Humantay Lake tour Full Day
The Humantay Lagoon Tour is a one-day adventure into the breathtaking Andes, offering stunning views of turquoise glacial waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks like the majestic Salkantay. Starting with an early morning drive through picturesque landscapes to Soraypampa, the journey includes a moderate hike to the lagoon, located at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level. Once at the lagoon, you’ll marvel at its vibrant colors and serene atmosphere while learning about its significance in Inca traditions. This unforgettable experience combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and a touch of adventure, making it a must-visit destination in Cusco.
DURATION
Full Day
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
15 person
Transportation
Complete transfer
Max altitude
4,200 meters (13,779 feet)
- Cusco
- Machu Picchu
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the stunning Humantay Lagoon—where turquoise waters meet the majestic Andes! Breathtaking views, a touch of Inca tradition, and an unforgettable experience await you. Don’t just dream it, hike it!
Timeline
Itinerary in hours
- 4:00 – 05:00 AM: Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- 05:00 – 07:30 AM: Drive to the town of Mollepata.
- 07:30 – 08:30 AM: Breakfast in Mollepata and time to gather supplies.
- 08:30 – 10:00 AM: Continue the drive on a dirt road to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Start the uphill hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lagoon.
- 12:00 – 01:00 PM: Explore the Humantay Lagoon, take photos, and participate in a traditional ceremony led by the guide.
- 01:00 – 02:00 PM: Descend back to Soraypampa.
- 02:00 – 03:30 PM: Drive back to Mollepata.
- 03:30 – 04:30 PM: Enjoy lunch in Mollepata.
- 04:30 – 06:30 PM: Return to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM.
Details
Cusco – Humantay Lake
Descriptive itinerary
The tour begins when we pick you up from your hotel at 04:00 and 05:00 in the morning, we will drive in our private transportation for approximately two and a half hours by car to the town of Mollepata, which is located in the province. from Anta, where we can have a delicious breakfast and stock up on the necessary supplies.
After enjoying breakfast we will continue our trip for an hour and a half by car, the road we will take is dirt (trail) until we reach the community of Soraypampa which is located at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level. During the journey we will observe beautiful landscapes and the impressive snow-capped “Salkantay”.
We will begin the walk from Soraypampa for about 2 km. The path is ascending and will take us around 1 hour and a half to two hours, as we walk we will see a panorama of snow-capped mountains, impressive natural landscapes and a great diversity of flora and fauna until we reach the “Laguna de Humantay” which is located a height of 4200 meters above sea level.
The “Humantay Lagoon” is turquoise due to the mineral found at the bottom and you can see the sky reflected in its waters. The lagoon is fed by mountain glaciers and is considered a jewel of nature, in addition to delighting us. With the Humantay lagoon we can enjoy the impressive views of the mountains that surround it, such as the Salkantay snow-capped mountain, considered the most sacred snow-capped mountain in Inca times, an ancient space in honor of Pachamama.
When we arrive at the lagoon we will do a ceremony placing stones to thank you for your arrival to this magical place, our guide will accompany you through the lagoon and tell you other interesting information.
After our visit we will descend walking until we reach the community of Soraypampa where we will board our transportation to Mollepata where we can enjoy a delicious Andean lunch.
After lunch we will begin the return trip to the city of Cusco. Our tour ends at approximately 6:30 in the afternoon, thus ending our 1-day hike to Humantay Lagoon.
Included
- Pick up at your hotel
- Tourist transportation
- Breakfast and lunch
- Entrance fee to the lagoon
- Professional guide English - Spanish
- First aid kit
- Oxygen balloon
Not included
- Tips for your guide.
10 people interested
Local Company
Elvis Adventures is a destination management company based in Cuzco (Peru). They are led by a team with years of experience in inbound tourism in Southern Peru. Their main objective is to provide the best service in the organization and offer memorable experiences to their clients. Elvis Adventures staff is well equipped to assist you, as your trip will be handled by their excellent and dedicated staff and partners around the world. They are willing to work as a team to guarantee you the best possible travel experience.
Cancellation policy
Refund of deposits
We will hold your place for you as soon as you make your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will not be able to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully paid trips
You can change or cancel your trip up to 1 month in advance for a refund. After this period, no refunds will be issued. You can change or cancel your trip by contacting us through the various means listed on the website.
Included
- Pick up at your hotel
- Tourist transportation
- Breakfast and lunch
- Entrance fee to the lagoon
- Professional guide English - Spanish
- First aid kit
- Oxygen balloon
Not included
- Tips for your guide.
FAQ
How far is Humantay Lake from Cusco?
The lake is about 3.5 hours by car from Cusco, followed by a 1.5 to 2-hour hike depending on your pace.
What should I bring for the tour?
It’s recommended to bring:
- Comfortable trekking shoes.
- Warm clothing and a rain jacket (weather can change quickly).
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Snacks and energy bars.
- A small backpack.
How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike is moderate to challenging due to the high altitude and steep incline. The trail is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) round trip.
How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?
The hike is moderate to challenging due to the high altitude and steep incline. The trail is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) round trip.
Do I need to acclimate before the tour?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to acclimate in Cusco for at least 1-2 days to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
What is the altitude of Humantay Lake?
The lake is located at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level.
Can I ride a horse instead of hiking?
Yes, horses are available to rent for part of the trail at an additional cost, but they may not take you all the way to the lake.
What is the best time of year to visit Humantay Lake?
The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October) for clear skies and stable weather. The rainy season (November to March) can make the trail muddy but offers lush landscapes.
45 USD
Per person