friendly, and we never felt rushed during the hike.”
Verified Traveler
“Honestly, the climb was harder than I expected, but I would still do it again. Humantay Lake was stunning in person and the mountain backdrop made the whole hike feel worth it.”
Verified Traveler
“We booked this as a full day tour from Cusco and everything went smoothly. Pickup was on time, the guide explained the route clearly, and we had enough time at Humantay Lake for photos and to just enjoy the view.”
Verified Traveler
“If you’re worried about the altitude, take your time. Our guide was really patient and kept checking on everyone. That made a big difference for me during the Humantay Lake hike.”
Verified Traveler
“My partner and I wanted one scenic hiking day during our Peru trip, and this was perfect. The trail was challenging enough to feel rewarding but not impossible, and the lake itself was even prettier than we expected.”
Verified Traveler
“Humantay Lake was one of those places that looked beautiful in photos but somehow better in real life. The turquoise water with the mountains behind it was probably my favorite view around Cusco.”
Verified Traveler
“We compared a few Cusco day tours before choosing Humantay Lake. I’m glad we picked this one because it felt like a proper outdoor experience, not just a quick sightseeing stop.”
Verified Traveler
“The early pickup is tough, but after seeing the lake I understood why everyone recommends this tour. The Humantay Lake day trip was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Cusco.”
Verified Traveler
“I’m not an experienced hiker, so I was a little nervous at first. The guide told us to go at our own pace and that helped a lot. Reaching Humantay Lake felt like a real achievement.”
Verified Traveler
“Beautiful place and a really good guide. The hike took some effort, but there were plenty of chances to stop. I’d recommend this guided Humantay Lake tour to anyone who enjoys mountain scenery.”
Verified Traveler
“We had already done Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley, but Humantay Lake felt completely different. It was quieter, more focused on nature, and the hike made the final view much more satisfying.”
Verified Traveler
“For us, the best part wasn’t only the lake. The whole route through the mountains was beautiful. It made the Cusco to Humantay Lake tour feel like a full experience rather than just one destination.”
Verified Traveler
“A long day, yes, but worth it. Good transport, clear instructions, and an amazing view at the top. If you have an extra day in Cusco and like hiking, Humantay Lake should definitely be on your list.”
Verified Traveler
“This tour ended up being better than we expected. The mountain air, the hike, and finally seeing that blue water in front of us made it really memorable. I’d happily recommend the Humantay Lake full day tour from Cusco.”
Verified Traveler
Humantay Lake Tour from Cusco: FAQs
Where is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is in the Vilcabamba mountains of the Cusco region of Peru, about 120 km west of Cusco near the village of Mollepata, below Humantay peak and close to Salkantay.
How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike to Humantay Lake takes 1.5 to 2 hours up and about 1 hour down, about 7 km round trip from Soraypampa.
How high is Humantay Lake?
Humantay Lake is at 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. The trailhead at Soraypampa is about 3,900 m.
Is the Humantay Lake hike hard?
It is moderate. The trail is short and not technical, but it is steep and high, so the altitude makes it feel harder than the distance suggests.
Can you swim in Humantay Lake?
No. Swimming is not allowed, because the lake supplies water to local communities and is considered sacred. The glacier water is also close to freezing.
How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco?
About 120 km, roughly 3 hours by road each way to the Soraypampa trailhead.
Can you go to Humantay Lake without hiking?
Not fully. Horses can carry you most of the way up from Soraypampa, but the last steep part must be walked.
Is the entrance fee included?
Yes. The Humantay Lake entrance fee is included in our tour price.
What is the temperature at Humantay Lake?
Days are usually around 10 to 15°C in the sun, and early mornings can drop below freezing, especially from June to August.
Are there toilets on the hike?
There are basic paid toilets in Mollepata and at Soraypampa, but none on the trail or at the lake.
Can kids and older travelers do Humantay Lake?
Fit children and active older travelers do it often. Acclimatize in Cusco first, go slowly, and consider a horse for the climb.
What does Humantay mean?
The name is usually explained as coming from the Quechua word for head, uma. Local communities treat the lake and peak as sacred apus.
